frame

The frame design for head-mounted displays addresses the challenge of supporting optical components by using symmetrical casings and adjustable mounts, ensuring optimal alignment and comfort, thus enhancing visual performance and user experience.

JP2026516910APending Publication Date: 2026-05-26BAE SYSTEMS PLC

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
BAE SYSTEMS PLC
Filing Date
2024-05-22
Publication Date
2026-05-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing head-mounted displays lack an optimal frame design that effectively supports optical components while ensuring comfort and alignment with the user's facial structure, leading to potential obstructions and suboptimal optical performance.

Method used

A frame design featuring symmetrical casings for each eye, with back and front mounts for reflectors and combiners, a bridge member, and adjustable alignment to align with the user's forward viewing axis, incorporating a bridge member and adjustable mounts for precise optical component positioning.

Benefits of technology

The frame provides enhanced optical alignment and comfort by minimizing obstructions, allowing for precise alignment of optical components and improved visual performance, while being adaptable to different user head shapes.

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Abstract

Frame for supporting a head-mounted display on a user, comprising: a first portion positioned for a first user's eye, comprising: a first casing for optical components, the first casing comprising: a first casing reflector mount for a first casing reflector; a first back mount for a back reflector, the back mount defining a plane for the back reflector and a corresponding back reflector axis perpendicular to the plane; a first front mount for a combiner, the front mount defining a plane for the combiner and a corresponding combiner axis perpendicular to the plane; the back mount positioned to position the back reflector in close proximity to the user's first eyebrow; the casing comprising: a second portion positioned for the other eye, comprising: a second casing for a second optical component, the second casing comprising: a second casing reflector mount for a second casing reflector; and A second back mount for the back reflector, the back mount defining a plane for the back reflector and a corresponding back reflector perpendicular to the plane; a second front mount for the second combiner for the other eye, the front mount defining a plane for the combiner and a corresponding combiner axis perpendicular to the plane; the second back mount is positioned to position the second back reflector close to the user's other eyebrow, and as a result the second casing extends from the inner end close to the other eyebrow. A frame is disclosed comprising: a second portion having an outer end adjacent to the other temple of the ser; a bridge member having an extension between the first casing and the second casing, thereby defining a frame transverse axis, and being positioned to be mounted substantially parallel to the user's cross-section; the frame transverse axis having an X-axis perpendicular thereto for alignment with the user's forward-looking axis when mounted, and each of the back mounts and each of the front mounts extending downward from the bridge member.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a frame for supporting a head-mounted display on a user. Further, the present invention relates to a head-mounted display having such a frame.

Background Art

[0002] A head-mounted display typically comprises an optical train or optical architecture having a number of optical components. These components are distributed around the user to maintain their associated optical functions. Such optical components are supported in a frame. The characteristics of frames for head-mounted displays vary significantly.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a frame for supporting a head-mounted display on a user, a first portion arranged for a first user's eye, a first casing for an optical component, the first casing comprising a first casing reflector mount for a first casing reflector, a first back mount for a back reflector, the back mount defining a plane for the back reflector and a corresponding back reflector axis perpendicular to the plane, a first front mount for a combiner, the front mount defining a plane for the combiner and a corresponding combiner axis perpendicular to the plane, the back mount being arranged to position the back reflector in proximity to a first eyebrow of the user, such that the casing is arranged to extend from an inner end proximate to the eyebrow to an outer end proximate to the user's temple, comprising the first portion, a second portion arranged for the other eye, A second casing for a second optical component, the second casing comprising a second casing reflector, A second back mount for a second back reflector, the back mount defining a plane for the back reflector and a corresponding back reflector axis perpendicular to the plane, A second front mount for a second combiner for the other eye, the front mount defining a plane for the combiner and a corresponding combiner axis perpendicular to the plane, The second back mount is positioned to position the second back reflector close to the user's other eyebrow, and as a result, the second casing is positioned to extend from the inner end close to the other eyebrow to the outer end close to the user's other temple. A second part comprising, A bridge member extends between the first casing and the second casing, thereby defining a transverse axis of the frame and positioned to be mounted substantially parallel to the user's cross-section, and the transverse axis of the frame defines an X-axis perpendicular thereto, for aligning with the user's forward viewing axis when mounted. Each back mount and each front mount extends downward from the bridge member. A frame equipped with this feature is provided.

