Virtual Reality

WHAT IS VIRTUAL REALITY?

Virtual Reality (VR) is the use of computer technology to create a simulated environment. Unlike traditional user interfaces, VR places the user inside an experience. Instead of viewing a screen in front of them, users are immersed and able to interact with 3D worlds. By simulating as many senses as possible, such as vision, hearing, touch, even smell, the computer is transformed into a gatekeeper to this artificial world. The only limits to near-real VR experiences are the availability of content and cheap computing power. (Source)

TYPES OF VIRTUAL REALITY

There are three main types of virtual reality used today to transform the world around us, including non-immersive, semi-immersive, and fully-immersive simulations.

To get a better understanding of how the technology is used, let’s break down the different types of VR and see examples of each.

Fully-immersive simulations

Chances are when you think of VR, you’re picturing a fully-immersive experience – complete with head-mounted displays, headphones, gloves, and maybe a treadmill or some kind of suspension apparatus.

This type of VR is commonly used for gaming and other entertainment purposes in VR arcades or even in your home

Fully-immersive simulations give users the most realistic experience possible, complete with sight and sound. The VR headsets provide high-resolution content with a wide field of view. Whether you’re flying or fighting the bad guys, you’ll feel like you’re really there.

Semi-immersive simulations

Semi-immersive experiences provide users with a partially virtual environment to interact with. This type of VR is mainly used for educational and training purposes and the experience is made possible with graphical computing and large projector systems.

It’s important to keep in mind that semi-immersive VR simulations still give users the perception of being in a different reality. This type of virtual reality is not always possible to experience wherever. Instead, physical environments are created to supplement the virtual reality

Non-immersive simulations

Non-immersive simulations are often forgotten as an actual type of VR, honestly because it’s very common in our everyday lives.

The average video game is technically considered a non-immersive virtual reality experience. Think about it, you’re sitting in a physical space, interacting with a virtual one.

(Source)

VIRTUAL REALITY HARDWARE

VR hardware is used in conjunction with the software to provide the illusion of being in a 3-D environment.

Common hardware includes:

VR glasses,
gloves,
and other accessories to simulate other senses like touch.

(Source)

VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) SOFTWARE

Virtual Reality (VR) technology, creates a completely 3-D environment.VR software works together with VR hardware to immerse the user into the virtual world. Developers also have to create interactive components within the environments that look and even feel like the real deal.

Why Use Virtual reality (VR) Software?

This technology can provide varying benefits to users in myriad fields.

Virtually test out a product — For businesses that sell a product, VR has the potential to be revolutionary, as this technology allows users to visualize what owning a product would be like. Consumers can take a product for a "virtual test drive" before they commit to a purchase.
Expand education — VR can take hands-on learning to the next level. Instead of observing a teacher perform a task, a student or trainee can visualize themselves performing it.
Go one step past 3D modeling — Some VR tools allow users to develop, sculpt, model, paint, and create tangible objects in a VR environment. Users can interact with 3D models from any angle with tools like these.

Who Uses Virtual reality (VR) Software?

Virtual reality is increasingly proving its value in a number of different fields. The following are just a few examples.

Game developers — VR is becoming a massively popular medium within game development. Developers can use VR tools to create a completely immersive user experience for gamers. Those playing the game can fully interact with the created characters as if they are part of the universe. Users can typically access these games through headsets or mobile devices.
Architects and engineers — 3D design is becoming more common within architecture and engineering, as this type of design enables users to manipulate the objects they are designing from every angle. By designing in VR, users can be completely immersed in the environment as they create. These tools have expanded on the 3D capabilities offered by CAD software, allowing users to design, manipulate, and collaborate on projects in a virtual environment.

Kinds of Virtual reality (VR) Software

Virtual reality is still a young technology, so the different subcategories of the technology are still emerging. The following are some subcategories that are prominent in the space.

VR visualization — This type of software allows users to experience aggregated data in a virtual environment. These tools enable users to see analytics in a way for them to fully understand what the data are communicating.
VR content management systems — Businesses can use these tools to collect, store, and analyze all VR content in a centralized location.
VR SDK — Virtual reality software development kits (SDK) provide the necessary base to design, build, and test VR experiences. VR SDKs act as the building blocks to create basically any VR experience.
VR game engine — This software provides developers with the essential for creating a VR video game experience.
VR social platforms — Users can collaborate in VR from remote locations using these tools.
VR training simulator — These tools can be used in almost any industry to train employees in a completely immersive environment.

Virtual reality (VR) Software Features

VR software comes equipped with myriad features so users may create a fully fledged VR experience. The following features are commonly found in these types of solutions, but are not always guaranteed to be included.

Content management — Many tools allow users to upload either raw 3D content, which will later be edited into a VR experience, or existing VR content directly onto the platform. Users can manage and store content on these platforms and sometimes publish right from them.
Editing content — The vast majority of VR solutions have editing capabilities. Users can edit raw 3D content or existing VR experiences. Some editing features have drag-and-drop capabilities, which means that users can edit their VR content with little to no coding experience.
Hardware integration — Any VR solution must integrate with a piece of hardware that supports VR experiences. These devices are typically headsets, but can also include mobile phones.
Collaboration — VR tools allow multiple users to access the solution remotely at once so they can collaborate in real time. While collaborating, users should be able to interact on the same things simultaneously, along with watching games or events together.
Analytics — Some VR solutions will provide users with analytics capabilities. It will allow businesses to better understand the behavior of audiences accessing the VR content.

