What are virtual reality glasses and what are they called?
Virtual reality glasses come under different names - Oculus Rift, PlayStation VR, HTC Vive, VR helmets. In general, these devices are united under the abbreviation HMD, which stands for Head Mounted Display, or “head mounted display”.
Structurally, the device is a display located almost close to the eyes. The operating principle of virtual reality glasses is very simple. When using them, a person does not see the boundaries of the projected image, as is the case with TVs or smartphones, and is completely immersed in the three-dimensional image.
VR glasses are a compact screen that is mounted on the head directly in front of the eyes. Important! Devices designed for PCs broadcast the image from the monitor, processing it in a special way to create a 3D volume. And VR helmets for smartphones are essentially a stand with a head mount, while the image is created in a mobile device.
Selection characteristics
VR glasses are constantly being improved. The choice becomes easier if the buyer has an idea of how virtual reality glasses work. To make the choice easier, experts have compiled a list of recommendations that you need to pay attention to before purchasing:
- Platform – computers, consoles, phones. First, you should decide for which VR headset the virtual reality glasses will be used.
- Power – Before purchasing glasses, it is important to check the power of the device and the support of VR tools.
- Technical features – important characteristics are: viewing angle, refresh rate, resolution, density.
It is advisable to prepare/see if there is enough space for the device in the room; the device parameters can be found on the product label.
What are virtual reality glasses needed for and what do they show?
First of all, VR helmets are used in the gaming industry. The creators of modern shooters, action games and MMORPGs pay great attention to graphics and try to make it as authentic as possible. However, using a monitor or smartphone screen, it is still not possible to completely immerse yourself in the drawn world, but virtual reality glasses provide such an opportunity. For a short time, the user seems to be transported to another universe and can examine the surroundings, feel all his movements, and perceive the characters as living people.
In addition to games, VR helmets use:
- to watch movies that support special technology;
- to attend virtual excursions - with the help of special glasses you can walk along the streets of other cities or even briefly find yourself in the prehistoric world;
- for training specialists - the capabilities of VR helmets are often used in the training of doctors, engineers and architects;
- for controlling drones, the device helps to efficiently pilot a flying device while remaining on the ground;
- for construction and creating interiors, with virtual reality glasses you can make higher-quality models of buildings and premises with maximum detail.
Most often, VR helmets are used for computer games.
For gaming purposes, VR helmets can be used not only at home on a computer. Some clubs offer full immersion in virtual reality; users wearing wireless glasses move through special open and closed locations, interact with objects and other members of the group.
How virtual reality glasses work
From a design point of view, VR helmets are a small body with lenses, behind which there are 2 screens or one mini-monitor divided in half. The principle of operation of virtual reality glasses is that each eye alternately displays its own part of the image, and the person’s brain processes the pictures seen and puts them together into a single whole. Of course, this whole process occurs at a very high speed. The user is not even aware of its details, but simply enjoys the three-dimensional image.
The image in VR glasses is divided into 2 parts; it is transformed into a whole three-dimensional image by the human brain
Some devices look like a case with a built-in display. They are more expensive and require a direct connection to a computer, but they also provide the most interesting opportunities. Virtual reality glasses provide the highest quality and clearest three-dimensional images; the device reproduces ambient sounds and can even simulate tilts and vibrations.
A more basic option is VR helmets, made in the form of a case with a seat for a smartphone. They cost less because they do not have their own display, and are simpler in terms of capabilities. In order to immerse yourself in virtual reality, you need to launch games, movies and applications directly on your smartphone, mounted in a special slot.
Main trends
It’s easy to see how virtual reality glasses work based on the rating of the best models. There are quite a lot of devices that are firmly established in the market. Each headset has its own preferences and a list of the most popular and reliable ones.
for smartphone
There is a huge variety of models on the market, from the total number we can highlight:
- VR Box VR 2.0 is an average-priced product with a viewing angle of up to 100 degrees. Special lenses adapt to sharpness and can be adjusted in width. The kit includes a control panel.
