Abstract:
An apparatus includes a monocular display with a wireless communications interface, a user input device, a transmitter, receiver and a controller. The controller is configured to control the transmitter for sending and receiving control signals to and from an external device via the wireless interface. The monocular display is positioned relative to the user&#39;s dominant eye to display images to the user while occluding less than half of the user&#39;s maximum viewing space, while enabling the user to send and receive audible information or music.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application No. 60/880,270 to Jacobsen et al., filed on Jan. 12, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Further, this application claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application No. 60/930,232 to Jacobsen et al., filed on May 14, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application further claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application No. 60/930,275 to Jacobsen, filed on May 14, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0002]    This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application No. 60/930,242 to Jacobsen et al., filed on May 15, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application No. 60/962,686 (Attorney Docket No. 0717.2080-000) to Jacobsen et al., filed on Jul. 31, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application No. 60/966,704 (Attorney Docket No. 0717.2084-000) to Jacobsen, filed on Aug. 29, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0003]    This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application No. 60/994,989 to Jacobsen., filed on Sep. 24, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Further, this application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application No. 60/999,801 to Jacobsen filed on Oct. 19, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0004]    This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. ______ to Tucker, et al., filed on Jan. 4, 2008 (Attorney Docket No. 0717.2082-000), which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety and U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. ______ to Parkinson, filed on Jan. 4, 2008 (Attorney Docket No. 0717.2083-000), which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Head-worn display devices are known in the art. Typically, the display is a small color monitor arranged to present images to a user&#39;s left eye, right eye, or both. These devices often surround the user&#39;s face or head and thus not only are heavy but also occlude substantially all of the user&#39;s vision. In other words, while wearing the display, the user generally cannot easily view other objects in the user&#39;s normal peripheral vision or loses substantial portions of normal peripheral vision during use. Other head worn displays may include two separate displays, one for each eye, that are also supported on a heavy frame. 
         [0006]    While, these devices can provide a high-resolution display of images and sound, occlusion of the user&#39;s normal viewing space, or a majority thereof can be problematic. The user will typically only use the display in a few, select locations where that user perceives the location to be safe, for example, in a living room, elsewhere in the home, in a work space while seated or standing or in a substantially fixed location. Users cannot efficiently perform many other day to day tasks when wearing an occlusive display device. These tasks include participating in activities requiring moderate to high personal mobility, requiring frequent depth perception adjustments, moving through areas with irregular and uneven surfaces or requiring active collision avoidance (i.e., personally moving through areas or events with constantly changing obstacles, crowds, avoiding fast moving objects that may be encountered, while operating vehicles, negotiating the use of public transportation) or any circumstance where personal safety maybe sacrificed by loss of normal peripheral vision. 
         [0007]    Secondly, such prior art head worn displays are limiting in certain limited tasks. Such tasks can include viewing images, graphics or movies with audio. This can be for gaming purposes or recreational viewing of images from a television broadcast or video. Such prior art head worn displays are severely limited in connection with other day-to-day desired functional computing tasks. For example, the user may desire using the display in connection with communication tasks, running business applications, active navigation tasks, mobile instruction with real time updates or using the display to wirelessly control other devices that the user regularly uses or comes in contact with on a day to day basis. These devices can include such as, for example, a Personal Digital Assistant, a notebook computer, a desktop computer, a mobile phone, a vehicle, a wireless network, wireless service hot spot, thin client, other electronic device or an appliance. Such prior art head worn displays often cannot interface with or slave such devices to initiate and control running programs, initiate real time device functional changes, alter real time device operational parameters, enable local or remote wireless communication with mobile devices and/or engage with wireless networks and services. 
         [0008]    Thirdly, such prior art devices are not readily upgradeable to provide other functions that the user may desire. A user may desire, in some locations, to have some functional attributes of one or more particular software applications or one or more particular hardware configurations, while in other locations the user may not desire to have those software applications or hardware configurations. In fact, the user may not use such a heavy display device with multiple software applications or hardware configurations, and instead may wish to remove unnecessary software and hardware from the device so the device remains ultra lightweight. 
         [0009]    Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a monocular device that does not occlude large portions of the user&#39;s normal viewing space to prevent or discourage the user from wearing the device in the user&#39;s day-to-day normal activities. There is also a need in the art for a device that provides for other functions besides viewing images or graphics and that can be user upgradeable so the user can select and choose which hardware or software components the user desires to interface with the device. There is also a need in the art for a monocular device that only occludes less than about ten to about twenty percent of the user&#39;s normal vision, while leaving about eighty to about ninety percent or more of the user&#39;s vision free from obstruction. It is appreciated that the wearer has a view of vertical and horizontal vision, and that in one embodiment about eighty to about ninety percent of the wearer&#39;s vision in the horizontal is free from obstruction. There is also a need in the art for a device that can be easily moved from a displayed position to a stowed position without removing the device from the wearer&#39;s head. There is also a need in the art for a device that does not completely immerse the user in video and audio so the user cannot perform other day to day tasks. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a head mounted monocular display that includes a display arranged relative to a dominant wearer&#39;s eye, a housing connected to the display, and a support member. The support member is connected to the housing, which supports the display relative to the dominant wearer&#39;s eye. The display is generally located in a position relative to the wearer&#39;s dominant eye so the display is in the peripheral view of the wearer, and does not occlude the wearer&#39;s normal peripheral vision by the display blocking a front of the wearer&#39;s dominant eye. 
         [0011]    In another aspect, there is provided a method of supporting a head mounted display on a wearer. The method includes providing a resilient housing, and connecting the head mounted display to the resilient housing. The housing is supported on the wearer so that the display is in the peripheral view of the wearer, and the display is supported relative to a wearer&#39;s head to occlude no more than about ten to about twenty percent of the normal field of view of the wearer. The normal field of view of the wearer is defined as about 180 degrees in the horizontal, and about 120 degrees in a vertical direction. 
         [0012]    In yet a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a head mounted monocular display device that includes a display arranged relative to a wearer&#39;s eye, a housing connected to the display, a power supply, and a circuit operatively connected to the display and power supply. A support member is connected to the housing, which supports the display relative to the wearer&#39;s eye. A port is associated with the display, the housing or the support member. The port operatively connects a functional component to the circuit for removably connecting at least one additional functional component to the circuit. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of example 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 embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1A  shows a monocular display device according to the present disclosure including an eyeglass optical element placed in a front of the user that displays an image in front of the user on the optical element; 
           [0015]      FIG. 1B  shows an alternative embodiment of the monocular device with a prism optical element with the display being in a position relative to the user&#39;s dominant eye that only occludes about ten to about twenty percent of the user&#39;s maximum peripheral vision; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 2A through 2G  show various views of a monocular display device for use with eyeglasses with the device including an audio device; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  show alternative embodiments of the display housing including a solar cell module and an electromagnetic (EM) energy field antenna for harvesting electromagnetic energy to recharge display system battery; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 4A through 4F  show the monocular display device connected to a conventional eyeglass frame; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 5A through 5C  show the monocular display device including an audio device and an upgradeable component in an auxiliary housing on an opposite eyeglass frame; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  shows a side view of the monocular display device connected to an eyeglass frame and disposed on a wearer with the display in the viewing position with an audio device; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  show a rear and a perspective view of the monocular device of a first embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  shows an alternative embodiment of the present monocular device having a multifunctional medallion that interfaces with the monocular device; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  shows another embodiment of the monocular display device including a medallion having a number of slots for interfacing with other components to upgrade the monocular display device; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  shows a user viewing images with the monocular display device and the user wearing another embodiment of a multifunctional medallion; 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  shows a rear of the user wearing a lanyard interface that is connected to the monocular display device with the lanyard interface providing increased functionality to the monocular display device; 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  shows another rear view of the user wearing a lanyard interface that is connected with the monocular display device with the lanyard interface providing increased battery life; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 13 through 15  show several rear views of the user wearing other embodiments of the lanyard interface operatively connected to the monocular display device; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 16 through 18  show several front views of the wearer having the monocular display device around the wearer&#39;s neck and supported by the lanyard interface; 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  shows another view of the monocular display device having a medallion and a wired lanyard interface worn around the neck of a wearer; 
           [0030]      FIG. 20A  shows a monocular display device that is supported on a baseball cap brim; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 20B and 20C  show front views of the monocular display device with a display supported on one side of the brim and an auxiliary housing supported on an opposite side of the brim to provide increased functionality; 
           [0032]      FIGS. 21A ,  21 B,  21 C and  21 D show a display component configuration for the monocular display device and an adjustment configuration according to the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIGS. 22A through 22D  show another embodiment of the monocular display device with a component slot on the body portion of the device; 
           [0034]      FIG. 23A  shows a medallion including a touch screen display; 
           [0035]      FIG. 23B  shows the medallion including the touch screen configured to wirelessly control operation of the monocular display device; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 24  shows another embodiment of a prismatic optical element including a field lens and an objective lens for connecting to a display. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0037]    A description of example embodiments of the invention follows. 
