Introduction

This lesson was about Virtual Reality (VR) environments in 3D software.

VR uses computer simulations to create a simulated (or virtual) reality for a user to experience – usually with a headset that uses separate screens and lenses for each eye to create a sense of depth to what the viewer sees on the screen.

History of VR and Modern Applications

VR has its origins in the mid 20th century with the invention of the ‘Sensorama’ machine in 1962 by a cinematographer named Morton Heilig. The Sensorama machine used screens, a vibrating chair, stereo audio and scent producers to immerse the viewer in a film with sight, smell, sound and some movement.

Also in the 1960s, several motion tracking headsets were developed that were connected to cameras rather than computers, so that people could view scenes remotely – the technology used in these headsets later became useful for VR today. Another important step in the development of VR was the invention of flight simulators.

By 1968, the first VR headset was invented named ‘The Sword of Damocles, which was a headset that connected to a computer to display simple wireframe 3D models, whose perspective changed as the user moved their head.

By 1985, the first VR equipment was being sold to the public, and as simulations and 3D modelling and video game technology developed, Nintendo released the virtual boy in 1995 – the first VR gaming console.

Over the years, VR has been used for many applications – military training simulations, educational programs, virtual film production and video games to name a few. Most VR headsets connect to a computer – but some headsets use a mobile phone or contain the computer inside of them.

Some popular VR units and consoles include the Oculus Rift and their all-in-one model called the Quest, the HTC Vive, PlayStation VR and the Valve Index.

VR today is most popular in the form of video games – like Half Life Alyx, Beat Saber, Super Hot and the VR versions of Resident Evil series.

Project Overview

In this lesson, the class is starting a project on VR in separated groups who will each create and render a 3D 360-degree environment in Maya. This environment can then be viewed with a headset and experienced for ourselves.

Brainstorming

I had some initial ideas for environments to create before I started the group work.

One idea I had was to create an environment of the interior of a pirate ship – the captain’s quarters with treasure chests, candles, barrels, chairs, tables and portholes.

Another idea I had was an urban, cyberpunk-style alleyway environment with closely packed buildings, streetlights, pipes, vending machines, ladders and other city environment objects.

The idea that my group went with was the pirate ship captain’s quarters. We chose this because it wasn’t too complicated of an idea – it is a simple room with lots of extra detail assets like candles, books, skulls and coins.

Conclusion

Over all, in this lesson I did some interesting research into VR and my group made a productive start on our project.