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Revealed: The headset that will mimic all five senses and make the virtual world as convincing as real life
A virtual reality helmet that recreates the sights[1], smells[2], sounds[3] and even tastes[4] of far-flung holiday destinations has been devised by British scientists.[I'm no math wiz, but something's a bit fishy here.]
Armchair travellers wearing the device will be able to hear the roar of lions on safari, smell the flowers of an Alpine meadow or feel the heat of the Caribbean sun on their face - all from the comfort of their sitting room. [And we thought we had an obesidy problem now...]
The device will also allow people to greet friends and family on the other side of the world as if they were in same room, and to immerse themselves in fantasy worlds. [I can see it now, a family vacation to Guatalupe for about 8x the price of an actual trip to Guatalupe.]
The virtual reality helmet titillates all five body senses while viewers sit at home on their sofas [They will never convince me that a helmet will simulate touch]It will even allow students to explore history - and find out what it was really like to live in Ancient Egypt, Rome or Greece. [This is the only thing that looks neat about this device, they don't mention watching the superbowl though.]
Scientists have been developing virtual reality devices for nearly two decades. But until now, most have only been able to recreate sound and vision. [And that's what they should have left it at. What are they going to make people do? Lick the screen?]
Now a team of British academics from York and Warwick universities have launched a project to create the first authentic VR helmet - a device that stimulates the senses so convincingly they have called in Real Virtuality. [Ok, I admit it, that name is catchy.]
The Virtual Cocoon will consist of a headset packed with specially developed electronics - including a high definition, high dynamic computer screen, state of the art speakers, fans to blow hot and cold air over the wearer's face and a 'smell tube' which releases chemicals under the nose to mimic real life odours. [Where's the taste and touch!? Unless of course the hot or cold air is the touch, in which case, this device is even more lame than I thought.]
Prof Alan Chalmers of Warwick said the headset should be complete in three to five years. He believes it will be used in long distance business meetings, in schools to allow students to revisit history, or by families wanting to get a taste of far-flung destinations.
The headset is being worked on by scientists at a number of British universities It will also be popular among computer games enthusiasts - particularly those who enjoy virtual role play games such as Second Life. [And they thought I was bad for human obesidy. All I was saying cookies were good.]
'The idea is not to replace reality but to complement it,' he said at an event organised by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. 'You can get a taster of reality in a safe and controlled way.' [I think I see where this is going now. They will invent paths that people will walk down, only they will replace the scenery of the trees with something else. Let's just hope people don't run into something in reality.]
The prototype helmet connects wirelessly to a computer which feeds it information about a virtual world or a another part of the real world.
It features a high dynamic screen - which uses a combination of LED and LCD technology to produce pictures that are 10 times darker, or 30 times brighter, than conventional television.
A tube connected to a box of chemicals will release smells under the wearer's nose, while a similar device can squirt flavours directly into the mouth. [Does this sound appealing to anyone? ANYONE?]
The heat and humidity can be changed using a fan and heater, while surround sound speakers recreate noise.
The designers hope the headset will allow people to experience an African safari or the Egyptian pyramids from their homes
Prof Chalmers believes owners will be able to buy computer software that allows them to explore virtual worlds.
It should be possible too to explore other parts of the world in real time.
A recording device attached to a car could record the sights, smells, sounds and feel of a safari and transmit the sensations over the internet to a Virtual Cocoon on the other side of the world.
Professor David Howard of the University of York, lead scientist on the initiative, says: 'Virtual Reality projects have typically only focused on one or two of the five senses – usually sight and hearing. We’re not aware of any other research group anywhere else in the world doing what we plan to do. [They have good reason not to be attempting anymore than sight and sound. Perhaps Proffesor Howards should take notes on what not to attempt.]
'Smell will be generated electronically via a new technique being pioneered by Alan Chalmers and his team at Warwick which will deliver a predetermined smell recipe on-demand.
'Taste and smell are closely linked but we intend to provide a texture sensation relating to something being in the mouth. Tactile devices will provide touch.' [Tactile devices will provide touch? You don't say...][I still don't believe it.]
The helmet could also be used in training soldiers, police officers, medics or fire fighters. [So basically, they'll have a little Halo LAN party using these things. Count me in...]
Designers are currently working on a price for the device which initial estimates place at around £1,500. [That would be $2,116.05 for my American readers.]
