Difference between revisions of "VPL Research"
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| − | '''VPL Research''' was a company that | + | [[File:VPL logo.png|150px|thumb]] |
| + | '''VPL Research''' was a company that made [[virtual reality]] products. It was one of the first virtual reality companies. It was founded by [[Jaron Lanier]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=VPL Research {{!}} C-SPAN.org|url=https://www.c-span.org/organization/?112710/VPL-Research|access-date=2021-01-22|website=www.c-span.org}}</ref> "VPL" stood for "Virtual Programming Languages".<ref>{{Citation |last=Burbules |first=Nicholas C. |title=Rethinking the Virtual |date=2006 |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-3803-7_1 |work=The International Handbook of Virtual Learning Environments |pages=37–58 |editor-last=Weiss |editor-first=Joel |access-date=2023-10-12 |place=Dordrecht |publisher=Springer Netherlands |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-1-4020-3803-7_1 |isbn=978-1-4020-3803-7 |editor2-last=Nolan |editor2-first=Jason |editor3-last=Hunsinger |editor3-first=Jeremy |editor4-last=Trifonas |editor4-first=Peter}}</ref> VPL developed some of the first commercial head-mounted displays, called [[EyePhone]]. It built upon the work of [[LEEP Systems]]. | ||
| − | + | VPL Research filed for bankruptcy. Eventually all of its patents were bought by [[Sun Microsystems]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Sun Snaps Up Original VR Patents|language=en-us|magazine=Wired|url=https://www.wired.com/1998/02/sun-snaps-up-original-vr-patents/|access-date=2021-01-22|issn=1059-1028}}</ref><ref name="z100">{{cite web | title=False Starts Aside, Virtual Reality Finds New Roles | website=archive.nytimes.com | url=http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/98/03/biztech/articles/23virtual.html | access-date=2024-09-11}}</ref><ref>https://web.archive.org/web/19981205015335/http://www.wired.com/news/news/technology/story/10296.html</ref> | |
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VPL's funding came in part from [[Marvin Minsky]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Virtual reality: spreadsheets for industry - tutorial |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222002357if_/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0REL/is_n10_v90/ai_9543499/pg_6 |website=BNET |publisher=CBS |access-date=11 March 2024}}</ref> | VPL's funding came in part from [[Marvin Minsky]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Virtual reality: spreadsheets for industry - tutorial |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222002357if_/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0REL/is_n10_v90/ai_9543499/pg_6 |website=BNET |publisher=CBS |access-date=11 March 2024}}</ref> | ||
| + | Most of VPL's customers were from outside the USA.<ref name=book>ISBN 978-1500893293 Pages 63 through 66</ref> | ||
| + | __NOTOC__ | ||
==Products== | ==Products== | ||
| − | [[ | + | |
| + | ===EyePhone=== | ||
| + | [[EyePhone]] is a series of head mounted displays (HMDs) that are meant to immerse users into a computer simulation. They can track head movements. The original headset used [[Fresnel lens|Fresnel lenses]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Delaney|first1=Ben|title=Sex, Drugs and Tessellation: The Truth About Virtual Reality, as Revealed in the Pages of CyberEdge Journal|date=2014 |isbn=978-1500893293|page=274|publisher=CyberEdge Information Services |url=http://www.bendelaney.com/services.writer.sd&t.html}}</ref> | ||
===DataGlove=== | ===DataGlove=== | ||
| − | The DataGlove originally started as an input system for computers. It was later used for virtual reality systems. [[Thomas G. Zimmerman|Thomas Zimmerman]] invented the prototype of the DataGlove and began looking for other people to help work on it. The | + | The DataGlove originally started as an input system for computers. It was later used for virtual reality systems. [[Thomas G. Zimmerman|Thomas Zimmerman]] invented the prototype of the DataGlove and began looking for other people to help work on it. The gadget used 6502 microcontrollers. Zimmerman met [[Mitch Altman]] and asked him to join VPL part-time because Altman knew how to program the microcontrollers.<ref>{{cite video |people=Altman, Mitch |publisher=Terndrup, Matthew |title=An Interview with Mitch Altman (Inventor and Virtual Reality Pioneer from the 80's) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TrRO_j_efg#t=2148}}</ref> |
| − | The system was wired to a computer. It was interactive and contained fiber-optic bundles to track movements and orientation. That data would then be transmitted to the computer so that the information could be duplicated virtually. It allowed for people to manipulate and re-orient virtual objects. Applications for this wearable | + | The system was wired to a computer. It was interactive and contained fiber-optic bundles to track movements and orientation. That data would then be transmitted to the computer so that the information could be duplicated virtually. It allowed for people to manipulate and re-orient virtual objects. Applications for this wearable gadget centered on input computer control, gaming, and also the potential for remote surgery. |