[0004] At least one casing may have an elongated shape, thereby defining a casing axis substantially coplanar with the frame's transverse axis, and thereby defining the XY plane, and the casing axis may be positioned to be inclined at 45–60 degrees with respect to the x-axis, thereby substantially following the contour of the user's forehead. At least one casing may be positioned to be inclined at only 50–55 degrees.

[0005] The bridge member may include a back beam having first and second back mounts, a front beam extending between the first and second casings and separated from the back beam and having first and second front mounts, and the front beam extending between the first and second casings. Furthermore, a bridge support may extend between the back beam and the front beam.

[0006] An attachment point on the top surface may be provided for a fastener to be attached to a helmet mount.

[0007] The frame may comprise an end casing having an image mount for an image source, and a relay optics section that defines a relay optics axis and is positioned facing the end casing, and a casing reflector mount for a casing reflector may be positioned facing the relay optics section and configured to pass light from the relay optics to an associated back reflector.

[0008] Optionally, the relay optical axis is substantially aligned with the casing axis; the image mount defines the image plane and a corresponding image axis perpendicular thereto, with the image axis inclined with respect to the casing axis; the casing reflector mount defines the casing reflector plane and a corresponding casing reflector axis for the casing reflector, with the casing reflector axis inclined with respect to the relay optical axis in the xy and zx planes; the back reflector mount defines the back reflector plane and a back reflector axis, with the back reflector axis inclined with respect to the relay optical axis in the xy and zx planes; and the front mount for the combiner defines the combiner plane and a corresponding combiner axis perpendicular to the plane, with the combiner axis inclined with respect to the relay optical axis in the xy and zx planes.

[0009] Therefore, the image axis may be tilted with respect to the casing axis in the xy-plane and / or zy-plane. For example, the image axis may be tilted with respect to the casing axis in the xy-plane and / or zy-plane by a range of 5 to 15 degrees.

[0010] The casing reflector axis may be tilted in the range of 20 to 30 degrees in the xy plane and in the range of 10 to 20 degrees in the zx plane relative to the relay optical axis; the back reflector axis may be tilted in the range of 40 to 50 degrees in the xy plane and in the range of 130 to 150 degrees in the zx plane relative to the relay optical axis; and the combiner axis may be tilted in the range of 40 to 50 degrees in the xy plane and in the range of 130 to 150 degrees in the zx plane relative to the relay optical axis.

[0011] The end casing may have an open casing configuration and may be coupled to the relay optical unit at the docking portion over a range of positions, thereby allowing it to be fixed within the range of alignment between the image mount and the relay optical axis.

[0012] The first back mount and the first combiner mount can be tilted relative to the second back mount and the second combiner mount by an angle in the xy-plane range of 2 to 6 degrees.

[0013] The first and second sections may be configured to be substantially symmetrical with respect to the user's midline when fitted.

[0014] Each of the first and second casings for the optical components may include an intermediate housing for accommodating a pair of optical relay lenses.

[0015] The frame may, in one or each part, comprise a casing reflector, a back reflector, and a combiner, each coupled to its respective mount. The frame may, in one or each part, comprise an image source for generating light that carries an image. Such an image source may be mounted in the casing and configured to direct light towards the relay optics and the casing reflector.

[0016] A second aspect of the present invention provides a head-mounted display comprising the frame described in the preceding claims, first and second back reflectors coupled to their respective back reflector mounts, first and second optical assemblies mounted on their respective casings, and first and second combiners coupled to their respective front mounts.

