U.S. patent application number 13/897025 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-21 for augmented reality motorcycle helmet.
This patent application is currently assigned to Skully Helmets Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Skully Helmets Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael James Roberts, Brian Robert Shreeve, Marcus D. WELLER.
Application Number | 20130305437 13/897025 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49580038 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130305437 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WELLER; Marcus D. ; et
al. |
November 21, 2013 |
AUGMENTED REALITY MOTORCYCLE HELMET
Abstract
An augmented-reality helmet comprises a full-face motorcycle
helmet with a look-down micro-display that projects a virtual image
in-line with the helmet's chin bar. In order to accommodate the
power requirements, the helmet includes a battery pack mounted at
the base of the motorcyclist's skull. A wind turbine charges the
batteries. Exhaust from the turbine is then deducted through the
helmet to cool the battery pack and/or the motorcyclist's head. The
turbine is controllable so that it can operate as a circulating fan
to provide ventilation. A digital gyroscope provides a control
input to a controller for operating a steerable headlight of the
motorcycle to track the rider's head movements; and provides
acceleration output to an algorithm that will contact emergency
responders if the rider is non-responsive after a collision. A 170
degree rear-view camera is mounted within an aerodynamic fairing on
the back of the helmet.
Inventors: |
WELLER; Marcus D.; (San
Jose, CA) ; Shreeve; Brian Robert; (San Jose, CA)
; Roberts; Michael James; (Vancouver, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Skully Helmets Inc. |
Cambell |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Skully Helmets Inc.
Cambell
CA
|
Family ID: |
49580038 |
Appl. No.: |
13/897025 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61649242 |
May 19, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/422 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/221 20130101;
A42B 3/286 20130101; G02B 2027/0138 20130101; A42B 3/046 20130101;
A42B 3/30 20130101; G02B 27/0172 20130101; A42B 3/28 20130101; G06T
19/006 20130101; A42B 3/0426 20130101; A42B 3/0493 20130101; G02B
27/0179 20130101; A42B 3/042 20130101; G02B 27/0176 20130101; G06K
9/00805 20130101; A42B 3/0446 20130101; G02B 2027/0159 20130101;
A42B 3/0406 20130101; G02B 2027/0183 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/422 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/04 20060101
A42B003/04 |
Claims
1. A helmet system for displaying information to a user comprising:
an helmet outer shell; a substantially transparent face shield
attached to the helmet outer shell; a chin bar disposed below the
face shield, the chin bar having an outside surface facing away
from the user and an inside surface facing toward the user; a
virtual image display mounted to the inside surface of the chin
bar, said virtual image display adapted to display information to
the user including navigational information, vehicle metric
information and/or rear view image information, the virtual image
display projecting information to the user as a virtual image
passing through the chin bar, whereby the virtual image does not
substantially reduce the user's field of view through the face
shield.
2. The helmet system of claim 1, further comprising: a horizontal
track mounted to the inside surface of the chin bar; a track
engaging member slidingly engaging the horizontal track, the
virtual image display being mounted to the track engaging member,
whereby the virtual image display may be positioned by the user
along the horizontal track to a left-eye dominant position to a
right-eye dominant position.
3. The helmet system of claim 2, further comprising: a horizontal
hinge member disposed between the virtual image display and the
track engaging member, whereby the virtual image display may be
tilted upwards or downwards to suit an individual user.
4. The helmet system of claim 4, wherein: the virtual image display
is moveable vertically.
5. The helmet system of claim 4, further comprising: a main control
module carried outside the helmet outer shell, the main control
module comprising an integrated circuit providing a smart phone
data interface, a manual control interface and a wireless data
link, the main control module being powered from a vehicle power
system; a helmet control module mounted within the helmet outer
shell, the helmet control module comprising an integrated circuit
providing a wireless data link for communicating with the main
control module and a video controller processing information for
display on said virtual image display, the helmet control module
being powered from a battery pack;
6. The helmet system of claim 5, wherein; the battery pack
comprises a body having an arcuate profile conforming to a lower
region of the helmet outer shell.
