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VIRTUAL TECHNOLOGIES 101
Do you want to achieve a better understanding of the newly come virtual technologies? Do you want to understand the basics of VR and AR or how to implement them in your industry?
Welcome to our brief guide on everything you need to know to be up to date.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Virtual Technologies?
Virtual Technologies are a set of tools and techniques that use computer-generated simulations to create a virtual experience.
These technologies include virtual reality, augmented reality, and virtual environments.
Virtual Reality (VR) creates a fully immersive experience that transports users to a completely digital environment, often using a headset and controllers to interact with the virtual space.
Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital information onto the real world, enhancing the user’s perception of reality.
Virtual Environments simulate a digital space that can be used for entertainment, education, research, or training purposes. These environments can be accessed through various devices such as desktops, mobile devices, or VR headsets.
Other virtual technologies include motion capture, which tracks the movement of real-world objects and people to create digital representations, and haptic technology, which provides tactile feedback to simulate touch and sensations.
Virtual Technologies offer numerous benefits, such as increased immersion, cost savings, improved accessibility, and the ability to simulate complex scenarios in a safe and controlled environment.
They are expected to become increasingly sophisticated and widely adopted, providing new opportunities for creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.
What is Virtual Reality (VR)?
Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that simulates a realistic 3D environment and immerses users in a digital world. It typically involves wearing a headset or goggles with screens that cover the user’s eyes, and may also include additional sensory input such as sound, touch, and even smell.
In VR, users can interact with the digital environment through gestures or controllers, allowing them to explore, manipulate, and interact with virtual objects and surroundings.
This technology can be used for a wide range of applications, including gaming, education, training, and therapy.
Virtual Reality offers a highly immersive experience that can transport users to new worlds and provide a sense of presence and embodiment. It has the potential to revolutionize the way we learn, work, and entertain ourselves, and is already being used in fields such as healthcare, architecture, and engineering.
VR is expected to become even more realistic and accessible, offering exciting new possibilities for entertainment, education, and beyond.
What is Augmented Reality (AR)?
Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information onto the real world, typically through the use of a mobile device or headset. Unlike VR, which immerses users in a completely digital environment, augmented reality enhances the real world by adding digital elements such as text, images, or animations.
AR can be used in a variety of ways, such as in gaming, education, and advertising.
For example, a user might point their smartphone at a museum exhibit and see additional information about the artifact overlaid onto their view of the exhibit. In advertising, AR can be used to superimpose product information or promotions onto real-world objects.
Augmented Reality can be achieved through a variety of methods, including marker-based AR, where a camera recognizes a specific image or pattern to trigger the digital overlay, or markerless AR, which uses GPS or other location-based information to place digital objects in the user’s view.
AR is expected to become even more common and sophisticated, offering new opportunities for interactive experiences and information dissemination.
What are Virtual Environments?
Virtual Environments are computer-generated spaces that simulate real-world environments, or completely imaginary ones, allowing users to interact with a digital world.
These environments can be experienced through a variety of devices, such as virtual reality headsets, desktop computers, or mobile devices.
Virtual Environments can serve a wide range of purposes, from entertainment to education, research, and training. For example, they can be used to create immersive video games, simulate complex scenarios in medical or military training, or to provide a safe and controlled environment for psychological therapy.
In a Virtual Environment, users can manipulate and interact with virtual objects, as well as other users who may be located anywhere in the world. This can create a sense of presence and immersion, enabling users to feel as though they are truly present in the digital environment.
They are constantly advancing, allowing for increasingly realistic simulations and interactions. With the potential to offer new ways of learning, working, and socializing, they are expected to become increasingly important in the future.
What is Virtual Production?
Virtual Production is a filmmaking technique that combines real-time computer graphics with live-action footage to create a seamless final product. It uses advanced technology such as motion capture, virtual reality, and real-time rendering to create virtual sets, characters, and environments.
In VP, filmmakers can create and manipulate tangible digital assets in real time, allowing them to preview and adjust scenes on set. This can help to reduce production costs, increase efficiency, and provide greater creative control over the final product.