[0017] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a head-mounted display, comprising a frame for supporting the head-mounted display on a user, comprising a first portion positioned for the first user's eye, a first casing for optical components, the casing defining a casing axis, a first back mount for a back reflector, the back mount defining a plane for the back reflector and a corresponding back reflector axis perpendicular to the plane, a first front mount for a combiner, the front mount defining a plane for the combiner and a corresponding combiner axis perpendicular to the plane, and the back mount positioned to position the back reflector in close proximity to the user's first eyebrow, thereby positioning the casing to extend from an inner end close to the eyebrow to an outer end close to the user's temple. A head-mounted display is provided, comprising: a frame, comprising a first part having a frame, and an optical train for transmitting light carrying an image to a user, the optical train comprising: an image source mounted in a first casing for generating light carrying an image; the image source comprising: a relay optical system that defines an image axis and is mounted in the first casing and facing the image source; the relay optical system comprising: a casing reflector that defines a relay optical axis and is positioned facing the relay optical system; a back reflector mounted on a first back mount; a combiner mounted on a first front mount, the casing reflector configured to transmit light from the relay optical system to the back reflector; and the combiner configured to transmit light from the back reflector to the user.

[0018] Herein, embodiments of the present invention will be described only by reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1a] Figure 1a shows a diagram of a head-mounted display device, with cross-sections XX and YY defined through the right eye casing and left eye casing of the display device, respectively. [Figure 1b] Figure 1a shows a diagram of a head-mounted display device, defining cross-sections X-X and Y-Y through the right-eye casing and the left-eye casing of the display device, respectively. [Figure 2a] Figure 2a shows a diagram of the head-mounted display device shown in Figures 1a and 1b, accompanied by a view through cross-section X-X through the right-eye casing, and area S is defined around the perimeter of the cross-section. [Figure 2b] Figure 2b shows an enlarged view of area S. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows cross-section Y-Y through the left-eye casing. [Figure 4a-4c] Figures 4a - 4c show the top (or XY plane), front (ZY plane), and side (ZX plane) of a user wearing the head-mounted display device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a mount and jig for the assembly of the head-mounted display device. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a method for assembling the head-mounted display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Referring to the drawings, particularly Figures 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, and 3, an exemplary head-mounted display 100 is shown.

[0021] (For clarity, not all components are labeled in all figures. Further, the figures use a naming convention where components on the right-eye side of the device have a suffix of "a" and equivalent components on the left side have a suffix of "b". Thus, references to "b" components will be apparent to the reader even if only the equivalent "a" components are shown or labeled in the figures.)

[0022] The head-mounted display 100 is configured to be worn in the user's field of view.

[0023] The head-mounted display 100 includes a sub-assembly 200.

[0024] The subassembly 200 includes a frame 210.

[0025] The frame 210 comprises a first portion 213a positioned for the user's right eye and a second portion 213b positioned for the user's left eye.

[0026] The first part 213a comprises a first casing 208a for housing a first set of optical components, a mount 203a for a back reflector 204a, and a mount 205a for a front combiner 206a. The back reflector may alternatively be called a Brow reflector or Brow mirror. The back mount may alternatively be called a Brow mount.

[0027] The first casing 208a comprises a mount 201a for a casing reflector 202a and a cavity 212a for receiving an optical relay assembly. The first casing 208a has a generally elongated shape, thereby defining the casing axis. The optical relay assembly may have its optical relay axis defined by an aligned constituent set of optical lenses. The casing is configured such that the casing axis is generally aligned with, or at least parallel to, the optical relay axis in its original position.

[0028] The second part 213b comprises a second casing 208b for a second set of optical components, a second mount 203b for a second back reflector 204b, and a second mount 205b for a second front combiner 206b.

[0029] The second casing 208b includes a mount 201b for the casing reflector 202b and a cavity 212b for receiving the optical relay assembly 400b.

[0030] The second casing 208b comprises a mount 201b, a casing reflector 202b, and a cavity 212b for receiving the optical relay assembly 400b. The second casing 208b has a generally elongated shape, thereby defining the second casing axis.

[0031] The second casing axis and the first casing axis are substantially coplanar but inclined at approximately 130–100 degrees relative to each other. The plane defined by these axes, namely the XY plane, then defines the Z axis perpendicular to it. The Z axis relates to the top and bottom of the device when mounted in a horizontal position.

[0032] For each of these parts, the back reflectors 204a, 204b and the back mounts 203a, 203b define a plane relative to the back reflector and a corresponding back reflector axis (see axis (iv) in Figure 4) perpendicular to this plane.

