2. Introduction
• Virtual Reality is a term used to describe a 3-Dimensional computer-generated environment which
can be explored and interacted with by a person. That person becomes part of this virtual world or
is immersed within this environment and whilst there, is able to manipulate objects or perform a
series of actions. 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. There
are three types of Virtual Reality which we will talk about later. Virtual reality technology was
invented in 1957 by Morton Heilig. His multimedia device, the Sensorama, is considered one of the
earliest VR systems. However, the term 'virtual reality' was coined much later in 1987 by
researcher Jaron Lanier.
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3. 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.
Most of us use it on a daily basis.
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4. 1. 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.
5. Components of fully-immersive
simulation
• Components of fully-immersive simulation
• Just like other types, fully-immersive virtual reality
relies on certain hardware and software delivering a
set of components that make immersion possible.
Fully-immersive VR experiences involve at least
three types of components: image, sound, and
haptic feedback
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6. 2. 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. Some semi-immersive reality experiences are
actually considered mixed reality, where digital objects interact with physical
objects.
7. Usage of semi-immersive
simulation in education
• When it comes to semi-immersive virtual reality in
education, the technology has great potential in
this sector. It can help students better visualize
information provided by professors or mentors in
colleges, institutes, or universities. Computer
scientists from the Najran University, Saudi-
Arabia, conducted research that proved the
effectiveness of semi- immersive VR for student
training. Their work showed that the use of this
technology in the learning process can
significantly improve engineering students’ mental
rotation and spatial visualization skills.
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This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND.
8. 3. non-immersive simulations
• Non-immersive VR is a type of the virtual reality technology that provides users with a computer-
generated environment without a feeling of being immersed in the virtual world. The main
characteristic of a non-immersive VR system is that users can keep control over physical
surrounding while being aware of what’s going on around them: sounds, visuals, and haptics. Non-
immersive virtual reality systems rely on a computer or video game console, display, and input
devices like keyboards, mice, and controllers. Unlike semi- immersive VR based on hard
simulators also known as cockpits, gaming non-immersive VR systems also can use racing
wheels, pedals, and speed shifters to provide users with an enhanced gaming experience. Using
various input devices, users can interact with digital content on a display.
•
9. Usage of non-immersive
simulation in healthcare
• A study conducted by scientists from medical
universities located in Canada and Iran
showed that the use of non-immersive virtual
reality can significantly reduce pain on a
molecular level. The researchers used the
functional magnetic resonance imaging system
to track how patients perceive pain caused by
high temperature while experiencing non-
immersive VR. Their results revealed that
virtual reality reduced the subjective pain
perception as well as decreased the activity of
involved brain regions.
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This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND.
