Page 31 - KEC Khaitan C8.5 Flipbook
P. 31
VIRTUAL REALITY
In Virtual Reality (VR), we create a virtual world that users can interact with. In this world, the
user cannot easily distinguish between what is real and what is virtual.
In both VR/AR, people must wear HMD (Head Mounted Displays) or
a VR Headset like Oculus Rift or the Google Cardboard. The headset
has two small video display screens one for each eye. This creates
a sense of three-dimension. You can also wear headphones and
gloves to experience VR and AR. The headphones play stereophonic
sound or even 3-D sound so that you can feel that you are hearing
sounds not only near the ears but also in various places around you. The gloves have sensors to
collect data about your hand movements. This equipment and the software give you interactive
sensory feelings, similar to real-world experiences.
Both AR and VR provide an immersive experience to the user. These technologies find the greatest
use in entertainment, sports/gaming, close interactive eye-to-eye communication and aided
shopping experiences.
Imagine sitting at home and browsing through a store in London, where you can see and feel the
merchandise you wish to buy. This technology is also used in education. Imagine being an active
participant in a historical battle or a student of anatomy in medical school. You can really feel the
battle or touch the organs.
We must remember that the journey of VR started in the 90s with the Nintendo Virtual Boy, but it
really did not catch on. Now, the case seems different as the means of experiencing AR/VR has
become less expensive. Also, there is a lot more on offer and we are all connected all the time at
least via our smartphones.
VR Simulator devices represent the behaviour of physical or abstract
systems. VR Simulation technology is used in training. It is used to
train bus drivers and pilots. Surgeons can develop their surgical
skills through simulation on digital patients. Architects can create
a walk-through model of their projects. VR therapy is also used to
treat autistic children and phobias.
INTERNET OF THINGS
The Internet of Things (IoT) has become a buzzword nowadays throughout the world. It is a
system of connected computing devices, mechanical and digital machines that create a virtual
network where a monitoring centre ensures that everything is working smoothly. Each connected
device has a unique identifier and can transfer data over the network without any human
intervention. The connected devices gather and share data about their usage and their
operative environment. The devices can be your smartphones, refrigerators, televisions, washing
machines, etc. You must have heard about smart cities. They can be developed with the
optimised waste management systems, traffic systems and efficient energy use, enabled by IoT.
Latest IT Trends 29