Trends Related to Virtual reality (VR) Software

360-degree video — These are videos where a certain view is shown from every perspective, which deliver a completely immersive VR experience. Studies have shown that user engagement with 360-degree videos is quickly growing, proving that there will be an increased adoption of 360-degree videos on a larger scale.
Increased availability — Large names in VR, such as Oculus and HTC, have been publicly working to decrease the price of their headsets. As prices are made more affordable, we will likely see a larger mass adoption of VR tools.
More jobs in the VR field — VR is still growing as a technology, and the technology needs skilled developers to help bring VR to its full potential. As the software and integrating hardware becomes more in demand by the general public, there will be a greater need for more VR developers. Expect to see more posting in the VR space on job boards in the next few years.

Potential Issues with Virtual reality (VR) Software

While we can expect VR software and headsets to become more affordable in the near future, pricing is currently this technology’s biggest hurdle. With VR software and devices still costing a great deal of money, consumers have had very limited interactions with VR. Because of that, they are unable to see use cases applicable to their careers and daily lives.

Software and Services Related to Virtual reality (VR) Software

VR often goes hand in hand with augmented reality (AR). AR software takes a 3D-generated object and seamlessly stitches it into the real world. VR and AR have begun to converge in another type of technology referred to as mixed reality (MR), which lets users see virtual objects in real-world environments, while anchoring the objects to a point in real space.

(Source)

VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) COMPANIES IN SOUTH AFRICA

The VRSA “Virtual Reality South Africa Association” mission is to promote South African based Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality companies, individuals and developers Internationally as well as locally in South Africa. We encourage all our members to use best practices and good ethics when developing Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality solutions and aim to list only the best of the best South African Virtual Reality companies as members.

The idea is that when the public or companies seek to work with Virtual Reality or Augmented Reality companies and they are part of the Virtual Reality South African Association companies and the public know that they are working with professionals. (Source)

SELECTED BOOKS FROM THE UJ LIBRARY CATALOGUE

For more books search the UJLink: Library Catalogue

Virtual Reality in Curriculum and Pedagogy (Online; Taylor & Francis) by Erica Southgate Virtual Reality in Curriculum and Pedagogyexplores the instructional, ethical, practical, and technical issues related to the integration of immersive virtual reality (VR) in school classrooms. The book's original pedagogical framework is informed by qualitative and quantitative data collected from the first-ever study to embed immersive VR in secondary school science, ICT, and drama classrooms. Students and scholars of technology-enhanced learning, curriculum design, and teacher education alike will find key pedagogical insights into leveraging the unique properties of VR for authentic, metacognitive, and creative learning.
ISBN: 9780367262020
Publication Date: 2020
Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence in Special Education (Online; EbscoHost) by Ange Anderson New technologies and ongoing developments in the fields of Virtual reality, augmented reality and artificial intelligence are changing the ways in which we facilitate learning. Recognising the positive role these technologies can play in the learning and progress of students assessed as having special educational needs, this practical guide explains the characteristics, benefits, risks and potential applications of new technologies in the classroom. An innovative and timely resource, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence in Special Education offers a background in the evidence-based theory and practice of using new technologies in an educational context. Accessible and free of complex jargon, chapters provide information on the development, intended uses and most current terminology used in relation to technologies, and explains how modern equipment, approaches and possibilities can be used to promote improved communication skills, independent learning and heightened self-esteem amongst students diagnosed with SEND. Offering a wealth of practical tips, downloadable resources and ideas for engaging with technology in the classroom, the text will support teachers to ensure that students can benefit from exciting technological advances and learn to use them appropriately. Demystifying a complex and varied field, this practical resource will inspire and inform teachers, SENCOs and practitioners working with children and students with SEND as they harness the use of technology in the classroom.
ISBN: 9780429679742
Publication Date: 2019
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality : myths and realities (Online; Wiley) by Bruno Arnaldi (Editor); Pascal Guitton (Editor); Guillaume Moreau (Editor) Virtual and Augmented Reality have existed for a long time but were stuck to the research world or to some large manufacturing companies. With the appearance of low-cost devices, it is expected a number of new applications, including for the general audience. This book aims at making a statement about those novelties as well as distinguishing them from the complexes challenges they raise by proposing real use cases, replacing those recent evolutions through the VR/AR dynamic and by providing some perspective for the years to come.
ISBN: 9781786301055
Publication Date: 2018
Understanding Virtual Reality by William R. Sherman; Alan B. Craig Understanding Virtual Reality: Interface, Application, and Design, Second Edition arrives at a time when the technologies behind virtual reality have advanced dramatically. The book helps users take advantage of the ways they can identify and prepare for the applications of VR in their field. By approaching VR as a communications medium, the authors have created a resource that will remain relevant even as underlying technologies evolve. Included are a history of VR, systems currently in use, the application of VR, and the many issues that arise in application design and implementation, including hardware requirements, system integration, interaction techniques and usability.
ISBN: 9780128009659
Publication Date: 2018