Head-mount display

Abstract

A system and method is provided for varying the apparent distance of a virtual image projected by a head-mounted display. The distance between the user and an object being viewed by the user is determined. Then, the focal distance of an eyepiece optical system in the head-mounted display is adjusted to provide a virtual image at an apparent distance that corresponds to the determined distance. The user thereby experiences an approximately seamless overlay in sharp focus of the virtual image from the display and the three-dimensional binocular image being viewed. For example, when viewing a movie screen, or other object at infinity, the focal length is adjusted to provide a virtual image at or near optical infinity. Likewise, when reading a book, or inspecting another object in close proximity, the focal length is adjusted to provide the virtual image at a nearby apparent distance.

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