Virtual Reality Headset (VR Headset)
The virtual reality headset in short VR Headset is the headset that gives the user access to virtual reality. This innovative headset is part of a more comprehensive virtual reality system that uses more than five human senses to create a virtual experience. VR glasses are mostly used in real-time video games, but also in other applications, including simulators and trainers. VR headsets replace the user’s natural environment with virtual reality content such as movies, games, or pre-recorded 360-degree VR environments. When users wear a VR headset, they do not see the world around them, the VR content displayed on the screen, such as 360° video and VR games, the workplace or the meeting room for other purposes.
Evolution of VR Headset
In 1968, along with his Student Bob Sproull, Sutherland created the first virtual reality HMD called the Sword of Damocles. Connected to a computer rather than a camera, it was primitive enough that it could only display simple virtual wireframe shapes. Sega VR, announced in 1991 and shown at the early 1993 Winter CES, never made it to consoles, but in 1994 the arcade games were complemented by the Sega VR-1 motion simulator. Another device, considered an early VR device, the Forte VFX1, was announced at CES in 1994. Now there are some countable company’s VR headsets available but in future, it is going to be very advanced level.
Types of VR Headset
There is a number of inexpensive VR headsets but some are given below;
-
-
Oculus Rift
-
The Oculus Rift is a discontinued line of virtual reality headsets designed and manufactured by Oculus VR, a division of Meta Platforms, on March 28, 2016. The computer system sparked interest in virtual reality after a successful Kickstarter campaign for Oculus VR. The Rift uses positioning technology that allows you to move around in 3D space using touch devices.
-
-
Microsoft’s Hololens
-
Microsoft HoloLens is an augmented/mixed reality device developed by Microsoft. HoloLens runs the Windows mixed reality platform under the Windows 10 operating system. The system includes 3D surround sound, Wi-Fi, a Kinect-powered camera with an internal detection system, a set of gyroscopes and accelerometers, and a transparent screen for each eye.
-
-
PlayStation VR
-
PlayStation VR (PS VR, Project Morpheus) is a virtual reality headset developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It does not work on pc but on PlayStation 4, not PC. The system simulates the display of a VR headset on a TV.
How it Works?
To understand how a virtual reality headset works, let’s take a look on its components on which it based;
-
-
An array of sensors
-
VR glasses have multiple sensors, some devices have six degrees of freedom (6DOF) for head detection. Using a gyroscope, accelerometer and other sensors, the 6DOF system supports head movement and moves the screen. Some headsets also have eye-detection sensors to let you know if your eyes are focused on an object or a VR position.
2. Lenses and screens
Most of the VR headset hardware consists of glass and screen stands. Between the objective and the lens is a stereoscope, which rotates the image so that it appears in three dimensions. When our eyes perceive and process objects in the real world, each eye passes two images through the lens.
3. Immersive audio
A stereo feed can come out of each ear in two ways or one way; But in the real world, sound perception is more important; Sound is associated with our perception and distance. A VR headset simulates the experience using 360-degree surround sound technology. Binary audio is one of those technologies, and new spatial audio from companies like Apple is an integral part of modern VR audio.
4. Controllers
Finally, the VR headset controller. It is the bridge between the real and virtual worlds. Interestingly, apart from the two adjustable controls for most headsets; You can use multiple controls. The Meta has a set of haptic-based controllers that facilitate pressure-sensitive touch and navigation. Additionally, the shutter indicator is unique in that it incorporates a fist design between the controls.
Working
All these components are gathered collectively with virtual reality software to make the VR headset work properly. Once the headset starts, the user meets with a realistic virtual lobby which is actually the home page of the software. While there, a user can choose different apps or games like in mobile but in 3D view in a realistic virtual world.