The story of the VR

The history of the emergence of VR

Virtual reality is an artificial world created by technical means. It is transmitted to a person through his sensations:

• Vision.
• Hearing.
• Touch.
• Smell.

The unique technology makes it possible to simulate not just the impact, but also the response to the impact.

It is quite difficult to surprise the modern user with such equipment. Many are simply used to it, because the hunt for Pokemon has long ceased, VR helmets have been tried both by teenagers and people of other ages. Although this technology only stands in the way of development.

Only a small percentage of people were interested in and know about the history of VR and the way of its development to the present day. It is believed by many to have been developed quite recently. Although the history of occurrence begins more than a dozen years ago.

Stereoscope - the founder of Cardboard

The first precursor to virtual reality was the stereoscope. A device with a simple operating principle was invented by Charles Winston in 1837. The unit consisted of two flat images. The person simply looked at the pictures from different angles, thanks to which the brain could create a full-fledged volumetric picture.

Thus, a prototype of a modern VR helmet was created 200 years ago. At that time, filmmakers liked the invention. They wanted to make their films stereoscopic. Therefore, they were the first to give a powerful impetus to the development of an unusual technology.

Sensorrama

The unique device was created in 1957 by Norton Heilig. It is Sensorama that can rightfully be considered the "father of VR". The unit looked like a simple gaming machine with a small display and a comfortable seat. Heilig has shot 6 short films for his equipment. Looking through them, a person was completely immersed in what was happening.

The device could transmit not only video and sound but also various smells and even vibrations. For those years, it was a unique attraction. Due to technical imperfections, the unit did not become popular and no further development was carried out.

It should also be said that in 1957 Heilig also developed and patented the drawings of the "telespherical mask". It can be considered the forerunner of modern VR headsets and headsets. Unfortunately, the project remained on the drawings and was not implemented.

Headsight

This was the name of the system with which it was possible to track the position of the human head in space. This project was military and completely classified. The device was used for a comprehensive study of those places where it was impossible or associated with risks of human presence.

Headsight is a kind of video helmet. It was equipped with an advanced tracking system and special cameras. Due to the high secrecy, the unit was never shown to the general public and was not sold.

GAF Viewmaster

The next version of Cardboard - allowed a person to enjoy the familiar three-dimensional image. The unit was released in 1966, however, like others, it was not widely known.

Sword of Damocles

One of the key stages in the development of technology. The system was created in 1968 by Professor Ivan Sutherland and his student Bob Sproul. A conventional VR headset had an impressive weight and was attached to the ceiling. This is where the name came from - the unit simply hung over the person.

After connecting the system to the computer, the picture could be transferred to the screen. Of course, there were extremely simple graphics - ordinary figures were broadcast. However, the equipment was able to track the position of body parts..

Aspen Map

Another important step in the development of VR was made in 1978. Various streets of a small city in America were filmed on videotape. They were transferred to VR and recorded on special media. The user could independently choose the season, = and "visit" a full-fledged city tour.

Eye Tap

Also, almost simultaneously, special VR headsets were created for the military. They were intended to control aircraft and combat systems. The viewing angle was 120 degrees, while modern models have up to 110 degrees.

RB2

In 1984, a new virtual reality system was introduced. She provided the immersion of two people at the same time. Using it, a person could interact with the created world. Special gloves were used as a controller. Due to the high cost, the equipment did not become popular.

Virtual Environment Display System

Just a year later, a new VR headset was introduced. The technical characteristics of the equipment were extremely similar to those of modern models. The unit for scientific purposes was developed by NASA. Using such a system, anyone could walk on Mars or the Moon.

Virtuality

A gaming system was created in the 90s. Provides full immersion in virtual reality. Each helmet is equipped with a microphone, joystick, and low-resolution display. However, the device provided the ability to play over the network.

Project Cave

In 1992, a prototype of the device was released by university students from Illinois. A special room was designed, its walls were made as reflective screens. A variety of images were simply projected. If a person can see a three-dimensional image, then he needed to wear special glasses.

