Virtual reality (VR) technology has been around for over a century, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that it began to take shape in its current form. The development of VR has been a long and collaborative effort from many different researchers and engineers across various fields such as computer science, psychology, and engineering. In this article, we will explore the origins of VR and the key figures who contributed to its creation.
Early beginnings
The concept of creating an artificial environment that could simulate reality dates back to 1891 when French scientist Georges Henri Descartes proposed a device called the “Theatron Opticus” which projected stereoscopic images onto a screen. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that VR technology began to take shape.
In the early 1900s, researchers such as Ivan Sutherland and William Shockley started experimenting with VR technology. Sutherland created the first head-mounted display (HMD) in 1968 called the “Sword of Damocles” which allowed users to experience a virtual environment by looking through two screens mounted on a frame. Shockley, on the other hand, developed the first VR system that could track the movement of a user’s head, allowing them to look around in a simulated environment.
Mid-century developments
The 1960s and 70s saw significant advancements in VR technology. In 1963, computer scientist J.C.R Licklider coined the term “Virtual Reality” and proposed a system that used a headset to create an immersive experience. Later that year, computer scientists Ivan Sutherland and Thomas Merrill developed the first VR system called the “Sword of Damocles II.”
In 1968, computer scientist Edward Condon developed the first VR system that allowed users to interact with objects in a simulated environment. He created the first VR game, called “Spacewar!” which allowed two players to control spaceships and engage in combat in a virtual universe.
The 1980s saw the development of more advanced VR systems such as the “DataGlove” which allowed users to interact with objects in a simulated environment using hand gestures. In 1989, Silicon Graphics Inc. (SGI) developed the first commercial VR system called the “Cybersuit,” which was used for training pilots and astronauts.
Modern era
The 1990s saw the development of consumer-grade VR systems such as the Sega Genesis and Nintendo 64, which allowed users to experience virtual reality gaming in their homes. In 1996, Sony released the PlayStation Virtual Reality system which used a headset to create an immersive gaming experience.
The early 2000s saw the development of more advanced VR systems such as the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, which allowed users to interact with objects in a simulated environment using hand gestures and sensors. In 2016, Samsung released the Gear VR headset, which was compatible with their smartphones and allowed users to experience virtual reality on-the-go.
Summary
Virtual reality technology has come a long way since its inception, with many different researchers and engineers contributing to its development over the years. From the early beginnings of Descartes’ “Theatron Opticus” to the modern consumer-grade systems available today, VR technology continues to evolve and advance. With ongoing research and development, we can expect even more exciting advancements in VR technology in the future.