Abstract:
Various embodiments of a head-mountable display system can be adapted to allow users to see through or above or below the display assembly. Such range of vision can be achieved by positioning the display assembly into display pods housed in clear plastic; forming the frame into an “S”-shape positioned on the bridge of the nose so as to allow the user to see over it; positioning retractable display pods into a hard support frame, or other means. Various parts of the head-mountable display system, such as temple arms, ear phones, display assembly, and the head band, can be modified so as to achieve ergonomically optimal solution.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/313,899, filed Dec. 5, 2002, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/336,665, filed Dec. 5, 2001, No. 60/343,027, filed Dec. 20, 2001, No. 60/347,771, filed Jan. 11, 2002, No. 60/366,512, filed Mar. 20, 2002, and No. 60/387,286, filed Jun. 7, 2002. The entire teachings of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND  
         [0002]    Various head-mountable display systems have been developed. These display systems include monocular and binocular display optics. In binocular systems, the optics and supporting electronics can be designed to render identical images for viewing by a user or different images for stereoscopic viewing by the user. Commercial display systems typically employ liquid crystal display panels.  
           [0003]    There are three principal types of prior art head-mountable display systems: “see-through systems, ” where the displayed electronic image is combined with ambient imagery so the user views both images; “see-around systems, ” where the displayed image occludes a part of the ambient imagery; and “full-immersion systems, ” where the entire ambient image is blocked, so that the user views only the electronically generated image.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0004]    There is a need for a head-mountable display system that addresses ergonomical concerns, making head-mounted display systems more practical for the user. In addition, it is desirable to reduce the amount of occluded view, making the display system more usable by the user and more acceptable to third parties dealing with the display user. Other ergonomical features, such as viewing angle, fit, and comfort, may also greatly improve the usability of the system.  
           [0005]    In accordance with particular embodiments of the invention, a display system can include a frame wearable on the head of a user and an imaging system that is coupled to the frame. The imaging system can be used to present a viewable image to the user at a view angle from below the user&#39;s eye level. Such imaging system can be rotatable to adjust the view angle.  
           [0006]    The imaging system can include a display pod, which can also be rotatable to adjust the viewing angle. The rotation can be done about an associated eye pivot to track the eye&#39;s optical axis. The rotation can also be done about an associate ear pivot, not tracking the eye&#39;s optical axis.  
           [0007]    The display system can include a mirror-lens optical system, or it can include an optical relay.  
           [0008]    The frame that is worn on the head of the user can be essentially transparent within the user&#39;s field of view. In addition, the frame can be so shaped as to facilitate peripheral vision of the user.  
           [0009]    The imaging system can include a prism. The prism can be aligned vertically or horizontally relative to the user. The imaging system can also fold into the frame for storage. A headband can be attached to the frame. The headband can be used to hold electronic components and the battery.  
           [0010]    The head-mountable display system can augment or even replace cell phones. In addition, it can be used for mobile gaming—either in conjunction with the cell phone, or as a stand-alone system.  
           [0011]    The display system can also communicate with other devices using interfaces like Bluetooth, infrared (e.g., IRDA), or cable-based protocols. The games can be specifically designed for a particular display system, or the ones available for other devices. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a head-mountable display system of one embodiment of the invention.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2 is a side view of the display system of FIG. 1 being worn by a user.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a head-mountable display system of a second embodiment of the invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4 is a side view of the display system of FIG. 3 worn by a user.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a head-mountable display system of a third embodiment of the invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 is a side view of the display system of FIG. 5 worn by a user.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7 is a side view of a head-mountable display system of a fourth embodiment of the invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 8 is a top view of the display system of FIG. 7.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 9 is a series of views of possible modifications of the display system of FIG. 7.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 10 is a top view of a head-mountable display system of a fifth embodiment of the invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 11 is a front view of the display system of FIG. 10.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 12 is a side view of a head-mountable display system of a sixth embodiment of the invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a head-mountable display system of a seventh embodiment of the invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 14 is a side view of the display system of FIG. 13 worn by a user.  
