Immersion is a term often used in video games and film to describe the feeling of being completely immersed in an imaginary world. It also plays an integral role in virtual reality (VR), which places you into an artificial environment that appears real to both eyes and ears.
Immersion usually occurs in media such as movies or games when the experience is so well-crafted that you forget it’s not real and believe the world around you is actually happening. This phenomenon, known as suspension of disbelief, usually lasts until some major misstep – like a broken boss fight or poorly written dialogue – breaks it.
Though it can be challenging to create an immersive media experience, it can be done with the right technology. In VR, two autofocus lenses sit between your eyes and the screen, adapting according to eye movements so that what appears onscreen corresponds with what you’re seeing.
Modern VR headsets utilize a similar setup to simulate your vision. They’re equipped with cameras that capture images and videos to be displayed in goggles, which consist of either glass or plastic lenses that fit over your eyes and faces. Computers then render these videos and images in three dimensions so it feels three dimensional!
Sensors are becoming more commonplace in VR experiences, with technology that can detect temperature, smell and taste. This will be particularly useful with future VR wearables so you can feel the warmth of a beach breeze or the zest of lemonade when visiting an immersive virtual environment.
Full-dive VR is the highest level of immersive technology, integrating your eyes, ears, nose and even hands into a virtual world. While this technology is still in its early stages, it has already captured the interest of numerous industries and promises to revolutionize how we engage with our environment.
The field of fully immersive VR is still relatively young, but it’s already finding applications in gaming and healthcare. While this technology offers a glimpse into the virtual world, everyday consumers still have some distance to travel before it becomes widespread.
While you wait, why not explore some of the amazing VR experiences available today? From movies and TV shows to board games and sports – there’s something for everyone.
In some cases, the experience can be highly realistic and immersive – like walking through the Parthenon in Greece or hearing Abraham Lincoln deliver his Gettysburg Address. It makes for great educational material too, allowing students to appreciate landmarks from a new light.
Teachers can utilize technology as a great way to deliver content to their students, and it has proven successful in teaching topics like grammar, math and science. Furthermore, the technology can be utilized for learning how to operate machines as well as imparting knowledge about astronomy and the solar system.
