The History of Augmented Reality: From Science Fiction to Reality
Augmented reality (AR) has become an increasingly popular technology over the years, making its way into everyday life. But where did the concept of AR originate and how did it come to be the widely used technology it is today?
Early Beginnings in Science Fiction
The concept of AR can be traced back to the 1960s where science fiction writers such as Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke explored the concept of augmented reality in their literary works. Asimov, in particular, envisioned a future where people would wear a device called a “sensory-impersonation rig,” which would alter their senses in real-time to give them a completely different experience of the world around them.
The Evolution of Augmented Reality in Academia
While the idea of AR was originally portrayed in science fiction, it wasn’t until the 1970s that researchers began experimenting with the technology in the academic world. In 1975, Myron Krueger created “Videoplace,” one of the first AR systems that enabled users to interact with computer-generated objects in real-time.
The Emergence of Commercial Augmented Reality
It wasn’t until the late 90s and early 2000s that AR began to gain more recognition on a commercial level. In 1999, Hirokazu Kato created ARToolKit, an open-source software library that allowed developers to create AR applications using a camera, computer, and a printed marker. This sparked interest in AR technology and paved the way for the development of many AR applications that followed.
Expanding the Capabilities of Augmented Reality
Today, the capabilities of AR have evolved to incorporate more than just visual overlays. AR can be used to enhance a wide range of experiences, from advertising to education, and even healthcare. For example, Ikea implemented AR in their app, allowing customers to virtually place furniture in their home before making a purchase. Additionally, AR technology is used in medical procedures, where it can overlay a patient’s anatomy onto their skin for surgeons to navigate more precisely.
Conclusion
Augmented reality is constantly evolving and has become a widely used technology in a variety of industries. From science fiction to reality, the history of AR provides an exciting glimpse into the future of what this technology could eventually become. As AR continues to progress, it is anticipated that it will unlock even more possibilities in enhancing daily life for people around the world.