         [0038]    Turning now to  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B , there is shown an embodiment of a monocular display device  100 . The monocular display device  100  preferably is a lightweight computing device that can be disposed in proximity to a user&#39;s dominant eye to view images. This contrasts with prior binocular and monocular display devices, which wrap around or are positioned in front of a pair of the user&#39;s eyes thereby occluding all or nearly all of the user&#39;s vision. The present monocular display device  100  preferably is disposed offset relative to only the user&#39;s dominant eye, and even in that location the device  100  does not occlude all of the dominant eye&#39;s normal vision. 
         [0039]    In the preferred embodiment, a housing  210  ( FIG. 2D ) may include a computing device that includes an Advanced RISC Machine (ARM)/Digital Signal Processor (DSP) (not shown) (which may be a DaVinci series TMS320 processor, available from Texas Instruments of Dallas, Tex.), one or more memory chips (not shown), a Bluetooth interface, a display driver (which may, for example, be an SSD1508 display driver available from Kopin Corporation of Westborough, Mass.), one or more video level shifter circuits, a power supply (i.e., provided by a battery), a universal receiver transmitter (UART) (such as may be used for debugging) and a memory (not shown). 
         [0040]    A number of buttons and an LED may be associated with the device  100  and protrude from housing  210  or other locations (e.g., switch  1 /switch  2 /switch  3  and reset inputs). A VGA quality display  140  is shown in  FIG. 1 , and an audio input and output device(s), which may include microphone input and stereo outputs may also be housed in the housing  210 . A Secure Digital (SD), eXteme Digital (xD), USB integral SD (uSD) memory or other similar interfaces may be stored in the housing  210 , and may be used to store application programs, kernel directives, or configuration data, and/or connect to external devices, such as, for example, a digital camera. 
         [0041]    Turning again to  FIG. 1 , the user generally has a total field of view being defined as about 180 degrees or so in the horizontal, and another 120 degrees of view or so being measured in the vertical in a goggle format due to the contribution of each of the viewer&#39;s eyes. This defines the total field of view of the viewer in both the horizontal and in the vertical in degrees. Preferably, the monocular display device  100  only occludes about five to ten percent of the user&#39;s vision, and is placed, in one embodiment, facing a user&#39;s temple so as to be only in the peripheral vision of the user. Shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the monocular display device  100  is disposed adjacent one of the user&#39;s temples or in a location adjacent to the user&#39;s dominant eye and is not directly in front of the user&#39;s face nor is the device  100  directly in front of both eyes to substantially occlude the user&#39;s vision. Several spacing arrangements are envisioned, and the present invention is not limited to any specific spacing from the eye, and several different ranges are envisioned. 
         [0042]    Moreover, the monocular display device  100  can be advantageously viewed simply by looking out of the corner of the user&#39;s dominant eye momentarily to view images, and then immediate return to the field of vision in front of the user. This enables that the user can wear the monocular display device  100  in day-to-day activities. Advantageously, the user&#39;s can quickly look at the display  100  and then quickly, safely and easily regain focus to objects that are in front of the user. This is advantageous since the user can use the monocular display device  100  in the user&#39;s day-to-day tasks and is not confined to using the device  100  only in certain designated “safe” locations. The user&#39;s dominant eye is defined as the right or left eye that is the strongest or dominant in the user&#39;s day-to-day vision. 
         [0043]      FIG. 1A  shows a first embodiment of the monocular display device  100  using an eyeglass optical display  105 . In this embodiment, the monocular display device  100  may operate to project images onto a screen, grating, or optical element  105  to permit the user to view images. The eyeglass optical display  105  is preferably a clear optical component or lens for which to project images from the monocular display device  100 . In this manner, the monocular display device  100  may project an image on to a portion of the eyeglass optical display  105  which may be worn by the viewer, such as a pair of glasses. In this embodiment, the monocular display device  100  includes a support structure  110  configured to provide support for the monocular display device  100  in a location so as to be in the peripheral view of the user&#39;s dominant eye. 
         [0044]    In this embodiment, the support structure  110  may be any device for quickly and easily permitting the monocular display device  100  to be stowed from a viewing position or located adjacent the user&#39;s dominant eye D to a second, or stowed, position. In this aspect, the monocular display device  100  includes a first arm  115 . The first arm  115  is a tubular resilient member that is connected to the optical display housing  120  by a hinge  125 . The support structure  110  also includes a second arm  130  that is connected to the first arm  115  by a second hinge  135 . In this manner, the second arm  130  may be connected to another structure associated with, or worn around the user&#39;s head, ear, or connected to a garment for support. The user may quickly and easily move the display housing  120  to the stowed position using the support structure  110 . Structure  110  is made from a lightweight material such as aluminum or a thermoplastic. 
         [0045]    The monocular display device  100  also includes a display component  140  that will be discussed in detail herein. The display component  140  is preferably a lightweight display that projects an image that is magnified. Turning to  FIG. 1A , the display component  140  is positioned relative to a prism optical element  155  in the display housing  120 . In this manner, the image is emitted from the display component  140  and is brought into user focus and is substantially corrected for optical distortion, astigmatism, and chromatic aberrations. This generates an optically magnified and enhanced virtual image by the combined influence of the entrance surface  142 , the first and second reflective surfaces  145 ,  150  and an exit surface  152  of the prism optical element  155 . The optically enhanced virtual image is then directed to the eyeglass optical component  105  ( FIG. 1A ) such that the user can view the virtual image by looking directly on the eyeglass optical component  105 . 
         [0046]    It should be appreciated that the displayed image need not be projected to, or displayed on, the entire eyeglass optical display  105 . Instead, the image can be displayed only on a portion of the display  105 . This provides that the image itself does not occlude the user&#39;s vision. This permits the user to see about ninety to ninety five percent of the user&#39;s normal vision through the eyeglass optical element  105 . 
