Oculus Rift Takes You to "Somewhere Else"

You've probably seen the names "Oculus Rift" and "VR (Virtual Reality)" popping up more often at event venues and in magazine features. Have you tried it yet? While our previous article covered cutting-edge display technology, this second installment of our "Inspiring Technologies" column focuses on the immersive 3D HMD (Head-Mounted Display) "Oculus Rift," the key player rapidly bringing VR into the mainstream.

The Oculus Rift transports users to "somewhere else." It's the most talked-about VR technology right now.
First, a bit of technical background: What sets the Oculus Rift apart from other HMDs is its unparalleled immersion, based on its performance. It features 3D visuals with a wide 110-degree field of view, motion latency is minimized to the absolute limit, and resolution improves with each version. The latest prototype, "Crescent Bay," features a resolution exceeding Full HD, along with 3D audio and 360-degree head tracking. These enhancements bring the Oculus Rift's audiovisual experience closer to a truly realistic one.
From here, we'll explore the potential of Oculus Rift by broadly categorizing its experiences into two main areas.

① Immersion into "Non-Existent Worlds"

Put on the Oculus Rift, and you're transported into the world of anime or movies. Look up to see the sky of that world spread out above you. Turn right, and your dream heroine might be sitting next to you. Look straight ahead, and you can have conversations or shake hands with the protagonist. Alternatively, you can create thrilling experiences impossible in reality, like the virtual roller coaster, a signature Oculus Rift experience.

The alignment of visuals and physical sensation is insane

The Oculus Rift truly shines when combined with external devices. For example, the work "Hashilus" (a horseback journey) is experienced while riding a rodeo machine. The rodeo machine is controlled to match the horse's running speed, providing a high level of physical immersion. Another interesting point is how the wind hitting you from the front as you run enhances the sense of speed.

Tame a wild horse with a rodeo machine × Oculus Rift!

There are also experiences where you control the action yourself, allowing you to freely fly around the world. In "Little Witch Pie Delivery," you ride a broomstick and control it up, down, left, and right to fly freely through the sky. It's strange how, even though your feet are on the floor, it feels as if you're truly floating.

[Planning & Production: Kayac Inc.]
Flying through the sky on a broomstick. Another dream comes true.

② Experience "that moment" over and over, transcending time and space

For example, the match between Kei Nishikori and Novak Djokovic. For example, the final stage performance of the late Kanjuro Nakamura. The Oculus Rift also fulfills that wish to time-slip back and warp into that space again and again.
Viewing 360-degree panoramic video content through Oculus Rift offers a viewing experience quite different from anything before. It's not just video; it's the recreation of that space itself. The freedom to look wherever you want is incredibly valuable, both in terms of viewing flexibility and the ability to truly experience the atmosphere.

[Model: Saki Yoshida]
VR video streaming services utilizing the Oculus Rift are already here!

Anticipation is high for stereoscopic 360-degree panoramic cameras

Now, a bit more technical: the Oculus Rift's signature feature is stereoscopic 3D imaging using binocular parallax. Achieving this with 360-degree panoramic photography has traditionally been difficult. However, this technology is now being established. Next year, we should be able to view panoramic videos in 3D on the Oculus Rift. This is truly exciting.
Moving forward, countless precious moments will unfold. Many instances will eventually be remembered as "that moment." I hope 360-degree panoramic shooting for stereoscopic 3D display will become commonplace at numerous events, including the Olympics. Furthermore, once the infrastructure is in place, I believe streaming these 360-degree panoramic videos for Oculus Rift viewing will be possible. Watching the Olympics through Oculus Rift. I look forward to a future where such viewing options are available.

The Future of VR

Finally, we spoke with Kenji Takahashi, representative of OcuFes, an NPO working to create a new culture of personal VR.

 

──How do you think VR, starting with the Oculus Rift, will spread in the future?

Takahashi: Just as 20 years ago, shoulder-mounted mobile phones were rare, and now smartphones are commonplace, I believe VR and HMDs will also permeate daily life. They'll become such familiar items that you'll pull an HMD out of your bag on a packed train. I truly believe we'll reach that era.

──Could you tell us about your future challenges?

Takahashi: While the Oculus Rift is currently getting attention because it's novel, I believe it must evolve into something people use because it's convenient and more enjoyable than TV. To achieve that, I want to challenge myself to create content that doesn't just surprise, but truly moves people.

 

What kind of moving experiences will you show us next? Let's look forward to it.
That concludes our second column on moving technology, featuring the Oculus Rift.

Dentsu Inc. Experience Technology is a technology group that combines digital and analog technologies to create unprecedented emotional experiences. Even ideas that seem impossible might find a path to realization through technology.
Feel free to contact us at et-info@dentsu.co.jp (Attn: Yoneyama/Murakami) with any opinions, inquiries, or consultations.