         [0027]    FIGS.  15 A- 15 C are respective views of a first prism-based embodiment of the invention being worn by a user.  
         [0028]    FIGS.  16 A- 16 C are representative views of a second prism-based embodiment of the invention being worn by a user.  
         [0029]    FIGS.  17 A- 17 C are respective views of a bar-type embodiment of the invention being worn by a user.  
         [0030]    FIGS.  18 A- 18 C are respective view of a second bar-type embodiment of the invention being worn by a user.  
         [0031]    FIGS.  19 A- 19 C are respective views of a folded optics-type embodiment of the invention being worn by a user.  
         [0032]    FIGS.  20 A- 20 C are respective views of a horizontal prism-type embodiment of the invention being worn by a user.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a head-mountable display system having a curved clear lens element.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a head-mountable display system of one embodiment of the invention being worn by a user.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a head-mountable display system of another embodiment of the invention being worn by a user.  
         [0036]    FIGS.  24 A- 24 C are representative views of a head-mountable display system of yet another embodiment of the invention.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a display system of yet another embodiment similar to that of FIGS.  24 A- 24 C.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a head-mountable display system of yet another embodiment of the invention being worn by a user wearing glasses.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 27 is a schematic representation of mirror-lens technology of one embodiment of the invention.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of the optical system of FIG. 27.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 29A as a perspective view of a head-mountable display system having a pivotable display rod.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 29B is a plan view of a display pod and display pod support of FIG. 29 a .  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a head-mountable display system of another embodiment of the invention having a pivotable display pod.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a head-mountable display system of yet another embodiment of the invention.  
         [0045]    FIGS.  32 A- 32 B are schematic diagrams showing rotational requirements for a display pod of one embodiment of the invention.  
         [0046]    FIGS.  33 A- 33 C are schematic diagrams of the display system of FIG. 31.  
         [0047]    FIGS.  34 A- 34 C are schematic diagrams of a particular implementation of the display systems of FIGS.  29 A- 29 B and  30 .  
         [0048]    FIGS.  35 A- 35 C illustrate another implementation of the display system of FIG. 31.  
         [0049]    FIGS.  36 A- 36 C illustrate yet another implementation of the display system of FIGS.  29 A- 29 B and  30 .  
         [0050]    FIGS.  37 A- 37 E are schematic diagrams of the display system of yet another embodiment of the invention.  
         [0051]    FIGS.  38 A- 38 B illustrate a panoramascope image in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 39 is the imaging of FIGS.  38 A- 38 B.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 40 is an example of two sets of characteristics of mirror dimensions of one embodiment of the invention.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 41 is a perspective drawing of a head-mountable display device of yet another embodiment of the invention.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 42 is a series of drawings of a head-mountable display device of yet another embodiment of the invention.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 43 is a perspective drawing of a head-mountable display device of an embodiment similar to the embodiment of FIG. 42.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIGS. 44A and 44B are perspective drawings of a head-mountable display device of yet another embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0058]    [0058]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a head-mountable display system of one embodiment of the invention. A head-mountable display system  100  consists of a frame  108  that houses a display system that can provide a user with binocular views. The frame  108  also consists of temple arms  112   a ,  112   b  that are hinged on hinges  114   a  and  114   b , respectively. The temple arms  112  fold for storage. Also shown are stereo headphone speakers  110   a ,  110   b . The headphone speakers  110  can be attached to the temple arms  112 . In another embodiment of the invention, headphone speakers can be of different shapes than shown, as determined by one skilled in the art. The headphone speakers  110  fit into user&#39;s ears as shown in FIG. 2.