         [0047]    Turning now to  FIG. 1B , there is shown an alternative embodiment of the monocular display device  100  of  FIG. 1A . In this embodiment, the monocular display device  100  does not project an optically enhanced virtual image on the eyeglass optical display  105  ( FIG. 1A ) but instead directly displays the optically magnified and enhanced virtual image to the user&#39;s dominant eye D. The monocular display device  100 , in this embodiment, is made without any element or screen positioned in front the user&#39;s dominant eye D. Instead, the monocular display device  100  includes a housing  120  that forms part of the display, and the optically magnified and enhanced virtual image is projected directly to the user&#39;s dominant eye D. In this aspect, the monocular display device  100  includes an optical element  155  that optically magnifies and reflects the virtually enhanced image to the user&#39;s dominant eye. 
         [0048]    In one embodiment, the monocular display device  100  includes a display that is a micro-display component  140  such as, for example, a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diode display, an organic light emitting diode based display, a cholesteric display, a electro-luminescent display, an electrophoretic or an active matrix liquid crystal display. Various lightweight and high-resolution display configurations are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0049]    In one preferred embodiment, the display component  140  may be a WVGA display sold under the trade name “CYBERDISPLAY WVGA LV”® manufactured by the instant Assignee. The display component  140  can be a color filter, wide format, active matrix liquid crystal display having a resolution of 854×480. The display component  140  in this embodiment can be 0.54 inches in the diagonal dimension. In another embodiment, the display component  140  may alternatively include a VGA display sold under the trade name “CYBERDISPLAY VGA”® which is also manufactured by the instant Assignee. The display component  140  can be a color filter, active matrix liquid crystal display having a resolution of 640×480. The display component  140  in this embodiment can be about 0.44 inches in the diagonal dimension and lightweight. 
         [0050]    In a further embodiment, the display component  140  can be a 0.44 inch diagonal SVGA display with about 800×600 resolution, a wide SVGA display with about 852×600 resolution, an XVGA display with about 1,024×768 resolution, an SXGA display with 1,280×1,024 resolution or High Definition Television display with either 1,400×720 resolution or full 1,920×1,080 resolution. 
         [0051]    In an embodiment shown in  FIG. 1B , the display component  140  is positioned relative to a prism optical element  155  in the display housing  120 . In this manner, the image is emitted from the display component  140  and brought into the user&#39;s focus. This image is substantially corrected for optical distortion, astigmatism, and chromatic aberrations in the generation of an optically magnified enhanced virtual image by the combined influence of the entrance surface  142 , the first and second reflective surfaces  145 ,  155  and the exit surface  152  of the prism optical element  155 . The optically enhanced virtual image is then directed to the user&#39;s dominant eye D. 
         [0052]    Like the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , the monocular display device  100  includes a support structure  110  for both supporting and manipulating the display to a comfortable viewing position. The support structure  100  includes a first arm  115 . First arm  115  has a pivot  125  that is connected to the monocular display device  100 . The first arm  115  also has a second pivot  135  connecting the second arm  130  with the first arm  115 . The first arm  115  is adapted to move and rotate relative to the display housing  120  to move the display housing  120  between the stowed position and the display or viewing position. Moreover, in one embodiment, the first arm  115  may be disposed in a telescoping relationship with respect to the second arm  130 . In another embodiment, the first arm  115 , the second arm  130  may be further connected to a reticulating network of arms  115 ,  135  so as to be moveable in multiple directions and planes. In one embodiment, the network may be sufficiently long so the display housing  120  is supported around the belt of the wearer. 
         [0053]    Turning now to  FIGS. 2A through 2G , the monocular display device  200  preferably includes the ability to use an input/output device (not shown) to control the monocular display device  200 . Using the input/output device, the monocular display device  200  may form a master/slave relationship with other devices using a wired or wireless link or interface. This interface may include a BLUETOOTH® wireless interface protocol, Wi-Fi, a cellular interface, an infrared interface, a television broadcast interface, a closed circuit connection interface, a radio broadcast interface, a satellite wireless interface, a USB wired interface, RS-232 and/or RS-485 wired interfaces, an Ethernet interface, a telephone line interface, a modem interface, a digital subscriber line interface, a cable interface, or a personal area network interface. In this manner, a user may use the input/output device together with the monocular display device  200  to control other suitable devices using a master/slave relationship such as a notebook or desktop computer, a Personal Digital Assistant, an appliance, a network device, a music player, an audio or video device, a Global Positioning System device, a mobile device, a digital camera, a video camera, an audio device or any other type of digital or analog device. 
         [0054]    The present monocular display device  200  preferably has program instructions stored on a memory to form a computer networking master/slave relationship with other devices using a communication protocol in which the monocular display device  200  controls one or more other devices or processes, and once the master/slave relationship is established, the direction of control is directed from the monocular display device  200  to the desired components. In this manner, the user need not carry heavy secondary components and may simply control those secondary components using the primary lightweight monocular display device  200  over a wireless interface. 
         [0055]    In that aspect, the monocular display device  200  may include a processor (not shown), a memory, and a bus including a wireless interface. The wireless interface may include a transmitter/receiver or transceiver and be compatible for communications with personal area networks and such devices using short-range radio frequency signals. In one preferred embodiment, the wireless interface may communicate using a BLUETOOTH® radio standard, flexible Ultra Wideband (UWB) or using other radio frequency communication standards for low or flexible power consumption and compatibility. In another embodiment, the monocular display device  200  may communicate using Wi-Fi. 
         [0056]    Turning now to  FIG. 2A  showing a front view of another embodiment of the monocular display device  200  where the monocular display is a two-part member for engaging eyeglass, goggles, or similar eyewear. In this embodiment, the monocular display device  200  includes a housing  205  that is substantially “L” shaped. The housing  205  has a first portion  210  that preferably engages or hooks to a portion of the wearer, and a second portion  215  that supports the display  220 . 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIG. 2D , the second portion  215  supports the display  220 . The monocular display device  200  also includes first and second arms  225 ,  230  that are positioned between the first and the second portions  210 ,  215  to connect the first portion  210  to the second portion  215 . In this embodiment, the first portion  210  may be configured to include a resilient sleeve that has a through-aperture along a longitudinal axis that slides over or attaches to a pair of ordinary sunglasses or reading glasses. In another embodiment, the first portion  210  may include an ear hook for wrapping around an ear of the wearer. In another embodiment, the first portion  210  may include a clip for clipping to a portion of the wearer or the wearer&#39;s garments. Various support configurations are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0058]    Turning again now to  FIG. 2A , there is shown a front view of the monocular device  200 . The first portion  210  includes a clip  235  for clipping the first portion  210  to a pair of eyeglasses. The monocular display device  200  may further include a camera  240  ( FIG. 2B ). The camera  240  may include any lightweight digital camera known in the art and can be positioned opposite the display  220  on a frontal portion of the second portion  215 . Likewise, a second camera  240 ′ may be positioned in a rear or in an opposite direction relative to the first camera  240 . In this manner, the monocular display device  200  may capture images using either the first or the second digital cameras  240 ,  240 ′ for displaying the captured images using the display  220  discussed in  FIG. 1A , or for storing the images in a memory. The monocular device  200  may further include a microphone  245  disposed on the frontal portion of the second portion  215 . The microphone  245  may be a lightweight digital audio device that converts the captured audio into data, which is then communicated to the monocular display device  200 . In one embodiment, the microphone  245  may include a noise-canceling microphone  245 , MEMs microphone, a remote microphone, or a microphone that detects acoustic vibration from a skeletal structure. The microphone  245  may also be configured for use as the input/output device used to control the operation of the monocular display device  200  using a suitable operating system loaded on a memory. 