7. The helmet system of claim 6, wherein; said battery pack is
attached to the helmet outer shell in a region proximal the base of
the user's neck extending substantially from ear-to-ear.
8. The helmet system of claim 7, further comprising: a first video
camera mounted to the rear portion of the helmet outer shell.
9. The helmet system of claim 8, wherein: the helmet outer shell is
formed with an aerodynamic spoiler located on the rear surface
thereof, the spoiler also acting as a housing to surround and
protect the first video camera.
10. The helmet system of claim 9, wherein; the first video camera
is mounted to pivot about a horizontal pivot attached to the
helmet; the spoiler is formed with a rearward-facing aperture
having a vertically sliding lens port disposed therein; and the
first video camera is mounted with the lens of the camera extending
through the lens port, whereby the camera may be adjusted by
sliding the lens port vertically so that the first video camera
rotates about the horizontal pivot.
11. The helmet system of claim 5, further comprising; an air
passageway inside the helmet outer shell, the air passageway having
an intake port at a forward-facing surface of the helmet outer
shell and an exhaust port facing inward toward the user, whereby
ventilation may be provided to the user.
12. The helmet system of claim 11, wherein; the battery pack has an
interior passageway for cooling ventilation, the battery pack
internal passageway having an inlet; and the air passageway has an
exhaust port cooperating with the battery pack internal passageway
to provide cooling ventilation to the interior of the battery
pack.
13. The helmet system of claim 11, further comprising an
air-powered generator disposed in the air passageway, the
air-powered generator providing power to augment the battery
pack
14. The helmet system of claim 13, wherein: the air-powered
generator is reversible so that it is operated as a battery-powered
fan to provide a cooling airflow to the user.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to display systems for
helmets and in particular for display systems for motorcycle
helmets.
[0002] Heads-up displays have been suggested for implementation in
a multitude of transportation applications including automobiles,
aircraft and motorcycles. Heads-up displays typically comprise an
image projector, an optical collimator; and a beam splitter
(combiner). The beam splitter is typically an angled flat piece of
transparent or partially reflective material located directly in
front of the viewer. The beam splitter reflects the image from the
image projector in such a way that the user is able to see the
field of view and the projected image at the same time. The optical
collimator focuses the image from the image projector into parallel
rays of light so that the user sees a virtual image that appears to
be at an infinite distance.
[0003] The necessity of having a beam splitter as part of a
heads-up display causes little inconvenience in automobiles and
aircraft where there is a significant amount of space between the
user and the front windscreen of the vehicle within which to mount
the beam splitter. For motorcycles, however, installing a beam
splitter in the limited space between the rider's face and the
helmet windscreen presents significant design obstacles. U.S. Pat.
No. 5,537,092 issued to Suzuki et al. suggests simplifying the
information displayed to a motorcycle rider (e.g. by using a linear
array of LEDs) and projecting it as a virtual image along the base
of the visor (partially obstructing the field of view) as a means
of overcoming the space limitations inherent in helmet information
displays. This approach, however, severely limits the amount of
information that can be communicated to the motorcycle rider and
results in a reduction of the rider's field of view.
[0004] Additionally, as the demand for more and more real-time
display of information increases, the processor speed and power
consumption necessary to accommodate the demands also increases. In
a wireless environment, this dictates the need for larger and
heavier batteries in the helmet battery pack, use of tethered
batteries and/or powering the helmet with a cable from the vehicle
power system. US patent application 2009/0109292 to Ennis for
example discloses a video camera system including a heads-up
display that is operated from a battery belt pack connected to the
camera by a cable. This is not an ideal implementation for a
motorcycle helmet since a cable connected between the
motorcyclist's helmet and a belt-mounted battery would be
cumbersome especially with the exposed cable subjected to windblast
at high speeds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention comprises a helmet having a
battery-operated augmented reality display. According to an
illustrative embodiment, the helmet comprises a full-face
motorcycle helmet with a look-down micro-display that projects a
virtual image in-line with the helmet's chin bar (which is space
that is already obstructed from the motorcyclist's field of view.)
