Virtual and augmented reality (VR AR) systems are emerging technologies requiring data rates of multiple Gbps. Existing high quality VR headsets require connections through HDMI cables to a computer rendering rich graphic contents to meet the extremely high data transfer rate requirement. Such a cable connection limits the VR user's mobility and interferes with the VR experience. Current wireless technologies such as WiFi cannot support the multi-Gbps graphics data transfer. Instead, we propose to use visible light communication (VLC) for establishing high speed wireless links between a rendering computer and a VR headset. But, VLC transceivers are highly directional with narrow beams and require constant maintenance of line-of-sight (LOS) alignment between the transmitter and the receiver. Thus, we present a novel multi-detector hemispherical VR headset design to tackle the beam misalignment problem caused by the VR user's random head orientation. We provide detailed analysis on how the number of detectors on the headset can be minimized while maintaining the required beam alignment and providing high quality VR experience.
Existing wireless VR systems like Samsung Gear or Google Cardboard rely on smart phones and cannot process rich graphics content. VR systems like Zotac require the user to carry a processor unit in backpack. High quality VR systems like Occulus Rift and HTC Vive are not wireless and requires HDMI and USB cable connection to a computer for rendering the rich graphic content. For providing wireless VR with high quality, 60 GHz communication is being explored as a possible solution. In @cite_3 , a proof-of-concept VR system with programming capability on the headset is proposed that uses WiGig modules for wireless connection. The authors in @cite_28 developed a mmWave reflector that helps maintain connection with a VR-headset in the event of blockage. In @cite_10 , the authors proposed using Free-space-optics (FSO), a.k.a. OWC to replace the HDMI cable on a VR-headset. They proposed a mechanical steering mechanism for both a ceiling mounted transmitter and a receiver on the headset to maintain line-of-sight alignment.
@cite_28 @cite_10 @cite_3
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In near future, we expect the Virtual Reality (VR) headsets to be wireless and to be demanding data-rate up to Tbps, thus pushing RF technology to the limit. In this work, we explore the possibility of using steerable Free Space Optics (FSO) to create a wireless link between a wall-mounted static transceiver and a VR headset in motion with its user. We describe our architecture, develop a link emulator using off-the-shelf optical devices, analyze the response time of the system and its effect on tolerable motion of the VR headset. We describe an in-band feedback mechanism to track the laser beam between the transceivers in motion. We lay out additional challenges to tackle, so as to unleash the full potential of FSO communications for wearable devices like VR headset. All existing high-quality virtual reality (VR) systems (e.g., HTC Vive and Oculus Rift) are tethered, requiring an HDMI cable to connect the head mounted display (HMD) to a PC for rendering rich graphic contents. Such a tethered design not only limits user mobility but also imposes hazards to users. To get rid of the cable, "cable replacement" solutions have been proposed but without any programmability at the HMD side. In this paper, we explore how to build a programmable wireless high-quality VR system using commodity hardware. With programmability at both the PC side and the HMD side, our system provides extensibility and flexibility for exploring various new ideas and software-based techniques in high-quality VR. We present our system design, describe challenges, explore possible solutions to cut the wire, and compare the performance of different approaches for transmitting the high-volume graphics data over a wireless link. We share our experience and report preliminary findings. Experimental results show that building a wireless high-quality VR system is very challenging, and needs extensive effort on both the software and hardware sides in order to meet the performance requirements.