What is Virtual Reality? History and benefits

Virtual reality is the name given to environments simulated by computers. In other words, it can also be defined as experiencing images in a virtual environment. The foundations of virtual reality glasses, which we hear almost every day, are based on ancient times.

What is Virtual Reality?

Virtual reality is a computer technology that is a digital imitation of the real world. Users can enter the virtual world by wearing a special headgear or glasses and have different experiences in this world.

Virtual reality technology is used in many fields, from simulations to education and entertainment. Virtual reality applications are used for many different purposes such as marketing their products for companies, teaching surgical procedures for medical students, field training for military personnel.

It combines multiple technologies to give users a sense of reality. With a special headset or glasses, users can move around in the virtual reality world, manipulate objects and even interact with virtual reality characters. Users can also experience lifelike sounds and images in a virtual reality world.

History of Virtual Reality

The glasses, which first appeared in 1968, did not attract people’s attention because they were large and heavy. We can say that the concept of the virtual world, which we often see in science fiction movies, will come into our lives very soon with the latest devices from companies such as Oculus Rift, Microsoft and Sony.

Developed with the capabilities of current technology, virtual reality glasses perfectly detect head movements with the motion sensors they use and enable spectacle wearers to experience the feeling of being in the real world. Oculus Rift, which we can call the most advanced of these glasses, is already used in several topics.

The movie and game industry is one of them. With the games developed according to Oculus Rift, the user feels in the game. With an attachment that moves under his feet, he can perform activities such as walking, running, surfing, skiing as if he were indoors. Similarly, in the near future, the film industry is conducting studies that enable the user to feel in the middle of the scenes by providing 360-degree images with films suitable for this.

Another area where this technology is used is military training and exercises. An advantage is gained by applying dangerous and costly training with these glasses. The war environment and difficult conditions are recreated, allowing the soldiers to experience and gain experience in these situations.

Advantages of Virtual Reality

Virtual reality technology is a technology that allows users to enter computer-generated virtual worlds. Virtual reality allows users to experience different experiences in virtual worlds by taking them away from the real world. Virtual reality technology offers benefits in many areas. Here are some benefits of virtual reality technology:

Use in education and training

Virtual reality technology is a very effective tool in education and training. Students can experience different topics using virtual reality. For example, they can visit historical sites, observe biological processes or solve mathematical problems. Virtual reality offers students a more interactive learning experience and makes learning more fun.

Use in health and medicine

Virtual reality technology is also used in the fields of health and medicine. Virtual reality technology is very helpful, especially in the field of surgical training and rehabilitation. In surgical education, virtual reality technology gives students the opportunity to practice while performing surgical procedures. In terms of rehabilitation, virtual reality technology helps stroke patients relearn and improve their motor skills.

Industrial use

Virtual reality technology is also used in the industrial field. Virtual reality technology used to optimize the design of production lines and products speeds up the product design process and reduces costs. In addition, virtual reality technology is also used to detect errors in the production process.

Use in the entertainment industry

Virtual reality technology is also used in the entertainment industry. Video games provide a more realistic experience with virtual reality technology. Virtual reality engages users more in games and takes the gaming experience to the next level.

Virtual Reality Technologies

Virtual reality technologies are systems that allow people to enter computer-generated virtual worlds. These systems allow users to interact with the real world and expand people’s imaginations by removing the constraints of the real world. Virtual reality technologies provide users with a realistic experience through visual, auditory and tactile stimuli.

Virtual reality technologies are created by three major components: hardware, software, and content. Hardware refers to the tools that allow the user to enter the virtual world. These tools include devices such as a virtual reality headset, gloves, and controllers. The software is necessary for creating and operating the virtual reality world. Content, on the other hand, is the content of the virtual world available to users, and this content can be games, educational materials, simulations, and many other types.

Virtual reality technologies are used in many fields today. Education, healthcare, military, entertainment, tourism and industrial areas are the main areas where virtual reality technologies are applied. For example, in surgical education, virtual reality technologies allow students to practice while performing surgical procedures. In military training, virtual reality technologies enable soldiers to experience different combat scenarios. In industrial use, virtual reality technologies are used to optimize the design of production lines and products.

Is education virtual?

One of the areas where Oculus Rift is currently being used and further developed is education. The projects carried out in the field of education aim to enable students to complete their lessons as if they were in the classroom, without having to go to school. It should not be viewed as just a class.

For example, students can gain experience by examining the plants or animals they will study in biology class in a virtual environment. In history class, they can observe the events in that historical environment by traveling into the past. During the geography course, they can study in any part of the world. These examples can be multiplied like this. This technology is being further developed for an education system where students are personally involved in the events.

Projects are also being developed for the health sector. Doctors can practice for risky surgeries. They can watch and follow operations on the other side of the world as if they were there. These devices will also be used to treat people with mental disorders. Again, this technology will be used to help people with phobias overcome their fears.

Another area of ​​use is internet shopping and concerts… People can buy house, car, hotel etc. they can investigate in detail. They can enter a virtual store and do their shopping or have the option to preview the concert they want.

We have listed some benefits of virtual reality for human life. But you also have to look behind the curtain. When people get used to this virtual life that they’ve arranged the way they want, they might want to live in the real world. Or malicious people can influence and even enslave people, making them unable to understand whether they are in the real or virtual world. Of course, for these bad scenarios, measures will certainly be taken with laws or restrictions.

What does Virtual Reality mean?

Virtual Reality is a technology that provides access to computer-generated virtual worlds. Users can enter these virtual worlds with virtual reality goggles, headsets and other equipment.

How does Virtual Reality technology work?

Virtual Reality technology provides users with a virtual world through the screens, headsets and other hardware in the glasses. Head movements and eye movements of users are sent to the computer, allowing them to move in the virtual world.

In which areas is Virtual Reality used?

Virtual Reality is used in many fields such as education, health, industrial use, entertainment and tourism. Virtual reality technology is very useful, especially in the fields of education and health.