How VR technologies work. And what future awaits them (Topic)

Virtual reality - most people have at least a basic idea of what this term means. Designed for technical needs and gaming audiences, global brands quickly grasped the limitless potential of VR, and as a result, the technology is being embraced in everything from interior design to cosmetics and apparel.

What is VR?

Usually, VR is presented as a display strapped to the head, with which you can step into a new world and enjoy an unforgettable experience. This enveloping property of VR allows for a 360-degree experience, but for most people, how these new worlds are created remains a mystery.

Now VR is at the beginning of its journey, methods of shooting and transforming footage are just beginning to emerge. Typically, to capture 360-degree footage, the operator uses multiple cameras mounted in a spherical shape to capture the entire scene. Each camera is angled to capture the field of view of other cameras. This is so that operators can get a picture without any spaces.

A professional 360-degree camera can be bought, but hand-made cameras are much better. After filming is complete, the operators edit the material, creating a single picture.

But in addition to the quality of the camera shooting, its placement also plays an important role. Depending on what the creator wants, the position of the camera can change. Should users be participants or viewers? Should they look at the picture from their height or below? While designers will end up positioning the camera the way they want it, it's important to remember that a properly positioned camera will give the best results.

Volumetric photogrammetry as one of the methods for creating a virtual environment

Consider volumetric photogrammetry. This method of creating a virtual environment holds the key to the future of VR. Unlike the method mentioned above, there is no volumetric survey, which is later edited in post-production. This allows for much more dynamic events to be created, giving the user a free hand. When using the volumetric shooting method, cameras record the movements of a real person and translate it into a 3D picture.

Volumetric VR reveals the main characteristics of photogrammetry using the principle of triangulation. This method involves shooting from at least two points, just as we see the world with two eyes to get a three-dimensional image. This technique is widely used in video games such as Star Wars.

Photogrammetry is essentially a still image processing technique to create a high resolution 3D mesh. There are several approaches to processing, but they all involve taking pictures of the subject in real life and launching it through special software. Once the image is captured, the software will create anchor points that more or less connect the points, that is, create a complex structure that can be used to create lower resolution environments.

Can't do without VR in the future?

From 8-bit graphics to increasingly complex interactive worlds. Advanced technology has always been applied to video games, but what about other industries? The film industry has also picked up these technologies.

A 3D filming company showcased documentary # 100 at the 2016 Film Festival, creating interest in VR technology.

The Giant, a VR short film filmed in a conflict zone, was shown at this year's festival and thus confirmed the growing interest.

Musicians have also responded to this technology, as evidenced by video clips created in VR.

VR technologies are increasingly being introduced into our lives. Someday, it will reach such a level that users will feel like they are actually somewhere else, although physically they will remain in their home.

The Topic of Article: How VR technologies work. And what future awaits them.
Author: Jake Pinkman