Augmented reality (AR) technology has come a long way since its inception. From early experiments with heads-up displays to today’s fully immersive experiences, AR has transformed the way we interact with digital content.
Who Developed the First Fully Immersive Augmented Reality System?
In this article, we will explore the history of AR and the key figures who made it happen.
Early Days of Augmented Reality
The concept of augmented reality dates back to the early 20th century when researchers first began experimenting with ways to overlay digital information onto the real world. One of the earliest attempts at AR was by French engineer Ivan Sutherland, who created a system called Sketchpad in the 1960s.
This simple program allowed users to draw and manipulate shapes on a virtual canvas, which was then projected onto a physical surface using a projector.
In the 1970s, researchers at the University of Utah developed a heads-up display (HUD) system for military pilots. This device overlaid information such as altitude, speed, and heading onto the pilot’s view of the real world, allowing them to make more informed decisions during flight.
The Birth of Fully Immersive AR
It wasn’t until the 1990s that we saw the first truly immersive augmented reality system. This breakthrough came from a team of researchers at the University of Illinois, led by professor Thomas Merrill and graduate student Scott Ferguson.
In 1993, they presented their prototype AR system, which they called the “Cyberscope.”
The Cyberscope was a pair of head-mounted displays (HMDs) that tracked the user’s position in real time using sensors and cameras. This allowed the system to accurately overlay digital content onto the real world, creating an immersive experience for the user.
The team at Illinois went on to create several more AR prototypes over the next decade, including the “Magic Leap,” which was later commercialized by the same researchers as Magic Leap Technology. These early AR systems paved the way for the development of modern immersive AR experiences.
Innovations in Augmented Reality
Since the creation of the Cyberscope, there have been numerous innovations in the field of augmented reality. One of the most significant developments was the launch of Apple’s ARKit framework in 2017, which allowed developers to create immersive AR experiences for iOS devices.
This breakthrough made it possible for anyone with an iPhone or iPad to experience the power of AR, and spurred a wave of innovation in the field.
Another important development came from Google in 2018, when they launched their own AR platform called “Augmented Reality Lens.” This tool allowed users to try on virtual items, such as makeup or furniture, using their smartphone’s camera. While not fully immersive, this AR experience was a massive hit and demonstrated the potential of AR for e-commerce and marketing.
In recent years, we have also seen the emergence of new technologies such as haptic feedback and eye tracking, which are being used to enhance AR experiences. These technologies allow users to feel and interact with virtual objects in a more natural way, making AR experiences even more immersive and engaging.