         [0059]    Turning now to  FIG. 2C , the monocular device  200  may be fabricated with multiple digital cameras  240 ,  240 ′. Cameras  240 ,  240 ′ may be positioned together or in various different locations relative to one another. The monocular device  200  may also include others sensors. Sensors may detect one or more parameters of operation and be configured to relay detection of those parameters to the monocular display device  200  or a digital signal processor associated with the monocular display device  200 . In one embodiment, the monocular display device  200  may include sensors and be configured to detect motion, light, rain, or other sensory or environmental parameters and then communicate those parameters to the processor. In response, the processor may receive these indications and then commence operation of one or more programs in response to the indication from the sensors. Sensors may be associated with the camera  240 ,  240 ′ and be positioned on either the first portion  210  or the second portion  215  or both the first and the second portion  210 ,  215 . 
         [0060]    Turning now to  FIGS. 2E through 2G , the monocular display device  200  may also be configured to playback saved data in an audio format. The monocular display device  200  may be configured to receive data files in an audio format and playback those files using an audio speaker system  250 . The audio speaker system  250  preferably is operatively connected to the monocular display device  200  and can playback audio. The audio speaker system  250  is configured to be lightweight and include an ear bud  250 ′ that may be connected in a wired manner as shown or may be configured to include a wireless communication device to transmit audio wirelessly. In another embodiment, the speaker system  250  may be configured as a single wired headphone that may be retractable into the first portion  210 . It should be appreciated that the audio device  250  may also be configured as an integrated speaker that is built into a panel located on a lateral side of the first portion  210 , located on or over the ears, include removable ear buds, include a skeletal audio transmission configuration, or include noise cancellation functions. Various audio device  250  configurations are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0061]    Turning now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , there is shown an alternative embodiment of the monocular display device  300  that includes a first body portion  305  and a second body portion  310  that are connected to one another using a support structure  315 . The first body portion  305  and the second body portion  310  are shown in the retracted or stowed position. This embodiment may be configured so the second body portion  310  may be pulled relative to the first body portion  305 . This places the second body portion  310  with the display (not shown) in the viewing position as discussed above. 
         [0062]    In this alternative embodiment, positioned on the first body portion  305 , is a power supply  320 . The power supply  320  may include various differently compact power devices such as, for example, a battery or a wired connection. However, in this non-limiting embodiment, the power supply  320  may be configured to include a different rechargeable power source. In this embodiment, the power supply  320  can be configured as a solar photovoltaic rechargeable cell. The solar cell  320  may be configured as the primary power source for the monocular display device  300  or may alternatively be configured as a secondary or auxiliary power source. Various configurations are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0063]    Preferably, the solar cell  320  is positioned in a complementary location so as to receive sunlight, artificial light or may be rotated to such a recharging position to receive light using the support structure  315 . Turning now to  FIG. 3B , the monocular display device  300  may alternatively include another different power supply such as, for example, an electromagnetic field coil rechargeable antenna component  320 ′. 
         [0064]    Preferably, in this embodiment, the electromagnetic field coil rechargeable antenna component  320 ′ includes a battery component (not shown) that is operatively connected to the electromagnetic field coil rechargeable antenna component  320 ′. The electromagnetic field coil rechargeable antenna component  320 ′ preferably captures energy from a transmitted or received magnetic fields and stores the captured energy in the battery component. These fields may be from a cell phone or wireless mobile device that the wearer carries. 
         [0065]    The electromagnetic field coil rechargeable antenna component  320 ′ may be configured for use in a sealed casing for primary power or configured for auxiliary power. The electromagnetic field coil rechargeable antenna component  320 ′ preferably includes a transformer with a coil that captures the electromagnetic field for use by the device  300  and/or can be used with the embodiment of  FIG. 3A . The electromagnetic field coil rechargeable antenna component  320 ′ preferably is lightweight and may easily be worn with repeated use directly on the monocular display device  300 . In one aspect, the component  320 ′ may be configured to capture electromagnetic fields or Tesla fields associated with a mobile phone, BLACKBERRY™ communication device, Personal Digital Assistant or similar communication device(s) using radio frequency energy. 
         [0066]    Turning now to  FIGS. 4A through 4F , in another embodiment of the monocular display device  400 , the device  400  includes a display housing  405  that may be rotatably stowed adjacent to a first body portion  410 . Similarly, and as described with regard to the above mentioned embodiments, the monocular display device  400  includes a first arm  415  that is rotatably connected to the display housing  405  and may telescopically traverse outwardly relative to the first body portion  410 . As shown, the display housing  405  is manipulated (manually or automatically) and the first arm  415  moves the second arm  420  into the first body portion  410 . 
         [0067]    As shown in  FIGS. 4E and 4F , the first body portion  410  may include an engagement structure  425  for removably clipping the first body portion  410  to a conventional eyeglass frame F. Once the second arm  420  is pushed in the first body portion  410 , the display housing  405  may be then rotated in the direction of reference arrow  430  to be stowed adjacent to the first body portion  410 , which is clipped onto a conventional eyeglass frame F. In another embodiment, instead of using a clip, the first body portion  410  may be an integral member with the frame F. 
         [0068]    It should be appreciated that other peripheral or secondary components may not be desired to be located on frame F. Additional peripheral components may cause the device  500  to become heavier and uncomfortable, or cause the frame F to fall from the user&#39;s face. In this aspect, the monocular display device  400  further includes a lanyard strap interface  520  ( FIG. 5A ) with an interior (not shown) that houses one or more electronic components for wired, fiber optic interface, or wireless connection to the monocular device  500 . The lanyard interface  520  preferably provides increased functionality by allowing the user to store one or more additional devices or components therein  520  for use with the monocular display device  600  without adding weight to the frame F. 
         [0069]    In this embodiment, the lanyard interface  520  may provide additional features for the monocular device  500  that permit the lanyard interface  520  to carry slightly heavier items that would not be appropriate for housing in the display housing  405  or the body  410 . In this aspect, the lanyard interface  520  may provide additional features such as increased battery life, increased memory functions, increased sensing features or other previously described components or new different components. The lanyard interface  520  preferably connects to either side of the eyeglass frame F, but also has an interior and provides for space for the additional components. The lanyard interface  520  may include wiring to a secondary auxiliary battery, additional sensors, additional rear view cameras, a lightweight solid-state memory, a bus, or a processor. 
         [0070]    In another aspect, the lanyard interface  520  may act as a pass-through for wiring components to the other opposite eyeglass frame F. In this aspect, the lanyard  520  may communicate with an auxiliary secondary housing that is removably connected to the opposite eyeglass frame F by a different clip or fastener. 
         [0071]    Turning now to  FIG. 5A through 5C , there is shown still another embodiment of the monocular display device  500 . In this embodiment, the opposite side of the wearer is shown. In this embodiment, the monocular device  500  includes a secondary auxiliary housing  505 . The secondary auxiliary housing  505  is generally a lightweight orthogonal shaped member that may be removably and firmly connected to the opposite eyeglass frame F of the wearer. In this manner, the user can store one or more primary/secondary components of the monocular display device  500  without adding additional weight to the monocular display device  500  on the opposite side. Preferably, the secondary auxiliary housing  505  includes an engagement structure or clip similar to that described above for the body portion previously described. Secondary auxiliary housing  505  may be connected to the monocular display device housing as well, and does not need to be separated from the device. 
         [0072]    Alternatively, the secondary auxiliary housing  505  may be configured to connect to other locations. In one embodiment, the housing  505  can be located to hang from a wearer&#39;s hat, eyeglasses or may even hook around or wrap around the wearer&#39;s ear. In another embodiment, the auxiliary housing  505  may wrap around the user&#39;s wrist, ankle, arm, leg, or bicep/tricep muscle. The secondary auxiliary housing  505  preferably increases the functionality of the monocular display device  500  by storing one or more additional or secondary components that provide increased functionality to the monocular display device  500 . 
