Multi-depth augmented reality display

An imaging system for generating multi-depth virtual images on a display screen, the imaging system comprising:

• an image realisation device for forming a source image;
• and
• projection optics for rendering a display image on the display screen, wherein the display image is a virtual image corresponding to the source image, and
• wherein the image realisation device comprises:
• an image realisation surface having a first and second region, wherein the image realisation surface and the projection optics are arranged such that a first point in the first region of the image realisation surface and a second point in the second region of the image realisation surface are at a different distance from a focal point of the projection optics;
• and
• a plurality of surfaces arranged to direct light from the image realisation surface towards the projection optics,
• wherein the surfaces and image realisation surface are arranged such that a first source image formed on the first region of the image realisation surface and projected through the projection optics will render the first display image on the display screen at a first apparent depth and a second source image formed on the second region of the image realisation surface and projected through the projection optics will render the second display image on the display screen at a second apparent depth;
• and
• wherein two or more of the plurality of surfaces are beam splitters having reflection/transmission ratios, wherein each beam splitter has a different reflection/transmission ratio, and wherein the reflection/transmission ratios are such that the brightness of the first and second display image is approximately equal.