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 2 is a side view of the display system  100  of FIG. 1 being worn by a user. As shown, the system  100  is worn like reading glasses. The frame  108  has an “S”-shape to limit blockage of the user&#39;s peripheral vision.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a head-mountable display system of a second embodiment of the invention. In system the  300 , display objects are enclosed in a curved bar  320 . The curved bar  320  can be adjusted by a horizontal slide adjustor  312 , thus making it more comfortable for the user. Attached to the frame  308  of the head-mounted display system  300  is a headband  322 , which houses electronic components  316  and battery  318 . The headband can serve as a counterbalance to the optics.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 4 is a side view of the display system of FIG. 3 worn by a user. As shown, the optics bar  320  can also pivot. The shape of the frame  308  can be adjusted in alternative embodiments of the invention to comply with different ergonomic requirements. As shown, the frame  308  has been designed to be worn comfortably by the user. Speakers  310   a ,  310   b  fit over the user&#39;s ears, as shown in FIG. 4. In another embodiment of the invention, the speakers  310   a ,  310   b  can be designed to fit in the user&#39;s ears, or be attached to the frame differently. The optics bar  320  can be stored at different positions and stowed away at angles 90° and above from the original horizontal position over the user&#39;s eyes.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a head-mountable display system of a third embodiment of the invention. The head-mountable display system  500  includes binocular display pods  520   a ,  520   b , that can be clipped onto eyewear by a clip  512 . The eyewear can be eyeglasses, such as those normally worn by the user, or as specifically designed for the head-mountable display system. An interface cable  514  to the display pods  520   a ,  520   b  can be removably coupled to the eyewear, as shown in FIG. 5.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 6 is side view of the display system of FIG. 5 worn by a user. Shown is a side section view illustrating an eyeglass lens  516 , a display lens  518 , a back light  522 , and a display  524 . The display lens  518  and the display  524  can be mounted so as to provide for optimal viewing angle for the user&#39;s eyes.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 7 is a side view of a head-mountable display system of a fourth embodiment of the invention. The display system  700  includes a frame  708 . A plate or similar rigid structure can be used as the frame  708  to support display assembly  712 .  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 8 is a top view of the display system of FIG. 7. The display assemblies  712   a ,  712   b  can be pivotably coupled to the plate so that display lenses  820  (only one shown) can be retracted out of the user&#39;s field of view. The frame  708  can be arranged so as to extend from the user&#39;s face, thus allowing the user to see above and below it. The lenses  820   a ,  820   b  can be micro-optical lenses.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 9 is series of views of possible modifications of the display system of FIG. 7. As shown, the top of the display assembly  7012  includes detents that couple to a notch on the support bar  708 . By choosing a detent, the user can adjust the viewing separation to match the user&#39;s Intrapupillary Distance (IPD). Display lenses  820  can be chosen to fit the frame  708  ergonomically or to accommodate for the user&#39;s preferences. They can be arranged in multiple positions, as determined by one skilled in the art.  
         [0067]    IPD adjustment can be added to the system  900 . The adjustable IPD can have several available positions or be infinitely adjustable. Focus can also be added in another embodiment of the invention.  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 10 is a top view of a head-mountable display system of a fifth embodiment of the invention. The display system  1000  uses a single backlit display  1008  to create a binocular display. The single image is split into two separate images by a central mirror assembly  1012 . Each of the two images is then directed to a respective eye. The brain then merges the two images into a single perceived image.  
         [0069]    [0069]FIG. 11 is a front view of the display system of FIG. 10. The total height of the back light and display is about 3-4 mm. Side mirrors  1010   a ,  1010   b  can also be used in the display system. In another embodiment, the side mirrors and the central mirror assembly  1012  can be modified to create stereoscopic images.  