         [0073]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 5A , the secondary auxiliary housing  505  may house a second audio device or speaker  510 , or provide increased auxiliary or primary power by housing a primary/auxiliary power supply in housing  505 . The secondary auxiliary housing  505  may be wired to the monocular display device  500 , be located on an opposite eyeglass frame, or be wired by a lead that is positioned through the lanyard interface  520 . The housing  505  may alternatively have a wireless interface to communicate with the monocular display device  500  which is located clipped to an opposite eyeglass frame. 
         [0074]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 5A through 5C , the secondary auxiliary housing  505  may include an ear bud  510  that is connected to the secondary auxiliary housing  505  by a retractable wire  525 . In yet another embodiment, ear bud  510  may be connected to a housing  505  in a wireless manner and is configured to recharge when stowed. As shown, in the rear view of  FIG. 5B , the second auxiliary housing  505  may include a spool (not shown) disposed therein. The wearer can pull the ear bud  810  wrapped around the spool to position the ear bud  510  in, on, or over the wearer&#39;s ear for listening. 
         [0075]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the monocular display device  600  may be configured for wireless communication with a mobile telephone, a computer, a peer-to-peer telephone, or Personal Digital Assistant such as, for example, a PALM TREO™ or BLACKBERRY™ communication device or a similar communication device using a wireless protocol. The wearer may receive and make voice calls, text messages, or e-mails through the monocular device  600  by controlling an external mobile device using a wireless interface and forming a master/slave networking relationship with such devices. For example, the wearer may listen to the voice calls using the audio device  510  associated with the secondary auxiliary housing  505  shown in  FIG. 5A . 
         [0076]    In one embodiment, the wearer may further use a wireless input/output device in order to control the monocular display device  600 . In one aspect, the wireless input/output device  605  may include a wireless mouse, a wireless trackball, a wired mouse, a wired trackball, a microphone, a wireless/wired touchpad device or a combination of these input/output features. As can be seen, from  FIG. 6 , the wearer using the speakers  610  (located in or connected to body portion  615 ) and using the secondary auxiliary housing (not shown) can listen to audio and view video images using display  620  while still having ninety to ninety-five percent of the vision being virtually unobstructed. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the monocular display device  600  includes a lanyard interface  625  and the lanyard interface  625  may act as a conduit for which a lead  630  may pass through to communicate with the secondary auxiliary housing (not shown). 
         [0077]    In an alternative embodiment shown in a rear view of  FIG. 7 , the monocular display device  700  may be configured to not include a lanyard interface or any lead communicating with any secondary auxiliary housing. Instead, the device  700  can be configured to wirelessly communicate with a secondary auxiliary housing  705  using radio frequency signals in a wireless communication protocol. In this aspect, the monocular display device  700  may be configured to include a transmitter/receiver or transceiver to communicate without a wired connection as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 8  shows another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure where the monocular display device  800  further includes a multifunctional medallion  805 . The medallion  805  is an electronic device that can be controlled by the monocular display device  800  and that increases the functional capabilities of the device  800  without adding weight to the device  800  so the device  800  may remain compact and lightweight. The medallion  805  is an auxiliary secondary component for use with the monocular device  800  in a networked master/slave relationship. The medallion  800  may include several optional components. These secondary components may be readily operable with the monocular device  800  and add functionality to the monocular device  800 . In one aspect, the medallion  805  may be orthogonally shaped and supported around the neck of a wearer using a band  820 . The medallion  805  may include a processor, a memory having an operating system, and bus or a system, internal, external, or a Peripheral Component Interconnect (“PCI”) bus. The medallion  805  may further include a transmitter/receiver or transceiver (not shown) in order to wirelessly communicate with the monocular device  800  in a wireless network. 
         [0079]    In another embodiment, the medallion  805  may include discrete peripheral components. These can include a device such as an input/output device, a secondary hard drive, a secondary memory, a radio-module or components, a television or video broadcast components, sensors, optical drives, disk drives, removable media, or other intermediary components for which to communicate with other primary computing components that are located in the monocular display device  800 . 
         [0080]    Such components may also include antennas, cameras, compasses, positional status components, head position sensor components, Global Positioning System components, targeting components, audio components, video components such as graphics cards, bar code readers, radio frequency identification components, user condition monitoring components, temperature sensing components, accelerometers, gas or biological sensing components or other components that can improve user functionality of the device  800 . In another embodiment, the medallion  805  may include primary components that communicate with, and control the display  810 . 
         [0081]    As shown, in  FIG. 8 , the medallion  805  may further include a component slot  825 . The slot  825  may be suitable for which to introduce either additional removable component(s)  830  to the medallion  805  (to be controlled by the monocular device  800 ) or alternatively for expansion of the already present capabilities of the medallion  805 /monocular device  800 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the components  830  that may be introduced into the slot  825  of the medallion  805  include auxiliary or primary batteries, a digital memory, cards, mini-secure digital memory cards, hard drives or secure removable media, electronic modules, solid state memory, or other components. 
         [0082]    Turning now to  FIG. 9 , there is shown an alternative embodiment of the electronic medallion  905  for use with the monocular display device. The medallion  905  in this embodiment includes a display  910  with a number of input buttons  915  and a first component slot  920  and a second component slot  925 . Two slots  920 ,  925  are shown simply for illustration purposes, and there may be any number of slots or ports  920 ,  925  located on the electronic medallion  905 . The display  910  may be an operational touchpad display  910  to operate one or more components of the monocular display device  900 , the medallion  905  or both, or may operate as the input/output device for controlling the monocular display device  900  ( FIG. 8 ). 
         [0083]    The medallion  905  is a lightweight device that provides additional functionality to the monocular display device  800 . This is by permitting operation of one or more additional electronic modules, which may plug into the medallion  905 , and then communicate with the monocular device  800  using one or more wireless or wired interfaces such as BLUETOOTH®, Wi-Fi, cellular signals, infrared signals, USB, RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet, or another previously described interface that is established between the medallion  905 , and the monocular device  800 . It is envisioned that the medallion  905  may be operatively coupled to the display  810  to provide power to the display  810 . 
         [0084]    In one embodiment, the monocular device  800  may communicate wirelessly with the medallion  905  using a wireless protocol. In another embodiment, the monocular display device  800  may communicate with the medallion  905  using a wired connection or interface. In yet another embodiment, the medallion  905  may communicate with the lanyard interface  1410  in a wired or wireless manner and the lanyard interface  1410  may then communicate with the monocular display device  1400  in a wired or wireless manner ( FIG. 14 ). Various connection configurations are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure, and it is envisioned that each of the components (medallion  905 , device  800 , lanyard  930 ) preferably may communicate with one another using radiofrequency energy. 
         [0085]    As can be seen, the medallion  905  may further include a first USB interface slot  920  and a second USB interface slot  925  in different locations of the medallion  905 . Other components may be inserted into the slots  920 ,  925  in order to expand the capabilities of the medallion  905  such as expanding the memory capabilities, video, audio, or sensory functions, or graphical capabilities of the medallion  905 , or monocular display device  800 . 
         [0086]    Turning now to  FIG. 10 , there is shown a perspective view of a user wearing the monocular display device  1000  with the device being connected to a pair of sunglass frames F. Here, the device  1000  includes a lanyard interface  1005  connected to the frames F and a medallion  1010  connected to the lanyard interface  1005 . In this embodiment, the medallion  1010  includes a different non-oblong shaped configuration and instead is generally triangular shaped and includes a cover  1010 ′ with a first and second input buttons  1010   a ,  1010   b  positioned on the lateral side of the medallion  1010 . 