In order to accommodate the power requirements of the micro-display
and associated processor, a battery pack consisting of 4 lithium
ion batteries each rated at 2200 mAh for a total capacity of 8800
mAh housed within a crescent-shaped housing that is attached to the
rear of helmet at the base of the motorcyclist's skull. This unique
battery mounting position puts the center of mass of the helmet as
close as possible to the base of the neck so that, despite the mass
of the batteries, the helmet provides little inertial resistance to
quick movements of the head. In the illustrative embodiment, the
helmet includes a wind turbine that operates to charge the
batteries when the helmet is exposed to a wind blast of greater
than approximately 10 mph. Exhaust from the turbine is then
deducted through the helmet to cool the battery pack and/or the
motorcyclist's head. The turbine is controllable so that at low
speeds and high ambient temperatures the turbine operates as a
circulating fan to provide ventilation to cool the motorcyclist's
head. The helmet further includes a three axis digital gyroscope
mounted to the helmet controller board which (1) provides a control
input to a controller for operating a steerable headlight of the
motorcycle to track the rider's head movements; and (2) in the
event of a rapid deceleration possibly indicating an accident,
provides acceleration output to an algorithm that will contact
emergency responders if the rider is non-responsive. In the
illustrative embodiment, the helmet further comprises a 170 degree
rear-view camera mounted within an aerodynamic fairing on the back
of the helmet. The rear-view camera eliminates blind spots behind
the rider's head while the aerodynamic fairing reduces lift and
reduces wind buffeting noise of the helmet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0006] The present invention will be better understood from a
reading of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawing figures in which like references
designate like elements and, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a helmet incorporating
features of the present inventions;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic cross section of the helmet of FIG.
1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a mounting system for the
display of the helmet of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a representative view from the perspective of a
user wearing the helmet of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the electronic
modules of the helmet of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a cross section of the helmet of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a partial cross section of a portion of FIG. 6
showing details of the rearward-facing camera;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a partial cross section showing details of the
forward-facing camera;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the helmet of FIG. 1 with
the battery pack removed; and
[0016] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 6 showing
details of the air-powered generator.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The drawing figures are intended to illustrate the general
manner of construction and are not necessarily to scale. In the
detailed description and in the drawing figures, specific
illustrative examples are shown and herein described in detail. It
should be understood, however, that the drawing figures and
detailed description are not intended to limit the invention to the
particular form disclosed, but are merely illustrative and intended
to teach one of ordinary skill how to make and/or use the invention
claimed herein and for setting forth the best mode for carrying out
the invention.
[0018] With reference to the drawing figures and in particular FIG.
1 there is shown a helmet 10 incorporating features of the present
invention. Although helmet 10 is depicted as a motorcycle helmet, a
helmet incorporating features of the present invention may be
implemented as a bicycle helmet, industrial safety helmet, military
or other helmet without departing from the scope of the invention.
Helmet 10 is preferably constructed of conventional materials with
an inner liner formed of expanded polystyrene or polypropylene foam
(EPS) and an outer shell 12 made from a homogeneous plastic such as
polyamide, polyethylene or polycarbonate, or from a composite
material such as fiberglass, aramid, carbon fiber or other
composites.
[0019] Helmet 10 includes a conventional face shield 14 and a chin
bar 16. Chin bar 16 has a plurality of conventional ventilation
intakes 18 which are adjustable to allow a controlled amount of air
to enter the helmet for the purpose of reducing fogging of face
shield 14 in humid weather and/or for ventilation of the rider.
Helmet 10 further includes a plurality of air intakes 20 and a
forward-facing camera port 24 the function of which will be
discussed more fully hereinafter.
