headmounted

Head-mounted describes devices worn on the head that deliver visual data to the user or capture input. The most common examples are head-mounted displays and head-mounted cameras. These devices may provide immersive virtual reality, augmented reality, or mixed reality experiences, and are used in gaming, training, industry, and research.

A typical head-mounted device integrates a display or pair of microdisplays, optical elements, sensors, and processing hardware. Designs range from see-through augmented reality glasses to fully occluded virtual reality headsets. Important considerations include weight and balance, field of view, resolution, latency, power, and thermal management. Tracking can be external, using base stations, or inside-out, using mounted cameras and inertial sensors.

History and applications: The concept emerged in the 1960s, with early milestones such as Ivan Sutherland’s foundational head-mounted display. In recent decades, head-mounted devices have evolved into consumer VR headsets and enterprise AR glasses. Applications span entertainment, simulation training, design visualization, remote assistance, and medical imaging.

Variants and considerations: Distinctions exist between see-through versus occluded designs, and between optical see-through and video see-through AR. Some devices are standalone, while others are tethered to external computers. Safety, comfort, privacy, and data security are important considerations in design and deployment, along with compatibility with peripherals and workflows.