Abstract: A binocular head mounted display unit utilizing a single display and binocular optical system is shown for projecting an enlarged image of displayed information in the direct line of sight and central field of view of each of the user's eyes, while maintaining the user's peripheral vision free from obstruction to allow the user to selectively focus on the virtual image or not. The binocular optical system directs the user's eyes inward at an angle that is natural for a person viewing an object at a distance that is less than infinity. Further, the binocular optical system automatically compensates for variations in the interpupillary distances of various users, wherein those variations may be as great as one inch. This head mounted display unit is suitable for a variety of applications, including virtual reality applications, as well as a display for a compact portable computer.

Abstract: A monocular head mounted display system that is convertible between a right eye display system and a left eye display system includes a generally symmetrical frame. A flexible support arm moveably mounted on the frame, supports an image display module. The image display module includes a display and optical system to project an enlarged image at a distance from the user. With the frame in a first position with the image display module below the frame, the image is viewable by a user's right eye. The system is converted by moving the support arm so that the display module is above the frame in the first position and then the frame is flipped over to an inverted position with the display module again below the frame but the image viewable by the user's left eye.

Abstract: A head mounted display system includes an eye shade with a central opaque portion to block out light in the central field of view of the user's eyes and transparent or semi-transparent side portions on either side of the central portion so as to maintain the user's side peripheral vision substantially free from obstruction. A shield may be mounted on the lower peripheral edge of the eye shade so as to block light, water spray and particles from entering the interior of the head mounted display system.

Abstract: A binocular head mounted display system is shown utilizing an aspheric lens in each of the user's right-eye and left-eye optical paths. The aspheric lens is formed with a number of concentric zones for controlling the distance at which an image of displayed information is projected from the user and to minimize distortions across the virtual image. The distance between each lens and its respective display is independently variable. Further, the distance between the optical system as a whole and the user's eyes is variable.