         [0087]    Turning now to  FIG. 11 , there is shown a rear view of a user wearing a monocular device  1100  according to the present invention. The monocular device  1100  includes a lanyard interface  1105  and a wired auxiliary battery  1110  removably connected to an eyeglass frame F. As discussed previously, the wired auxiliary battery  1110  may be wired through the lanyard interface  1105  to the monocular display device  1100  or may be stowed in a non-wired manner, and then connected when needed. In another embodiment, the wired auxiliary battery  1110  may include an engagement structure (a clip or fastener) to be hooked to the wearer&#39;s garment or eyeglasses. It should be appreciated that the device  1100  may include several different batteries that may be replaceable for extended use. 
         [0088]    Turning now to  FIG. 12 , there is shown a rear view of a user wearing another monocular device  1200  having an auxiliary power supply  1205 . In this embodiment, the monocular device  1200  includes a lanyard interface  1210 , and a wired auxiliary battery  1205 . Battery  1205  is connected to the lanyard interface  1210  at about a midpoint of the lanyard interface  1210  in the rear of the user. As discussed previously, the wired auxiliary battery  1205  may be wired through the lanyard interface  1210  to the monocular display device  1200  and connected only when needed, or connected when a primary battery power supply (not shown) has been exhausted. 
         [0089]    The wearer, using the monocular display device  1200  and an input/output device, may control switching from the primary battery to the auxiliary battery  1205  using a control signal output from the monocular display device  1200 . This is accomplished without removing the monocular device  1200  from the wearer&#39;s head. In this embodiment, the wired auxiliary battery  1205  disposed on the lanyard interface  1210  may include a cushioned housing  1205 ′ and an engagement structure having a clip or fastener. The battery  1205  may be hooked around, to, or through the lanyard interface  1210 . The wearer may include several different lanyard interface components  1210  with fresh batteries that may be replaced once the lanyard interface  1210  having the auxiliary battery  1205  is exhausted. Battery  1205  may also be configured as a primary battery to power the monocular display device  1200 . 
         [0090]    Turning now to  FIG. 13 , there is shown another rear view of a user wearing another monocular device  1300  according to the present invention. The device  1300  has auxiliary or secondary components  1305 ′ connected to a lanyard interface  1310  that may be replaceable/interchangeable. In this aspect, not only the power supply may be replaced, but also other components may be removably connected to the device  1300  using a USB port or other connection. In this embodiment, the monocular device  1300  includes a lanyard interface  1310  with other functional electronic components exclusive of a wired auxiliary battery. These secondary components may include media drives, video components, audio components, solid-state devices, music players, graphical components, antennas, transmitters, receivers, Global Positioning Systems, mobile devices, mobile phones, Personal Digital Assistants, scanners, or other plug and play components. These components or electronics generally shown as reference numeral  1305 ′ may be connected to the lanyard interface  1310  at substantially a midpoint of the lanyard  1310  in the rear of the user, or alternatively in other locations. These secondary components or electronics generally shown as reference numeral  1305 ′ may alternatively be connected to an auxiliary housing  1315  that is connected to a frame F on the opposite side of the wearer (relative to the display) instead of being located in the rear of the user as shown. 
         [0091]    The components, may be wired through the lanyard interface  1310 , to be coupled to a circuit or board associated with and coupled to the monocular display device  1300 . Components  1305 ′ can be connected only when needed, or alternatively may remain connected throughout the operation of the device  1300 . The wearer using the monocular display device  1300  and using an input/output device may control operation of the components  1305 ′ without having to toggle any buttons associated with the components  1305 ′ themselves or use any other separate controllers or control signals associated with the components  1305 ′. The wearer may control these components  1305 ′ with ease using solely the monocular display device  1300  and without removing the monocular display device  1300  for convenient operation in a networked arrangement. 
         [0092]    Similarly, the components  1305 ′, connected to lanyard interface  1310 , may include a cushioned housing and an engagement structure having a clip or fastener to connect to the lanyard interface  1310 . It should be appreciated that the wearer may include several different lanyard interfaces  1310  in sets or groups and each with different components  1305 ′ that may be replaced and interchanged. For example, the user may have a first lanyard interface  1310  with a rear view camera that may be controlled by the monocular display device  1300  for taking images. 
         [0093]    In another example, the user may have a second lanyard interface  1310  (not shown) with different component such as a Global Positioning System that can also be controlled by the monocular display device  1300  using a common communication protocol, or networked relationship. 
         [0094]    In another example, the user may have a third lanyard interface (not shown) with another two or more different components such as a music player and a mobile communication device. Both can be controlled by the monocular display device  1300  using a common communication protocol, or networked relationship. In this manner, the user may select which components the user is going to use over the course of a period of usage and then select the appropriate lanyard interface  1310  with components  1305 ′. The user may also include lanyard interfaces  1310  with no components, but instead these lanyard interfaces  1310  may act as a housing and be selectively loaded with other components  1305 ′ as needed. Various lanyard configurations  1310  are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0095]    Turning now to  FIG. 14 , there is shown yet another rear view of a user wearing another monocular device  1400  according to the present invention having replaceable and upgradeable components  1405 ′ being connected to a plug  1405  of the lanyard interface  1410 . In this embodiment, the monocular display device  1400  includes a lanyard interface  1410  with other functional electronic components  1405 ′. As mentioned above, these components  1405 ′ may include media drives, video components, audio components, solid-state devices, music players, graphical components, antennas, transmitters, receivers, Global Positioning System components, sensors, mobile device components, mobile phone components, Personal Digital Assistant components, scanners, plug and play components, or speakers. These components or electronics  1405 ′ may be connected to the lanyard interface  1410  at plug  1405  at substantially a midpoint of the lanyard interface  1410  in the rear of the user to evenly distribute the device&#39;s weight. 
         [0096]    Additionally, other component modules (not shown) may also be connected to the medallion (not shown) along connection  1415 . In this manner, at least one of (or both) the monocular device  1400  and medallion (not shown) may control the component  1405 ′ disposed in the lanyard interface  1410 . 
         [0097]    In one embodiment shown in  FIG. 15 , the medallion (not shown) and the component  1505  connected to the lanyard interface  1530  may be both tethered along a single wire  1510  as shown in  FIG. 15  for wired communication and so as to remove and upgrade the lanyard interface  1530 . In the embodiment of the monocular display device  1500  of  FIG. 15 , the monocular display device  1500  may include dual replaceable connections so the lanyard can be removed in sections. 
         [0098]    A first connection  1515  from between (i) the lanyard interface and the monocular device  1500  is removable, and (ii) another connection between line  1530  from the lanyard interface to the secondary housing  1535  connected to the frames F is also removable. 
         [0099]    In this aspect, both (i) sections of the lanyard interface  1510  and (ii) the secondary housing  1535  may each be detached from one another or from the monocular display device  1500  for replacement with another fresh or different component. Likewise, sections  1510  operatively coupled to the medallion (not shown) are also removable. 
         [0100]    Turning now to  FIG. 16 , there is shown a monocular device  1600  connected to lanyard interface  1605  with the monocular device  1600  resting around the neck of the wearer in a stowed position. It should be appreciated that the monocular device  1600  does not detach readily from the lanyard interface  1605 . This secure connection prevents the device  1600  from falling and avoids damaging the device  1600 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 17 , the monocular display device  1700  may further include the secondary auxiliary housing  1710  disposed on an opposite side of the eyeglass frame F that also does not detach when in the lowered position. 
         [0101]    Turning now to  FIG. 18 , the lanyard interface  1805  may be connected directly to the frame F, or may alternatively be attached to the monocular display device  1800  as shown. In  FIG. 18 , the display housing  1810  is shown in the extended or viewing position and does not move readily unless pulled by the display housing  1810 . 
