Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the quality of light emitted from an HMD lightsource. A backlight-type lightsource is disclosed that utilizes a reflective end-wall 17 to reflect light within the lightguide. Light emitted from an illumination source and reflected from the end-wall 17 combine within the lightguide to produce light with high contrast and homogeneity. A microprism array, consisting of microprisms of uniform height and equidistant spacing, is positioned along the bottom surface of the lightguide. A portion of the combined light incident upon the microprism array is reflected in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lightguide top surface, which comprises an aperture. Light having increased brightness and homogeneity passes through the aperture. Light incident upon the top surface outside of the aperture is reflected within the lightguide so that it may subsequently be transmitted through the aperture.

Abstract: A head mounted display is disclosed that utilizes a single video display screen to transport images to both eyes. Multiple reflections are created by illuminating the display screen form a plurality of directions, or by illuminating the display screen with light beams of differing polarizations. The reflections of the display screen are focused in order to reduce the splitting volume and then redirected by a plurality of reflective surfaces located near the focal point of the display images. Different images may be sent to each eye of a user by interlacing multiple data streams for the display and linking each data stream with a specific illumination direction, or specific polarization.

Abstract: A head mounted display is disclosed that utilizes a single video display screen to transport images to both eyes. The image of this display screen is focused in order to reduce the splitting volume and then split by a plurality of reflective surfaces located near the focal point of the image.