| − | === | + | ===Software=== |
| − | + | * [[Isaac]]<ref name="b960">{{cite web | title=The New RB2 Pro Virtual Reality System : VPL Research : Internet Archive | website=Internet Archive | date=2016-10-23 | url=https://archive.org/details/VPL_promo_material_RB2Pro | access-date=2024-09-11}}</ref> | |
| + | * [[Body Electric]]<ref name="b960"/> | ||
| + | * [[Swivel XVR]]<ref name="b960"/> | ||
===DataSuit=== | ===DataSuit=== | ||
| + | [[File:VPL DataSuit 1.jpg|right|thumb|A VPL Research DataSuit, a full-body outfit with sensors for measuring the movement of arms, legs, and trunk.]] | ||
The DataSuit is a full-body outfit with sensors for measuring the movement of arms, legs, and trunk. | The DataSuit is a full-body outfit with sensors for measuring the movement of arms, legs, and trunk. | ||
| Line 30: | Line 34: | ||
* Chuck Blanchard | * Chuck Blanchard | ||
* Steve Bryson | * Steve Bryson | ||
| − | * Young Harvill – In his spare time, Harvill created a program called Swivel 3D which was used for creating computer art. It gave the users the ability to generate virtual worlds on a Macintosh computer. He licensed that software to VPL. Shortly after, Harvill joined VPL as their fourth employee in the year | + | * Young Harvill – In his spare time, Harvill created a program called Swivel 3D which was used for creating computer art. It gave the users the ability to generate virtual worlds on a Macintosh computer. He licensed that software to VPL. Shortly after, Harvill joined VPL as their fourth employee in the year 1985. During his time there, he worked on a project called "Reality Built for Two (RB2)" which was the first VR system at that time. He also helped with the Data Glove as well.<ref>{{cite web|title=Techie Entrepreneurs – Young Harvill|url=http://www.evergreen.edu/magazine/2008spring/harvill|publisher=Evergreen Magazine|date=2015-06-17}}</ref> |
* Jeff Wright – Worked with Lanier and Blanchard on the Embrace visual programing language from 1988 to 1991. In his Dec. 1989 Computer Graphics World article "Altered States: a software developer's vision of the future of virtual reality" he asked, "What would it mean for people to be able to choose and create their own reality?" speculating that it would "... make people aware of the fact that they already do that, whether or not they realize it, in the natural construction of ordinary reality."<ref>{{Cite news|title=Altered States: a software developer's vision of the future of virtual reality|language=en-us|work=Computer Graphics World|url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A7942350/AONE?u=spl_main&sid=AONE&xid=0db4bab5|access-date= 2020-06-15|issn=0271-4159}}</ref> | * Jeff Wright – Worked with Lanier and Blanchard on the Embrace visual programing language from 1988 to 1991. In his Dec. 1989 Computer Graphics World article "Altered States: a software developer's vision of the future of virtual reality" he asked, "What would it mean for people to be able to choose and create their own reality?" speculating that it would "... make people aware of the fact that they already do that, whether or not they realize it, in the natural construction of ordinary reality."<ref>{{Cite news|title=Altered States: a software developer's vision of the future of virtual reality|language=en-us|work=Computer Graphics World|url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A7942350/AONE?u=spl_main&sid=AONE&xid=0db4bab5|access-date= 2020-06-15|issn=0271-4159}}</ref> | ||
* David Levitt | * David Levitt | ||
| Line 39: | Line 43: | ||
* Jean-Jacques Grimaud - Co-founder, President, VP of Engineering<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jean-jacques-grimaud/0/35/54/en |title=Jean-Jacques Linkedin Profile Page}}</ref> | * Jean-Jacques Grimaud - Co-founder, President, VP of Engineering<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jean-jacques-grimaud/0/35/54/en |title=Jean-Jacques Linkedin Profile Page}}</ref> | ||
;Associated people | ;Associated people | ||
| − | * [[Timothy Leary]] – | + | * [[Timothy Leary]] – Leary was interested in finding ways to explore consciousness which led him to working with individuals at VPL.<ref>{{cite video |people=Altman, Mitch |publisher=Terndrup, Matthew |title=An Interview with Mitch Altman (Inventor and Virtual Reality Pioneer from the 80's) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TrRO_j_efg#t=4611}}</ref> |
==In popular culture== | ==In popular culture== | ||
| − | *The Data Suit and EyePhone were featured in the 1992 science fiction film ''[[The Lawnmower Man (film)|The Lawnmower Man]]''. | + | * The Data Suit and EyePhone were featured in the 1992 science fiction film ''[[The Lawnmower Man (film)|The Lawnmower Man]]''. |
| − | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Category:Headset companies]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Companies]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Historic companies]] | ||
Latest revision as of 06:13, 17 February 2025
VPL Research was a company that made virtual reality products. It was one of the first virtual reality companies. It was founded by Jaron Lanier.[1] "VPL" stood for "Virtual Programming Languages".[2] VPL developed some of the first commercial head-mounted displays, called EyePhone. It built upon the work of LEEP Systems.
