The evolution of AR in motorcycle helmets
Augmented reality, basically a further development of what used to be known as head-up displays, superimposes information over the normal field of vision. The idea of integrating such technologies into helmets is not new. BMW presented an AR motorcycle helmet back in 2016 and unveiled prototypes of AR glasses for car drivers this year. However, these slow development steps show that from the German company’s first presentation of AR eyewear prototypes in 2003 and an AR automotive windshield in 2011 to today, questions remain regarding customer demand.
Despite these uncertainties, Yamaha continues to work on the design of a motorcycle helmet with AR technology. Yamaha has been working on AR for a number of years, as demonstrated by the presentation of the PES2 electric sports motorcycle together with an AR helmet in 2015. This helmet worked in a similar way to the Apple Vision Pro’s see-through function, using a Sony mixed reality headset that covered the rider’s eyes and used stereo cameras to transmit images from the outside world to screens inside, supplemented by AR graphics. Almost a decade later, such a Yamaha AR helmet is still not available on the market.
Yamaha’s latest patent moves away from the idea of completely covering the eyes with screens. Instead, it takes an approach more reminiscent of a head-up display, with clear lenses that you look through, but on which computer-generated images and information can be superimposed into your field of vision.
A new perspective on safety and comfort
Yamaha’s new patent addresses the problem of motorcyclists moving their heads. Whether you are leaning forward on a sports bike or leaning back on a cruiser, the view through the helmet visor changes. Yamaha has recognized this problem and plans to integrate up to four small cameras aimed at the wearer to detect where the eyes are looking. This technology, combined with infrared light, should enable the system to determine where to place the AR images in the rider’s field of vision.
The patent does not specify exactly what information could be displayed, but makes it clear that the design is specifically conceived for motorcycle use and takes into account different helmet variants, both with open and full face coverage. It also mentions that wearers of other types of helmets, from pilots to baseball players, could potentially benefit from the technology, but only in passing to make the scope of the patent as broad as possible.
Conclusion: The future of AR helmets
The technology behind augmented reality helmets is undoubtedly evolving and becoming increasingly feasible. However, whether motorcyclists are prepared to pay for this new technology remains an open question. With its innovations, Yamaha is sending a clear signal that there is interest in combining AR technology and motorcycling. The future will show how this exciting technology will affect safety, the riding experience and interaction with the environment when riding a motorcycle. While Yamaha and other manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of the technology, the actual adoption by the motorcycling community remains to be seen. Augmented reality in the helmet could fundamentally change the way we ride, perceive and interact with our surroundings, provided the challenges of safety, comfort and practicality are successfully overcome.
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