Virtual Reality Lasercom Link

We describe laser communication concepts that result in an untethered Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) virtual reality system. Current systems limit user mobility by requiring wired communication connections between the HMD and the system computer. Our proposed concepts replace the tether with wireless optical communication links. A high-data-rate forward link is provided to carry digital video data to the HMD. A low-data-rate return link carries position, velocity, and acceleration data from the HMD to the system computer. In addition to removing the restrictions that are imposed on movement by tethered systems, wireless optical communications technology also offers low-weight, small-package solutions to further free user movements, and it provides the high communication bandwidths required to meet system data rates. Our innovative approach combines versatile lasercom techniques with novel optical components.