TheSensorama was a machine that is one of the earliest known examples of immersive, multi-sensory (now known asmultimodal) technology. This technology, which was introduced in 1962 byMorton Heilig, is considered one of the earliestvirtual reality (VR) systems.[1]
Heilig, who today would be thought of as a "multimedia" specialist, in the 1950s saw theater as an activity that could encompass all the senses in an effective manner, thus drawing the viewer into the onscreen activity. He dubbed it "Experience Theater", and detailed his vision of multi-sensory theater in a 1955 paper, "The Cinema of the Future" (Robinett 1994). In 1962 he built a prototype of his vision, dubbed the Sensorama, along with five short films for it to display.
The Sensorama was amechanical device, which includes a stereoscopic color display, fans, odor emitters, stereo‐sound system, and a motional chair. It simulated a motorcycle ride through New York and created the experience by having the spectator sit in an imaginary motorcycle while experiencing the street through the screen, fan-generated wind, and the simulated noise and smell of the city.[1] These elements are triggered at the appropriate time, such as the release of exhaust chemicals when the rider approached a bus.[2] The petrol fumes and the smell of pizza snack bars were recreated by chemicals.[3] While the machine still functions today, audiences cannot interact with it and it cannot respond based on the user's actions.[4]
Howard Rheingold (in his 1991 bookVirtual Reality) spoke of his trial of the Sensorama using a short film piece that detailed a bicycle ride through Brooklyn, created in the 1950s, and still seemed quite impressed by what it could do more than 40 years later. The Sensorama was able to displaystereoscopic3-D images in a wide-angle view, provide body tilting, supplystereo sound, and also had tracks for wind andaromas to be triggered during the film. Heilig was unable to obtain financial backing for his visions andpatents, and so the Sensorama work was halted.
 | This technology-related article is astub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |
