VR pod

The Visiontron (also named Tranquility Lounger) is a large, pod-like device allowing the user to experience extremely realistic virtual reality simulations in a controlled environment. These devices are extremely complex and require powerful processing centers to function. At least two models exist, an enclosed model and an observation model, though they are more or less compatible (if potentially lethal).

Overview
Shaped like an enlarged egg, the Visiontron contains a single comfortable chair inside, with a high-resolution display equipped with coils situated immediately in front of the user's face. The back and base of the chair contain all the hardware necessary to process the user's input into the simulation. The actual simulation runs through a processing center the Visiontron is connected to (for example, a Think Machine 3600r Mainframe).

The only real difference between the observation and enclosed models is the different body types. Apart from that, their only difference is the programming. For example, civilian versions have built-in failsafe routines that are supposed to prevent harm from coming to the user in effect of injury or death within the simulation. Running a military live-fire simulation with feedback to the user's body can be lethal, if initiated on a device that has not been properly configured.

As mentioned above, the Tranquility Lounger is used to gain access to a Vault-Tec prototype simulation. The virtual reality itself was designed by Stanislaus Braun, who uses the simulation to satisfy his own sadistic urges, apparently on the same engine used by Virtual Strategic Solutions used for the Anchorage Reclamation simulation. The simulation runs on a Think Machine 3600r mainframe.

The loungers are largely self-contained and the vault has been operating without outside human intervention for over 200 years. There are, however, several robobrains which tend to the machines and provide jumpsuits upon request. The lounger's method of operation is unknown - two monitors surround the user's head and these can be seen showing images of the current simulation, but this would hardly be enough to create a believable virtual reality.

The loungers can only be found in Vault 112, and a Vault 112 jumpsuit is required to enter them. Stanislaus Braun was responsible for its installation and has been running various simulations with a number of unwitting participants since before the Great War. The simulation's current active program, Tranquility Lane, has been running for approximately 170 years.

Twelve loungers are on the main floor of the vault, although only nine of these were initially occupied. Braun also has a personal lounger in his office and has disabled the ability for other users to exit the simulation. By the time the Lone Wanderer visits the vault, only one lounger is available. Another empty lounger is broken and the other is occupied by one's father.

Civilian usage
The stasis pods (Tranquility Loungers), installed in Vault 112 are heavily modified versions of the Visiontron, equipped with stasis devices able to keep its occupant alive indefinitely, though at the expense of not being able to survive outside of the pod. As the loungers are designed for civilians, injury or death within the simulation does not harm their actual body; however, this safety feature can be disabled and avatar death will result in massive user cardiac arrest.

The loungers do measure vital signs of the occupants which can be viewed by people outside the simulation. One case in particular, Old Lady Dithers, has an alarmingly high stress level - talking to her within the simulation indicates that she has become aware of the virtual reality and has gone somewhat insane.

The virtual reality for the Vault 112 program was designed by Vault-Tec's scientific genius Stanislaus Braun, who eventually co-opted the simulation to satisfy his hidden sadistic urges. The Tranquility Lane program, a simulation of a suburban American neighborhood, has been running since 6.11.12 (presumably either 2112 or 2212) by 2277, preceded by several others including a tropical beach program called Toucan Lagoon and Slalom Chalet, a simulation of a ski resort in the Swiss Alps, which ran for 23 years.

The loungers are largely self-contained and the Vault has been operating without outside human intervention for over 200 years. There are, however, several robobrains which tend to the machines and provide jumpsuits upon request.

Military usage
Military simulators are characterized by their programming. Practical applications of Visiontrons can be observed in facilities in Nevada as well as Washington, D.C.

Nellis Air Force Base contains intact Visiontrons that allow for pilots to be trained in virtual simulations of air combat against the Chinese Air Force, particularly Xian-85 fighters.

Another example is the Hidden Valley bunker, which contains simulators that allow users to train and sharpen their skills in combat, without having to actually participate in it. This function allowed the remnants of the Mojave Brotherhood of Steel to maintain their combat efficiency during the lockdown.

Enclosed production model


Virtual Strategic Solutions, Inc. had used an Enclosed Visiontron to recreate the Anchorage Reclamation for the purposes of analyzing the operation and mining all possible data. These simulations were later substantially altered on orders from General Constantine Chase, enough to become completely divorced from reality.

Appearances
The Visiontron appears in Fallout 3 and its Operation: Anchorage downloadable content, as well as Fallout: New Vegas.

Behind the scenes
According to pre-release concept art, the Tranquility Loungers in Vault 112 were hooked up to a Simtek 6000 supercomputer.