VR: Virtual Reality Explained

What Is Virtual Reality?

Virtual reality (VR) consists of an environment wholly created by computer. We can think of a spectrum with “plain” reality at one end, augmented reality in the middle and virtual reality and the far end. As we move along the scale, less of what we experience is “real” and more is “virtual”, simulated by computer.

To be true virtual reality as opposed to just an immersive image, the virtual environment must be interactive; we must be able to affect it as well as experience it. The virtual environment must respond to user actions and simulate laws of physics; of course, those laws need not be the same ones as in real life! Large scale virtual environments are often referred to as virtual worlds, although simulating anything as big as a real world planet is currently beyond our abilities. A more accurate term for most of these so called virtual worlds might be “virtual neighbourhoods”.

In theory a computer game could be described as a simple form of VR, however in these the depth of the simulation is usually limited and the variety of user interaction strictly controlled (run, jump, shoot…). Even “free roaming” games usually lack the level of flexibility and interaction associated with true virtual reality.

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