Initially called artificial reality or cyberspace, virtual reality is one that is generated by computers or computer systems, which project a scenario in which the user has the feeling of being, being able to interact in that new world and the objects that are there. found to a lesser or greater degree, according to the equipment available to them.
The ideal virtual reality would be one that allows you to interact in the virtual world with all your senses. However, due to high costs, most systems have focused on sight and hearing, some with advances in touch, lacking the incorporation of smell and taste.
For the creation of this sensation of reality, different devices are necessary. First of all, there is the viewer, glasses or virtual reality helmet, which is in charge of showing the images and instead of filming with a single camera, it uses two, located at a certain distance from each other. The left and right camera images are sent to the left and right display, respectively. In this way, the individual experiences a strong sense of depth that gives realism to the images.
Also, there are the gloves, which transmit the movements to the virtual hands. Thus, if the individual waves his hands, the hands he sees in images will also wave. In addition, these return the sensation of pressure, giving the impression that something real is being touched.
There are two types of virtual realities: immersive and semi-immersive, the first allows detachment from the real world and live another world through the use of different devices and the second allows virtual and auditory interaction with a virtual world, but without being immersed in it. The latter is seen in video games and 3D movies.
Virtual reality has been incorporated into different disciplines to facilitate study, work and even negotiations. For example, an architect can show his building model, without even starting to dig, taking the projection of the success of his project and being able to make pre-sales.
Also, it is used for the training of apprentices (such as pilots, soldiers, astronauts, surgeons, among others), creation of virtual environments (such as stores, museums, classrooms, among others) and CAD (computer-aided design).
Finally, entertainment has been one of the industries that has benefited the most from virtual reality, which today has been capable of creating video games, short films, and movies.