- Xiaomi Mi VR Play is an inexpensive option. The model works with phones up to 5.7 inches in size. The Android is well secured thanks to the zipper, which is more reliable.
- Fibrum Pro with a VR headset is universal, easy to combine with many platforms: iOS, Android, Windows Phone.
These are just a few examples of devices for immersing yourself in an imaginary world; there are others. When choosing, you should pay special attention to the characteristics and customer reviews.
for computers/laptops
The most popular models:
1. Oculus Rift. The device is in demand on the market and has received international awards. A distinctive feature is reliable tracking. The controllers quickly respond to even minor movements of the hands and head and transmit the image without delay to the lens glasses. The advantage is compactness and low weight, up to 450 g.
2. HTC Vive - a well-equipped/complete model of VR glasses. The total resolution is 2160x1080 pixels (for two lenses this value should be divided by two), and the viewing range is up to 110 degrees. For clearer and brighter perception, you need to purchase hand sensors (gloves).
You can find out in detail how virtual reality glasses for computers and laptops work or information about a specific model from sales consultants.
for console
The best version is presented by Sony Playstation VR, produced for consoles. Therefore, it is not possible to use VR glasses separately from the console. The device has a display and a microphone. Disadvantage: low expansion.
standalone glasses for android
A clear and reliable representative of the model is Oculus Go. The device is characterized by autonomy. Includes accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer and presence sensor. The headset is also equipped with improved speakers that support clear and high-pitched sound (microphone). With such equipment it is easy to find out what VR is and how it works.
Virtual reality has become popular among users of various statuses and ages. Now it has found wide application in many fields. It is likely that over time, virtual reality glasses will become an integral part of human life, just like the smartphone, thanks to constant improvement.
How virtual reality glasses work
VR helmets designed for PCs and smartphones differ slightly in operating principles. To understand which models are better, you need to study the features of both types.
How virtual reality glasses for smartphones work
According to the description, virtual reality glasses for a smartphone are very simple. Their operating principle is as follows: a smartphone with a running program is inserted into a special compartment on the device’s body, and the image completely occupies the user’s field of vision. In this case, the phone screen is divided into 2 parts, a separate picture is displayed on each of them, and thus a high-quality 3D effect is created.
If your smartphone has a gyroscope and an accelerometer, the immersion becomes more realistic. In 3D space you can turn your head and look around.
Mobile devices allow you to watch movies, enjoy games and get training. But in terms of power they will always be inferior to multimedia systems for a powerful PC or console.
VR glasses for a smartphone are essentially a complex stand for a mobile device
Attention! Only smartphones with a diagonal of 5 inches, with an FPS of at least 5 ms and a resolution of 1920 x 1080 are suitable for use in virtual glasses. Weaker devices will not be able to provide high-quality 3D images.
How virtual reality glasses for computers work
Desktop devices are much more powerful, respond faster, and provide a high level of detail. PC VR headsets are paired with powerful VR-Ready processors and graphics cards designed to deliver an immersive 3D gaming or movie experience.
Technological gadgets for connecting to a PC not only display a clear and colorful image on the display in front of the user’s eyes. This type of virtual reality glasses includes gyroscopes, motion sensors and accelerometers. A sophisticated device can reproduce surround sound and completely simulate presence in the game.
Who created virtual reality?
The first model of VR glasses was created in 1968 by a scientist from the USA, Sutherland. This device made it possible to view low-quality graphics, and the design of the device was so massive that it had to be fixed to the ceiling.
In the 1990s, when this direction was considered very promising, VR glasses were created for the SegaMegaDrive and Atari JaguarVR. But by the beginning of the new millennium, their relevance had fallen, and in 2000, virtual reality was completely forgotten.
They started talking about it again in 2012, when engineers Lucky and Carmack created the Oculus Rift glasses. Before this, in 2011, a fan of the virtual world, Lucky, created the first prototype; he wanted to get a better picture than previous models. Since then, virtual reality has become very popular.
