Augmented reality motorcycle helmet

Abstract

An augmented-reality helmet which in one embodiment is 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.

1 . A helmet comprising:
 an outer shell;   an inner shell enclosed within said outer shell such that a cavity is defined between said outer shell and said inner shell;   a gyroscope disposed within said cavity, wherein said gyroscope is adapted to generate a first signal;   a rear-view camera adapted to generate a second signal disposed within said cavity;   a display disposed within said inner shell, wherein said display is adapted to (i) receive said second signal and (ii) convert said second signal into an image;   a sliding display mount comprising a track, a track engaging member, and a hinge unit joining said track engaging member and said display; and   a battery pack disposed within said cavity such that rotational inertia about a wearer's head is minimized.   
     
     
         2 . The helmet of  claim 1 , further comprising a helmet control module adapted to receive said first signal and retransmit said first signal to a headlight mounted remotely from said helmet and adapted to move in response to said first signal. 
     
     
         3 . The helmet of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one air intake and at least one exhaust port disposed in said outer shell;
 an internal air passageway located in said cavity in fluid communication with said least one air intake and said at least one exhaust port; and   an electrically-reversible turbine contained within said internal air passageway.   
     
     
         4 . The helmet of  claim 3 , wherein said battery pack comprises one or more batteries; an air inlet being in fluid communication with, and adapted to receive air from, said internal air passageway; and one or more cooling channels in fluid communication with said one or more batteries contained within said battery pack and with said air inlet.