A mature and practical virtual reality system is generally composed of a software part (content development engine, such as VRPlatform), a hardware part (content output display and interactive control end) and a system part (interactive content), and the three parts support each other, restrict each other, and are indispensable.
Only by choosing the right hardware equipment that matches the content and application scenarios can the virtual reality system be maximized!
Virtual reality is a common form of hardware
Virtual reality hardware can be divided into two parts: the display system (content output) and the interactive control system (action input).
In this issue, we will introduce you to the display system.
01 Head-mounted display system
That is, virtual reality headsets. The display principle is that the left and right eye screens display the images of the left and right eyes respectively, so that the three-dimensional sense is generated in the human mind, so as to obtain a feeling of being in a virtual environment.
Virtual reality headsets have the advantage of being small and immersive, and are suitable for scenarios with first-person perspectives, such as individual training, virtual driving, etc.
02 Desktop display system
Desktop display systems, such as ordinary monitors, holographic tables, AR tables, etc. Desktop display systems have a small footprint and are generally equipped with equipment per person or group, and the equipment can support collaborative operation.
Depending on the equipment, some need to wear active liquid crystal shutter glasses or optical polarization glasses, which can provide a high sense of immersion and intuitive interaction without affecting communication, and are often used in theoretical and skill training scenarios with a large number of participants in schools and enterprises.
▲ Zen-breath platform
The holographic table is a desktop display system that requires three-dimensional glasses, and users can interact with the holographic image in front of them directly with the interactive handle. It is often used in holographic classrooms for teachers and students, providing a virtual world for real-time communication and sustainable innovation for education and training.
▲AR unit
AR under-stage screen interaction, up-screen display, suitable for large scenes, complex logical content simulation, is a desktop sand table display system, widely used in teaching drills, display marketing, industrial design, military deduction and other fields.
03 Large-screen display system
Large-screen display system, including multi-channel projection display, large-screen LCD display and other types. Among them, multi-channel projection display is more commonly used. Multi-channel projection displays are divided into the following two categories according to different forms.
A. Splicing and fusion projection of large-screen display
Divided by shape: straight screen, curved screen, dome screen
According to the number of splices: single channel, double channel......
According to stereoscopic immersion: 2D or 3D, active or passive
According to the optical path: forward projection, rear projection
We highlight a few commonly used large-screen display systems.
▲Ring curtain (arc curtain)
The ring screen projection system uses a ring projection screen composed of multiple projections (channels), which can bring a high sense of immersion virtual simulation visual environment due to its wide screen radius. The ring screen system has strong versatility and ease of use, and is widely used in flight simulation, virtual driving, exhibition display, education and training and other industries.
▲CADWall System (Straight Screen)
The CADWall system is a highly immersive virtual simulation of large-scale projection walls based on multi-channel synchronization technology and projection bonding technology.
CADWall can output and display real-time 3D digital images generated by computer clusters on an ultra-wide flat projection curtain wall, achieving a 1:1 display effect with the real thing without any geometric deformation. CADWall is an ideal platform for design, assembly experiments, teaching, communication, individual training and presentation, which is ideal for multiple design groups to discuss and verify results at the same time.
B. Cave-like simulation projection CAVE with large screen display
The CAVE system is a highly immersive virtual presentation environment composed of a hard back projection wall, and with the 3D tracker, users can get up close and personal with virtual 3D objects in the system surrounded by the projection wall, and get a deep surround immersive interactive experience.
The CAVE system is generally operated by one person, and can support a three-dimensional experience of about 10 people at the same time, without affecting communication. It can be used in virtual design and manufacturing, virtual assembly, virtual biomedical engineering, geology, minerals, petroleum, aerospace, scientific visualization, military simulation, electronic countermeasures, topography, geographic information system (GIS), architectural vision and urban planning, earthquake and fire drill simulation and other fields.
According to the different projection methods and the number of faces, the CAVE system is divided into various types such as L-shaped screen (vertical screen and ground screen), double-fold screen, three-fold screen, and variable form CAVE.
▲L-shaped folding screen
▲可变形式CAVE
Through the motor control, it can be adjusted to different working modes such as 180-degree high-definition wall puzzle mode, 135-degree simulation training mode, 90-degree full immersion mode or other special-shaped displays, which has all the advantages of the high-immersion CAVE system and also meets the functional characteristics of the CADWALL system. The variable form simulation system can combine the advantages of other curtain types except arc screens, and is suitable for multidisciplinary applications in large venues.