[0033] For each respective part, the front combiners 206a, 206b and the front mounts 205a, 205b define a plane relative to the combiner and a corresponding combiner axis perpendicular to this plane.

[0034] The back reflector mount and combiner mount are positioned such that the back reflector and combiner can be supported in substantially parallel planes. Therefore, the back reflector axis and the combiner axis are substantially parallel.

[0035] The frame 210 further comprises a bridge member extending between the first casing and the second casing, defining a frame transverse axis. The frame transverse axis is substantially coplanar with the first and second casing axes in the XY plane.

[0036] The bridge member comprises a separate back beam 212 and a front beam 214, each extending between casings 208a and 208b. The back beam 212 extends between the rear surfaces of casings 208a and 208b. The front beam 214 extends between the front surfaces of casings 208a and 208b.

[0037] The back beam 212 is positioned to be higher than the front beam 214.

[0038] The back beam 212 extends back reflector mounts 203a and 203b from the back beam. The front beam 214 extends front mounts 205a and 205b from the front beam.

[0039] The bridge member further includes a bridging column 216 that extends from the center of the HWD100 along the transverse axis of the frame between the front beam 212 and the back beam 214.

[0040] Therefore, the frame 210 defines openings on each side of the device between the casing, the front beam, the back beam, and the bridging columns.

[0041] In this example, the bridge member further comprises attachment points 218 formed by holes suitable for connection to a helmet or helmet bracket (for example, by spacing, number, or threading).

[0042] The frame 210 can be formed, for example, as a single continuous structure (monocoque) by an additive manufacturing process.

[0043] The frame 210 is positioned to be symmetrical with respect to the user's midline when fitted. However, in other cases, the frame may be asymmetrical.

[0044] In addition to the frame 210, the subassembly 200 includes first and second combiners 206a, 206b, first and second back reflectors 204a, 204b, first and second casing reflectors 202a, 202b, and optical relay assemblies 400a, 400b.

[0045] The first and second back reflectors 204a, 204b are mounted to their respective back mounts 203a, 203b and extend downward from the frame 210, specifically from the back beam 212. The first and second combiners 206a, 206b are mounted to their respective mounts 205a, 205b and extend downward from the frame 210, specifically from the front beam 214. The first and second combiners 206a, 206b extend lower than the back reflectors 204a, 204b so that they can be seen without obstruction by the user.

[0046] Further reference to Figures 2a and 2b shows the internal features of subassembly 200.

[0047] The first and second casing reflectors 202a and 202b are mounted in casing mounts 201a and 201b within their respective casings 208a and 208b.

[0048] The reflector and mount tend to terminate at the innermost part of the casing.

[0049] Each casing reflector 202a, 202b and associated mount defines an associated casing reflector axis, both planar and perpendicular thereto. Referring particularly to Figures 3 and 4, the casing reflector axis (iii) is inclined with respect to the casing axis (ii) in two planes: 20–30 degrees in the XY plane and 10–20 degrees in the ZX plane.

[0050] Each back reflector 204a, 204b and mount defines a back reflector plane and a corresponding back reflector axis (vi). Each back reflector axis is inclined with respect to the relay optical axis in two planes: 40–50 degrees in the XY plane and 130–150 degrees in the ZX plane.

[0051] Each combiner 206a, 206b and mount defines the combiner plane and the corresponding combiner axis (v). Each combiner is tilted at 40-50 degrees in the XY plane and 130-150 degrees in the ZX plane.

[0052] The optical relay assemblies 400a and 400b are mounted in their respective casing cavities 212a and 212b.

[0053] Each optical relay assembly comprises intermediate housings 402a, 402b and a series of relay lenses 408a, 408b.

[0054] The intermediate housing 402a has a stepped cylindrical inner surface 404a defining at least one ledge 405a. Each ledge 405a is configured to receive a relay lens, thereby precisely positioning the lens relative to the intermediate housing 402a.

[0055] The outer surface of the intermediate housing 402a is shaped to correspond to the inner surface of the casing cavity 212a. In this example, the intermediate housing has a stepped cylindrical outer surface.

[0056] Therefore, the intermediate housing 402a has the form of a stepped tube and can thus be manufactured with high precision (for example, by machining, more specifically by a turning process).

