A team of Korean developers operating under the name OWLFS, Inc. is developing an interesting HUD-based display system that can be applied to almost any motorcycle helmet. The product is called Revan and it can be used to provide a wide range of safety, informational and entertainment related capabilities to motorcycle riders. The company makes special note of the fact that the Revan system has been designed following all standards of communication, helmet design and road safety in Europe, the USA and in Japan.
Consider first the hardware components in the Revan system.
An assembly containing front facing and rear facing video cameras is mounted on top of the helmet. Each camera captures video in 1080p Full HD at 30 fps. Each camera has a 143° field of view. The cameras can provide a live-feed to the rider through the system’s integrated, always-on microdisplay-based HUD.
The HUD is positioned in the lower right corner of the helmet. Given this position, the rider can see the image produced by the HUD at all times without the need to tilt their head. The position of the HUD can be further refined with micro-adjustment of the hinge. In addition, two types of HUD covers are available to match the rider’s preference: see-through and see-closed. The HUD assembly can be rotated up and away from its’ in-use position in front of the rider’s right eye. The HUD can be used even when the helmet face shield is in the up position.
The image produced by the HUD optical system is focused at a distance of 1.5 to 2 m. When viewing the HUD, the rider need not strain their eyes or lose clear sight of the outside world. This is due to the fact that HUD includes so-called “infinity focus technology.”
The Revan system can be operated by a wireless Bluetooth V.5.0 WiFi enabled remote control. The controller can be attached to either side of the motorcycle handlebar in a position that is comfortably within the rider’s reach. Individual buttons on the remote control provide tactile feedback that serves to minimize distractions to the rider while the motorcycle is in operation.
A video at the end of this article introduces the Revan helmet-based HUD system. The left hand portion of the figure below illustrates a motorcycle helmet with the Revan HUD system attached. The center part of the figure is a detail of the HUD mechanism. The right hand part of the figure illustrates the controller located on the handlebar.
Left: a motorcycle helmet with the Revan HUD system attached. Center: a detail of the HUD mechanism. Right: the controller attached to a handlebar.
The Revan system includes two lightweight lithium ion batteries each with 7000 mAh of power. The batteries can be expected to provide about 12 hours of use on a single charge. With USB-C charging and a portable cigarette lighter socket, the rider can fully recharge Revan’s batteries in about four hours. The batteries are interchangeable.
Another aspect of the Revan system is the fact that the battery unit includes built-in rear facing LED lights. These help other drivers see the motorcycle rider during the day as well as at night. A further component included in the system is a directional microphone that can be installed in the helmet. All the hardware in the Revan system together weigh in at 340 g.
Revan is compatible with most full and open face helmets. The company claims that mounting the Revan to a helmet is quick and easy. More than that, with additional brackets, the system can be switched between helmets. This includes the integrated HUD which can be removed in just a few seconds using only a small wrench. Company promotional material has featured the claim that the Revan hardware will remain securely attached to the rider’s helmet even under the most stressful riding conditions.
Next, consider some of the uses and capabilities of the Revan system.
The system is primarily designed with the goal of improving rider safety. As a prime example, the integrated HUD can be used by the rider to check surrounding blindspots. In fact, the company suggests that there may come a time in the near future when a live feed camera-based system could replace conventional mirrors.
Revan comes with a smartphone application. Using the app, it is possible to quickly configure the Revan system to detect hands-free gestures. As an example, a slight head tilt could be programmed to activate the rear view camera.
Revan also enables other functions – all without the need for the rider to take their eyes off the road or hands off the handlebars.
- Monitor speed, location, time, battery levels and other useful metrics in real-time.
- Watch the live feed of the front and rear cameras.
- Allow video recording to a 64GB to 512 GB memory card.
- Set up group calls or adjust the settings in the HUD.
- Provides navigation with the capability to save and share the GPS coordinates and get directions.
- Stream the ride live, save it for later or upload it to social media via the Revan App or other application.
- Listen to audio including music and podcasts by way of in-helmet speakers and Revan’s smartphone app.
One of the means used by OWLFS to raise the funds required to take the Revan product into production was a Kickstarter campaign. The campaign was highly successful. Concluding in April, a total of $107,534 was pledged against a goal of $30,000 by 130 investors. Although complete, the Kickstarter campaign is still on-line and can be found here. The company then went on to initiate an Indiegogo campaign to raise additional funds. Details of this campaign can be found here.
The price of the Revan product is targeted at $999 with a special $699 price for early Indiegogo campaign supporters. At this time, the product is targeted to ship in September. -Arthur Berman
OWLFS, Inc., Yeon Tae Kim, +82 031-705-0830, [email protected]
