Virtual reality (VR) technology has come a long way since its inception, with virtual reality headsets being one of the most important components of the VR experience.
The Early Days of Virtual Reality Headsets
In 1962, Ivan Sutherland, a computer science student at MIT, created the first virtual reality headset called “Sketchpad.” Sketchpad was a simple head-mounted display that allowed users to view a 3D image in front of them. The image was projected onto a glass plate and could be viewed through two small holes in the headset.
Sutherland’s invention laid the groundwork for future virtual reality headsets, and it wasn’t until the late 1980s and early 1990s that more advanced headsets began to appear on the market. In 1989, a company called VPL created the DataGlove, which was the first wireless VR headset. The DataGlove allowed users to track their hand movements and translate them into virtual reality environments.
The First Commercial Virtual Reality Headset
In 1992, Silicon Graphics Inc. (SGI) released the first commercial virtual reality headset called the “Cyberscope.” The Cyberscope was a bulky, expensive piece of equipment that required a powerful computer to run. It consisted of two screens mounted on a helmet-like frame, and users could look around by turning their heads.
Despite its limitations, the Cyberscope was an important milestone in the development of virtual reality technology. It paved the way for future commercial VR headsets and helped to popularize the technology among businesses and researchers.
The Evolution of Virtual Reality Headsets
Since then, virtual reality headsets have come a long way. In 1996, Nintendo released the Nintendo 64, which included a built-in VR system called the “Virtual Boy.” The Virtual Boy was a handheld device that allowed users to experience virtual reality through a pair of stereoscopic displays.
In 2010, Oculus VR released the Oculus Rift, which was one of the first widely available consumer virtual reality headsets. The Rift used a high-resolution display and advanced tracking technology to provide a more immersive VR experience. In 2016, Oculus released the Oculus Quest, which was a wireless virtual reality headset that allowed users to move around freely while experiencing virtual reality.
Today, virtual reality headsets continue to evolve and improve, with new models like the HTC Vive Pro and Samsung Gear VR offering even higher resolutions and more advanced tracking technology. Virtual reality headsets have become an important tool for businesses, researchers, and gamers alike, and they are likely to continue to play a major role in the development of virtual reality technology in the years come.