Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that enhances or “augments” the user’s view of the real world by overlaying digital information on top of it. AR has been around for many years, but its development and applications have evolved significantly in recent times. In this article, we will explore the history of AR and how it has evolved over time.
Early Development of AR
The concept of augmented reality dates back to the early 20th century when researchers began experimenting with ways to enhance the user’s view of the real world. One of the earliest examples of AR was the “Sword of Damocles,” which was developed in the 1960s by Ivan Sutherland. The Sword of Damocles was a head-mounted display that projected a virtual sword onto the user’s field of vision. This technology laid the groundwork for future developments in AR.
Milestones in AR History
In the 1970s and 1980s, researchers began to develop more sophisticated AR systems. One notable example was the “Artificial Lightman” project, which was developed by the University of Utah in the late 1980s. The Artificial Lightman was a head-mounted display that projected virtual objects onto the user’s field of vision. This technology was later used to develop the first AR-enabled video game, “Dungeons & Dragons: Treasure of the Azure Dragon.”
In the 1990s, researchers began to focus on developing more practical applications for AR. One notable example was the development of the “Virtual Try-On” system by Intel in the late 1990s. The Virtual Try-On system allowed users to try on virtual clothes and accessories in a virtual dressing room. This technology paved the way for future developments in AR, particularly in the field of e-commerce.
The Rise of Mobile AR
In the early 2010s, the rise of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets led to a surge in interest in mobile augmented reality. In 2011, Apple introduced the “ARKit” framework, which allowed developers to create AR experiences for iOS devices. This technology has since been used to develop a wide range of AR applications, including games, educational tools, and shopping experiences.
Summary
In conclusion, augmented reality has come a long way since its early days as a research project. From the “Sword of Damocles” to today’s advanced mobile AR technologies, AR has evolved significantly over time. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more exciting and innovative applications for AR in the future.