One of its main benefits is the ability to create complex and highly detailed visual effects without extensive post-production work. It also enables filmmakers to explore creative ideas and make changes quickly and easily, allowing for greater experimentation and innovation in the filmmaking process.
Overall, Virtual Production represents a significant shift in how films are made, offering new possibilities for storytelling, visual effects, and creativity in the film industry.
Benefits per Industry
Film & TV
- Scan Your Set: Photogrammetry is the process of using photographs to create 3D models of real-world objects or spaces. In film and TV, this can be used to create highly detailed 3D models of real-world objects or environments, which can then be used to create realistic visual effects as well as more detailed and accurate set designs.
- Expand Your World: Virtual and Augmented Reality can be used to create interactive experiences for audiences, such as allowing them to explore the world of a film or TV show in a more immersive and engaging way.
- Use it in Live Broadcasts: Virtual Environments have become increasingly popular in live broadcasts, offering a range of benefits and opportunities for content creators and their audiences.
VIRTUAL PRODUCTION
- What’s New: The technique can be used to create highly realistic and immersive environments that would be difficult or impossible to create in real life. By using VP, filmmakers can create entire worlds and environments that can be explored and interacted with in a more realistic and engaging way.
- Save Money: It reduces production costs; by using virtual environments and digital assets, filmmakers can reduce the need for physical sets, props, and locations, which can be expensive to create and maintain.
- In Real Time: VP can also help to streamline the production process, as filmmakers can make changes to the virtual environment in real-time, rather than having to wait for physical sets to be built, locations to be scouted or the weather to be appropriate. On top of that, it allows for greater control over lighting, camera angles, and other aspects of the production process. This can result in a more polished and professional final product.
- Scan the Brand: Photogrammetry can be used to create highly detailed and realistic 3D models of products or environments, which can be used in advertising materials. This can greatly enhance the viewer’s experience, making the product or environment feel more lifelike and tangible.
- Brand Innovation: Virtual Reality can be used to create immersive and interactive product experiences, while Augmented Reality can be used to overlay digital product information onto real-world environments, creating new opportunities for engagement and interactivity. Marketing agencies can create more innovative and attention-grabbing advertising materials, such as interactive ads or virtual product experiences.
- Important Data: These technologies can provide valuable data and insights for marketing and advertising. By tracking user engagement and interactions with virtual or augmented products, marketing agencies can gain insights into user preferences and behaviors, which can inform future advertising campaigns and product development.
Culture
- Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Photogrammetry can be used to create highly accurate and detailed 3D models of cultural heritage sites, such as historic buildings, monuments, and artifacts. These models can be used to preserve the cultural heritage of these sites by providing a digital record that can be accessed by researchers and historians in the future.
- Increased Access to Cultural Heritage: VR/AR technology can be used to create immersive and interactive experiences that allow people to explore cultural heritage sites in ways that were previously not possible. This increased access can help to promote awareness and appreciation of cultural heritage, which in turn can lead to greater efforts to protect and preserve it.
- Education and Research: VR/AR can be used to create simulations that allow researchers and students to explore historical events or cultural practices in a safe and controlled environment. This can enhance education and research efforts in fields such as history, archaeology, and anthropology.
- Restoration and Reconstruction: Photogrammetry and VR/AR can also be used to aid in the restoration and reconstruction of cultural heritage sites. 3D models created through photogrammetry can be used to guide restoration efforts, while VR/AR can be used to visualize proposed changes and assess their impact on the site.
- Research Improvement: Photogrammetry can also help preserve cultural sites by providing a way to monitor and document changes over time. By taking regular photos and creating updated models, we can track erosion, weathering, and other forms of damage that may occur over time. This information can be used to inform conservation efforts and ensure that these sites are preserved for future generations.
Education
- Field Trips: Using photogrammetry, we can create 3D models of historical sites or other locations that students can explore virtually. In VR, students can «visit» these places and interact with the environment, which can provide a more engaging and memorable experience than reading about the location in a textbook.
