Augmented reality (AR) technology has come a long way since its inception, and one of the most important components of AR systems is the head-mounted display (HMD). The HMD is worn on the head and provides a visual representation of the AR environment. However, not all HMDs are created equal, and the first HMD for AR was an important milestone in the development of this technology.
Invention of the first HMD for AR
The first HMD for AR was invented by Ivan Sutherland in 1968. Sutherland was a computer scientist and researcher at MIT, and he developed the first AR system called “Sword of Damocles” while working on his doctoral thesis. The system used a projector and a mirror to display graphics on the user’s head and created the illusion of a 3D environment.
Sutherland’s HMD was bulky and cumbersome, and it could only be worn by someone with a fixed position. However, his invention marked the beginning of AR technology and paved the way for more advanced HMDs in the future.
Other early HMDs for AR
After Sutherland’s invention, there were several other attempts to create HMDs for AR. One of the most notable was the “Head-Mounted Display” developed by Tom Furnessy in 1974. Furnessy was a computer scientist at the University of Illinois, and his HMD used a CRT display and a pair of goggles to project images onto the user’s head.
Another early HMD for AR was the “Video Helmet” developed by Steven Russell in 1980. Russell was a computer science professor at MIT, and his helmet used a projector and a mirror to display images on the user’s head.
Conclusion
The invention of the first HMD for AR by Ivan Sutherland in 1968 was an important milestone in the development of this technology. His system paved the way for more advanced HMDs in the future and marked the beginning of the use of wearable displays to enhance the user experience. Today, HMDs are a critical component of AR systems, and they continue to evolve and improve with new technologies and innovations.