Introduction
One of the most essential parts of any virtual reality system is the VR passthrough, used in many pieces of cutting-edge VR technology like the PICO 4 VR. However, not all VR users might understand what a passthrough is or why it's used. Let's take an extensive look at this technology.
What is VR Passthrough?
A VR passthrough is a small camera affixed to the outside of a VR headset that records the user's immediate surroundings. The video feed is then displayed inside the headset, allowing the user to see people or objects in the room with them during a virtual reality experience.
The name comes from the fact that it allows real-time video of the user's surroundings to pass through the headset, which allows them to view the room they're in as if they weren't wearing a headset at all.
It is also important to note that the passthrough does not simply contain "raw footage" of the user's surroundings. The video feed is fed through software and algorithms that enhance the display, correcting for things like depth perception, reducing potential disorienting effects, and filling in the gaps if the camera has a blind spot.
A passthrough offers many functions that will be described in greater detail down below but perhaps its most important is to facilitate Mixed Reality experiences. These combine the real-world footage from the user's surroundings with 3D VR objects generated by the software. Without a passthrough, the process would take longer and be less efficient.
Why Do VR Headsets Have Pass-Through?
VR headsets are equipped with a passthrough for multiple reasons. First, it helps facilitate mixed reality, which combines the user's physical surroundings with 3D VR objects generated by the software. According to Statista, the combined AR, VR, and MR market has doubled in the past two years and is only expected to increase, making the passthrough an essential feature of all headsets.
Second, it is an important health and safety addition. Without such a system, a family member or pet could enter the room unnoticed and accidentally be struck by a gamer who didn't see them. Objects could also be hit and potentially destroyed if the user's field of vision is disrupted by a headset with no passthrough.
Benefits of VR Passthrough
Now that we've answered the question, "What is a VR Passthrough?" and learned why it's an important component in a headset, let's take a look at a few of the major benefits that this vital technology can provide to VR users.
Enhances Creativity and Visualization
The passthrough feature allows for a greater level of creativity and visualization. For example, imagine working on solving a complex problem that involves various materials but only half of them are in the room. With a passthrough, users can combine their real-life surroundings with virtual 3D images, allowing them to better visualize the problem and solve it creatively.
Seamless Interaction with Reality
Passthroughs are an important part of the Mixed Reality (MR) experience, allowing players to see virtual objects in the real world. Some MR games combine a user's surroundings with virtual objects or players. Imagine playing a video game whose premise is that a group of invaders have come to attack and the goal is to fight them off. With an MR game combined with a VR passthrough, players can experience combat in their own homes with no danger to anyone or anything involved.
Outside of gaming, the same concept can be used for various types of training, whether it's professional or even exercise. For example, users can learn to lift weights with the proper technique without the risk of injuring themselves while they learn.
Maintaining Situational Awareness
A passthrough allows VR users to be aware of their environment. If a family member or pet enters the room while a user is enjoying a VR experience, it can be very dangerous for everyone involved if the user is unaware of their presence. With passthrough, the user can remain alert and can pause the game to attend to their visitor's needs. It can also prevent gamers from accidentally spilling their beverages.
How Do I Turn on VR Passthrough?
Now that we've discussed the benefits, VR headset owners will want to know how to use this technology on their devices. For this section, we'll be using the industry-leading PICO 4 VR as an example.
Under the settings section, users will see "Quick Seethrough Mode" on the list of options. When this option is selected, users can then exit out of the settings menu and return to the main screen.
Once the setting has been enabled, the user only needs to double-tap the side of their device to enable the passthrough and allow them to view their surroundings, check their cell phone notifications, or any other number of uses that wouldn't be possible outside of Quick Seethrough Mode.
Is Video Pass-through the Same as Mixed Reality?
Although there are some similarities between the two technologies, a VR passthrough is not quite the same as mixed reality. A passthrough is simply a video feed of the user's surroundings, whereas an MR experience involves virtual 3D objects being placed in the user's field of view while playing.
Passthroughs are used to facilitate a mixed reality experience and are an essential part of that process. However, a passthrough can be used without mixed reality elements while MR by definition will always require a passthrough or a similar function to work.
Conclusion
A VR passthrough is an important part of the virtual reality landscape, as it improves the user experience, increases situational awareness, and allows for mixed-reality gameplay. If you're interested in further exploring this amazing technology, check out the industry-leading PICO VR headset today!