[0057] The outermost end of the intermediate housing 402a is configured to extend beyond the casing 208a, thereby being exposed and capable of being coupled to the end casing 300a.

[0058] Furthermore, referring to Figures 2a, 2b, and 3, the head-mounted display device 100 also comprises a first end casing 300a and a second end casing 300b. Each end casing 300a, 300b is attached to the outside of the respective subassembly 200.

[0059] Each end casing 300a, 300b has the configuration of an open casing and thus defines open sides 302a, 302b. The open sides 302a, 302b are configured to connect to the outermost parts 406a, 406b (or docking parts) of the subassembly 200.

[0060] In this embodiment, the open sides 302a and 302b define substantially cylindrical inner surfaces 310a and 310b that are wider than the outer surface of the subassembly 200. Therefore, the end casings 300a and 300b and the subassembly 200 do not fully fit together, leaving interstitial gaps 105a and 105b between them. This allows for a range of alignment and position that can be held before the end casings 300a and 300b and the subassembly 200 are fixed together.

[0061] The open sides 302a and 302b also include conduits 306a and 306b that extend between the surrounding environment and the inner surfaces of the casings 300a and 300b. Such conduits 306a and 306b allow the adhesive to enter.

[0062] Furthermore, each end casing 300a, 300b includes mounts 304a, 304b to which image sources 360a, 360b are attached. The mounts define a plane to which the image sources 360a, 360b are to be attached, and thus define a corresponding image mount axis (i) that is inclined with respect to the end casing axis.

[0063] Image sources 360a and 360b are arrays of pixels for directly generating light that carries a virtual image. In this example, image sources 360a and 360b are LED arrays, more specifically MLED arrays. Feeds for driving the image sources are connected to the image sources.

[0064] Figure 4 shows a head-mounted display 100 positioned correctly by the user. The user defines the cross-sectional, frontal, and midline views.

[0065] When the HWD100 is fitted by the user, the XY plane of the HWD100 is parallel to the user's cross-section. Furthermore, the casing axis is located approximately at the user's eyebrow level, and the lateral inclinations of the HWD100 extend outward toward each temple.

[0066] Additionally, there is a back reflector at approximately the user's eyebrow level.

[0067] Furthermore, it can be seen that the central portion of each reflector is roughly located on the same ZX plane, parallel to the user's midline.

[0068] During operation, the virtual image is encoded as a drive signal and supplied to the image sources 360a and 360b.

[0069] The image sources 360a and 360b then illuminate the pixels in their array, generating light that carries a virtual image. This light is transmitted inward towards the relay optics 400a and 400b.

[0070] Light is received in relay optics 400a and 400b and transmitted inward through a series of lenses 408a and 408b toward casing reflectors 202a and 202b.

[0071] Light is received by casing reflectors 202a and 202b and reflected at least partially toward back reflectors 204a and 204b. Due to the relative inclination between the casing reflector axis (iii) and the casing axis (ii), the light is directed backward and downward.

[0072] Light is received by back reflectors 204a and 204b and reflected at least partially toward combiners 206a and 206b. Due to the relative inclination between the casing reflector axis (iii), the casing axis (ii), and the back reflector axis (iv), the light is directed forward and downward.

[0073] In combiner 206, the relative inclination between the casing reflector axis (iii), the casing axis (ii), the back reflector axis (vi), and the combiner axis (v) directs the light backward and substantially horizontally. Combiners 206a and 206b are at the user's eye level. Therefore, the light is reflected at least partially toward the user's eyes.

[0074] The relay optical system 400, casing reflector 202, back reflector 204, and combiner 206 represent a sub-assembly optical train.

[0075] Referring to Figure 5, the apparatus 500 for aligning the respective image sources 360a and 360b contained in the end casings 300a and 300b is shown in the HMD device subassembly 200.

[0076] The device 500 includes a mount 503 for holding the subassembly 200.

