What is Mixed Reality?

It's called mixed reality because it lies at the intersection of two technologies: augmented reality and virtual reality.

Hello everyone! In this introductory article, we will try to explain to you in the simplest way possible what mixed reality is all about. Essentially, it's called mixed reality because it lies at the intersection of two technologies: augmented reality and virtual reality.

In augmented reality: you see the real environment around you, and the equipment (usually glasses with integrated display lenses) adds virtual elements on top of it. For example, a real table on which the glasses simulate a chessboard and its pieces that you can interact with.
In virtual reality: you don't see the real environment around you, but instead, you are completely immersed in a virtual environment. The game tracks the movements of your head so that the camera follows them, providing a total immersive experience.
In mixed reality: you see the real environment, either through lenses or transmitted by cameras onto the screens of a headset. You can add virtual elements on top of this real environment (similar to augmented reality), but you can also transform real elements into virtual ones (creating a virtual environment similar to virtual reality). Here's a concrete example where real walls are considered virtual obstacles, for instance:

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Practical Uses of Mixed Reality

What is the practical use of mixed reality?

I'm back today to answer the question you may not be asking yourself: what are the practical uses of mixed reality?

For professional training: Professionals can use mixed reality to train in realistic virtual environments. For example, surgeons can perform complex operations using virtual anatomical models superimposed on the real patient, in real operating theater environments.

For education: Students can interact with virtual objects in real classrooms. For example, they can manipulate molecules in chemistry or explore historical monuments in history, making learning more engaging and interactive.

For design and architecture: Architects and designers can use mixed reality to visualize full-scale 3D models. This allows them to see how buildings or developments fit into the real environment even as they are being built, facilitating the design process. The same technologies can also be used to see whether furniture will fit into a room in a house, for example.

For remote collaboration: Mixed reality enables people in different locations to share the same virtual environment. They can work together on projects, discuss and exchange ideas as if they were physically together, facilitating remote collaboration.

Best of all, for mixed reality games: Mixed reality games combine virtual elements with the real world, allowing players to interact with virtual characters or objects in their own environment. For example, you can fight virtual robots that appear in your living room or solve puzzles by searching for clues in your own home.

Baptiste DAVID, for Crimson XR

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Motion Sickness during VR

Virtual reality (VR) is a fascinating technology that allows players to plunge themselves in immersive virtual worlds. However, some users may experience a feeling of discomfort called motion sickness when using VR. In this article, I'll explain what motion sickness is, why it happens and how to prevent it so that you can enjoy your virtual reality experience to the fullest.

Motion sickness in VR occurs when your brain receives conflicting information. When you are in real movement, your eyes and inner ears send synchronized signals to your brain. When you use a virtual reality headset, your eyes perceive virtual movement, but your inner ears, which are responsible for balance, do not detect any corresponding physical movement. 

This sensory desynchronisation can disrupt your vestibular system, causing motion sickness. This sensory mismatch can cause symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, vertigo and general discomfort.

Although everyone reacts differently to motion sickness in VR, here are a few tips to minimize the risks and get the most out of your virtual reality experience:

• Start gradually: If you're new to VR, start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration as you get used to it. 
• Adjust the VR headset correctly and take regular breaks.
• Concentrate on slow, gentle movements: Avoid games or experiences with fast movements, sharp turns or jumps. Finally, use fixed reference points in your field of vision.

Baptiste DAVID, for CRIMSON XR

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