         [0070]    [0070]FIG. 12 is a side view of a head-mountable display system of a sixth embodiment of the invention. As shown, the display assembly  1200  is angled below the eye. This orientation provides the user with a clear sight path above and below the displayed image as illustrated by clear sight area  1202  above the display assembly  1200  and clear sight area  1204  below the display assembly  1200 . Angle θ can be varied to accommodate people of different sizes, as determined by one skilled in the art. The optic axis can be aligned to the eye for easy viewing. Placing the display  1200  below the eye allows clear sight above and below the display to minimize obscuring of non-display oriented tasks.  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a head-mountable display system of a seventh embodiment of the invention. As shown, a display bar  1308  can rotate to adjust the user&#39;s sight angle while keeping the optical axis in line with the eye. FIG. 14 is a side view of the display system of FIG. 13 worn by user. The display assembly  1402  and/or display bar  1308  can be opaque, transmission, or translucent, as appropriate for particular implementation of this embodiment, as determined by one skilled in the art.  
         [0072]    The above embodiments can be realized using a compact image display system, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,204,974 to Spitzer and available from The MicroOptical Corporation of Westwood, Mass. More particularly, such embodiments can incorporate free-form prisms as optical relays between the display panel and the viewing lens. Such free-form prisms are available from Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,327,094 to Aoki, U.S. Pat. No. 6,323,892 to Mihara, U.S. Pat. No. 6,313,950 to Hayakawa et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,310,736 to Togino, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,282,008 to Togino, for example. Holographic Optical Elements can also be employed in embodiments. The teachings of the above patents are all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.  
         [0073]    FIGS.  15 A- 15 C are respective views of a first prism-based embodiment of the invention being worn by a user. As shown, the display system  1500  employs horizontally-oriented free-shaped prisms such as Olympus lens types  1510   a  and  1510   b . The display system  1500  is particularly suited for QVGA resolutions.  
         [0074]    FIGS.  16 A- 16 C are representative views of a second prism-based embodiment of the invention being worn by a user. As shown, the display system  1600  employs horizontally-oriented free-shaped prisms such as Olympus lens types. The display system  1600  is also well suited for QVGA resolutions.  
         [0075]    FIGS.  17 A- 17 C are respective views of a bar-type head-mountable display system being  1700  worn by a user. As shown, the display system employs horizontally-oriented bar-type optics  1710 , such as MicroOptical lens types. The display system  1700  is also well suited for QVGA resolutions.  
         [0076]    FIGS.  18 A- 18 C are respective views of another bar-type head-mountable display system  1800  being worn by a user. As shown, the display system employs horizontally-oriented bar-type optics  1810 , such as MicroOptical lens types. The display system  1800  is well suited for VGA resolutions.  
         [0077]    FIGS.  19 A- 19 C are respective views of a folded optics-type head-mountable display system  1900  being worn by a user. As shown, the display system  1900  employs a folded optical element  1910 , such as a mirror or prism, in combination with a one-element aspherical lens  1912 . Aspheric lens system  1900  typically can have a 20 degree field of view. It can also be eyeglass compatible, with eye relief of 25 mm. or more. The display assembly can be sealed from dust. Additional scratch protection can be provided with a coverglass or an eyecup. The coverglass or the eyecup can also be used to reduce glare on the display. The display system  1900  is also particularly suited for QVGA resolutions.  
         [0078]    FIGS.  20 A- 20 C are respective views of another horizontal prism-type head-mountable display system  2000  being worn by a user. As shown, the display system  1900  employs horizontal prism elements  2010   a  and  2020   b  with display panels oriented inside. The display system  2000  can be configured to be worn like reading glasses, using a thin-wire frame  2012  to support the optical components on the user&#39;s head. The display system  2000  is well suited for QVGA resolutions.  
         [0079]    [0079]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a head-mountable display system  2100  having a curved clear lens element  2110 . The display system  2100  can employ a holographic lens, a projection lens, standard optics, a free-shaped prism, a light pipe, a mirrored or half-mirrored lens, or any other suitable lens type, as determined by one skilled in the art. A bar  2112  can be opaque and hold the lens elements. The bar  2112  can have a cut-out area for nose clearance. The curved lens element  2110  can also have a pivot on both sides to allow adjustment of the optic axis with respect to the user&#39;s eye.  
