Personal visual display system

• US 5,903,395 A
• Filed: 04/21/1995
• Issued: 05/11/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: i-O Display Systems LLC (Ilixco, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: i-O Display Systems LLC (Ilixco, Inc.)
• Inventors: Amadon, C. Gregory, Nikora, Leo, Rallison, Richard Dennis, Mack, Wolfgang Adam Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Epps, Georgia
• Assistant Examiner(s): MACK, RICKY LEVERN
• Application Number:
  US08/416,919
• Time in Patent Office: 1,481 Days
• Field of Search: 359/630, 359/633, 359/631, 359/632, 345/8
• US Class Current: 359/630
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/011 comprising device for correcting geometrical aberrations, distortion
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0132 comprising binocular systems
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0178 Eyeglass type eyeglass details G02C
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0187 slaved to motion of at least a part of the body of the user, e.g. head, eye
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0198 System for aligning or maintaining alignment of an image in a predetermined direction
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0172 characterised by optical features
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0176 characterised by mechanical features

Abstract

A visual display device is provided for delivering a generated image, preferably combinable with environment light, to the eye of a user. The device is lightweight and compact but yields a high quality image. In one embodiment, a color shutter provides a high-density color image. In one embodiment, a shroud protects from stray light and holds optical elements in desired alignment. In one embodiment an image generator is masked by at least two masks to provide for a high quality image without waste. In one embodiment, a removably mounted shield or activatable device can convert the apparatus from a see-through device to an immersion device and back again. In one embodiment, the device can be comfortably mounted to the user'"'"'s head while still allowing for use of conventional eyeglasses. In one embodiment various controls, such as a mute button, volume control and the like can be provided, such as by mounting on the head-mounted display device.

Claims

1. A head-mounted visual display apparatus for a user, comprising:

an image generator, which outputs image light;

optical elements configured to receive said image light from said image generator and provide said image to the eye position of the user;

a holder configured to mount the image generator and optical elements to the user'"'"'s head including temples with upper edges defining a first common plane and a brace configured to contact the user'"'"'s forehead at a contact location above said first plane.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a strap for holding said brace against the user'"'"'s forehead.

3. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 2, further comprising means for adjusting the effective length of said strap.

4. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 2, wherein said strap is coupled to said holder using a loop.

5. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said brace includes at least a portion being pivotable with respect to said holder.

6. A head-mounted visual display apparatus for a user, comprising:

an image generator which outputs image light;

optical elements configured to receive image light from said image generator and provide such image to the eye position of the user;

temples with upper edges defining a first common plane;

a holder configured to mount the image generator, optical elements and temples to the user'"'"'s head; and

brace means configured to contact the user'"'"'s forehead at a location above said first plane.