- Science Education: Photogrammetry can be used to create 3D models of scientific specimens, such as fossils or celestial bodies, that can be examined in VR or AR. This allows students to explore the specimens in greater detail and from different angles than would be possible with physical or digital specimens.
- Anatomy Education: We can use photogrammetry to create 3D models of human anatomy, which can be studied in VR or AR. This can provide a more interactive and engaging way to learn anatomy than traditional methods, such as studying diagrams or textbooks.
- Architecture and Design: Photogrammetry can be used to create 3D models of buildings and other structures, which can be explored in VR or AR. This can be useful for students studying architecture or design, as it allows them to examine the structure from different angles and perspectives.
- Abstract Learning: Young students can learn about abstract concepts such as geometry through the use of VR and AR with the added motivation of using technology. On top of that, it offers a unique way of exploring and understanding spaces.
- Unique Possibilities: It allows for the observation of dangerous or impossible situations, such as diving or flying through space.
- Accessibility: It favors inclusion, as people with limited capacities (physical, financial, geographical…) can explore places and activities in a way that would be otherwise impossible.
- First Hand Experience: These technologies allow students to learn through their own experience, which is always much more memorable than things learned through a third person.
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Tourism
- Photogrammetry: This technology can be used to create high-quality and accurate models of tourist destinations, such as historic landmarks, archaeological sites, or natural wonders. These models can then be used for virtual tours, education, and research.
- Virtual Reality: VR can be used to create immersive and interactive virtual tours of tourist destinations. Visitors can explore and interact with different parts of a location, learn about its history and culture, and experience it in a new and exciting way. VR can also be used to create simulations that allow visitors to experience extreme or dangerous activities, such as bungee jumping or skydiving, in a safe and controlled environment.
- Increased Accessibility: These technologies can make tourist destinations more accessible to people who might not otherwise be able to visit. Ex. People with mobility issues, financial constraints, or living far away can still experience and learn about tourist destinations through virtual tours and simulations.
- Marketing and Promotion: They can be powerful tools for marketing and promoting tourist destinations. High-quality 3D models and immersive virtual tours can be used in advertising and social media campaigns to showcase the beauty and uniqueness of a location. This can attract more visitors and increase tourism revenue.
Engineering
- Improve Your Workflow: These technologies can greatly benefit engineering by enabling engineers to create more accurate and detailed models of objects, buildings, and other structures, which can improve the design and construction process in several ways.
- Photogrammetry: It can be used to create highly detailed 3D models of existing structures or environments.
These models can be used to inform the design process, as engineers can use them to accurately measure and analyze the structure, identify potential issues or hazards, and test various design iterations before any physical construction takes place. This can save time and resources, as well as improve the accuracy and safety of the final design.
3. Testing & Visualizing: VR and AR allow engineers to create fully immersive, interactive simulations of their designs. These simulations can be used to test the design in a virtual environment, allowing engineers to identify potential issues or problems before any physical development takes place.
This can help to reduce the risk of errors or accidents during construction and can also help to save time and money.
4. Augmented Reality: It can be used to overlay digital models onto real-world environments. This can be extremely useful for engineers working on complex structures or systems, as it allows them to visualize the design in the real world and make adjustments as needed.
It can also be used for maintenance and repair purposes, as engineers can use AR to identify and troubleshoot issues in real-time.
Leisure
- Tourism: Photogrammetry can be used to create 3D models of popular tourist destinations, such as landmarks, national parks, or museums. These models can then be used in VR/AR to create immersive experiences for tourists, allowing them to explore these destinations in a new and interactive way.
- Entertainment: These technologies can be used to create immersive entertainment experiences, such as virtual amusement park rides or escape rooms. This can provide a unique and exciting experience for visitors that can’t be replicated in the real world.
- Sports: Photogrammetry can be used to create 3D models of sports facilities, such as stadiums or golf courses. These models can be used in VR/AR to create training simulations for athletes or to provide virtual tours for sports fans.
