Description: Augmented reality techniques are methods used to enhance the real world with digital overlays in a virtual environment. These techniques allow the integration of virtual elements, such as images, sounds, and data, into the user’s perception of the physical environment, creating an interactive and enriching experience. AR is based on the combination of technologies such as computer vision, motion tracking, and image projection, enabling users to interact with digital objects in real time. Through devices like smartphones, tablets, and smart glasses, augmented reality transforms the way we perceive and relate to our surroundings, offering a new dimension of information and entertainment. Its relevance lies in its ability to merge the digital with the physical, facilitating the visualization of complex data and enhancing interaction in various fields, from education to marketing and design. AR techniques are constantly evolving, driven by advancements in hardware and software, promising a future where the interaction between the real and virtual worlds becomes increasingly seamless and natural.
History: Augmented reality has its roots in the 1960s when Ivan Sutherland developed the first known augmented reality system called ‘The Sword of Damocles.’ However, the term ‘augmented reality’ was coined by Tom Caudell in 1990 while working at Boeing. Over the years, the technology has evolved significantly, with important milestones such as the introduction of mobile devices with AR capabilities in the 2000s and the release of popular applications like Pokémon GO in 2016, which popularized AR among the general public.
Uses: Augmented reality techniques are used in various fields, including education, where they allow students to interact with educational content in a more immersive way. In the entertainment sector, they are used in video games and mobile applications to create interactive experiences. In marketing, brands employ AR to offer unique and personalized shopping experiences. It is also used in medicine for the visualization of anatomical data and in industry for training and machinery maintenance.
Examples: A notable example of augmented reality is the Pokémon GO app, which allows players to capture virtual creatures in the real world using their mobile phones. Another example is IKEA Place, an app that allows users to visualize furniture in their homes before purchasing. In the educational field, applications like Google Expeditions enable students to explore historical places and scientific concepts through AR experiences.