         [0102]    Turning now to  FIG. 19 , there is shown a monocular display device  1900  worn around the neck of a wearer. In this embodiment, the monocular display device  1900  includes a medallion  1905  connected to a band  1910 . Preferably, the band  1910  encircles the wearer&#39;s neck and supports the medallion  1905  and the user wears a lanyard interface  1915  in order to support the monocular display device  1900 . In this embodiment, the medallion  1905  provides multi-functional capabilities as discussed previously including primary or secondary electronics components such as, for example, sensors, Global Positioning Systems, television video cards, memory, satellite radio devices, or additional batteries for operation of the monocular display device  1900 . 
         [0103]    In this embodiment, the lanyard interface  1915  may be operable to connect to the user&#39;s eyeglass frame F, but also be operable to communicate with the medallion  1905  and provide a wired or wireless connection between the medallion  1905  and the monocular display device  1900 . 
         [0104]    Turning now to  FIG. 20A , there is shown a further embodiment of the present disclosure of the monocular device  2000 . In this embodiment, the monocular device  2000  is not intended to be connected to an eyeglass frame F, but instead may be connected to a brim of a baseball cap B. In this embodiment, the monocular display device  2000  includes a display  2005  supported on a housing  2015  that is connected by an arm  2010 . The housing  2015  is generally a rectangular shaped member that includes an engagement structure for removably connecting with a brim B of the baseball cap, hat, or other garment. 
         [0105]    In another embodiment, the engagement structure may connect with other portions of the baseball cap instead of the brim B, however, preferably the display housing  2015  permits the display  2005  to be positioned in a location where the display does not substantially occlude the viewer&#39;s vision, and the viewer may view ninety to ninety five percent of the viewer&#39;s normal viewing area (relative to the instance if the display  2005  was not present in the viewer&#39;s field of vision). The display  2005  is shown disposed in the stowed position, or more particularly is positioned in alignment with the brim B. The monocular display device  2500  further includes a speaker system  2020  for audio. An ear bud  2020  or speakers are disposed in or on the monocular display device  2000 . The ear bud  2020  is connected along wire or lead  2025 . Wire  2025  is connected to a lanyard interface  2035 , which is connected to a body portion  2030  of the monocular display device  2000 , so the monocular display device  2000  can output an audio signal to the ear bud  2020  through the wired lanyard interface  2035 . 
         [0106]    Further, the monocular display device  2000  of the  FIG. 20A  embodiment includes a connection to the lanyard interface  2035 . As mentioned, the lanyard interface  2035  may have additional components to provide additional functionality to the monocular display device  2000 . 
         [0107]    Turning now to FIG.  20 BA, the monocular device  2000  is shown in a viewing position. Here, the display  2005  is supported in a display housing  2010  and is located extended from a body portion  2015 . In the viewing position, the display  2005  is located in the peripheral vision of the viewer with first and second arms  2020 ,  2025  extended from the body portion  2015 . The display housing  2010  may be connected to the body portion  2015  by an articulating and telescoping arrangement as discussed above with the previously described embodiments. 
         [0108]    Turning now to  FIG. 20C , the monocular display device  2000  may further comprise an auxiliary body portion  2030  that connects with the brim B. Auxiliary body portion  2030  has an engagement structure that permits the auxiliary body portion  2030  to be selectively retained on a baseball cap brim B. The auxiliary body portion  2030  may include a clip or similar member to fasten with, or removably connect along, the lateral edge of the brim B as shown. The auxiliary body portion  2030  may further be connected to a wired lanyard interface  2035  by a port, or by a wireless interface. As mentioned, the auxiliary body portion  2030  may provide increased functionality to the monocular display device  2000  by storing additional electronic components on a brim B of the baseball cap B while at the same time being very lightweight and compact. In one embodiment, the auxiliary body portion  2030  may further include a speaker  2040  or ear bud that connects with a jack or output port (not shown) of the monocular display device  2000  through the wired lanyard interface  2035 . Other previously described secondary components may be connected in the portion  2030  to expand the functionality of the device  2000 . 
         [0109]    Turning now to  FIGS. 21A and 21B , there is shown two views of an embodiment of the display  2100  for the monocular display device  2000 . As mentioned, the display  2100  is configured to be lightweight and portable, with a diagonal dimension less than one inch. The display  2100  is also configured to have a maximum weight ranging from merely one pound to several ounces, or less. The display  2100  also provides for sufficient picture clarity and display resolution. The display  2100  permits the monocular display device to display command prompts relating to an operating system such as MICROSOFT WINDOWS MOBILE®, the PALM® operating system, the LINUX® operating System, MICROSOFT WINDOWS VISTA®, the SYMBIAN® operating system, or another operating system. Alternatively, the display  2100  may be operable with remote computing device to only display graphics and multimedia to the wearer in a digital format, while other functions are performed remotely. 
         [0110]      FIG. 21A  shows one embodiment where the display  2100  is a prismatic optical display, or a display having prismatic projections. In this embodiment, the display  2100  may include a display component  2105  that is mounted to a display housing  2112  ( FIG. 21B ). The display component  2105  may be any micro-display component, a self luminous display component, an organic light emitting display component, a cholesteric display component, an electroluminescent display component, an electrophoretic component, an active matrix liquid crystal display component, a liquid crystal display component, or a lightweight display component using light emitting diodes. 
         [0111]    It should be appreciated that the display component  2105  should have sufficient brightness and clarity, but at the same time operate within predefined low power limits and also be lightweight. 
         [0112]    The display  2100  further includes a prismatic optical configuration including several optical surfaces arranged to direct the enhanced virtual image to the user in a magnified manner. The prismatic optical configuration includes a first aspherical optical surface or element  2115  and first and second reflective surfaces  2120 ,  2125 . The first aspherical optical surface  2115  initially receives the image from the display component  2105 . 
         [0113]    The image is then reflected from the first and the second reflective surfaces  2120 ,  2125  to properly orient the image that is emitted from the display component  2105  to the viewer. In one embodiment, the first and the second reflective surfaces  2120 ,  2125  are plain reflective surfaces. In another embodiment, first and second reflective surfaces  2120 ,  2125  may be diffractive, and or micro-lens reflective surfaces, or mixed with the first surface  2120  being a diffractive and or micro-lens reflective optical surface while the surface  2125  is a plain reflective surface. In this embodiment, the display  2100  may further include a second aspherical optical and or micro-lens surface  2130  with the second aspherical optical surface  2130  being positioned relative to an outlet  2135 . Alternatively, another different optical element may be positioned at the outlet  2135 . 
         [0114]    The first and the second aspherical optical surfaces  2115 ,  2130  are adapted to properly orient the image at the outlet  2135 . In this manner, the image will be emitted from the display component  2105  to the first aspherical optic surface  2115  and to the first reflective surface  2120 . The image will then be properly oriented to the second reflective surface  2125  and displayed in a virtual optically magnified manner to the viewer through outlet  2135  as shown in  FIG. 21B . 
         [0115]    In one embodiment, the monocular display device  2100  can have a display  2105  with optical elements having at least four optical surfaces. These surfaces include an aspherical entrance surface  2115  for receiving the image from the display  2105 , an aspherical exit surface  2130  so the user views the image directly through the exit surface  2130  and at least two reflective surfaces  2120 ,  2125 . Each reflective surface  2120 ,  2125  can be positioned to reflect the displayed image from the entrance surface  2115  to the exit surface  2130 . The four or more optical surfaces of the optical element  2115 ,  2120 ,  2125 ,  2135  can be shaped or molded to generate a magnified virtual image of displayed image. This permits the user to view crisp and clear images close to the user&#39;s eye E. 
