Augmented vs Virtual Reality: Understanding Head Mounted Displays

The Evolution of Immersive Displays

The increasing prevalence of digital technology in modern life has inevitably led to a transformation of how we perceive and interact with visual information.

Head-mounted displays (HMDs), while conceptually not new, are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. This revival is fueled by advancements in computing power and the growing sophistication of visual content.

A Brief History of HMD Technology

These devices, once considered a niche technology, are now benefiting from significant improvements in both hardware and software capabilities.

The recent leap in graphical fidelity within video games is a primary driver behind this renewed interest.

Understanding the HMD Revolution

This article aims to provide a foundational understanding of the HMD landscape. We will demystify key terminology, trace the historical development of the technology, and explore potential future directions.

For those seeking an alternative to conventional reality, exploring the realm of virtual experiences may offer a compelling new perspective.

Key Terminology & Concepts

HMD: Stands for Head-Mounted Display, the core technology delivering immersive visual experiences.
Virtual Reality (VR): A completely computer-generated environment.
Augmented Reality (AR): Overlays digital information onto the real world.

The Potential of Virtual Worlds

The capabilities of HMDs extend beyond gaming, encompassing applications in training, simulation, and remote collaboration.

As the technology matures, we can anticipate even more innovative uses emerging across diverse industries.

A Different Perspective: A Concise History of Head-Mounted Displays

In the 1960s, Morton Heilig, a cinematographer, conceived an innovative idea. Rather than viewing films passively from a sofa, what if the experience could be worn and delivered directly to the user’s vision?

From the technology’s initial development to the present day, numerous major electronics companies have explored this field with various devices. While many of these companies are now defunct and their names largely forgotten, some notable examples include the Victormaxx Cybermaxx, Sony’s 3D TV viewer, and the widely remembered 1990s failure, the Nintendo Virtual Boy.

To be technically precise, there are actually three distinct categories of HMDs. The first is the conventional head-mounted display, which employs a standard LCD screen for displaying images, films, and 3D videos.

Google Cardboard serves as an excellent illustration of the simplicity achievable with these devices, utilizing a basic $25 cardboard frame to hold a compatible Android phone.

Augmented reality represents the second category, typically achieved by projecting images onto transparent goggles or glasses. This creates an effect where digital content appears to interact with the surrounding environment.

Finally, there is virtual reality. The primary difference between a standard head-mounted display and a complete “virtual reality” experience lies in the specifics of how each device functions for the user.

If you are seated and passively watching a film on a screen, you are utilizing a standard HMD. However, if you are standing, moving, and dodging as virtual projectiles fly by, that constitutes VR. The key distinction is the degree of engagement, differentiating between active and passive content consumption.

A crucial factor setting this current VR surge apart from prior attempts is the devices’ ability to accurately track the user’s position in the real world.

This data is then translated into corresponding movements or actions within the game or experience. What was once a static, controller-based system is now evolving into a fully immersive experience, where actions in one world influence events in the other.

Augmented Reality

Have you ever observed people dining outdoors and imagined a scenario where an alien invasion unfolds, requiring you to defend the city with a virtual weapon?

If this appeals to you, augmented reality might be the ideal solution.

Augmented reality, commonly known as AR, represents a method of digitally projecting images onto the real world, typically through a head-mounted display (HMD) such as goggles, glasses, or a specialized visor. Initially, much of the development in AR technology centered on military applications, aiming to provide helicopter pilots and naval officers with enhanced target acquisition and enemy tracking capabilities.

Currently, technology firms envision a broader range of applications for augmented reality. They anticipate that advancements in computing power and miniaturization will lead to AR device ownership levels comparable to smartphone adoption rates seen in 2015.

Key players in this field include Microsoft, Google, and Magic Leap, each introducing their respective technologies: the HoloLens, Glass, and a highly anticipated, yet currently unnamed, project with the potential to revolutionize the industry.

Google's Glass was once considered a potential gateway for the public to experience AR, but these expectations were curtailed when the company discontinued the program last year.

Consequently, Microsoft and, notably, Magic Leap have stepped forward. Both companies have made significant claims regarding their products, with Microsoft suggesting the HoloLens could "transform work practices," while Magic Leap is primarily focused on entertainment applications.

The potential impact of fully realized AR technology is substantial, driving significant investment from industry leaders. For consumers, the benefits are readily apparent: real-time directions overlaid onto your view, performance data displayed during exercise, and immersive gaming experiences in your own home.

However, the possibilities extend beyond consumer entertainment. Professionals in design and manufacturing could greatly benefit from AR. Consider the ability to create a prototype on a tablet and instantly visualize a virtual model in a physical space.

Regardless of its ultimate applications, it is becoming increasingly clear that augmented reality possesses the capacity to fundamentally alter our interactions with the world and with one another in the years ahead.

Virtual Reality

Imagine standing at the precipice of a towering cliff, a vast drop stretching thousands of feet below. The air carries a unique scent, a blend of jungle flora and ocean breeze. You leap forward, and suddenly, a magnificent set of wings unfolds, lifting you effortlessly into the sky and beyond.

This immersive experience represents the long-held ambition of virtual reality device creators, a vision rapidly approaching realization. Ivan Sutherland, widely recognized as the "father of VR," foresaw a future where the boundaries between humans and technology would become increasingly indistinct. He envisioned computer systems and display technologies capable of generating realities so convincing, they would be virtually indistinguishable from life itself for the average person.

Now, half a century later, the pursuit of genuine VR remains intensely focused. It represents a significant advancement beyond augmented reality, and currently, three companies are leading the competitive landscape.

First up is the Oculus Rift, a prominent contender in this millennium, originating from John Carmack of Doom fame. It’s likely the first VR headset many people have encountered. The device is currently undergoing further development, with the company’s public relations team assuring consumers a finalized version will be available “soon.”

Next, we have Razer’s OSVR, which stands for "Open Source Virtual Reality." The initial assessments of the development kit suggest the OSVR performs comparably to the Oculus DK2. However, for those familiar with the technology, this isn’t considered a particularly high endorsement.

Finally, there’s the HTC and Valve collaboration, the "Vive." Featuring higher resolution displays and a greater number of tracking markers than its competitors, the Vive offers a glimpse into the potential future of consumer VR products. Early reports from those who tested it at this year’s GDC suggest it could be a pivotal device for bringing VR into the mainstream, though it comes with a higher price point.

Whether your goal is to enhance your existing reality or completely escape into a new one, the integration of our senses with graphical interfaces is poised to fundamentally reshape our perception of the world in the coming years. The evolving fields of VR and AR are incredibly dynamic, with new methods of creating convincing illusions being patented daily.

These technologies promise an unprecedented level of immersion. While the era of the Virtual Boy and the film Total Recall may be fading, the age of true digital immersion is rapidly approaching.

Image Credit: Wikimedia, Wikimedia, BagoGames/Flickr, Maurizio Pesce/Flickr, TechStage/Flickr, Microsoft, Bill Grado/Flickr

Understanding the Differences

Oculus Rift: A well-known VR headset currently in development.
OSVR: An open-source VR system, performing similarly to older Oculus models.
HTC Vive: A high-resolution VR headset with advanced tracking capabilities.