Virtual reality (VR) has become one of the most discussed topics in the tech world in recent years. The centerpiece of this technology is VR helmets that allow users to immerse themselves in the virtual world. But what kind of VR helmets exist today, how are they built, and how do they work?
Today, there are several main types of VR helmets:
- Standard VR helmets
Examples of standard VR helmets include Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR. Such helmets require connection to a powerful computer or game console. They provide high quality graphics, accurate motion reproduction, and low latency. Equipped with tracking sensors that can be located both on the helmet itself and in external devices. Some models include hand controllers that allow users to interact with the virtual environment. They are used in games, as well as in professional applications (for example, for architects or doctors) and social VR platforms.
- Mobile VR helmets
Examples of mobile helmets include Samsung Gear VR, Google Daydream, and some less popular ones. These helmets use a smartphone as a display and processing source. They are less powerful than standard VR helmets, but portable and affordable. They are equipped with a slot for a smartphone, lenses for focusing the image, and can have built-in sensors for tracking head movements. They are used in simple games, 360-degree videos, and educational applications.
- Autonomous VR helmets
Examples of autonomous helmets are Oculus Quest and Pico Neo. This type of helmet does not require external equipment, as it has a built-in processor, display, and tracking sensors. They provide more flexible use without wires, have a built-in display, sensors for tracking head and arm movements, and controllers for interacting with the virtual world. They are used in games, training, social applications, and educational programs.
Now let’s take a closer look at the structure and list the main components of VR helmets:
- Display.
Typically, this is either one large display or two separate displays for each eye. Created using OLED or LCD technology. (OLED displays typically provide better blacks and faster image refresh rates). When a user wears a VR helmet, tracking sensors track their head movements and transmit this information to a computer or smartphone. The software then adapts the image on the display to match these movements, creating the illusion that the user is looking around in the real world.
- Lenses
Convex lenses that are located between the display and the user’s eyes. Their function is to focus and expand the image, creating the illusion of three-dimensionality and depth, and providing a wide viewing angle. The stereoscopy effect helps the brain perceive the virtual world as real. Some VR helmets allow you to adjust the position of the lenses for user comfort and optimal image.
- Tracking sensors
Accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, infrared sensors. All of them track the user’s head movements in real time. There are also helmets that use external sensors (e.g., base stations) to track movements more accurately.
- Controllers
Built-in helmet buttons, wireless hand controllers, or specialized gloves that allow users to interact with the virtual environment. For example, controllers can have built-in sensors to track hand movements or vibrations for tactile feedback so that users can interact with objects in the virtual world by performing various actions such as picking up objects, shooting, or navigating.
- Audio.
Built-in or external headphones or speakers that provide spatial sound that matches the virtual environment.
- Connection
The connection is via HDMI, USB, which creates data transfer between the helmet and the computer/console. Some modern helmets offer a fully wireless connection for greater freedom of movement.
- Battery and power supply
Built-in rechargeable batteries (for standalone helmets) or wired power supply. The battery life may vary depending on the model and intensity of use.
Such a detailed structure of a VR helmet demonstrates how complex and high-tech these devices are. They combine a number of technologies to create a realistic virtual user experience, opening up new horizons for entertainment, learning, and professional activities. Understanding how they are structured and operate helps to better assess their potential and capabilities.
A little bit about the upcoming device from Apple
Next year, the well-known Apple company is going to release the world’s most innovative VR helmet, including additional mixed reality – Apple Vision Pro. According to the presentation during the announcement, it will be possible to control it using your eyes, hands, and voice, and watching movies and working will reach a whole new level. The interface will adapt to the environment, and the environment around you can be completely changed, for example, you are sitting in the forest and watching a movie on a huge screen. Another feature of this helmet that doesn’t sound too plausible yet, but still. It will allow you to create a video that you can later move to and relive memories from your life. This is Apple’s first 3D camera that can capture spatial photos and videos in 3D. Everything will look incredibly futuristic, like some kind of magic. And if you want to video chat with other people, Vision Pro will create your own personal digital avatar that will be displayed instead of you. The device will be equipped with a pair of specialized micro-OLED displays that provide more pixels than any 4K TV for each eye, and speakers positioned close to your ears will provide rich spatial sound that is said to blend seamlessly with real world sounds. In fact, Vision Pro will be able to turn any room into your personal movie theater, expanding movies, shows, and games to the perfect size.
Apple Vision Pro is the result of decades of experience in designing such helmets. It integrates the best technologies into an elegant, compact form.
In an article about the future of virtual reality, we tried to find out how VR helmets will change over the years. For example, if you look at this device from Apple, and if next year they really do everything as it was described and shown at the presentation, we can say that this VR development scenario is very plausible, and over time, humanity will actually be completely immersed in virtual reality