From Science Fiction to Reality: Exploring the Fascinating Augmented Reality History
Augmented reality, or AR as it is popularly known, has garnered attention from all over the world in recent years for its ability to merge the virtual and real worlds. However, the history of AR is not a recent phenomenon. The concept of AR has its roots in the 1950s, where the first experiments in computer graphics were carried out.
The Early Days
The first mention of AR came in 1968 in a joint paper by computer scientist Ivan Sutherland and his student Bob Sproull. The paper talked about an HMD (head-mounted display) that allowed the user to view the virtual world overlaid on the real world. While the technology was novel, it was far from user-friendly. The HMD was heavy and expensive, and the user had to remain connected to the computer with wires.
In the early 1990s, AR began to gain traction as Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) designed an AR system for the US Air Force that allowed the pilot to view data without looking down at the instruments. The equipment was bulky, but it was the start of what would become the modern AR devices we know today.
The Rise of AR
In the early 2000s, AR started to gain more mainstream attention. In 2008, a Japanese company called Tonchidot launched a mobile app called Sekai Camera. It allowed users to view their location’s information through their camera lens. In 2009, German car manufacturer Volkswagen launched an AR app that allowed customers to browse the features of their cars without visiting the dealership.
The launch of ARKit by Apple in 2017 revolutionized the AR industry. Its powerful AR engine allowed developers to create a wide range of AR experiences for the public. The following year, Google launched ARCore, which allowed the addition of AR to Android devices.
Current State of AR
AR has come a long way since its inception over 50 years ago. It is now used in numerous industries, including healthcare, education, tourism, and entertainment. AR technology has been applied to training programs, medical procedures, and even in therapy sessions.
Some of the most significant advancements in AR technology include the use of smart glasses, which allow the user to see virtual images overlaid on the real world without the need for a headset. There is also the development of the HoloLens by Microsoft, which brings holographic images to life.
Conclusion
AR has progressed from science fiction to a reality that has revolutionized the world around us. From the early days of bulky headsets and wired connections to current use cases in entertainment, education, and healthcare, AR continues to evolve and grow in popularity. With advancements in technology, the opportunities for AR are growing exponentially, promising an exciting future filled with augmented possibilities.
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