Virtual Reality | LMAC Collage FreeStyle No. 41

For my Freestyle Collage No. 41, my theme is virtual reality. Virtual Reality (VR) is defined as the computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors.¹

In the 1950s, and before the invention of digital computing, Morton Heilig wrote of an "Experience Theatre" that could encompass all the senses in an effective manner. He hinted that the viewer could be drawn into onscreen activity. Consequently, in 1962, he built a mechanical device prototype of his vision he named, "the Sensorama". Together with the equipment, he made five short films. The films were to be displayed in it while engaging the users' multiple senses of sight, sound, smell, and touch.¹

Heilig also developed another device patented in 1960 he named "Telesphere Mask". The patent application described the device as "a telescopic television apparatus for individual use. The spectator is given a complete sensation of reality, i.e. moving three dimensional images which may be in color, with 100% peripheral vision, binaural sound, scents and air breezes.¹

Binaural sound is a type and method of recording that reproduces the way human beings experience sound and allows them to enjoy that awareness naturally.

The purpose of Virtual Reality is to stimulate the mind and senses in an alternate environment. Since its inception, virtual reality technology has been applied to numerous industries. Industries that have incorporated virtual reality in some form in their business have been justly rewarded.

Take for example the real estate industry. Over forty years ago when deciding to purchase a home, I was required to drive to the home builder's location if I wanted a tour of the model homes and inside layout. Doing this became quite tedious after viewing numerous homes in several locations. Today, all one has to do is visit the manufacturer's website and take a virtual tour. There, you can visit as many homes you choose and eliminate the undesirable models.

Other industries such as weather forecasting, medical industry, higher education, and the military utilizes the technology of virtual reality. Training in a safe environment is essential to the military. From fashion to engineering,

Finally, there are the video games and sports. These two area have seen the most expansive use of VR.

The widespread application of Virtual Reality has made it an essential tool in today's research and development as well as operations. Three types of VR exist:

(i) non-immersive. Structured to impart a computer-generated environment where the user can control activities without direct interaction. The type of VR is commonly used in everyday life, and it completely relies on a computer or a video game console to build an environment. One common example would be a video game where one controls the character without direct interaction.²

(ii) semi immersive. Allows a virtual tour while connecting to the physical surroundings. With the help of virtual reality glasses, the user can experience a virtual environment without any physical sensation. The technology depends on high-resolution and powerful simulators to impart realism. This type of virtual reality is often used for education or training purposes.²

(iii) fully immersive. The most realistic simulation experience ever that incorporates technological advancements for a complete virtual tour from sound to sight. The type of virtual reality is completely confined and away from the physical surroundings. It is commonly adapted for gaming and entertainment.

The user would feel physically present in the virtual world and experience events as though living them first-hand. The artificial environment is created with special equipment like VR glasses, body detectors, gloves, and sense detectors. The display creates a stereoscopic 3D effect for a believable experience.

A common example would be a virtual gaming zone which involves the players interacting with the virtual environment and playing against each other. The breakthrough technology stimulates as many senses as possible to provide a true-to-life experience.²

Our world has long been defined by virtual reality. Its advances for the future will be expounded and developed into another phase of interaction. What we knew and now label as science fiction will, in all probability, become our true reality.

In preparing my theme, my vision was to portray a young man sitting in the comfort of his room, perhaps his bedroom. He is immersed in a virtual reality gaming adventure.

I located an unusual photo of a tunnel whose symmetry resembled a maze or virtual reality scene. I loved the wavy lines in the rear of the image as though descending into the unknown with only blackness at the end. An adventure indeed! I decided to apply this image as the background and then worked forward.

^Source

For a virtual experience involving danger, I utilized one of LMAC's previous contest images. The scene with an alligator, which I only wanted to preserve, would serve as an element in the virtual reality space. I would have to remove all other elements in the photo.

^{LMAC Round 179 Original Contest Image}

I was lucky to have located an free-sourced image with a lone man sitting in a chair with virtual reality goggles on. This was perfect to portray the virtual reality theme.

^Source

All primary pieces in place, all I now required were additional images to place in the virtual reality space. And what would any young man's virtual reality be without the image of a beautiful female to accompany him on his virtual journey?

Well, he didn't have to worry. I locate a lovely image for his viewing pleasure. Although he wouldn't get the opportunity to stare too long as it would distract from his adventure. So I surrounded her body in a frame and embedded her into the rock formation. Let his imagination soar!

^Source

Rounding out my other images, I located further pieces from the LMAC Image Library, the LIL I felt would be interesting in the virtual reality scene:

• Dark and desolate cosmos at PxFuel

• Wings of Mexico in Tel Aviv Contributed to the #LIL by @alex2alex

• Elephant's Eye Contributed to the #LIL by @alex2alex

To blend all images, I uploaded them into Canva. Taking advantage of my upgraded Annual Pro Membership Subscription, I was able to remove backgrounds for images that required this. Also, I was to colorize the alligator.

Adding filters is another tool for the upgraded members. Doing so allowed me to add a custom frame to the female image in the style of a burst.

My steps are set out below.

I wanted to add more depth to the tunnel. The original image was not large enough to cover the entire canvas. I duplicated and inverted the image to add more water feature at the bottom of the canvas. This allowed me to include more images, such as the alligator and the youth sitting in the chair. It created a space that seemed to suggest he was father away from the tunnel.

I gradually added the images and positioned them to determine if they were a fit in the virtual reality scene.

Below is my completed freestyle collage. I feel the scene depicts a virtual reality setting.

Thanks for your visit. I appreciate it and hope you liked my freestyle collage theme.