Overview of current virtual reality technologies research and applications

In this paper short history of virtual reality, current virtual reality devices, principles of work and applications in different fields are given. Virtual reality as technology has been developing since the middle of last century, but its commercial use has experienced an uplift with relatively cheap and accessible devices. As for leading devices we can single out HTC Vive, Microsoft Hololens, Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR. One of many definitions explains virtual reality as scientific and technical domain which uses computer science and behavioral interfaces to simulate virtual world, by using 3D entities which can have interaction in real time in- between or with one or several users in pseudo- natural immersion through sensory channels. There are three main characteristics of VR systems ; immersion, interaction and imagination. Some of many different fields that virtual reality covers are gaming industry, medical application and architectural visualizations.