Abstract: Virtual displays with micro-display engines are arranged in compact, lightweight configurations that generate clear virtual images for an observer. The displays are particularly suitable for portable devices, such as head-mounted displays adapted to non-immersive or immersive applications. The non-immersive applications feature reflective optics moved out of the direct line of sight of the observer and provide for differentially modifying the amount or form of ambient light admitted from the forward environment with respect to image light magnified within the display. Micro-display engines suitable for both non-immersive and immersive display applications and having LCD image sources displace polarization components of the LCD image sources along the optical paths of the engines for simplifying engine design. A compound imaging system for micro-display engines features the use of reflectors in sequence to expand upon the imaging possibilities of the new micro-display engines.

Abstract: An imaging device for operably disposing a virtual display in front of each eye of a user and an optional speaker attachable to the imaging device. The imaging device of the present invention includes a binocular frame for securing the imaging device to the user including two adjustable bows such that the virtual display of the imaging device is adjustable and pivotable to at least viewing positions with respect to the line of sight of the user.

Abstract: A headset for operably disposing a virtual display and optional speaker on the head of a user. The headset, including a cantilevered arm coupled to the headset with a pivot, including a hemispherical dome with at least three points of contact with the display support cantilever arm, and thus the headset, also including a stabilizer further stabilizing the virtual display with respect to the user.

Abstract: An imaging device for operably disposing a virtual display in front of each eye of a user and an optional speaker attachable to the imaging device. The imaging device of the present invention includes a binocular frame for securing the imaging device to the user including two adjustable bows such that the virtual display of the imaging device is adjustable and pivotable to at least two viewing positions with respect to the line of sight of the user.

Abstract: The present invention converts a wide-angle lens image into a two dimensional view with reduced distortion and warping. The present invention uses a graphics engine which accepts a shape, an image, and a viewing position. An effective lens shape, corresponding to the recording lens, an image as well as a image-related viewing position is supplied to the graphics engine. The graphic engine projects the image on the effective shape and displays a portion of the image from the viewing position. The recording lens is often a wide-angle lens. The graphics rendering engine maps the wide-angle lens image onto an effective lens shape and displays sections of the mapped image on the shape in a full screen view. Portions of or the entire image are viewable at any one time. Use of acceleration hardware permits frame per second rates of display of up to 60 and greater frames per second. Typical wide-angle recording lenses include “fisheye” lenses and torus shaped (doughnut) lenses.

Abstract: A controller for a graphical display. The controller is preferably integral to a computing device that is operable while being held in one hand. The user views the display through a magnifying lens while controlling the display and controllable elements on the display with the thumb, either by actuating a push plate or by moving the thumb over a window in the push plate.

Abstract: A display having a two-stage optical process is disclosed. This two-stage system enables a relatively compact and inexpensive display. A display screen projects an image that passes through a first lens or lens system. The collimated light is then diffused by one of several methods so as to increase the ultimate viewer's eyebox. The diffused image then undergoes a magnification process involving total internal reflection within a second lens. The light exiting the second lens is magnified to the level desired at a low cost and a small size.

Abstract: The present invention converts a wide-angle lens image into a two dimensional view with reduced distortion and warping. The present invention uses a graphics engine which accepts a shape, an image, and a viewing position. An effective lens shape, corresponding to the recording lens, an image as well as a image-related viewing position is supplied to the graphics engine. The graphic engine projects the image on the effective shape and displays a portion of the image from the viewing position. The recording lens is often a wide-angle lens. The graphics rendering engine maps the wide-angle lens image onto an effective lens shape and displays sections of the mapped image on the shape in a full screen view. Portions of or the entire image are viewable at any one time. Use of acceleration hardware permits frame per second rates of display of up to 60 and greater frames per second. Typical wide-angle recording lenses include “fisheye” lenses and torus shaped (doughnut) lenses.

Abstract: A portable computing device with a microcomputer, a first display, a magnifying optical element through which the first display is viewed to provide a user with an enlarged virtual display, a first input device to communicate with the first display, a second direct display, and a second input device that can be a keyboard such that the second display can interact with the keyboard to display alphanumeric and other symbols so the user can see what is being typed. The second display is directly viewed and is configured to display the same data being entered in the selected field of the first display. Typically, the first display is a liquid crystal color display, capable of displaying a full range of text and graphic images such as can displayed on a conventional computer monitor. A virtual image of the first display is viewed by holding the lens close to an eye. To a user, the virtual image appears as large a real display provided on a conventional desktop or laptop.

Abstract: A head-mounted display having a two-stage optical process is disclosed. This two-stage system enables a relatively compact and inexpensive head mounted display. The head-mounted display has two sections extending rearward around the sides of the head. Within each section, a display screen projects an image that passes through a first lens. It then undergoes a magnification process involving total internal reflection within a second lens. The light exiting the second lens is magnified to the level desired at a low cost and a small size.