         [0116]    The virtual image appears to be located a distance from the user. This image is substantially greater in size relative to an optical path defined from a path measured from the display  2105  through the optical element  2115  and to the user&#39;s dominant eye E ( FIG. 21B ). 
         [0117]    Turning now to  FIG. 21C , in one embodiment, the optical surface or element  2105  of the display  2100  can be connected to a mounting bracket  2140  with a user operated focus adjustment. The display  2105  can be moved along a generally linear axis to vary the distance between the optic element entry surface  2115  and the display  2105 . This linear movement allows for an independent user image focus adjustment. 
         [0118]    The optical element  2115  is substantially free from distortion, astigmatism, chromatic aberrations and is designed for displaying low to high resolution text, charts, graphs, photographs, maps, graphical user interfaces, Internet web pages and video content with overall quality. 
         [0119]    The display  2100  can be configured to include at least one monocular optical element surface  2115  including an entrance surface, multiple reflecting surfaces  2120 ,  2125  and an exit surface  2135 . These surfaces can be curved to contribute to display image magnification producing the virtual image. In another alternative embodiment, the display  2100  can be configured with at least one optical element reflective surface being flat and the exit surface  2135  being aspherical. A distance between the optical element surface and the display  2105  can also be user adjustable. In one embodiment, the distance can be manually adjustable with a knob  2145  ( FIG. 21C ), a lever  2145  ( FIG. 21D ), a wheel, or a button. Various adjustment and actuator configurations are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure. This can either increase or decrease the distance between the optical element entrance surface  2115  and the display  2105 . This allows the user to adjust the virtual image focus to the user&#39;s eye, and for the image to appear clear and magnified to the user in a location that is near the user&#39;s dominant eye E ( FIG. 21B ). 
         [0120]    The display  2100  may be formed from a single block of optical material with at least four surfaces with at least two side surfaces being reflective surfaces. Each surface may include a plurality of apertures aligned in a row extending generally parallel to the optical element exit surface. Each aperture on one side surface has a complimentary aperture on the other side surface forming a pair. 
         [0121]    Alternatively, the optical element  2100  can be a solid element formed of at least two different materials to form an achromat. The optical element  2100  may include at least one entrance surface  2115  and one exit surface  2130  that are formed of a first material that is different than a second material from which the reflective surfaces  2120 ,  2125  are formed. The optical element  2100  can be formed by bonding together at least two different optical materials to form a solid optical element, or panel. The display  2100  may incorporate or a clear, flat, transparent, protective, scratch resistant film or other element to protect the optical element exit surface  2135  ( FIG. 21C ) from collecting dirt, scratches, cleaning or damage. 
         [0122]    Turning now again to  FIG. 21B , the display component  2105  of  FIG. 21A  is disposed in the display housing  2100  in a manner so that the housing  2100  remains compact and thin. As shown, the displayed image is positioned so as to be in the peripheral vision of the viewer&#39;s dominant eye D and so as to permit the user to have ninety to ninety five percent of the vision unobstructed or non-occluded, while at the same time emitting high resolution, bright, optically enhanced, virtual images in the viewer&#39;s peripheral vision. At the same time, the user can have the housing  2100  sufficiently close to the eye so the images appear magnified. As shown in  FIG. 21B , the monocular display system  2100  may include a reflective surface  2120  that provides for image error correction. Likewise, the reflective surface  2125  may be made in a similar manner that also provides for optical image error correction with diffractive surface elements and or micro-lens surface optical elements being disposed between the reflective surfaces  2120 ,  2125 . 
         [0123]    Turning now to  FIG. 22A through 22D , there is shown another embodiment of a monocular device  2200  including a component slot  2205 . In this embodiment, the component slot  2205  is located in a body portion  2210  of the device  2200 ; however, the component slot  2205  may be located in other areas such as, for example, in a display  2215 . As mentioned above, the component slot  2205  can be configured to receive a previously described component  2220  that is lightweight and that adds functionality to the device  2200 . In one embodiment, the component  2220  may be a mini-card, a memory, a GPS device, a Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) component, a broadcast TV tuner and or broadcast radio tuner, or similar device that plugs into a component slot  2205 . Various lightweight functional component configurations are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0124]    Turning now to  FIG. 23A , there is shown a medallion  2300  similar to the previously described embodiments. The medallion  2300 , in this embodiment, may further include a wireless touch screen device  2305  which may be used to control the display (not shown) and the medallion  2300  can be the input/output device. 
         [0125]    The touch screen  2305  may be located in a position which is adjacent to slots  2310 ,  2315  and can receive an input signal by the user dragging the user&#39;s finger across or over an overlay on the touch screen  2305 . In this manner, as shown in  FIG. 23B , the touch screen  2305  on the medallion  2300  is supported using neck or wrist band  2305 ′ and, may wirelessly output radiofrequency input signals to assist with controlling the monocular display  2300 , which is connected to the lanyard interface  2315 ′. In this manner, the wearer can control the device  2300  and/or external devices using the medallion touch screen  2305 . Various input control configurations are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0126]    Turning now to  FIG. 24 , there is shown an alternative configuration for the display element  2400 , and for magnifying the overall image that is displayed to the viewer. This configuration provides for a magnified image while the display element  2400  remains in a lightweight, compact, thin, and low cost configuration. In this embodiment, the display element  2400  is one of the display elements previously described, and emits an image, such as, for example, an organic light emitting diode display, or other display element. The image is preferably reflected against two mirrored surfaces, or a first mirrored surface  2405  and a second mirrored surface  2410 . 
         [0127]    Preferably, the display element  2400  is located adjacent to a first field lens  2415  and a second objective lens  2415 ′. The field lens  2415  is connected to the second objective lens  2415 ′ and includes an air gap  2420  disposed therebetween. The field lens  2415 ′ preferably collimates the illumination of display element  2400  and matches the illumination with the objective lens  2415  across the air gap  2420 . 
         [0128]    In this aspect, the image is magnified in a prismatic manner across at least four optical surfaces to magnify the image displayed to the viewer.  FIG. 24  shows that the image is initially emitted from the display element  2400 . The image passes through a first optical surface and then passes through the field lens  2415 ′ to the first mirrored surface  2405 , which is configured to redirect the image about ninety degrees in a direction toward the viewer. Thereafter, the image is reflected to the second optical surface  2430  and across the air gap  2420  to the third optical surface  2435  and to the objective lens  2415 . 
         [0129]    The image then passes from the second mirrored surface  2410 , where the image is reflected about ninety degrees to the fourth optical surface  2535 ′. The image then is magnified and properly displayed to the viewer&#39;s eye VE. For ease of assembly, the field lens  2415 ′ is assembled with, or otherwise connected to, the objective lens  2415  with a predetermined air gap  2420  using a first and a second registration pins  2440 ,  2445 . Pins  2440 ,  2445  are dimensioned to properly fix the distance between the lenses  2415 ′,  2415  during assembly. Registration pins  2440 ,  2445  preferably have a predetermined length and are dimensioned so the optical distance is preserved between the field lens  2415 ′ and the objective lens  2415 , and to properly magnify and display the image to the user. The registration pins  2440 ,  2445  are preferably molded for ease of assembly into the lenses  2415 ′, and  2415 . The lenses  2415 ′, and  2415  are preferably enclosed in a suitable housing  2445  that is thin, and low cost. Alternatively, the display  2400  may be connected to a lens as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/420,624 to Ray Hebert entitled “Devices, and Methods for Image Viewing”, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0130]    While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.