Virtual Reality has aroused considerable interest and resulted in a lively discussion. Actually, this new technology has been around for a long history.
Understanding Virtual Reality
What is Virtual Reality? Virtual reality is a simulated experience that employs pose tracking and 3D near-eye displays to give the user an immersive experience of the virtual world.In the mid-1950s, Morton Height, an American photographer, invented the first VR device: Sensorama (patent filed in 1962). This device is considered the first VR device in history. It’s huge, with a fixed screen, 3D stereo sound, 3D display, vibrating seat, fan (to simulate wind blowing), and a scent generator. It can be seen that in the early days, people’s understanding of virtual reality was not limited to vision.
In 1968, Morton Height, the famous computer scientist Ivan Sutherland designed the first head mounted virtual reality device-Sutherland. When users turn their heads, the computer will calculate new graphics in real-time and display them. However, this device is too heavy to wear, It can only stay in the laboratory. Today’s virtual reality technology is reformed on this basis.
As time passes by, VR has been innovating, and various VR products have appeared on the market. In the 21st century, with the advancement of computer performance, graphics processing technology, and motion capture technology, it was not until 2012 that VR started enjoying the dividends of computer technology advancement. However, VR devices at this time, are using Fresnel lenses, which were large in size and not suitable for prolonged wear.
Now, VR devices are thinner and lighter than before. The secrete is changing optical solution. Most of the VR devices in the current market are using Aspheric lenses and Pancake optics. PANCAKEXR, a new brand, is using Pancake optics, and it is built around an ultra-short folded optical solution that makes the volume shrink 3/4, and weight cut by 1/2. With only 189 grams for host weight and the total weight is 436 grams. Besides, it allows to flip up at a 90 degree angle, users can return to real world without taking off device. Nearsighted people can use the device without wearing glasses, because the device supports IPD adjustment (0-500 each eye).
In the future, human beings will be able to travel freely in the virtual world.