Selective real image obstruction in a virtual reality display apparatus and method

In a headset display system able to display virtual images viewed in combination with real images viewed through the headset display, a method comprising the steps of:

• determining a position of a substantially bright portion of the real images;
• generating a real image obstruction substantially inclusive of the bright portion in response to said step of determining;
• generating a virtual image at a virtual image position;
• and
• generating a second real image obstruction in substantial coincidence with the virtual image position wherein the real images not obstructed by the first or second real image obstructions are substantially unobstructed.

In a headset display system with a variable position real image obstruction and able to display virtual images viewed in combination with real images viewed through the headset display, a method comprising the steps of:

• determining a position of a substantially bright portion of the real images;
• selecting an obstruction position from a plurality of obstruction positions in response to said step of determining;
• generating a real image obstruction for a portion of the real images viewed through the headset system in response to said step of selecting, wherein the real image obstruction is substantially inclusive of the bright portion;
• and
• generating a virtual image viewable in combination with the real images.