         [0080]    The temple arms  2114   a ,  2114   b  can extend to adjust for different head sizes and can extend up when in a 90 degree up position (i.e., over the user&#39;s head). In addition, the temple arms  2114   a ,  2114   b  can pivot at speakers  2116   a ,  2116   b  to adjust a sight angle and allow unit to fold up 90 degrees (over user&#39;s head when not in use), or 180 degree for storage. A pivot  2118  not only rotates on the x-axis (horizontal), but also about the z-axis (vertical) so that the temple arms can pivot to accommodate various head sizes. Alternatively, the temple arms can be flexible enough to flex and accommodate this movement. An additional pivot at the lens area (not shown) can be utilized to allow for the adjustment of the temple arms to further accommodate various head sizes.  
         [0081]    The temple arms  2114   a ,  2114   b  are shown with a push button  2120 , which can adjust the arm length when depressed. This adjustment can also be done without a release button.  
         [0082]    A headband  2122  can act as a spring to provide a small force to hold the system on the user&#39;s head. The headband  2122  can also include a pad/pod on the back that can house battery(s), electronics, and a wireless link (bluetooth, IR, etc.) (not shown).  
         [0083]    Ear loops  2124   a ,  2124   b  can hook over the top of the ears to hold the unit vertically and keep it from sliding down off of the head. They can also be integrated into the headband.  
         [0084]    [0084]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a head-mountable display system  2200  according to another embodiment of the invention being worn by a user. Note the nose cutout in the curved lens assembly. Liquid crystal display pods  2212   a ,  2212   b  are positioned at the ends of the temple arms. A pivot release button  2208  can be used to rotate the temple arm above the user&#39;s head.  
         [0085]    Pod pivot can mechanically separate optics form support structure, thus isolating the optics from any mechanical loading (bending, twisting, etc.) that could affect optical alignment. Pod pivot also allows optics to be aligned to the eye viewing axis, thus presenting to the user the best display image possible and allowing the user to wear the head-mountable system in different orientations—such as, for example, wearing it down low, like reading glasses, straight ahead, or in raised position.  
         [0086]    The low profile of the head-mountable device  2200  obscures only a small portion of the visible field, which allows the user see around the device. Not obscuring the whole field of vision allows the user to communicate with other people and safely interact with the environment.  
         [0087]    Eyeglasses-like frame configuration is very light weight. The ears and nose are used to support the device. The similarity to glasses makes head-mountable display&#39;s use intuitive to the users. Adjustable temples allow the device to be fitted comfortably for almost anyone&#39;s head. Earpiece speaker phones can further contribute to the light weight of the device.  
         [0088]    Temples can fold for storage, such that the whole device can be stored in a small carry case. A microphone can be build into the display pod for communication from the user.  
         [0089]    [0089]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a head-mountable display system  2300  being worn by a user. This display system is similar to that of FIG. 22, except for the ornamental temple arms  2302  (only one shown).  
         [0090]    FIGS.  24 A- 24 C are perspective views of a head-mountable display system  2400  according to yet another embodiment of the invention. The system  2400  includes a clear lens assembly  2404  and a display pod  2408  (only one shown) on both sides of an optional nose bridge  2402  (FIGS. 24A, 24B). Although not shown, speakers can be attached to the temple arms. The display system  2400  can be folded as shown in FIG. 24B for carrying or storage.  
         [0091]    [0091]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a display system  2500  similar to that of FIGS.  24 A- 24 C. The covering can be placed over the lens assemblies.  
         [0092]    [0092]FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a display system  2600  according to yet another embodiment of the invention being worn by a user wearing glasses. The display assembly can be tilted relative to the temple arms to increase user comfort. An example of a particular mirror-lens technology  2700  is schematically shown in FIG. 27.  