[0020] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, helmet 10 includes a
display device 24 mounted to the rear surface 26 of chin bar 16.
Display device 24 preferably comprises a virtual image display
(VID) unit consisting of a liquid crystal display (LCD), backlight,
collimating optics and magnification optics encased in a single
device. In the illustrative embodiment, the VID unit comprises a
0.59'' WVGA CyberDisplay.RTM. display unit manufactured by Kopin
Corporation of Westboro, Mass. Display device 24 is attached to
chin bar 16 by means of a hinge unit 28, attached to a track
engaging member 30. Track engaging member 30 engages a horizontal
track 32 having a substantially T-shaped cross section which is
rigidly attached to rear surface 26 of chin bar 16.
[0021] With additional reference to FIG. 4, track engaging member
30 and tack 32 form a sliding mount that enables display device 24
to be moved from the right side position 24A to the left side
position 24B of chin bar 16 to accommodate left eye dominant and
right eye dominant users. Track engaging member 30 is locked in
place along track 32 using a thumb-wheel cam 34 or similar locking
mechanism. The tilt angle of display device 24 may be adjusted by
moving the lower surface 36 outward as necessary and locking the
display device 24 in place using thumbscrew 38 acting on curved
bracket 40. Track engaging member 30, track 32 and cam 34 are
preferably made of injection-molded plastic such as polyamide,
polyethylene or polycarbonate. Hinge unit 28 may be a conventional
strap hinge but is preferably a "live" hinge made of homopolymer
polypropylene or other suitable plastic material. As shown in FIG.
2, Display device 24 produces a virtual image 44 which appears to
the rider to be behind the chin bar 16 at optical infinity. Because
the virtual image 44 appears to be behind (i.e. passing through)
the chin bar 16, the virtual image 44 appears in an area that is
already obscured from the rider's field of view and therefore does
not interfere with or reduce the rider's field of view as with
prior art helmets. Optionally the virtual image 44 can be
positioned at the top edge of the chin guard.
[0022] With additional reference to FIG. 5, helmet 10 includes a
helmet control module 50 mounted within the interior of outer shell
12. Helmet Control Module (HCM) 50 comprises a System on Chip (SoC)
integrated circuit 52 for managing the video and audio I/O, Wi-Fi
connection, power management and other functions. HCM 50 may also
include a digital output gyroscope/accelerometer 54 the purpose of
which is discussed more fully hereinafter. HCM 50 receives video
information via a Wi-Fi link 62 which HCM 50 then converts into the
appropriate video format for display on display device 24. Although
in the illustrative embodiment HCM 50 receives information via
Wi-Fi link 62 the invention is not limited to Wi-Fi wireless link.
Other wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth.RTM. or
other wireless protocols now existing or hereafter developed may be
used within the scope of the invention. HCM 50 similarly processes
audio information received via Wi-Fi link 62 which is then
amplified and played through headset 56 housed within helmet 10.
HCM 50 similarly processes voice commands, which may be received
via microphone 58 embedded in or otherwise attached to helmet 10.
In the illustrative embodiment, System on Chip IC 52 comprises a
Broadcomm BCM 2835, Wi-Fi link 62 comprises a Texas Instruments
CC3000, the display driver comprises an Intersil TW8835 and the
audio amplifier comprises a Maxim MAX98090.
[0023] As noted hereinbefore, HCM 50 includes a
gyroscope/accelerometer 54 the purpose of which is twofold.
Gyroscope/accelerometer 54 may be used to track the head movements
of the rider in order to operate a main or auxiliary headlamp that
moves in sync with the rider's head rather than with the front
wheel. Additionally, however, gyroscope/accelerometer 54 may be
used to provide input to an algorithm that automatically contacts
emergency responders in the event of a sudden deceleration
(indicative of a possible collision) followed by an absence of
movement and/or absence of vocal command. To avoid false positive
detection of a collision, an additional sensor such as a proximity
sensor and/or thermal sensor is incorporated to determine if the
helmet is being worn, or has simply been removed and thrown onto
the ground or otherwise discarded. In the illustrative embodiment,
gyroscope/accelerometer 54 comprises a Maxim MAX21000 3-D rate
sensor.