- Hospitality: They can be used to create immersive experiences for guests at hotels or resorts. Ex. hotels can create virtual tours of their rooms and facilities, or use AR to provide guests with information about nearby attractions.
- Retail: Photogrammetry and VR/AR can be used in the retail industry to provide customers with immersive shopping experiences. Ex. customers can use VR to try on clothes or see how furniture would look in their home before making a purchase.
Events
- Event Planning: Photogrammetry allows us to create 3D models of event spaces, which can then be used to plan and design the event itself. Planners can use VR/AR to visualize how everything will look and make adjustments as needed, allowing for a more efficient planning process.
- Event Marketing: These technologies can be used to create immersive marketing experiences for events. Ex. Event organizers can create a virtual tour of the event space or create an AR experience that allows attendees to interact with event information in a unique way.
- Virtual Events: They can be used to create virtual events, which can be a cost-effective alternative to in-person events. Attendees can use VR/AR to explore virtual event spaces and interact with other attendees and event content.
- Event Entertainment: It can be used to create immersive entertainment experiences for event attendees. Ex. VR experiences can be created that allow attendees to explore a virtual world or play immersive games.
- Event Documentation: Photogrammetry can be used to create 3D models of event spaces, which can be used to document events. This can be useful for creating post-event marketing materials or for creating training materials for event staff.
Videogames
- Scan Around: Photogrammetry can be used to create highly detailed 3D models of real-world environments and objects, which can be used to create more realistic and immersive game environments. This can greatly enhance the player’s experience, making the game world feel more lifelike and engaging without impacting the performance.
- New Possibilities: Virtual Reality can be used to create fully immersive and interactive game experiences, while Augmented Reality can be used to overlay digital game elements onto real-world environments, creating new opportunities for gameplay and interactivity.
Architecture
- Design Visualization: Photogrammetry and VR/AR can be used to create realistic 3D models of architectural designs. These models can be used to visualize designs in a more immersive and interactive way than traditional 2D drawings. This can help architects and clients to better understand how the design will look and feel in real life.
- Virtual Walkthroughs: VR/AR can be used to create virtual walkthroughs of architectural designs. Clients can explore and interact with a virtual version of the design before construction even begins, giving them a better sense of the space and how it will be used.
- Design Collaboration: Photogrammetry and VR/AR can facilitate collaboration between architects, engineers, and other stakeholders. They can use the technology to share and review designs in a more visual and interactive way, making it easier to identify potential issues and make adjustments.
- Construction Planning: Photogrammetry and VR/AR can also be used to aid in construction planning. 3D models can be used to simulate construction processes and identify potential issues before construction begins. AR can be used to overlay design information on top of the construction site, allowing workers to better understand how to execute the design.
- Maintenance and Facility Management: Photogrammetry and VR/AR can also be used to aid in maintenance and facility management. 3D models can be used to document the building and its systems, making it easier to identify and address maintenance issues. AR can be used to provide workers with visual instructions for repairs and maintenance.
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VR: What Types of Headsets are there?
High End VR Headsets
High-end tethered VR headsets are virtual reality headsets that need to be connected to a powerful computer or gaming console through a cable in order to function properly. These headsets typically offer the best VR experience, with high-quality graphics, immersive audio, and the ability to track your movements in real time.
PROS
- The graphics and audio quality are usually top-notch, providing a more realistic and immersive experience.
- The headset is typically designed to be comfortable and adjustable, making it easier to wear for longer periods of time.
- The tracking technology is usually very accurate, allowing for more precise movements and interactions within the virtual world.
- The use of a powerful computer or gaming console means that the headset is not limited by the processing power of a mobile device.
CONS
- The need for a powerful computer or gaming console means that these headsets can be expensive to use.
- The headset is tethered to the computer or console by a cable, which can limit your freedom of movement.
- The setup process can be more complicated and time-consuming than other types of VR headsets.
- The headset may be heavier and less portable than other types of VR headsets, making it less convenient to use in different locations.
