Introduction:
Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) technology have revolutionized the way we interact with digital information. AR overlays digital elements onto the real world, while VR immerses users in a completely artificial environment. The development of AR/VR has been a collaborative effort by many individuals and companies over several decades. In this article, we will explore the history of AR/VR technology and the key figures who have contributed to its creation.
History of Augmented Reality:
The concept of augmented reality dates back to 1968 when Ivan Sutherland developed “Skywalk,” an early form of VR that used a head-mounted display (HMD) and stereo graphics to create an immersive experience. However, it was not until the 1990s that AR technology began to gain traction. In 1992, Louis Rosenberg and Paul Allen developed “Virtual Light,” which allowed users to view digital objects in the real world using a pair of glasses with reflective displays.
In 1995, Jaron Lanier coined the term “augmented reality” and founded the AR company VPL (Virtual Places Ltd.). In 2000, AR was used for the first time in a commercial application when British Airways used AR to display information about aircraft at London’s Heathrow Airport.
History of Virtual Reality:
The concept of virtual reality can be traced back to 1968 when Ivan Sutherland created “Skywalk.” However, it was not until the 1990s that VR technology began to gain traction. In 1992, Louis Rosenberg and Paul Allen developed “Virtual Light,” which allowed users to view digital objects in the real world using a pair of glasses with reflective displays.
In 1995, Jaron Lanier coined the term “virtual reality” and founded the VR company VPL (Virtual Places Ltd.). In 2000, VR was used for the first time in a commercial application when British Airways used it to provide virtual tours of its planes.
Key Figures in AR/VR Development:
1. Ivan Sutherland – Sutherland is often credited with developing the first form of AR/VR technology through his work on “Skywalk.” He went on to found several other companies focused on VR, including Silicon Graphics and Xerox PARC.
2. Jaron Lanier – Lanier coined the term “augmented reality” in 1995 and founded the AR company VPL (Virtual Places Ltd.). He later went on to work with Google and co-found the company Eyes.Today, he is a well-known author and commentator on technology and its impact on society.
3. Louis Rosenberg – Rosenberg developed “Virtual Light,” one of the earliest forms of AR/VR technology, in 1992. He later worked at NASA and founded several other companies focused on VR and AR, including Infinity Reality and Cinergy.
4. Paul Allen – Allen co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates and later developed “Virtual Light” with Louis Rosenberg. He also founded several other companies focused on technology, including Interactive Television Systems Corporation (ITSC) and 3D Robotics.
5. Martin Newell – Newell is credited with developing the first wearable VR device, the Oculus Rift, in 1986. He later co-founded Oculus VR, which was acquired by Facebook in 2014.
FAQs:
Q: Who invented augmented reality?
A: Jaron Lanier coined the term “augmented reality” in 1995 and founded the AR company VPL (Virtual Places Ltd.).
Q: Who invented virtual reality?
A: Ivan Sutherland is often credited with developing the first form of AR/VR technology through his work on “Skywalk.” Jaron Lanier coined the term “virtual reality” in 1995 and founded the VR company VPL (Virtual Places Ltd.).
Q: Who invented the Oculus Rift?
A: Martin Newell is credited with developing the first wearable VR device, the Oculus Rift, in 1986.
Conclusion:
The development of AR/VR technology has been a collaborative effort by many individuals and companies over several decades. From Sutherland’s “Skywalk” to Lanier’s VPL and Rosenberg’s “Virtual Light,” the key figures in AR/VR development have pushed the boundaries of what is possible with digital information and transformed the way we interact with the world around us.