Integrated into many modern automobiles are a number of electronic devices that make driving more convenient and enjoyable. The list includes audio entertainment systems, GPS navigation systems and telephone communication devices. Until now, these capabilities have not generally been available to riders of motorcycles.
This issue is being addressed by a new product offering. Nuviz, Inc.,with headquarters in San Diego and a development facility in Salo, Finland, has developed a Head Up Display (HUD) designed specifically for the needs of motorcycle riders.
The Nuviz device is designed to work in conjunction with a smartphone that is based on either Android OS 4.4.2/KitKat (or newer) or iOS 10.2 (or newer). The smartphone is connected to the Nuviz by Bluetooth. A Nuviz app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
The HUD is designed to fit most full face motorcycle helmets using a curved mount. It is attached using a high strength adhesive pad.
To see the information presented by the HUD, the rider peers downward at a see thru display positioned just below the vision line of their right eye. The optics create a 65-inch virtual image that floats about 10m in front of the rider. The brightness of the display adapts automatically in response to ambient lighting conditions. The image is reported as bright enough to be legible in direct sunlight.
All system functions are controlled with a wireless controller that can be positioned on the handlebar of the motorcycle. The controller can be mounted in multiple ways depending on rider preference and/or the type of motorcycle. The controller includes an up and down lever that can be used to scroll through the main features of the applications. The lever is surrounded by four action buttons. These controls are designed for use with a gloved hand. The Nuviz system is illustrated in the figure below.
The Nuviz controller and HUD.
The Nuviz system brings together the following functions:
- On board GPS makes it possible to plan and navigate routes with turn by turn directions, map view, speed limits, view riding statistics and more. Since maps can be downloaded, signal loss will not by itself cause the rider to get lost.
- Nuviz supports audio, allowing the rider to listen to music. The system comes with a wired audio headset that includes two earphones and one microphone. This headset can be installed in a helmet. Alternately, the system can be synchronised to Bluetooth-enabled helmets.
- The built-in HD camera captures photos with a resolution up to 8MP and has auto white balance and auto exposure capabilities. Video can be captured in MP4/H.264/AVC up to 1080p/30fps. Since there is a dedicated camera button on the controller, the rider does not have to stop and pull out a camera to capture an image.
- Through Bluetooth, photos can be immediately stored in the associated smartphone. Videos are recorded on a microSD card that can contain up to 128GB of flash storage.
- Receive, make calls, see who is on the line and browse through your contact list.
The company claims that “bringing several devices together allows motorcyclist to maintain control without distraction.” A video that demonstrates the Nuviz system in operation can be found at the end of this article. Other system specifications and features include the following:
- 0.294-inch active matrix LCOS microdisplay with a RGB resolution of 800×480.
- Pixel density: 3,175dpi.
- The image has 16M color capability.
- CPU is a 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon.
- The system includes an onboard GPS and a sensor suite consisting of an accelerometer, magnetometer, gyroscope, barometer and an altimeter.
- Memory RAM 1GB LPDDR3.
- On board memory storage 16GB eMMC with about 10GB dedicated to user data storage.
- Wireless connectivity is Bluetooth and WLAN. Wired connectivity is USB2.
- HUD: Height: 58mm main body, 98mm optics housing. Length: 148mm. Thickness: 25-28mm main body, 36mm optics housing. Weight: 240g (with battery)
- Controller: Height: 13mm + 6 mm. Controller is round with a diameter of: 46mm. Weight: 28g.
The Li-ion battery in the HUD is both rechargeable and replaceable. With a capacity of 3,250mAh, it can provide from 3.5 to over 8 hours of operation depending on how the system is used. The company represents that this is enough power to keep riders on the road for an entire day. The controller contains a replaceable CR2032 3V lithium battery with a lifetime of up to 5 years.
The HUD and controller are both easy to remove and reattach to the motorcycle and helmet. As examples of such removability, the company suggests that it would not be necessary to check the motorcycle when it is parked out of view and that the whole system can be removed when not needed such as when on a short ride in familiar territory.
A number of Nuviz product reviews are available on-line. A particularly good review can be found here.
The Nuviz system is available for purchase on the company web site at a price of $699. -Arthur Berman
