Introduction to Virtual Reality History and Evolution

Comprehensive flashcards covering the definitions, distinct types of reality (VR/AR/MR/XR), historical milestones, key pioneers, technological failures of the 1990s, and modern applications.

Virtual Reality (VR)

A computer-generated $3D$ environment that people can explore and interact with through their senses, typically using a specialized device like a headset to replace the real world with a digital one.

Augmented Reality (AR)

A technology that overlays digital elements onto the real world using a phone, tablet, or glasses, where the real environment remains visible but is enhanced with digital objects.

Mixed Reality (MR)

A blend of $VR$ and $AR$ where virtual objects interact with and are anchored to the real world in real time, requiring advanced hardware like Microsoft HoloLens.

Extended Reality (XR)

An umbrella term that covers Virtual Reality ($VR$), Augmented Reality ($AR$), and Mixed Reality ($MR$), including any technology that merges digital and physical experiences.

Sensorama

A prototype of an immersive, multi-sensory mechanical multimodal theater built by Morton Heilig in $1962$ to display five short films.

Morton Heilig

The American cinematographer and inventor who wrote the paper "The Cinema of the Future" in $1955$ and created the Sensorama, one of the earliest efforts in virtual reality.

Jaron Lanier

An American computer scientist and founder of $VPL$ Research who popularized the term "$\text{virtual reality}$熟 and led the development of early hand-mounted displays and avatars.

VPL Research

The first company to sell $VR$ products, founded in the early $1980s$ by Jaron Lanier.

Virtuality Group ($1991$–$1995$)

A company that produced $VR$ arcade machines which often caused motion sickness due to low frame rates.

Nintendo Virtual Boy ($1995$)

A consumer $VR$ device that failed due to eye strain, limited graphics, and an uncomfortable design.

Stereoscopic Displays

Displays in $VR$ headsets that create a $3D$ effect by showing each eye a slightly different image.

Haptic Feedback

Tactile feedback provided by suits and gloves to enhance immersion by allowing users to feel touch in a virtual environment.

Social VR

Platforms like $VRChat$ that allow users to interact with others within virtual worlds.

Tracking Systems

Sensors that track head and hand movements to create a seamless experience within a virtual environment.

VR Health Issues

Common physical and psychological side effects including anxiety, dizziness, eye strain, and headaches.

Oculus Rift

A notable $VR$ headset released in the $2010s$ that contributed to the re-emergence of the technology.

Google Expeditions

An educational $VR$ application that allows students to explore historical sites or the human body in $3D$.

The EyePhone

An early head-mounted display developed by $VPL$ Research in the late $1980s$, predating modern smartphones.