Overview Of Devices Used In Virtual Reality

Input Devices

These are primarily used for sensing the movements of the hands and send information to the machine. Virtual reality’s least required information is the position and dimension of the user’s head so that images could be magnified along with proper graphic demonstrations. Other function is body and face tracking. Some characteristics of the sensors are:

• Latency
• Resolution
• Update rate
• Accuracy.

There are five types of tracker systems:

• Magnetic trackers

These trackers measure the magnetic fields generated due to the flow of current through the wire combinations that are coiled together. The system is able to compute the dimensions and thus determine emitter’s direction. Problem with it is that signals sent to the sensing machines are susceptible to the objects that can create their own magnetic fields.

• Mechanical trackers

This tracker involves mechanics as it records the measurement of the linkage between target and a point. Besides being a better method for tracking or sensing, it limits the range of the user.

• Acoustic trackers

Such sensors sense and create sound waves that are ultrasonic in nature to determine the dimensions of the target. It also records the time taken by the ultrasonic in traveling the distance from target to sensor. This tracking machine is kept stable in the surrounding. It hasn’t been up to the mark due to its various limitations also its update is too slow. The use of sound isn’t independent and depends on the level of pressure, humidity, etc. thus effecting its result.

• Optical trackers

These devices use light to determine the target’s dimension and its location. These just include cameras. Such capturing devices grasps the infrared light being emitted. The pattern of illumination is observed and recorded and then sent to the central unit for its processing. The upload rate is relatively high. There can be hindrances in the path of the light causing problem.

• Inertial trackers

Such devices determine acceleration (accelerometers) and the rotary orientation (gyroscopes). Using this information, velocity is determined and thus position. It provides unlimited area of action. Problems faced are accumulative errors, relative position, sensitive to movement velocity, etc.

Output Devices

These help us to experience by visiting the virtual world and get immersed in the virtual environment. Visual, auditory, tactile systems (haptic sensations) are the some such devices. Both the input and output devices are being developed over time almost in technology and hard work put in by engineers working recklessly to fulfill the increasing demands. There is need for advancement as most of the devices used are underdeveloped and are not precise but are usable. The quality of these devices is below standard due to lack of technology and they are bulky too.