Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation of a 3D environment that can be interacted with and explored by a person wearing a VR headset or other sensory devices. The concept of VR has its roots in the early days of computing, but it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that practical VR systems began to take shape.
One of the earliest examples of VR can be traced back to 1962 when Ivan Sutherland, a computer science professor at MIT, created the first VR system called “Swordfishtrombones.” This system used a head-mounted display (HMD) and stereo glasses to create a 3D environment that could be explored by the user. However, the technology was limited and the experience was quite rudimentary.
In the following decades, VR technology continued to evolve, with researchers and engineers exploring new ways to create immersive environments. One of the most significant milestones in VR history came in 1968 when computer scientist J.C.R. Licklider first proposed the idea of a “head-mounted display” as a way to provide a more immersive experience for computer users.
Over the next few decades, VR technology continued to advance, with researchers and engineers exploring new ways to create more realistic and interactive environments. In 1980, computer scientists Ed Catmull and Dave Newell developed the first version of Z-buffer, a technique that allowed for more realistic depth perception in VR simulations.
In 1985, computer scientist Tom Furnessy coined the term “virtual reality” to describe the immersive experience created by VR technology. In the following decades, VR technology continued to advance, with researchers and engineers exploring new ways to create more realistic and interactive environments.
Today, virtual reality technology has come a long way, with advanced HMDs and other sensory devices allowing users to explore highly immersive 3D environments. While the history of VR is rooted in the early days of computing, it continues to evolve and expand, with new applications emerging all the time. Whether you’re a gamer, a designer, or simply someone who enjoys exploring new things, virtual reality technology has something to offer for everyone.