Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that allows users to superimpose digital images and information onto the real world. It has been around for over 50 years, but it wasn’t until the past decade that AR has really taken off.
Introduction
Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that allows users to superimpose digital images and information onto the real world. It has been around for over 50 years, but it wasn’t until the past decade that AR has really taken off.
The Early Days of Augmented Reality
AR can be traced back to the early days of computing when scientists and engineers first started experimenting with ways to overlay digital images onto physical objects. One of the earliest examples of AR was a project called “Ivan Sutherland’s Sketchpad” which was developed in 1963.
Another early pioneer of AR was Jaron Lanier, who coined the term “augmented reality” in 1980. Lanier’s work focused on creating immersive experiences that blended the real world with computer-generated images. One of his most famous projects was called “The Asparagus,” which involved projecting a 3D image of an asparagus onto a physical surface, allowing users to interact with it in ways that were not possible in the real world.
The Invention of AR by Ivan Sutherland and Jaron Lanier
While there are many individuals who have contributed to the development of AR over the years, two people stand out as being instrumental in its invention: Ivan Sutherland and Jaron Lanier.
Ivan Sutherland’s Sketchpad was one of the first systems to use a light-sensitive camera to project digital images onto physical surfaces. However, it wasn’t until 1968 that Sutherland created his most famous AR system, called “Sword of Damocles.” This system involved wearing a headset with a projector and a camera, which allowed users to see digital images superimposed onto the real world. The system was so popular that it inspired other researchers to explore the potential of AR further.
Jaron Lanier’s work in the 1980s helped to popularize the term “augmented reality” and laid the groundwork for many of the technologies we see today. Lanier’s projects, such as The Asparagus, demonstrated the potential for AR to create immersive experiences that blended the real world with computer-generated images.
The Evolution of Augmented Reality
Since its inception, AR has continued to evolve and improve. In the 1990s, researchers developed new ways to track objects in the real world using cameras and sensors, which allowed for more accurate and reliable AR experiences.
In the early 2000s, AR began to be used in a variety of industries, including advertising, marketing, and entertainment. For example, Coca-Cola used AR to create interactive advertisements that could be viewed using a smartphone app.
However, it wasn’t until the launch of Apple’s ARKit platform in 2017 that AR really took off. ARKit allowed developers to easily create AR experiences for iOS devices, which sparked a wave of innovation and creativity in the AR community. Today, there are countless AR apps available for smartphones and tablets, from games and entertainment to education and training.
Conclusion
The invention of augmented reality can be traced back to the early days of computing when scientists and engineers first started experimenting with ways to overlay digital images onto physical objects.