Retro-fit heads-up display system for motorcycle and bicycle helmets

Fighter pilots have had it for years but Formula One drivers have only just begun experimenting with heads-up displays, so it was unexpected to find Motion Research Corporation showing their forthcoming consumer heads-up display for motorcycle and bicycle helmets at last Friday's 23rd Annual Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in Seattle.

The SportVue heads-up display for motorcycles and other motion sports is on the leading-edge of a wave of new technology for sports enthusiasts and has the potential to change the way motion sports users acquire and benefit from information.

SportVue is a very lightweight helmet and visor-mounted heads-up display unit driven by a compact GPS transceiver. The user sees a real-time display of critical data projected into the field of vision (as seen in the pics below). Without head movement, a user can access speed, distance, location and other info, greatly enhancing performance and safety. The patented technology was developed with assistance from the Human Interface Technology (HIT) Laboratory at the University of Washington.

Dr. Thomas Furness of the HIT Lab, said 'SportVue represents the first truly usable and affordable application of heads-up display technology for sports enthusiasts. This is an exciting step forward in safety for riders of all types.

'Pre-production SportVue units have been successfully tested in Formula 1 and Indy car racing, on motorcycles, bicycles and go-karts. Production versions will be available in May 2004. MRC founder and former professional race car driver, Dominic Dobson, said 'Head-Mounted Displays are truly the next big step in sports equipment. SportVue will revolutionise motorcycle riding by providing safe and easy access to the data riders need.

The motorcycle version is available now.