Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information onto the real world, creating an enhanced version of reality.
The idea of overlaying digital information onto the real world dates back to the 1960s when researchers developed early versions of computer-generated images. One notable example is the work of Ivan Sutherland, who created a computer graphics program called Sketchpad in 1963. This allowed users to create and manipulate simple shapes on a screen, and the shapes could be “projected” onto a physical surface using a projector.
Another early example of AR is the use of holographic displays. Holography is a technique that allows objects to be reproduced in three dimensions by recording and reconstructing light waves. The first commercial hologram was created in 1947 by Dennis Gabor, and it depicted a Douglas Aircraft Company DC-3 aircraft. In the 1960s, holographic displays were used in science museums and exhibits to showcase objects in 3D.
The development of AR technology
In the late 20th century, researchers began to explore new ways of combining computer-generated images with the real world. One notable example is the work of Tom Ivester at Georgia Tech, who developed an early version of AR in the 1980s. He used a head-mounted display (HMD) to project computer-generated images onto the real world.
In the early 21st century, advances in mobile technology and the widespread adoption of smartphones paved the way for the development of AR applications. In 2011, the first widely used AR application was launched: Layar, an app that allowed users to see information about nearby points of interest overlaid onto the real world using their smartphone’s camera.
The rise of augmented reality
Since its launch in 2011, augmented reality has become increasingly popular, with a wide range of applications across various industries, including gaming, education, and marketing. The technology has also been used for more practical purposes, such as in the field of medicine to assist in surgeries and in construction to provide real-time information about building sites.
Summary
In conclusion, augmented reality first emerged in the 1960s with early attempts at computer-generated images and holographic displays. However, it was not until 2011 that the first widely used AR application, Layar, was launched. Since then, the technology has become increasingly popular and is now used in a wide range of applications across various industries.
