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Virtual Reality (VR) in the Library

Experience virtual reality by borrowing a headset in the Library!

Borrow a Headset

Come to the Library to borrow a VR headset and try out some Applications of Interest.

The headset can be checked out from the Hello Desk in the main lobby of Roesch Library for two hours for use within the library. Check our catalog to see if it is available.

Use the headset anywhere inside the library you are comfortable. If you prefer a private space, consider booking a study room, huddle room, or team room.

Meta Quest 2

The Quest 2 is the current consumer-generation virtual reality (VR) headset produced by Meta Platforms, formerly Facebook.

This standalone headset can function without an accompanying computer using the built-in Android computer or tethered to a PC for Oculus Rift-compatible applications.

Hardware and Components

Meta Quest 2 components in their case

Meta Quest 2 Case and Components

When borrowing the Meta Quest 2 from the Library, all components should be found in this case:

  • Quest 2 HMD
  • Left and Right Controllers
  • Power Adapter (USB-C)

Meta Quest 2 components spread on a table

Meta Quest 2 Components

When borrowing the Meta Quest 2 from the Library, all components should be found in this case:

  • Quest 2 HMD
  • Left and Right Controllers
  • Power Adapter (USB-C)

Meta Quest 2 with the camera locations highlighted

Head-mounted Display: Cameras

The Meta Quest 2 uses four cameras positioned around the outside of the head-mounted display (HMD) to track your position in space as well as the position of the controllers. It is important to use the device in a well-lit room.

Meta Quest 2 with the power button highlighted

Head-mounted Display: Power Button (RIGHT)

On the right side of the head-mounted display (HMD) you will find the power button for the device.

To power on the device, hold this button until you see the blue "Meta" logo.

Meta Quest 2 with USB-C and audio jack highlighted

Head-mounted Display: Headphone Jack and Charge Port (LEFT)

Although the head-mounted display (HMD) has built-in speakers, you can connect 3.5mm headphones to the device. Next to this jack, you will also find the USB-C charging port.

Head-mounted Display: Volume Control (BOTTOM)

On the bottom of the head-mounted display (HMD), a volume control can be found. Pressing on the right side of this control will increase the volume of the built-in speakers.

Meta Quest 2 with the IPD adjustment highlighted

Head-mounted Display: Interpupillary Distance (IPD) Adjustment

You can adjust the interpupillary distance (IPD) by sliding the lenses further apart or closer together from inside the head-mounted display (HMD). The device has an IPD adjustment range of 1 - 3. Most users will be comfortable with the #2 setting.

 

Meta Quest 2 HMD showing strap adjustment

Head-mounted Display: Fit

Adjust the head-mounted display (HMD) straps to improve the fit of the device and comfort for long sessions. To adjust the headband size, grab the plastic pieces and pull them apart to decrease the headband size. The top velcro strap should be adjusted to center your view in the headset.

Meta Quest 2 controllers with buttons highlighted

Controllers

You can navigate the Meta Quest 2 interface and applications with these left-handed and right-handed controllers. If interested, you can also use the built-in hand tracking. To use hand tracking, your hands must remain in view of the cameras.

Controls

Meta Quest 2 controllers with buttons highlighted

You can navigate the Meta Quest 2 interface and applications with these left-handed and right-handed controllers. If interested, you can also use the built-in hand tracking. To use hand tracking, your hands must remain in view of the cameras.

Controllers: 

  • Thumbsticks navigate your virtual environment.
  • Trigger (on the front of the controller),  and  select objects in your environment.
  •  and  return you to the previous screen or menu.
  •  brings up the universal menu. You can also press and hold  to recenter your headset view.
  • Grip button (on the side of the controller) grabs objects or makes a fist when using your virtual hands.
  •  brings up the menu inside apps and experiences.
  • You can press any button to wake the controllers after you turn on your headset.
  • Note: Individual apps may include their own tutorials for how to use the buttons on your Touch controllers.

Hand Tracking:

Meta has provided the following table to illustrate the different hand-tracking gestures.

Meta Quest 2 Hand Tracking Gestures

Gestures

What it's used for

How to do it

Point and Pinch

To select something.

When the cursor appears, point your hand at what you want to select. Then, pinch your thumb and finger together to select.

Pinch and Scroll

Scrolling up, down, left, or right

Pinch your fingers inward. While still pinched inward, move your hand up, down, left or right to scroll. When you’re done scrolling, release.

Palm Pinch

Brings you back to your Meta Home menu.

Look at your palm at eye level, then hold your thumb and index finger together until  fills, then release.

Power and Launch Applications

Power Up

On the right side of the device, press and hold the power button until the blue "Meta" logo appears on the screen.

Meta Quest 2 with the power button highlighted

Set Up the Guardian

After powering the device, you will typically be prompted to configure the guardian. This virtual boundary helps visualize where you are in your play space so you don't hit walls or furniture.

The first prompt will ask you to Confirm Floor Level.

  • With one of the controllers in your hand, touch the ground with the controller to set the floor level.
  • Aim the controller at the "Confirm" button and pull the trigger to select.

The second prompt will ask you to Set a Boundary.

  • If you see "Draw a Roomscale boundary", select "Switch to Stationary boundary" at the bottom of the prompt.
  • While the "Confirm Stationary boundary" prompt is visible, you can move to the location where you would like to use the device. This can be in a seated or standing position. The boundary will move with you until you "Confirm."

You have set up your play area!

Visual of the three initial prompts that appear

Home Environment

After the device finishes loading, you will start in the home environment. You can think of this place as the "desktop" of virtual reality.

  • Adjust settings by clicking on the left end of the taskbar where the clock/battery is shown. This is an easy way to adjust the volume, screen brightness, and night mode.
  • Launch applications by clicking on the icon at the right end of the taskbar.
Panning view of the Quest 2 home environment

Open the Application Drawer

With a controller, point at the application drawer icon and pull the trigger to open the application drawer. All applications installed on the device can be found in this window.

Meta Quest 2 Open App Drawer

Launch an Application

With a controller, point at the application you wish to launch and pull the trigger.

Some applications have an initial loading time.

Launching an application on Meta Quest 2

Close an Application

With the right controller, press the  button to open the Universal Menu. From this menu, you can quit out of an application to return to the Home Environment.

Quitting an application from Meta Quest 2

Power Down

When finished using the device, press and hold the power button until it prompts you to power off. Select the "Power Off" option and the device will power down.

Prompt for the user to power off the device

 

IPD

Interpupillary distance (IPD) is the distance between the center of the pupils. Although it is not necessary to know what your IPD is to use the Meta Quest (or any VR headset), you can measure yours with a mirror and ruler.

  1. Stand in front of a mirror with your face approximately 8 inches from the mirror surface.
  2. Hold a ruler above your eyes, across your eyebrows.
  3. Close your right eye and align the center of your left pupil to the end of the ruler.
  4. Close your left eye and read the measurement of the right pupil.

 

If you know your IPD, use the following table for the ideal lens spacing setting:

Meta Quest 2 IPD Settings
IPD Range Lens Spacing Setting
61 mm or smaller 1 (narrowest, 58mm)
61 mm to 66 mm 2 (middle, 63 mm)
66 mm or larger 3 (widest, 68 mm)
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