Today, standard virtual reality systems are used in virtual reality headsets or multi-projected environments to generate realistic sounds, images, and other sensations that simulate a user’s physical presence in a certain virtual environment. Users can interact and explore an artificial world, move, and use virtual objects or items. This environment is created using computer hardware and software and is best experienced with VR headsets consisting of a head-mounted display (HMD) with high-resolution OLED or LCD screens in front of the eyes.
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1 Helpful articles about VR2 Three Main Types of Virtual Reality2.1 Non-immersive2.2 Semi-immersive2.3 Fully Immersive
Three Main Types of Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality as an industry has come a long way in providing realistic sensory engagement to its users. VR systems can vary depending on their purpose and the technology that’s used to create them. Although there are various VR technologies that are being developed today, they usually fall between these three main categories:
Non-immersive
A non-immersive virtual reality refers to a 3D simulated environment that’s accessed through a computer display. Depending on the software or program, it can generate sound and its user can have partial control over the environment using a mouse, keyboard, or a similar device. However, the virtual environment doesn’t directly interact with the user. Some examples of non-immersive VR are video games or a webpage that allows you to customize home designs.
Semi-immersive
Semi-immersive VR provides a partial virtual experience to its user. It can be accessed through a computer screen, head-mounted display (HMD), or specialized glasses. It’s more focused on providing a visual 3D perspective of virtual reality and incorporates little physical movement, compared to a full-immersive VR. A common application of semi-immersive VR is flight simulators—these are used by commercial airline companies and the military to train their pilots.
Fully Immersive
The last and greatest level of virtual reality is fully immersive. It’s capable of completely immersing its user in a simulated 3D environment. It applies the most basic types of senses, such as sight, sound, and touch. In some experiments, the smell is also being tested on VR systems. In this type of VR, users need to wear specialized equipment, like gloves, goggles, and helmets to fully interact with the virtual world. Stationary bicycles and treadmills can also be applied to simulate walking or cycling in the virtual environment. This type of virtual reality is being used in the healthcare and entertainment industry.
