Virtual Reality In A Giant Ball
Hey, you’ve heard of virtual reality, haven’t you? The simulation for a real world environment generated by a computer. Yeah, that’s the virtual reality I’m talking about. The kind you can experience in a science center or at a technology convention, not exaggerated depictions seen in movies like The Lawnmower Man or The Matrix. Usually, the experience of virtual reality is made available to the common man through special glasses, computer screens and stereoscopic displays for visual effects and speakers and headphones for sensory effects. Sometimes, other devices such as a wired glove is also used for interaction with a simulated environment. But what about a giant hamster-like ball for humans to walk in for their virtual experience?
Just in case you were wondering, yes, a giant ball for virtual reality does actually exist. It is called the VirtuSphere and it was created in Russia several years ago. Now it is currently on display in San Fransisco for the Game Developers Conference. The device is a sphere that is large enough for a full-grown adult to comfortably walk in. Once inside the sphere, a person can walk or run without the risk of colliding into walls or other things outside of the sphere. This is possible because the sphere is designed to be stationary at all times during use. When using the VirtuSphere, a person will be provided with a wireless head-mounted display. Other accessories such as goggles, game controllers and game guns can also be used inside of the sphere. The concept behind VirtuSphere is to be able to walk around in a video game continuously without limitation.
Thus, virtual reality can now be experienced inside of a giant ball that gives you the sense of walking around uninhabited in a simulated environment. Of course, being inside a giant sphere might also give you the sense that you’re now a hamster in a cage. I’m definitely fascinated by the concept of the VirtuSphere. It’s a different way to experience the virtual effect and allows the user to walk around as if free-roaming in a world of no limitations.
