Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that creates immersive digital experiences for users. The concept of virtual reality can be traced back to early 20th century science fiction and experimental research in fields such as psychology, computer science, and engineering. However, the first modern VR systems were developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
History of Virtual Reality
Early experiments (1950s-1960s)
In the 1950s, researchers began experimenting with ways to create immersive digital experiences. One notable example is the work of Ivan Sutherland, who developed a system called Sketchpad in the late 1960s. Sketchpad allowed users to draw and manipulate objects in a virtual space using a light pen.
Another pioneering researcher in the field was Jaron Lanier, who in 1968 created an early form of VR called “the Sword of Damocles.” This system used a large, hanging screen to create the illusion of looking around in a virtual space.
Military and scientific applications (1970s)
In the early 1970s, researchers at the United States Department of Defense’s Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) began developing VR systems for military training and research purposes. One such system was called the Heads-Down Display (HDD), which allowed soldiers to simulate combat scenarios without leaving their vehicles or positions.
Scientists in fields such as psychology, computer science, and engineering also began exploring the potential of virtual reality for research and experimentation. For example, researchers at Stanford University developed a system called the Computerized Stereoscopic Display (CSD) in 1973, which allowed users to view stereoscopic images and create their own virtual environments.
Commercial VR systems (1980s-present)
The first commercial VR systems were developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s. One notable example is the Virtual Theater (VT), which was developed by researchers at SRI International in the early 1990s. The VT allowed users to view 360-degree movies in a virtual theater environment.
In 1992, Silicon Graphics Inc. (SGI) introduced the first commercially available VR system, called the “Cyberspace.” The Cyberspace allowed users to create and explore their own virtual environments, and was widely used in fields such as architecture, engineering, and entertainment.
Since then, virtual reality technology has continued to evolve, with advancements in display technology, motion tracking, and computer hardware allowing for more immersive and realistic VR experiences. Today, virtual reality is used in a variety of applications, including gaming, education, training, and medical treatment.
