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RE: newbie q's

It can be done, but it may be too dangerous.
What I mean is that for there to be enough light in order to view the display (yes you can have it at an angle), you might give
yourself a blind spot when using mirrors and lenses.  At least with current technology.  You could set up very small LCD's and/or
LED's to display the speed, radar, tach, fuel, alerts, but I don't think the rearview camera is going to fly too well (judging
distance and all).
Something to consider - the helmet will be rendered useless as protection if an accident should occur.  While it will protect
against outside damage, the internal parts will now be a deciding factor in what you health will be.
As for the wearable, you could use a lot of different systems and have the wiring on the bike and attach to a saddle bag or a vest.
You could even build it into the seat.  I have done the same thing with my SUV, but I have much more room to set up my displays
without giving myself too much of a blind spot.
Darn, I forgot whom on this list has the grant for the vehicle wearable pc.  Anyhow, if you search the archives, you will find his
name and he may be of assistance to you.

Zach

-----Original Message-----
From: Roger Gonzalez [mailto:]
Sent: Monday, June 04, 2001 11:05 AM
To: 
Subject: newbie q's

I kept bumping into wearables sites when I was looking for
info for my project, so I've subscribed.  I'm actually not
looking to build a wearable, but a related flavor of system;
a HUD for my motorcycle helmet.

The main deltas as I see it to the usual wearables design
specs are:

- Power is less of an issue (I can be tethered to the bike).
- Protection from RF noise (bike electronics are noisy).
- View occlusion must be minimal and protrude from bottom only
- Display can be permanently attached to helmet
- Focus at infinity instead of usual(?) ~1-2m
- Audio is a big part of the design
- Regular temperature extremes (25F-100+F ambient)

Some things I'm looking to experiment with displaying are:
- Speedo/Tach/fuel level data (from bike electronics)
- V1 radar detector output (via remote display serial protocol)
- Route sheet directions (static text updated on input)
- GPS waypoints (possibly map overlay when prompted)
- Rear-view camera (bike mirrors are useless)
- Misc text alerts via wireless (speed-sensitive; only
  display at <5mph)

I've procrastinated accumulating components thus far because
the display technology has seemed too bulky.  The MicroOptical
EG-7 looks neat, but is still only QVGA, and I suspect will
be too dim in sunlight.  The latest Kopin based displays look
more usable to me, although I'm concerned about view occlusion
to the side.

So, questions.

1. Any suggestions about the feasibility of mounting from the
   bottom?  I have about 1" of clearance (from the top of the
   chinbar just inside where the shield closes) to my cheekbones.

2. Do these displays work adequately when not centered on the
   pupil?  Can you put them in a "glance down 10 degrees" mode?
   If so, is it visible in your peripheral vision?

3. Given that the application is 100% outside, is an opaque
   display necessary to compete with ambient light?

Thanks for any info!

-Roger

Roger Gonzalez


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