Price Range: 600 € – 1200 €
Standalone VR Headsets
Standalone VR headsets are virtual reality headsets that do not need to be connected to a computer or gaming console in order to function. They have their own built-in processing power, storage, and battery, which means that they can operate independently.
PROS
- They are typically more affordable than high-end tethered VR headsets.
- They are more portable and convenient to use since they do not require cables or a separate computer.
- They are easier to set up and use since they do not require a lot of technical knowledge.
- Some standalone VR headsets have built-in tracking technology, allowing for more immersive experiences without the need for external sensors.
CONS
- The graphics and audio quality may not be as good as high-end tethered VR headsets since they rely on their own processing power.
- The battery life may be limited, which can affect the length of time you can use the headset without needing to recharge.
- Some standalone VR headsets may have limited storage capacity, which can limit the number of apps and games you can download and use.
- The tracking technology may not be as accurate as high-end tethered VR headsets since they rely on built-in sensors rather than external ones.
Price Range: 300 – 500 €
Smartphone VR Headsets
Smartphone VR headsets are virtual reality headsets that use a smartphone as the display screen and processing power. The headset is essentially a shell that holds the smartphone in place, with lenses that magnify the image and create a 3D effect.
PROS
- They are generally the most affordable type of VR headset since they rely on the processing power of a smartphone.
- They are very portable and easy to use since they do not require any additional cables or setup.
- They can offer a decent VR experience, especially for simple games and videos.
- They have a wide range of compatible apps and games that can be easily downloaded from app stores.
CONS
- The graphics and audio quality may not be as good as high-end tethered or standalone VR headsets since they rely on the smartphone’s processing power.
- The tracking technology may be limited or not available, which can affect the level of immersion in the virtual world.
- The headset may not be as comfortable to wear as other types of VR headsets since they are usually made of plastic and lack padding.
- The smartphone battery life may be limited, which can affect the length of time you can use the headset without needing to recharge.
Price Range: 10 € – 150 €
AR: What does a Smartphone need?
Recommended Specs
Operating System: Minimum operating system of Android 7.0 or iOS 11.0.
Processor: For Android devices, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 or higher processor is recommended. For iPhones, an A10 Fusion chip or newer.
RAM: AR apps require a good amount of RAM to run smoothly. At least 3GB of RAM is recommended for Android devices, while iPhones should have at least 2GB of RAM.
Camera: A rear-facing camera with at least 12 megapixels.
Gyroscope and Accelerometer: These sensors help track your device’s orientation and movement in 3D spaces. Most modern smartphones have these sensors built-in.
Display: A Full HD (1080p) or higher resolution display is recommended for Android devices, while iPhones should have at least a Retina HD display.
Minimum Specs
Operating System: At least Android 7.0 or iOS 11.0.
Processor: A quad-core processor with a speed of at least 1.4GHz .
RAM: At least 2GB of RAM is recommended.
Camera: A rear-facing camera with at least 8 megapixels is recommended.
Gyroscope and Accelerometer: These sensors are required for AR experiences. Most modern smartphones have them built-in.
Display: At least a 720p resolution display.
What is Real Time Rendering?
Real Time Render Engines
A real-time render engine allows you to see a 3D model or scene in real-time as you create and manipulate it, making it easier to iterate and make adjustments as you go.
This means that you can see changes to your scene immediately, without having to wait for a long time for the computer to render the image.
They are designed to work with video games, simulations, and other interactive experiences and applications where the user needs to see the output in real-time.
They use specialized techniques to render images quickly and efficiently, often sacrificing some degree of photorealism in order to achieve the interactivity, although this difference in quality is getting narrower.
Classic Render Engines
Classic render engines are designed to create highly detailed, photorealistic images by using advanced algorithms to simulate how light interacts with surfaces in a scene. While classic render engines can create stunning images, they take a long time (from hours to many days or even months) to render, and require a lot of processing power.
This makes the workflow much slower, which can elongate the duration of a project by more than 70x.