What Are the Different Types of Virtual Reality for Adults?

Virtual reality for adults is created by computer programs, which include physical virtual reality and abstract virtual reality. How it is delivered to the human senses effects its realism. For virtual reality for adults to be completely realistic, all of the senses must be stimulated in a believable way. Physical virtual reality is similar to the real world and most believable, while abstract virtual reality is unlike the real world, for example, defying gravity.

The level the person is integrated into the virtual reality and how natural this inclusion is, varies between types of virtual reality. Immersive first person virtual reality aims to submerge the user both psychologically and physically into the computer program. Head mounted displays provide 360 degree views, three dimensional sounds provide a depth of sound coming from all directions, and fiber optic gloves give a sense of control, touch and movement.

In immersive first person virtual reality for adults, the individual experiences virtual reality in the first person rather than controlling an avatar in the second person. Sometimes artificial smells are fed into the room. The headgear and other equipment however, can be heavy, reducing the realism of the experience.

Less immersive virtual reality is where a computer generated experience is shown on a computer screen. Motion sensors on the body, or a motion platform to stand upon, can be used to control the first person experience occurring on the screen. Architects can virtually walk through a building design while the computer provides audio and visual stimulation.

Augmented virtual reality for adults involves super imposing a see-through version of a computer generated reality over the real world. Real objects and people can be seen through it. This has medical uses, for example, during surgery, where procedures are super imposed onto a patient's body.

Cab simulator virtual reality for adults creates an artificial world for the user from the moment they enter a cab, such as an airplane or driving simulator. Sight, hearing, touch and even smell, can be stimulated in this closed environment. Cab simulation has uses in training, for example, in aviation.

Generally less interactive, but still relatively immersive, is chamber world virtual reality for adults. Here, moving images can be displayed on walls surrounding the user. It is especially effective with the use of 3-D image headgear and 3-D audio. The user however, it is generally a spectator in this cinematic environment.

Less costly than immersive first person virtual reality is mirror world, which is a second person experience. Head gear, gloves and motion sensors control an avatar within a computer program, which is lead around a virtual world by the user.

Waldo world virtual reality is expensive, intricate and precise. Many face and body sensors are used by a real actor to control a virtual actor. It is a second person experience where the user controls the virtual character or puppet. Waldo world can be used to speak to an audience via a screen and audio, with the speaker totally disguised as the computer animated character.