SOLID OPTICS WITH INCREASED FIELD OF VIEW

1 . A solid optics module for displaying an image in a head-worn display that also provides a see-through view of a surrounding environment wherein the solid optics module provides an increased display field of view, comprising:

an image source providing image light;

three or more lens elements with optical surfaces that are attached together with one or more index matched transparent materials to provide a solid display optic that provides a see-through view of the surrounding environment,

wherein the solid display optic includes multiple internal optical surfaces comprising at least one refractive surface that supplies optical power to the image light, at least one partially reflective surface that also supplies optical power to the image light and at least one plano partially reflective surface that redirects the image light; and

at least one separate optical element positioned between the image source and the solid display optic that supplies optical power to the image light and is supported such that an airgap is provided between the separate optical element and the solid display optic to provide a solid optics module,

wherein the solid optics module provides an increased display field of view.

2 . The solid optics module of claim 1 , wherein the increased display field of view is greater than 35 degrees.

3 . The solid optics module of claim 1 , wherein the increased display field of view is 40 degrees or greater.

4 . The solid optics module of claim 1 , wherein support for the separate optical element is provided by a frame of the head-worn display.

5 . The solid optics module of claim 1 , wherein support for the separate optical element is provided by a special flange associated with an element in the solid display optic.

6 . The solid optics module of claim 5 , wherein the special flange supports and aligns the separate optical element relative to the solid display optic.

7 . The solid optics module of claim 5 , wherein the special flange is adhesively bonded to attach the separate optical element to the solid display optic thereby providing an extended solid display optic.

8 . The solid optics module of claim 5 , wherein the special flange extends around one or more edges of the separate optical element and the solid display optic to prevent dust from entering the airgap.

9 . The solid optics module of claim 1 , wherein the solid display optic includes at least three elements and the see-through view passes through all of the elements of the solid display optic.

10 . The solid optics module of claim 1 , wherein the solid display optic includes at least four elements and the see-through view passes through all of the elements of the solid display optic.

11 . The solid optics module of claim 10 , wherein the four elements include a middle element, a power lens, a front lens and a prism.

12 . The solid optics module of claim 1 , wherein the solid display optic has a uniform thickness.

13 . The solid optics module of claim 11 , wherein a front surface of the front lens and a back surface of the prism are both plano.

14 . The solid optics module of claim 11 , wherein a front surface of the front lens and a back surface of the prism have concentric curves.

15 . The solid optics module of claim 1 , wherein the sides of the solid display optic are flared to provide an improved see-through view.