[0077] The apparatus 500 further comprises jigs 505a and 505b for each of the end casings 300a and 300b to be positioned in the subassembly. Each jig 505a, 505b holds the end casings 300a, 300b in close proximity to the mounted subassembly 200 and is configured to allow translation and rotation of the end casing 300a or 300b relative to the subassembly 200. Each jig can be finely adjusted in the position and orientation of its respective end casing. Each jig can translate its respective end casing relative to the mounted subassembly 200 on three axes and rotate it about the three axes.

[0078] The apparatus 500 further comprises a substrate 501 to which the mount 503 and jigs 505a and 505b are fixed.

[0079] The device 500 further comprises a monitoring device which includes a pair of image sensors 507a and 507b, a processor 504, and a display 506.

[0080] Each imaging device is positioned at the respective output of the subassembly 200 and generates image data 502a, 502b which are transmitted to the processor 504 via a wired or wireless connection. The processor 504 receives the image data and generates monitoring data 509. The processor 504 is linked to a display 506 so that the monitoring data 509 can be visually represented to the user.

[0081] A method 600 for assembling the head-mounted display 100 should be described with reference to Figure 6.

[0082] Method 600 comprises providing a subassembly 200. Step 602 comprises mounting the subassembly 200 on the mount 503.

[0083] Step 604 comprises performing the initial positioning of the image source 360 ​​within the subassembly 200, specifically within the input region of the subassembly 200.

[0084] Step 606 comprises generating a test image in the image source 360. This is done by sending an appropriate image signal to the image source 360, thereby causing the image source 360 ​​to generate light that carries the test image. The light generated by the image source will then propagate through the optical train of the subassembly 200 and will tend to reach the output from the optical train.

[0085] Step 608 comprises monitoring the quality of the test image at the output from the optical train. Monitoring can be performed by a user directly observing a virtual image at the output and subjectively evaluating its quality. Alternatively, monitoring can be performed by placing image sensors 507a, 507b at the output and relaying the collected optical data 502a, 502b to a processor 506, which may process the optical data to generate monitoring data 509 that can be output as a human-readable image on a display 506.

[0086] More specifically, the optical data 502a and 502b may be processed in processor 506 to determine the module transfer function (MTF) for the test image. Alternatively, the optical data 502a and 502b may be processed to determine the contrast transfer function (CTF).

[0087] If the image quality exceeds an acceptable threshold, as evaluated in step 608, the image source and subassembly will be considered operationally aligned.

[0088] If the image quality falls below an acceptable threshold, as evaluated in step 608, the method returns to step 604, and the position is adjusted before repeating steps 606 and 608. This loop continues until motion alignment is established.

[0089] Once motion alignment is performed, the image source 360 ​​is fixed to the subassembly 200 without moving any further relative to each other.

[0090] In some examples, the image source 360 ​​is mounted within an end casing 300 having open sides that fit over a docking section 406 exposed at the leading edge / outer end of the subassembly 200. This fit allows for a range of relative position and orientation in which the end casing 300 and the subassembly 200 overlap. This range of position and orientation allows for adjustment / repositioning of the image source 360 ​​within the subassembly 200. This fit tends to define a gap 105 between the end casing 300 and the docking section 406. During motion alignment, this gap defines the motion gap.

[0091] The end casing 300 is further provided with conduits 306 through which adhesive (such as low-shrinkage optical cement) can be applied to the working gap 105 in order to join the parts together. A curing step may be provided after the application of the adhesive to facilitate the joining.

[0092] Such a method has been found to enable positional accuracy between the end cap containing the image device and the subassembly 200 to tolerances of plus or minus 1 micron and plus or minus 0.5 microns.

[0093] As shown in Figure 3, the conduit 306 is a hole that penetrates the wall of the end casing 300, and connects the inner surface of the end casing to the surrounding environment.

[0094] Method 600 can be performed on one image source 360a, 360b independently of the other image source 360b, 360a. Therefore, both image sources can be applied to the subassembly 200 substantially simultaneously or at different times.

[0095] In describing the present invention, features are defined in physical space by referring to both of a pair of mutually orthogonal axes (X, Y, and Z), and by referring to the relative positions of front versus back, inside versus outside, and top versus bottom. Front versus back roughly corresponds to the X-axis, inside versus outside roughly corresponds to the Y-axis, and top versus bottom roughly corresponds to the Z-axis. These terms are used to facilitate the description of complex physical features and are not intended to be limiting, for example, insofar as the “top” component must always be positioned at a higher elevation than the “bottom” component.