[0024] With additional reference to FIGS. 6-8, helmet 10 is
equipped with a rear facing camera 60, preferably having a
150.degree.-200.degree., preferably approximately 170.degree. field
of view. As is known in the art, it is common to equip motorcycle
helmets with the rear spoilers in order to reduce lift and/or wind
buffeting of the helmet and associated noise at high speed. In the
illustrative embodiment, rear-facing camera 60 is mounted within
rear spoiler 64 of outer shell 12 thereby utilizing what would
otherwise be wasted space. The image from rear-facing camera 60 is
processed by HCM 50 and displayed on VID 24 thereby providing the
rider with a rear view image, obviating the necessity of the rider
to turn his/her head in order to view oncoming traffic. Optionally,
rear facing camera 60 may be gyroscopically stabilized using the
output from gyroscope/accelerometer 54. An additional chin spoiler
100, preferably formed of a soft polymer material may be attached
to chin guard 16 to further reduce wind noise and lift at high
speeds. Optionally, chin spoiler 100 may include a microphone
and/or additional electronics for operating VID 24 and is removably
attached with magnets (e.g. with neodymium or other rare earth
permanent magnets) which also act as signal transmitters between
chin spoiler 100 and helmet 10).
[0025] Macroscopic adjustments of rear-facing camera 60 may be
affected by moving lens port 66 upwards and downwards within
corresponding apertures 68 and 70 formed in the outer shell 12.
Movement of lens port 66 enables rear-facing camera 60 to pivot
about a pivot 72. Appropriate seals 74 disposed between lens port
66 and apertures 68, 70 are provided for weatherproofing. Helmet 10
may optionally be equipped with a forward-facing camera 76. The
mounting and adjustment of forward-facing camera 76 is identical to
the mounting and adjustment of rear-facing camera 60 and therefore
will not be discussed in detail herein. Coaxial infrared light
emitting diodes 78 are also included to improve visibility in
low-light conditions. In the illustrative embodiment rear-facing
camera 60 and optional forward-facing camera 76 each comprises an
OV7670 Robot Camera Module manufactured by Shenzhen Shanhai
Technology Ltd. of Guangdong, China. Additional sensors, such as
scanning LIDAR and radar are used to extend the rider's visual
range during night or impaired weather conditions. These sensors
are also used to detect objects under all atmospheric conditions so
as to warn the rider of a possible impact. The warning may consist
of an image displayed on VID 24, a visual warning symbol, as well
as an audio signal. The rider will have the option to add full or
partial automatic brake control to assist in impact prevention.
[0026] The power requirements of HCM 50 and the other components
embedded in helmet 10 necessitates use of a relatively
high-capacity battery pack to provide reasonable service life
between charges. With additional reference to FIG. 9, in order to
minimize the adverse effects of mounting a heavy, high-capacity
battery pack, helmet 10 incorporates a battery pack 80 comprising a
body having a substantially arcuate profile within inside radius R1
of approximately 65 millimeters and an outside radius R2 of
approximately 92 millimeters and a height H of approximately 75
millimeters. The shape of battery pack 80 allows it to fit low and
close around the base of the rider's neck extending substantially
from ear-to-ear, while the outer surface conforms to the helmet
outline. By positioning battery pack 80 low and close around the
base of the rider's neck, the moment of inertia of battery pack 80
is minimized relative to the normal turning and tilting motion of
the rider's head. Battery pack 80 is replaceable using conventional
plug-in connectors and releasable catches. Optionally, helmet 10
includes a barrier wall formed as part of outer shell 12 to isolate
battery pack 80 from the rider wearing helmet 10.