How to use virtual reality glasses
When using VR headsets for smartphones, you need to install special software on your mobile device. As the video about the operation of virtual glasses for mobile devices shows, they themselves have practically no technological “filling”. The task of creating a three-dimensional image falls directly on the smartphone.
How to use virtual reality glasses for your phone
Instructions for using virtual reality glasses for a smartphone are as follows:
- First of all, the appropriate application is installed on the mobile device. Without it, the smartphone will not switch to the desired mode and will not be able to provide a three-dimensional picture.
- The software is put into operation, and then the phone is inserted into the slot of a modern gadget.
- The device is properly fixed, making sure that the smartphone screen occupies the entire field of vision, but the glasses do not squeeze the head.
- The image quality is assessed and, if necessary, adjusted to your vision - calibrated and clarity adjusted.
- Launch the VR file.
The smartphone must be securely fixed in a special slot of the VR glasses
. Tip! Using virtual glasses for a mobile device, it is most convenient to watch movies and attend excursions remotely. But if you have additional components for control, you can play VR games on your smartphone.
How to use virtual reality glasses on a computer
Advanced models with a built-in display are mainly preferred by fans of modern racing, action and adventure games. A 3D device allows you to experience the effect of full immersion in the game and briefly escape from everyday affairs and worries.
To use 3D virtual reality glasses, you must:
- install software on your computer; each gadget manufacturer offers its own applications;
- connect the glasses to the PC using the cables supplied and configure them in accordance with the program;
- install and adjust additional equipment that may be included with the VR helmet, for example, video cameras, speakers, base stations;
- if the game involves moving around the room, prepare the room in advance - remove scattered objects from the floor and take out fragile and sharp things;
- enable a game that supports VR technology.
Computer VR glasses only work with powerful equipment.
After this, the instructions for using virtual reality glasses only advise you to tightly put the device on your head, pick up the gaming equipment and begin the process.
How to use virtual reality glasses for TV
It is not possible to connect the device directly to the TV. At the moment, VR glasses work exclusively with computers, consoles or smartphones. However, there are ways to watch your favorite TV shows through a mobile phone gadget. The algorithm looks like this:
- download any player to your smartphone to watch IPTV that supports connecting third-party programs for video playback;
- they also install a special application for viewing files using VR glasses;
- in the first program, open the settings and check the box according to which the player will always ask the user exactly how to play the video;
- the changes are saved, after which the desired channel and IPTV transmission are selected;
- in the drop-down window indicate the player for VR glasses as a program for playback.
You can watch films and programs through VR glasses from a smartphone; the device does not connect directly to the TV.
After that, all that remains is to fix the smartphone in the slot of the VR helmet, put the device on your head and enjoy the film or program with a three-dimensional image.
Advantages and disadvantages of virtual glasses
We can list several useful functions of virtual reality glasses:
- Interaction with games reaches a whole new level. Moving around the drawn world is perceived as real; the VR helmet allows you to be transported to an ancient era or to another planet and experience new vivid emotions.
- Reaction speed and innovative thinking develop. Virtual reality forces the player to quickly adapt to a changing environment, and the skill partially transfers into everyday life.
- VR glasses help relieve stress and take a good break from everyday problems. The user perceives another reality with all his senses and temporarily forgets about everyday worries and troubles.
However, VR glasses also have certain disadvantages. These include:
- possible stress when playing shooters and shooters in the action and horror genres - shooting, explosions and unexpected attacks by monsters are perceived as quite real;
- the risk of getting too carried away with games and movies; you don’t want to take off your virtual glasses, and this can negatively affect your everyday life;
- possible headache and eye fatigue if you use the device too often, especially if the VR helmet does not fit tightly enough and causes at least slight discomfort.
It is not recommended to get too carried away with VR glasses; this can negatively affect your well-being and nervous system.
A disadvantage of modern VR gadgets can be considered their high cost.