VPL Research filed for bankruptcy. Eventually all of its patents were bought by Sun Microsystems.[3][4][5]
VPL's funding came in part from Marvin Minsky.[6]
Most of VPL's customers were from outside the USA.[7]
Products[edit]
EyePhone[edit]
EyePhone is a series of head mounted displays (HMDs) that are meant to immerse users into a computer simulation. They can track head movements. The original headset used Fresnel lenses.[8]
DataGlove[edit]
The DataGlove originally started as an input system for computers. It was later used for virtual reality systems. Thomas Zimmerman invented the prototype of the DataGlove and began looking for other people to help work on it. The gadget used 6502 microcontrollers. Zimmerman met Mitch Altman and asked him to join VPL part-time because Altman knew how to program the microcontrollers.[9]
The system was wired to a computer. It was interactive and contained fiber-optic bundles to track movements and orientation. That data would then be transmitted to the computer so that the information could be duplicated virtually. It allowed for people to manipulate and re-orient virtual objects. Applications for this wearable gadget centered on input computer control, gaming, and also the potential for remote surgery.
Software[edit]
DataSuit[edit]
The DataSuit is a full-body outfit with sensors for measuring the movement of arms, legs, and trunk.
Team members[edit]
- R&D team
- Jaron Lanier
- Mitch Altman
- Thomas Zimmerman
- Chuck Blanchard
- Steve Bryson
- Young Harvill – In his spare time, Harvill created a program called Swivel 3D which was used for creating computer art. It gave the users the ability to generate virtual worlds on a Macintosh computer. He licensed that software to VPL. Shortly after, Harvill joined VPL as their fourth employee in the year 1985. During his time there, he worked on a project called "Reality Built for Two (RB2)" which was the first VR system at that time. He also helped with the Data Glove as well.[11]
- Jeff Wright – Worked with Lanier and Blanchard on the Embrace visual programing language from 1988 to 1991. In his Dec. 1989 Computer Graphics World article "Altered States: a software developer's vision of the future of virtual reality" he asked, "What would it mean for people to be able to choose and create their own reality?" speculating that it would "... make people aware of the fact that they already do that, whether or not they realize it, in the natural construction of ordinary reality."[12]
- David Levitt
- Marc deGroot
- Mark Oberman
- Management
- Jaron Lanier
- Jean-Jacques Grimaud - Co-founder, President, VP of Engineering[13]
- Associated people
- Timothy Leary – Leary was interested in finding ways to explore consciousness which led him to working with individuals at VPL.[14]
In popular culture[edit]
- The Data Suit and EyePhone were featured in the 1992 science fiction film The Lawnmower Man.
References[edit]
- ↑ "VPL Research | C-SPAN.org". https://www.c-span.org/organization/?112710/VPL-Research.
- ↑ Burbules, Nicholas C. (2006), Weiss, Joel; Nolan, Jason; Hunsinger, Jeremy et al., eds., "Rethinking the Virtual" (in en), The International Handbook of Virtual Learning Environments (Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands): pp. 37–58, doi:10.1007/978-1-4020-3803-7_1, ISBN 978-1-4020-3803-7, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-3803-7_1, retrieved 2023-10-12
- ↑ "Sun Snaps Up Original VR Patents" (in en-us). Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. https://www.wired.com/1998/02/sun-snaps-up-original-vr-patents/.
- ↑ "False Starts Aside, Virtual Reality Finds New Roles". http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/98/03/biztech/articles/23virtual.html.
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/19981205015335/http://www.wired.com/news/news/technology/story/10296.html
- ↑ "Virtual reality: spreadsheets for industry - tutorial". CBS. https://web.archive.org/web/20110222002357if_/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0REL/is_n10_v90/ai_9543499/pg_6.
- ↑ ISBN 978-1500893293 Pages 63 through 66
- ↑ Delaney, Ben (2014). Sex, Drugs and Tessellation: The Truth About Virtual Reality, as Revealed in the Pages of CyberEdge Journal. CyberEdge Information Services. p. 274. ISBN 978-1500893293. http://www.bendelaney.com/services.writer.sd&t.html.
- ↑ Altman, Mitch. An Interview with Mitch Altman (Inventor and Virtual Reality Pioneer from the 80's). Terndrup, Matthew. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TrRO_j_efg#t=2148.
- ↑ Jump up to: 10.0 10.1 10.2 "The New RB2 Pro Virtual Reality System : VPL Research : Internet Archive". 2016-10-23. https://archive.org/details/VPL_promo_material_RB2Pro.
- ↑ "Techie Entrepreneurs – Young Harvill". Evergreen Magazine. 2015-06-17. http://www.evergreen.edu/magazine/2008spring/harvill.
- ↑ "Altered States: a software developer's vision of the future of virtual reality" (in en-us). Computer Graphics World. ISSN 0271-4159. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A7942350/AONE?u=spl_main&sid=AONE&xid=0db4bab5.
- ↑ "Jean-Jacques Linkedin Profile Page". http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jean-jacques-grimaud/0/35/54/en.
- ↑ Altman, Mitch. An Interview with Mitch Altman (Inventor and Virtual Reality Pioneer from the 80's). Terndrup, Matthew. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TrRO_j_efg#t=4611.