History of Augmented Reality
Augmented reality can be traced back to the early days of computer graphics. The first known example of AR was created by Ivan Sutherland in 1968. He developed a program called Sketchpad, which allowed users to draw 3D shapes on a virtual canvas. In the 1970s, computer scientists such as Tom Caudell and Dennis Gabor also contributed to the development of AR. They proposed the concept of “reality augmentation,” which involves overlaying digital information onto the real world.
History of Virtual Reality
Virtual reality can be traced back to the 1960s, when researchers such as J.C.R. Licklider and Ivan Sutherland developed early prototypes of VR devices. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that VR technology became more practical and accessible. In 1992, Silicon Graphics (SGI) introduced the first commercial VR system, called the Cyberdeck. This system used a head-mounted display (HMD) to provide a fully immersive VR experience.
Key Figures in AR and VR Development
There are many key figures who have contributed to the development of AR and VR technology. Some of the most notable include:
- Ivan Sutherland: As mentioned earlier, Sutherland is credited with creating the first example of AR with his Sketchpad program in 1968. He later developed the first VR system, called the Sword of Damocles, in 1968.
- Tom Caudell and Dennis Gabor: These two computer scientists proposed the concept of “reality augmentation” in the 1970s, which laid the groundwork for AR technology.
- J.C.R. Licklider: Licklider is credited with coining the term “virtual reality” in 1963. He also developed early prototypes of VR devices in the 1960s.
- Silicon Graphics (SGI): SGI introduced the first commercial VR system, called the Cyberdeck, in 1992. This system used a head-mounted display (HMD) to provide a fully immersive VR experience.
- Mark Zuckerberg: As the founder of Facebook, Zuckerberg played a key role in the development of AR technology. In 2017, he announced that Facebook was working on an AR platform called Horizon.
Conclusion
AR and VR technology have come a long way since their inception. From early prototypes to modern commercial systems, these technologies have transformed various industries. While there are many key figures who have contributed to the development of AR and VR, Ivan Sutherland and J.C.R. Licklider are widely regarded as the pioneers of this technology. As AR and VR continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in the future.