[0096] Specific components such as LED arrays and low-shrinkage optical cement are mentioned. However, suitable alternatives will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0097] Reflectors may be substantially reflective or partially reflective. They may be configured to be partially translucent. Reflectors may be provided in the form of mirrors or mirror surfaces.

[0098] The combiner may be partially transparent to bring about an augmented reality head-mounted display (for example, a display that blends virtual images with a real-world ambient view).

Claims

1. A frame for supporting a head-mounted display on a user, A first part positioned for the eyes of the first user, A first casing for an optical component, the first casing comprising a first casing reflector mount for a first casing reflector, A first back mount for a back reflector, the back mount defining a plane for the back reflector and a corresponding back reflector axis perpendicular to the plane, A first front mount for the combiner, the front mount defining a plane for the combiner and a corresponding combiner axis perpendicular to the plane, The back mount is positioned to position the back reflector in close proximity to the user's first eyebrow, and as a result, the casing is positioned to extend from the inner end close to the eyebrow to the outer end close to the user's temple. A first part comprising, A second portion positioned for the other eye, A second casing for a second optical component, the second casing comprising a second casing reflector mount for a second casing reflector, A second back mount for a second back reflector, the back mount defining a plane for the back reflector and a corresponding back reflector axis perpendicular to the plane, A second front mount for a second combiner for the other eye, the front mount defining a plane for the combiner and a corresponding combiner axis perpendicular to the plane, The second back mount is positioned to position the second back reflector in close proximity to the user's other eyebrow, and as a result, the second casing is positioned to extend from the inner end in close proximity to the other eyebrow to the outer end in close proximity to the user's other temple. A second part comprising, A bridge member extending between the first casing and the second casing, thereby defining a transverse axis of the frame and positioned to be mounted substantially parallel to the user's cross-section, the transverse axis of the frame defining an X-axis perpendicular thereto, for aligning with the user's forward viewing axis when mounted, Each of the aforementioned back mounts and each of the aforementioned front mounts extends downward from the bridge member. A frame equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

2. The frame according to claim 1, wherein at least one casing has an elongated shape, thereby defining a casing axis substantially coplanar with the transverse axis of the frame, thereby defining an XY plane, and the casing axis is positioned to be inclined at 45 to 60 degrees with respect to the x axis, thereby substantially conforming to the contour of the user's forehead.

3. The frame according to claim 2, wherein at least one casing is positioned to be tilted by 50 to 55 degrees.

4. The aforementioned bridge member is A back beam comprising the first and second back mounts, the back beam extending between the first casing and the second casing, A front beam separated from the back beam and comprising the first front mount and the second front mount, the front beam extending between the first casing and the second casing, A frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:

5. The frame according to claim 4, further comprising a bridging support extending between the back beam and the front beam.

6. The frame according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising an attachment point on the upper surface for a fastener to a helmet mount.

7. An end casing having an image mount for an image source, The relay optical axis is defined and comprises a relay optical unit positioned facing the end casing, The casing reflector mount for the casing reflector is positioned facing the relay optical section and is configured to allow light from the relay optical system to pass through the associated back reflector. The frame according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The relay optical axis is substantially aligned with the casing axis, The image mount defines an image plane and a corresponding image axis perpendicular thereto, and the image axis is inclined with respect to the casing axis. The casing reflector mount defines a casing reflector plane and a corresponding casing reflector axis for the casing reflector, the casing reflector axis being inclined with respect to the relay optical axis in the xy and zx planes. The back reflector mount defines a back reflector plane and a back reflector axis, and the back reflector axis is inclined with respect to the relay optical axis in the xy plane and the zx plane, and The front mount for the combiner defines a combiner plane and a corresponding combiner axis perpendicular to the plane, the combiner axis being inclined with respect to the relay optical axis in the xy plane and the zx plane. The frame according to claim 7.

9. The frame according to claim 8, wherein the image axis is inclined with respect to the casing axis in the xy plane and / or zy plane.

