The beginning of VR patents
Virtual reality (VR) technology has come a long way since its inception in the 1960s, and many companies have been involved in developing and commercializing this innovative technology. However, it’s worth asking who actually holds the patent for VR. In this article, we will explore the history of VR patents and the key players involved in their development.
The beginning of VR patents
One of the earliest patents for VR was granted to Ivan Sutherland in 1968. Sutherland is considered a pioneer in the field of VR, having developed the first computer-generated graphics and created the first VR headset in the 1960s. The patent covered a system for generating three-dimensional images that could be viewed through a headset.
In 1983, another patent was granted to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for a “Head-mounted display device with improved tracking.” This patent described a VR headset that used infrared sensors to track the user’s movement and adjust the image accordingly.
Key players in VR patent development
One of the most prominent companies involved in the development of VR patents is Oculus VR, which was founded in 2012 by Palmer Luckey. Oculus has been at the forefront of VR technology, developing a range of devices and software that have become popular among consumers and developers alike. In 2014, Oculus acquired the VR patent portfolio of Virtual reality company Rift Systems, which had been developing its own VR headset technology since the late 1990s.
Another key player in VR patent development is Samsung Electronics. In 2016, Samsung was granted a patent for a “Virtual Reality Display Device” that included features such as hand tracking and eye-tracking. These technologies are now being incorporated into Samsung’s line of VR headsets, including the Samsung Gear VR.
Google is also a major player in the development of VR patents. In 2015, Google acquired the VR patent portfolio of Cardboard, a company that had been developing low-cost VR headsets using cardboard boxes. This acquisition allowed Google to build on its own VR technology, including the Daydream View headset and the Google Expeditions app for educational purposes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there have been many companies involved in the development of VR patents over the years, some of the key players include Ivan Sutherland, Oculus VR, Samsung Electronics, and Google. These companies have been at the forefront of VR technology and have made significant contributions to its development. As VR continues to evolve and become more mainstream, we can expect further innovation in this exciting field.
