Wireless High Definition Headset for Virtual Environments

The ultimate Virtual Environment system must free the user of const raining hardwire connections to the host computer or telepresence sensors. In addition to wirelessness, the headset must be unobtrusive and deliver a high quality image. We propose a research methodology and development program that will result in a wireless, low mass, high definition, wide FOV full color personal display that is worn like a pair of eyeglasses. Diffraction's novel display incorporates user adjustable opaqueness for undistorted look-through capability for view augmentation or replacement. The headset transceiver will support virtual audio reception as well as transmission of position data. The proposed research effort contains an analysis of bandwidth requirements for a two channel eye worn display including an investigation of data compression and bit rate reduction techniques for efficient delivery of this information with a review and selection of suitable wideband wireless technology (lightwave or radio). Other novel concepts proposed include host based image encoding used in conjunction with a user worn processor for on-head data decoding, and the development of a unique next generation wireless VR display with minimal weight, low power consumption, 1600 line resolution, variable look- through and eye tracking capability.