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Virtual Environment (VE) research at the NASA Ames Research Center during
the mid to late 1980s produced the first Virtual Reality-HMDs. Commercialization
of the technology in the early 1990s was one of the converging trends
that brought VR to the general public. Head Mounted Displays are ideal
for Virtual Reality simulations or presentations. They can block out the
surrounding world, allowing for complete immersion into the virtual setting.
Military researchers have long worked with HMDs as wearable Virtual Reality
Helmets, Video Goggles or Heads-Up Displays (HUDs), for augmented reality
or night vision systems and they have developed a significant body of
knowledge on HMD design.
Pictured below, the US Navy uses an i-glassses HMD in their VR Parachute
Trainer at the Naval Air Base in Pensacola. Used to train pilots,
copilots and navigators, the simulator allows them to hang from a harness
just a few inches from the ground while experiencing the feel of a 4,000-foot
jump. Unlike bulky Virtual Reality Helmets or VR Headsets, the i-glasses,
weighing in at only seven ounces, are lightweight, comfortable and fully
adjustable. Because of their sleek design, they can be used in conjunction
with ordinary prescription eyeglasses. In addition to Military applications,
Virtual Reality training simulations are used by forestry firefighter
(smokejumper) parachutists for training and proficiency maintenance, and
have resulted in dramatically minimized injuries from downwind landings
and obstacle collisions.
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 In
conjunction with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), i-glasses portable
head-worn video monitors have supported U.S. Armed Forces around the world
under the most challenging conditions where applications included gathering
reconnaissance data and monitoring borders. Today, applications closer
to home include monitoring pipelines and utility assets, penetrating and
analyzing volcanic plumes, monitoring forest fires, protecting citizens
or finding those who are lost or in distress. The portablity of both the
i-glasses and the UAS devices allow precise situational awareness day
or night, turning imagery into intelligence.
 Military
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units, first responders and law enforcement
agencies worldwide are using the i-glasses portable video monitor glasses
with Unmanned Vehicle Systems (UVS) to help assure safety during
the most dangerous missions. The light weight and portability of i-glasses
make them perfect for use with mobile robot systems during hazardous-duty
operations such as bomb disposal or removing chemical and bio hazardous
materials.
Pictured right, a small video camera attached to a telescopic arm is
used with an HMD to perform surveillance through a second story window.
Other Remote Camera Systems can be pushed under doors, through
ventilation ducts, or through small gaps in walls or masonry. When used
in conjunction with Snake Camera systems, i-glasses HMDs are ideal for
inspecting pipes, small spaces or other areas with limited access. Because
it's both a portable and wearable video monitor, the i-glasses Head Mounted
Display allows the user to view video images in real-time and eliminates
the need to carry around a heavy video monitor.
 Pictured
left, a dive specialist using the head-worn i-glasses video monitor together
with a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to monitor underwater video.
ROVs are highly maneuverable, linked by tether lines and operated by a
person aboard a surface vessel. Equipped with a video camera and lights,
they can be used to inspect subsea structures, pipelines and platforms.
More recently, government agencies such as the US Coast Guard are using
Underwater Robots to secure ports and waterways. Other applications include
Search and Recovery, Accident and Underwater Crime Scene Investigation
(CSI), Water Tank Inspections, Advanced Aquaculture Operations, Wreck
Surveys, Science Research, Diver Monitoring, Film Production and Recreation.
Some larger ROVs employ sonars, magnetometers, still cameras, manipulators
or cutting arms, water samplers, and instruments that measure water clarity,
light penetration and temperature. Their tasks include undersea construction
as well as the repair and maintenance of ship hulls and pipelines.
More recently, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
has funded an HMD project to develop a display that can be coupled with
a Portable Information System. The idea here is that an augmented-reality
system could provide troops with vital information about their surroundings,
such as showing where entrances are on the opposite end of a building,
somewhat like X-Ray vision. Augmented reality displays could also highlight
troop movements and give soldiers the ability to move to where the enemy
can't see them.
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3D DLP Advanced Pack
Pictured
left, aboard NASA's DC-8 Airborne Research Laboratory during
the twin Leonid meteor storms. A NASA Research Assistant is shown
using an i-glasses HMD. During the Leonid Meteor Shower study,
the virtual reality headset was used by the flux counting team
to monitor their cameras which were aimed out of optical glass
windows. To study the meteor shower from above the clouds, the
Leonid Multi-Instrument Aircraft Campaign involved two aircraft
and 50 researchers from seven countries.