Patent ID: 7158095

Claim:
A visual display system that superimposes a virtual image onto a field of vision of an occupant of a vehicle that includes a windshield, the visual display system comprising: a display light source that transmits an image in at least partially polarized light; and a combiner positioned between the occupant and the windshield that transmits light from a field of vision extemal to the vehicle to the occupant, the combiner reflecting a first portion of the display light to superimpose the image as a virtual image within the transmitted field of vision, rotating the polarization of a second portion of the display light, and transmitting the second portion of the display light through the windshield, the second portion of the light having low efficiency for reflection towards the viewer from windshield-related optical boundaries encountered by the second portion of the display light following rotation of the plane of polarization of the display light and transmission by the combiner.