[0027] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 10, helmet 10 is equipped with
an internal air passageway 82 which leads from air intake 20 to
exhaust port 84. Ram-air entering air intake 20 passes through an
air-powered electrical generator such as air turbine/generator
assembly 86 housed within air passageway 82. Electricity generated
by air turbine/generator assembly 86 is used to augment the power
supplied by battery pack 80, thereby extending battery life. A
portion of the ram-air passing through the air turbine/generator
assembly 86 may also be directed to a series of cooling ports 88 to
cool the rider's head in warm weather. The remaining portion of the
ram-air passing through the air turbine/generator assembly 86 exits
exhaust port 84 which is connected to air inlet 90 of battery pack
80. Air entering air inlet 90 is directed through a series of
cooling channels 92 formed in battery pack 80 to cool the batteries
within battery pack 80 ultimately exiting battery pack 80 via
battery pack exhaust port 92. In warm weather and slow speeds, air
turbine/generator assembly 86 can be electrically reversed to
operate as a circulating fan to cool the rider's head by drawing
air through air intake 20 and discharging it through cooling ports
88. A thermal sensor may be incorporated into the helmet to
determine when the fan should be switched on to cool the helmet
interior.
[0028] With reference again to FIG. 5, a main control module (MCM)
100 is a System on Chip integrated circuit provided to control
certain functions associated with helmet 10. MCM 100 includes a
smart phone link 102 (iOS, Android or other smart phone operating
system) to provide GPS navigation, voice and data communication and
other functions associated with a smart phone 104. MCM 100 also
includes the input output control 106 receiving signals from the
manual control interface 108. In the illustrative embodiment,
although most commands are contemplated to be voice commands via
microphone 58, a manual control interface such as a joy-button or
other physically manipulated switch array may be provided as
appropriate. MCM 100 further includes a light sensor control 110
which receives signal from an ambient light sensor 112. Light
sensor control 110 adjusts the light output of VID 24, determines
when infrared LEDs 78 are necessary and performs other functions as
necessary based on the ambient light conditions. Light sensor
control 110 may also be used to adjust the darkness of face shield
14 to control the ambient light within the helmet. Alternatively
face shield 24 itself may have an auto-dark function. MCM 100 also
includes a wireless or wired interface with the vehicle engine
management system to receive vehicle speed, engine oil pressure,
engine temperature, fuel reserve, fuel economy and other vehicle
metrics. In the illustrative embodiment, the System on Chip IC
comprises a Broadcomm BCM 2835, the smart phone link comprises a
USB to iOS (iPhone) cable and the ambient light sensor comprises a
Maxim MAX44009 light sensor.
[0029] Although certain illustrative embodiments and methods have
been disclosed herein, it will be apparent from the foregoing
disclosure to those skilled in the art that variations and
modifications of such embodiments and methods may be made without
departing from the invention. For example, although in the
illustrative embodiment display device 24 is not a
heads-up-display, use of a heads-up display in combination with the
other features of the present invention is considered within the
scope of the invention. Additionally, although voice commands
and/or manual switches are shown in the illustrative embodiment,
simple thought commands (e.g. yes/no) detected by EEG are within
the scope of the invention as are blink detection commands using an
optical eye or eyelid detector. Additional programming
functionality may include lockouts that prevent manual input under
certain conditions, e.g. speed above a particular threshold, so as
to avoid an unsafe condition. Accordingly, it is intended that the
invention should be limited only to the extent required by the
appended claims and the rules and principles of applicable law.
Additionally, as used herein, references to direction such as "up"
or "down" are intend to be exemplary and are not considered as
limiting the invention and, unless otherwise specifically defined,
the terms "generally," "substantially," or "approximately" when
used with mathematical concepts or measurements mean within .+-.10
degrees of angle or within 10 percent of the measurement, whichever
is greater.
* * * * *