10. The frame according to claim 9, wherein the image axis is inclined in the xy plane and / or the zy plane within a range of 5 to 15 degrees with respect to the casing axis.

11. The casing reflector axis is inclined with respect to the relay optical axis in the range of 20 to 30 degrees in the xy plane and in the range of 10 to 20 degrees in the zx plane. The back reflector axis is inclined with respect to the relay optical axis in the range of 40 to 50 degrees in the xy plane and in the range of 130 to 150 degrees in the zx plane, and The combiner axis is inclined with respect to the relay optical axis in the range of 40 to 50 degrees in the xy plane and in the range of 130 to 150 degrees in the zx plane. The frame according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

12. The frame according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the end casing has the form of an open casing and can be coupled to the relay optical unit at the docking portion over a range of positions, thereby being fixable within the range of alignment between the image mount and the relay optical axis.

13. The frame according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first back mount and the first combiner mount are inclined with respect to the second back mount and the second combiner mount by an angle in the range of 2 to 6 degrees in the xy plane.

14. The frame according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first section and the second section are configured to be substantially symmetrical with respect to the user's midline when mounted.

15. The frame according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein each of the first and second casings for the optical components comprises an intermediate housing for housing a set of lenses for an optical relay.

16. A frame according to any one of claims 1 to 15, First and second back reflectors coupled to the respective back reflector mounts, The first and second optical assemblies installed in each of the aforementioned casings, The first and second combiners are coupled to the respective front mounts, A head-mounted display equipped with the following features.

17. A head-mounted display, A frame for supporting a head-mounted display on a user, A first part positioned for the eyes of the first user, A first casing for an optical component, the casing defining a casing axis, A first back mount for a back reflector, the back mount defining a plane for the back reflector and a corresponding back reflector axis perpendicular to the plane, A first front mount for the combiner, the front mount defining a plane for the combiner and a corresponding combiner axis perpendicular to the plane, The back mount is positioned to position the back reflector in close proximity to the user's first eyebrow, and as a result, the casing is positioned to extend from the inner end close to the eyebrow to the outer end close to the user's temple. The first part comprising A frame equipped with, An optical train for transmitting light carrying an image to a user, wherein the optical train is An image source for generating light that carries an image mounted in the first casing, and the image source defines the image axis, A relay optical system is mounted in the first casing and faces the image source, and the relay optical system defines the relay optical axis, A casing reflector positioned facing the relay optical system, A back reflector attached to the first back mount, The casing reflector is configured to allow light to pass from the relay optical system to the back reflector. The combiner attached to the first front mount, The combiner is configured to transmit the light from the back reflector to the user, Equipped with an optical train, A head-mounted display equipped with the following features.

18. The head-mounted display according to claim 17, wherein the relay optical axis is substantially aligned with the casing axis, and the image axis is inclined with respect to the casing axis.

19. The head-mounted display according to claim 18, wherein the image axis is inclined at a range of 5 to 15 degrees with respect to the casing axis.

20. The casing reflector mount defines a casing reflector plane for the casing reflector and a corresponding casing reflector axis, the casing reflector axis being inclined with respect to the relay optical axis. The back reflector mount defines a back reflector plane and a back reflector axis for the back reflector, the back reflector axis being inclined with respect to the relay optical axis, and The front mount for the combiner defines a combiner plane and a corresponding combiner axis perpendicular to the plane, the combiner axis being inclined with respect to the relay optical axis. A head-mounted display according to any one of claims 17 to 19.

21. The casing reflector axis is inclined with respect to the relay optical axis in a range of 20 to 30 degrees in a first plane and in a range of 10 to 20 degrees in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. The back reflector axis is inclined with respect to the relay optical axis in the range of 40 to 50 degrees in the first plane and in the range of 130 to 150 degrees in the second plane, and The combiner axis is inclined with respect to the relay optical axis in the range of 40 to 50 degrees in the first plane and in the range of 130 to 150 degrees in the second plane. The head-mounted display according to claim 20.

22. The head-mounted display according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the back reflector axis and the combiner axis are substantially parallel.

23. The relay optical system comprises a pair of lenses, as described in any one of claims 17 to 22, for the head-mounted display.