The headset that will mimic all five senses and make virtual world as convincing as real life | Mail Online

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Revealed: The headset that will mimic all five senses and make the virtual world as convincing as real life

By David Derbyshire

Last updated at 5:57 PM on 04th March 2009

A virtual reality helmet that recreates the sights, smells, sounds and even tastes of far-flung holiday destinations has been devised by British scientists.

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.

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.

The virtual reality helmet titillates all five body senses while viewers sit at home on their sofas

It will even allow students to explore history - and find out what it was really like to live in Ancient Egypt, Rome or Greece.

Scientists have been developing virtual reality devices for nearly two decades. But until now, most have only been able to recreate sound and vision.

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.

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.

Prof Alan Chalmers of Warwick said the headset should be complete in three to five ...

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