Augmented Reality (AR): A Brief History
The concept of augmented reality dates back to the early 20th century when scientists like Ivan Sutherland started experimenting with virtual reality (VR) and computer graphics. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that AR became a more practical technology.
In 1963, J.C.R. Licklider, an American psychologist and computer scientist, coined the term “augmented reality” to describe a system where a person could view three-dimensional graphics overlaid on top of the real world.
One of the earliest examples of AR was the “Ivan Sutherland Sketchpad,” which was created in 1963. The Sketchpad allowed users to draw and manipulate 3D objects on a computer screen, and then view those objects in 3D through a head-mounted display (HMD).
In the 1970s, AR started being used for more practical purposes. For example, the United States military began experimenting with AR technology for training soldiers. In 1975, the U.S. Air Force developed the “Head-Mounted Display Flight Simulator,” which allowed pilots to view digital information overlaid onto their real-world environment while flying a simulated aircraft.
The 1980s and 1990s saw the development of more consumer-facing AR applications. For example, in 1989, Nintendo released the “Game Boy Camera,” which allowed users to take photos and then view them through an HMD. In 1992, the first AR-enabled smartphone, the “Sharp J-SH04,” was released in Japan.
Augmented Reality in the 21st Century
In the early 21st century, augmented reality really took off. One of the key factors driving this growth was the widespread adoption of smartphones and other mobile devices.
One of the most well-known examples of AR in the 21st century is the “Pokémon Go” game, which was released in 2016. The game used GPS technology to allow users to hunt for virtual creatures in their real-world environment.
Another example of AR in action is the “IKEA Place” app, which was released in 2017. The app allowed users to view 3D models of IKEA furniture in their real-world environment before making a purchase. This helped customers get a better sense of how the furniture would look in their home and made it easier for them to make informed buying decisions.
The Future of Augmented Reality
The future of augmented reality looks bright. The technology is continuing to evolve and become more advanced, and there are many exciting applications that are just starting to emerge.
One of the most promising areas for AR is in healthcare. For example, doctors are already using AR to help them perform surgery more accurately and efficiently. In the future, we can expect to see even more advanced surgical procedures being performed with the help of AR technology.
Another area where AR is expected to have a big impact is in education. AR can be used to create immersive learning experiences that make it easier for students to understand complex concepts. For example, an AR app could be used to teach biology by overlaying digital information onto a 3D model of an animal’s skeleton.
AR is also expected to have a big impact on the way we work. For example, architects and engineers are already using AR to design and build buildings in 3D. In the future, we can expect to see even more advanced AR tools that make it easier for professionals to collaborate and work together more effectively.
FAQs
Q: What is augmented reality?
Augmented reality is a technology that overlays digital information onto the real world. It allows users to view 3D models and other digital content in their real-world environment.
Q: When did augmented reality come out?
The concept of augmented reality dates back to the early 20th century, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that AR became a more practical technology. In 1963, J.C.R. Licklider, an American psychologist and computer scientist, coined the term “augmented reality” to describe a system where a person could view three-dimensional graphics overlaid on top of the real world.
Q: What are some examples of AR applications?
Some examples of AR applications include the “Ivan Sutherland Sketchpad,” which was created in 1963, and the “Pokémon Go” game, which was released in 2016. Other examples include the “Head-Mounted Display Flight Simulator