Quick History of Virtual Reality
A once expensive and bulky technology reserved for only for tech innovators pushing the limits of fringe science has become a mainstream phenomenon that can be embraced by all. This article will cover Virtual Reality’s roots from the 19th and 20th century.
Illusion Creation in 19th Century
The idea of virtual reality can be traced all the way back to the 19th century where panoramic paintings and the stereoscope attempted were early attempts to create illusions of reality.
Panoramic Paintings
The first attempt of creating an illusion where the user is not present can be loosely be defined as Panoramic paintings created in 19th century. These paintings were intended to fill the viewer’s entire field of vision, making them feel present at the historical event or scene.
The invention of the Stereoscope
The earliest version of the Stereoscope was invented by Charles Wheatstone in 1838. Wheatstone’s research into visual effects demonstrated that the brain will interpret different two-dimensional images from each eye into a single three dimensional image.
20th Century Virtual Reality Attempts
With the massive technology advancements of the 20th century, Virtual reality evolved from abstract concept to modern idea we identify with today
1950s — Morton Heilig’s Sensorama
In the late 1950s, cinematographer Morton Heilig invented the Sensorosa, an arcade style theater cabinet that was created to stimulate all of the user’s senses. Heilig wanted to put the user “into the movie” by utilizing a 3D display, vibrating chair, a smell generator, and multiple fans.
1960- Heilig creates Telesphere Mask
Heilig’s next invention that furthered virtual reality was the creation of the telesphere mask. The telesphere mask was the first use of head-mounted display (HMD) where the user essentially puts googles over his or eyes to experience virtual reality.
1965- Sutherland writes “Ultimate Display”
In 1965, American computer scientist Ivan Sutherland coined the concept of modern-day virtual reality in his paper entitled “Ultimate Display”. In his paper, Sutherland described a virtual world experienced through an HMD with immersive sound and tactile feedback.
1968 — Sutherland creates Sword of Damocles
Fast forward a decade from invention of the telesphere mask, Ivan Sutherland and one of his students Bob Sproull created the first VR/AR HMD that was connected to a computer instead of a camera.
1987- Lanier creates “Virtual Reality” terminology
Despite notable advancements in the field, virtual reality did not have name until 1987 until Jaron Lanier, founder of VPL labs, coined the term. VPL labs became the first company to sell virtual reality goggles and gloves.
1991- Virtuality Group releases Arcade VR Machines
The Virtuality Group released Virtual Reality Arcade machines in 1991 that expanded public access to virtual reality technology. Players would sit on the arcade machine and wear attached goggles to play several games with other players connected to adjacent machines.
1993–1995 Failure of Sega and Nintendo to enter Household VR Market
Sega announced the Sega VR headset for the Sega Genesis console in 1993. Technical development issues resulted in the Sega VR headset to never be released and deemed a commercial failure
Two years after the failure of the Sega VR headset, Nintendo released the Virtual Boy to the public in 1995. Marketed as the first portable 3D VR headset, the Virtual Boy only offered graphics in two colors: red and black. Uncomfortable to use, the Virtual Boy had lackluster sales. Only one year after production, Nintendo ceased production of the headset to minimize financial damage to the company.
