A multisensory VR system exploring the ultra-reality

This paper describes a multisensory interactive virtual reality system built for the exploration of the ultra reality. First we discuss the meaning of the term ‘Ultra reality’ which was introduced at a government committee then widely accepted in relation to an activity to explore media technology in Japan. The ultra reality is recognized at a cognitive level similarly to the meta reality that is proposed in contrast to the super reality. The meta reality and the super reality were presented as interpretations of ultra reality. We set the hypothesis that the ultra reality has its base on the virtual reality, and it is created as rational and emotional entity built on pieces of rendered reality. The ultra reality is represented in coordinates of two aspects of rationality and emotion when rendering a particular space. Multisensory presentation plays a principal role for the coordinates. To provide a framework for realization of ultra reality, we introduced exhibit prototypes of the multisensory presentation system. The five senses theater system, the FiveStar, produced multisensory stimulations to the participant for the creation of ultra-realistic experiences. The contents of the exhibits were the magic school, the ultra ordinary world, and the virtual trip to the tourist sites. The multisensory display devices that were used to create the contents are described to show contributions and limitations for the ultra reality space.