How VR Heasdsets Actually Work

Hunter Major

                             How Does VR Actually Work?

      VR headsets such as Oculus Rift are referred to as HMD's, which simply means head mounted displays. The goal of these headsets is to create a what seems to be a life-size, 3D virtual environment without typical boundaries on a TV or computer screen. There are two components of these headsets that make them so amazing and such a hot item right now.

1. Head Tracking    

Headtracking means that while the headset is on the picture in front of you shifts as you look in all directions. Even if you turn your head on an angle the headset will rotate the pictures accordingly. The way it does this is thanks to a system called 6Dof (six degrees of freedom). This program plots your head in terms of your X, Y, and Z axis to measure head movements. Forward and backwards, side to side and shoulder to shoulder, otherwise known as pitch, yaw and roll. Internal components in the headset that allow this to happen includes a gyroscope, accelerometer and a magnetometer.

2. Motion Tracking

Headtracking is the big difference between what the VR headsets have vs the Carboard or other cheaper devices, Oculus Touch is a set of wireless controllers designed to make you feel like you're using your own hands in VR. The first thing you want to do when you have a headset on is to be able to look down and see your hands. This allows you to do that. The way this works is by setting up two base stations that sweep the room with lasers. This allows for precise timing of body movements that make the user feel much more immersed.

The Future  

Possibly the last piece of the VR puzzle is eye tracking. Currently not available on any for sale headset. The technology is currently being tested right now nad looks promising in the FOVE's upcoming headset. The infrared sensor in the headset will allow the computer to know exactly where you are looking. This is what will make the headset feel that much more realistic. 

Full Article: VR Explained