Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality: A technology that uses computer software to produce images, sounds, and other sensations to create a different place and time, real or imagined. The aim is to simulate a user's physical presence in this environment.

Augmented Reality: A technology that overlays computer-generated digital information, such as images, sounds, and GPS data, onto the real world, enhancing the user's current perception of reality.

Immersiveness: Immersiveness is one of the most critical elements of VR systems. It provides the user with a sense of being physically present in a non-physical world. This is achieved by the VR device enveloping your field of vision entirely and using 3D images and stereo sound.

Interactivity: Interactivity in VR systems invites active user participation. The environment responds in real-time to your movements, and sometimes actions, providing a deeply engaging experience.

Consistency: Consistency is necessary for maintaining the illusion of reality within the VR system. It should consistently provide feedback that aligns with your actions and the virtual environment, ensuring the user experience is as seamless and real as possible.

Hardware: The hardware of a VR system involves components like the headset, tracking system, and input devices. The headset (such as Oculus Rift or HTC Vive) displays the VR content directly to your sense of vision and often includes headphones for audio. The tracking system monitors your movements and reports them to the computer system.

Software: The software, or VR program, generates the 3D imagery and manages the tracking of movements and inputs. It uses complex algorithms to render realistic graphics and simulate physical presence in a virtual environment.

Sensory Synchronisation: The VR system must synchronise its input and output with your senses to ensure a convincing experience. For example, as you move your head, the system must update the visual display accordingly to maintain the virtual reality's credibility.

Magnetic Motion Tracking System: This system detects the position and orientation of an object in space by interpreting magnetic fields. It was an important development because accurate and lag-free tracking of the user’s motion forms a significant part of the interactivity and immersiveness of VR.

Cognitive AI: Refers to a subfield of AI that strives for a natural interaction between humans and machines. It employs advanced learning algorithms to mimic human brain processes, thus 'understanding' user requirements and actions.