         [0093]    As shown, a parabolic or spherical mirror  2704  is configured to reflect and magnify an image for a display component, such as a backlit LCD display  2702 . The focal distance (F) from the LCD to the mirror can be 20 mm, with the distance from the mirror to the eye being 50 mm. Measured from the optical axis of the mirror, the optical axis from the LCD is at an angle a, and the optical axis from the eye is at an angle b. In addition, a correction lens can be disposed closed to the LCD to correct image distortions, especially when the mirror is spherical. The system  2700  can be fabricated as an optics module that can be used in a head-mountable display system or other imaging devices, such as cameras, camcorders, telephones, etc. The optics can, in particular, incorporate a Holographic Optic Element (HOE), which can allow for larger reflection angles (angle of LCD display to mirror axis) to yield a more compact module or a specialized form factor.  
         [0094]    [0094]FIG. 28 is a detailed schematic diagram of a particular optical system of FIG. 27. The diagram assumes an eye pupil diameter of 4.8 mm. All measurements are in millimeters. Although not shown, the display component is rigidly coupled to the mirror to maintain the focal length. The dimensions can be varied to accommodate various optical arrangements. A description of various embodiments follows.  
         [0095]    [0095]FIG. 29A is a perspective view of a head-mountable display system  2900  having a pivotable display pod  2904 . As shown, the display system  2900  is a binocular system having two monocular display pods. The display pods  2904  are each coupled to a center display pod support  2906 . The display pods  2904  can be based on concave reflective mirror optics, such as described in FIGS. 27 and 28.  
         [0096]    [0096]FIG. 29B is a plan view of a display pod  2904  and display pod support  2906  of FIG. 29A. The display pod can pivot about the support, as shown.  
         [0097]    [0097]FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a head-mountable display system  3000  having a pivotable display pod  3000 . The display pods can be based on concave reflective mirror optics, such as described in FIGS. 27 and 28. As shown, the two display pods can pivot about the headset frame.  
         [0098]    [0098]FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a head-mountable display system  3100 . The display pods can be based on concave reflective mirror optics, such as described in FIGS. 27 and 28. Again, any of the headsets described herein can be used.  
         [0099]    FIGS.  32 A- 32 B are schematic diagrams showing particular rotational requirements for a display pod. As shown in FIG. 32A, a display pod rotated about the associated eye pivot  3202  can track the eye&#39;s optical axis. A display pod rotated about an ear pivot  3204 , however, would not track the eye axis. As shown in FIG. 32B, a display system can be pivoted about both the ear and eye.  
         [0100]    FIGS.  33 A- 33 C are schematic diagrams of a particular embodiment of the display system of FIG. 31. The display system  3300  uses the above-described mirror-lens system and has an eye relief of 25 mm. The LCD is located at the side of the head and the mirror has minimal tilt from the eye axis.  
         [0101]    FIGS.  34 A- 34 C are schematic diagrams of a particular embodiment of the display systems of FIGS.  29 A- 29 B and  30 . As shown, display system  3400  is based on the above-described mirror-lens system and has a 25 mm eye relief. The LCD is placed close to the mirror and the mirror is tiltable.  
         [0102]    FIGS.  35 A- 35 C is another particular embodiment of the display system of FIG. 31. The system  3500  also uses the above described mirror-lens system, but has a 50 mm eye relief.  
         [0103]    FIGS.  36 A- 36 C is another particular embodiment of the display systems of FIGS.  29 A- 29 B and  30 . Again, this system  3600  uses the above described mirror-lens system, but has a 50 mm eye relief.  
         [0104]    FIGS.  37 A- 37 E are schematic diagrams of a display system  3700 . The display system includes a rigid binocular optics pod  3702  mounted to a flexible structure  3706 , such as an eyeglass-type frame. The mirror system is light weight and has a small side view. The eye relief is 50 mm. or more.  
         [0105]    FIGS.  38 A- 38 B illustrate a panorama scope image in accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 38A, the image formed on the LCD display is a square image (or a conventional TV image). As shown in FIG. 38B, the image seen by the user is an HDTV format image.  
