How does VR work? | OTHERWORLD

In recent years, Virtual Reality technology has made significant strides, revolutionising entertainment education, and wider industry.

In order to fully appreciate the technological marvel that is VR and understand just how it differs from traditional flat screen devices, we need to take a look behind the lenses.

So how do they work?

At the heart of a VR headset lies a sophisticated display system designed to create complex optical illusions that immerse users in virtual environments.

Unlike conventional screens, VR headsets employ specialised lenses to enhance the visual experience. These lenses play a crucial role in projecting separate images to each eye, a technique known as stereoscopy.

By presenting slightly different perspectives to each eye, the lenses mimic the natural depth perception of human vision, allowing the brain to interpret the images as three-dimensional objects within the virtual space. The combination of concave and convex surfaces in the lenses precisely manipulate the light rays emitted by the display, distorting them in such a way that they converge at the viewer's eyes, creating the illusion of depth.

This not only enhances immersion but also contributes to reducing eye strain and discomfort, as the eyes perceive the virtual environment in a manner similar to the real world. As a result, users can seamlessly interact with virtual objects and navigate virtual spaces with a heightened sense of presence and realism, further blurring the line between the physical and digital worlds.

How does it know where I’m looking?

VR headsets integrate motion tracking sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, to monitor the user's head movements in real-time. These sensors continuously track the orientation and position of the user's head, allowing the VR system to adjust the perspective accordingly. By synchronising the display with the user's movements, VR headsets deliver seamless interactions which limit the impact of motion sickness.

Why does it sound so real?

Another critical component of VR headsets is their ability to provide spatial audio, enhancing the sense of presence within virtual environments. Advanced audio algorithms coupled with positional tracking technology enable VR headsets to simulate 3D soundscapes, where sounds appear to emanate from specific directions in the virtual space.

So how is it different to my TV?

In contrast, flat screen devices, such as televisions or computer monitors, offer a more traditional viewing experience devoid of immersive elements. While flat screens excel in displaying high-quality images and videos, they lack the depth and interactivity inherent in VR environments. Users interact with flat screen devices primarily through input devices like keyboards, mice, or controllers (of course there are exceptions - looking at you Xbox Kinect), limiting the depth of engagement compared to the immersive interactions facilitated by VR headsets.

Furthermore, flat screen devices rely on standard display technologies, such as LCD or OLED panels, to render content. While these displays offer impressive visual fidelity, they lack the specialised optics and stereoscopic rendering capabilities found in VR headsets.

So there you have it!

VR headsets have fundamentally changed the way we can interact with digital content. By leveraging advanced display technologies, motion tracking sensors, and spatial audio, it provides the unique opportunity to engage with immersive virtual environments in unprecedented scale. By contrast, flat screen devices are capable of offering conventional viewing experiences incredibly high quality, but at the sacrifice of the depth and interactivity available of VR.

Understanding the technical disparities between VR headsets and flat screen devices is essential to fully appreciate the unique capabilities and potential applications of VR technology in various fields. As VR continues to grow, unlocking new possibilities for gaming, education and more!

Want to give VR a go?