The equipment tracked the position in space not only of the head but also of the hands; there was a controller for full interaction with the virtual world. The key advantages of the system are high-quality pictures, freedom of movement, and the ability to participate for several people at the same time. However, it was not intended for home use.

Sega VR

A helmet developed by Sega was presented in 1993. The device has a beautiful appearance, stereo sound, and can track the position of body parts. However, these moments did not lead to the particular delight of the public. The project was unsuccessful as it provoked headaches and motion sickness.

CyberMaxx

Another attempt to popularize VR is the release of the CyberMaxx helmet. The system was equipped with two displays and had a good resolution - 505x230. The development of the project was impossible due to the high price and too serious requirements for the technical parameters of computers.

Nintendo Virtual Boy

Just a year later, Nintendo released the new Virtual Boy device. However, this was another failure - displays of poor quality and poor ergonomics. The system was inconvenient and, during operation, provoked discomfort in the neck. Gamers simply did not accept the new product due to its significant shortcomings.

I-glasses

Simultaneously with the above headset, another device was launched on the market. The convenient and lightweight unit provided comfort during operation. However, I was tied to the computer block because of the wires.

Forte VFX1

A virtual reality helmet with a stylish design and a multifunctional controller. The developers did not take into account the shortcomings of other systems, so the project failed. Low picture quality and other problems did not appeal to gamers, as a result of which the equipment did not become popular.

Glasstron

After some time, a device from Sony appears on the American market. The headset was released in 3 different versions. The leading model had a resolution of about 800x600 and provided the user with a high-quality picture. The device became the forerunner of the modern Sony PS VR unit.

Then came a kind of calm period. Virtual reality projects that focused on entertainment have not been profitable. The Internet is beginning to become extremely popular. As a result, the main focus is shifting to the worldwide web and most developers are moving in this direction.

Oculus Rift

The impetus for the development of VR was the centralized fundraising on the Kickstarter site for the Oculus Rift. After 3 years, the first version of the helmet appeared. The model had a high-resolution 1080x1200 and a viewing angle of 110 degrees. The release of the device was a colossal breakthrough in comparison with previous units.

Google Cardboard, Samsung Gear VR и Daydream VR

Of course, the Google corporation could not stand aside and joined the new trend. Two engineers designed and marketed a simple but effective device. It is made of cardboard, has multiple lenses, and allows you to fully immerse yourself in VR. However, this gadget only works with a modern phone. At the same time, the cost of such equipment is quite low, which makes it possible for everyone to get to know VR technology as closely as possible.

Another headset made by Google is Daydream VR. The system can be safely called a more advanced version of the previous model. The unit is even more convenient and ergonomic, thanks to which it has gained immense popularity among users.

In 2014, the new Samsung Gear VR was launched on the market. The principle of its operation is the same as for the above models. A mobile phone is required for full operation. The unit costs a little more, but it has good characteristics.

HTC Vive

Oculus's key competitor is the headset presented by HTC in partnership with Valve. It was released by a Taiwanese manufacturer in 2015. It should be noted that most of the technical parameters of the equipment are completely identical. Another novelty is the Vive Focus helmet - it works offline.

Windows Mixed Reality

A complex system that combines augmented reality and virtual reality. The system was introduced in 2015 along with the Microsoft Hololens device. With the help of this platform, they tried to unite people involved in VR into one system. This was done to simplify cooperation and effective development of this area.

Sony PS VR

The world-famous Sony corporation became an active participant in this race much later than others. The new device was introduced to the market in 2016. The unit has good technical characteristics and can work with PS 4 consoles. The resolution is 1080x960, which is much lower than that of competitors. However, the developers bribe users with a huge amount of content for entertainment.

Conclusion

Market-leading companies are actively developing and releasing brand new VR headsets. The image quality is constantly improving, they are trying to make devices completely autonomous, getting rid of all kinds of wires. Controllers are being actively introduced, the volume of content is constantly increasing, and its quality is improving.

It's safe to say that modern companies are on the brink of a technological revolution. Modern developments will erase the boundaries and combine the real world with numerous artificial ones. Very soon, the processes familiar to us, business, study, entertainment, and other areas will go to VR and remain there. The main thing is not to skip this stage and always stay in trend.