         [0106]    As shown in FIG. 39, the imaging of FIGS.  38 A- 38 B can be realized to also solve IPD problems in addition to yielding a dynamic wide display image. Instead of a normal expansion of the image proportional to the display panel, a mirror and/or lens arrangement can be employed to reformat the image to yield the HDTV formatted image. This optical system can include multiple focusing points. The eye relief can be wide enough to accommodate a suitable IPD. As shown, the multiple focusing points allow for some distortions at both ends, without adding to human medical problems.  
         [0107]    In particular, the mirror dimensions can be varied to accommodate various optical characteristics. An example of two sets of characteristics is shown in FIG. 40.  
         [0108]    [0108]FIG. 41 is a perspective drawing of yet another head-mountable display device  4100 . The device employs the above-described mirror optics, which can be parabolic or spherical.  
         [0109]    A central brow member  4102  is coupled to left and right temple members  4100  by respective hinges. As shown, stereo speakers  4116  descend from the temples. The speakers are supported by a flexible mount  4118 , which also acts as a conduit for speaker wires.  
         [0110]    An optics mount  4106  for supporting the binocular display assembly is connected to the brow member  4102  by a pivot assembly  4104 . A pair of display modules is each connected by a support member to the optics mount. Each display module includes an LCD and a backlight  4112 . The mirror optics  4110  are also connected to the optics mount. The pivot assembly allows an up-down pivot motion to align the optic axis to the eye axis.  
         [0111]    [0111]FIG. 42 is a series of drawings of yet another head-mountable display device  4200 . The device  4200  can be made out of flexible frame. Such a flexible frame can be constructed out of nylon, or other appropriate materials. The flexible frame  4204  can be translucent, metallic, or of any other color, as determined by one skilled in the art. The frame  4204  can incorporate the temple arms, and speaker headphones  4206   a ,  4206   b  can be attached directly to the frame as shown. Display pod  4202  can house a display assembly.  
         [0112]    [0112]FIG. 43 is a perspective drawing of a head-mountable display device  4300  of yet another embodiment of the invention. The device  4300  can also be constructed out of flexible material, such as, for example, nylon. Speaker headphones  4302   a ,  4302   b  can be the in-the-ear speaker phones, and can be attached to the frame as shown.  
         [0113]    [0113]FIGS. 44 a  and  44   b  are perspective drawings of yet another head-mountable display device  4400 . Display device  4400  can also be constructed out of light material.  
         [0114]    Constructing head-mountable display devices, such as, for example, those shown in FIGS.  42 - 44 , out of nylon can be particularly desirable because of the advantages of such a material. The nylon flexible frames can be durable, light, and easy to use and adjust. Furthermore, in a particular embodiment of the invention, such frame can be integrated with the display and earphone components, thus making it more comfortable for the user. Speaker cables and other electronic cables can be routed in the frame.  
         [0115]    Various speaker systems can be used with the foregoing embodiments. For example, a semi-open speaker system can be used. The speaker system can either be close, but not contacting, the ear—a “semi-open ” system—or have pads that contact and seal the ear. Pads can provide a full seal for closed system or be porous, providing a partial seal for the semi-open system. These systems can be designed for stereo sound or, using multiple speakers, for 3D sound. The in-the-ear speakers can be used. They can be worn like earplugs, giving a full-seal closed system with stereo sound.  
         [0116]    The head-mountable display system can utilize color filter displays. Electronics can be located in a box on the side of one of the temple arms. A flexible circuit can be used to connect the electronics to a flex circuit under the optics, further connecting the optics to the displays, backlights and audio speakers. The input interface box can connect to video and audio cable from a source like a game system, DVD player, etc.  
         [0117]    The interface box can house various controls, such as, for example, volume and audio amplifier controls. The cable can connect the box to the head-mountable display system. A power supply system can also be connected to the interface box. The box can be located on the floor or table, but it can also be mounted on the user with a belt-mount.  
         [0118]    While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to particular embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, a feature from one embodiment can be combined with a feature from another embodiment, including headset designs or any combination of such features.