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From Star Trek to the Matrix, computer games and science fiction books, the futuristic concept of virtual reality has invaded our present reality. What does this amazing technology have in store for us? Virtually everything, if you ask me.
Basically, virtual reality (VR) is any application that allows a person to interact with a computer-generated and simulated environment, whether real or imagined. A technology that has been around for many decades, there are various virtual reality applications available today. Most are primarily based on replicated visual experiences, whether through an ordinary computer screen or special displays. Auditory sounds are also easily replicated through speakers or headphones. Though most virtual reality applications do a combination of both.
Some advanced VR systems are attempting to stimulate the tactile sense, as well as smell and taste. Devices such as a wired glove or a multidirectional treadmill have more effectively stimulated actual situations for pilots or soldiers in combat training.
So far, strong smells such as gasoline fumes and burning rubber have been successfully simulated using specialized capsules. Stimulating the sense of taste, however, is much more difficult as it needs for the brain to be manipulated directly.
As for now, the possibilities of virtual reality are only limited by our present technology – image resolution, processor strength and bandwidth.
Recent developments in software, graphics, hardware and displays have made virtual reality much more realistic and popular. With future progress in processing and image resolution, these boundaries can easily be hurdled.
No doubt about it virtual reality will definitely be more powerful and efficient over time.
Applications for Virtual reality range from entertainment and recreation to medical and scientific. For example, the first use of virtual reality in museums was the three-dimensional walk-in of the 1550 Dudley Castle in England.
Uses of virtual reality have found their way to the medical field – from training to anatomy instruction, surgery simulation and phobia treatment. In commerce and industry, virtual reality has become an added help in product design, prototyping and product simulation. Whether it is for the treatment and diagnosis of complex diseases to creating parts and designs in the naval, aerospace and automotive industry, it is fast becoming an indispensable part of the world today.
Just like all new technologies, scientists and laymen alike have some concerns regarding the potential impact virtual reality could have on society and the world. VR could become so integrated in our daily lives that intrapersonal relations and communications could be adversely affected.
So where could the future of virtual reality be headed? Simulated environments are becoming better and better in recent years, moving well into near-realism. Audio has taken on a three-dimensional characteristic. Graphics have dramatically improved. Although restrictively expensive at the moment, attempts to stimulate the olfactory sense are promising and are steadily being applied to treat post-traumatic stress disorder in war veterans. One thing is for sure about virtual reality in the future – it will be applied to uses and functions we have yet to imagine.
Many fear that virtual development will be ‘the last invention of humans.’ Simulated worlds could become the perfect universe that people would no longer want to leave their homes. Could the future be made of virtual reality? Only time will tell.
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