Unobtrusive helmet sightline display apparatus and system

Abstract

Provided is an unobtrusive helmet sightline display apparatus (10) comprising an elongate planar housing (12) configured for removable flat mounting to an upper portion of a helmet viewport (14), and an array (16) of multicolour light-emitting diodes (LEDs ) longitudinally arranged within said housing (12) to lie within a wearer of said helmet' s upper peripheral vision. Apparatus (10) also includes a controller (20) within said housing (12) and operatively arrangeable in signal communication with a mobile device (24), such as a smartphone, said controller (20) configured to selectively actuate and control a colour of individual LEDs within said array (16), and upon receipt of a predetermined designation signal (36) from the mobile device (24), actuate and colour LEDs in a manner designated by said designation signal (36). In this manner, predetermined coloured patterns are producible in an unobtrusive manner in the wearer' s peripheral vision.

Description

UNOBTRUSIVE HELMET SIGHTLINE DISPLAY APPARATUS AND SYSTEMTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates broadly to protective helmets and automotive activities involving such helmets, and more specifically to an unobtrusive helmet sightline display apparatus and an associated system.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application .

[0003] As is known in the art, a helmet is a form of protective gear worn to protect the head. More specifically, a helmet complements the skull in protecting the human brain. Motorcycle and racing helmets generally consist of a polystyrene foam inner shell that absorbs the shock of an impact, and a protective plastic or carbon fibre outer layer .

[0004] While studies have shown that helmets reduce the risk of head injury by around 69% and the risk of death by around 42%, one shortcoming associated with wearing a helmet is that a wearer' s peripheral vision may be reduced. In particular, a vehicle' s dashboard or instrument cluster may be out of ready view of a wearer wearing a helmet and focusing on controlling the vehicle and looking towards a direction of travel . This shortcoming is common with motorcyclists, wherea helmet may obscure the instruments and gauges when riding a motorcycle, typically requiring the head and / or eyes to be tilted downwards and away from the direction of travel .

[0005] In amelioration of this shortcoming, heads-up displays (HUDs) have been developed for helmet wear, which generally comprises a transparent display that presents data without requiring a user to look away from their usual viewpoints . HUDs originated in the field of military aviation with a pilot being able to view information with the head positioned "up" and looking forward, instead of angled down looking at lower instruments, and with the advantage that the pilot ' s eyes do not need to refocus to view the outside after looking at the optically nearer instruments . Such automotive HUDs provide increased situational awareness and elimination of the need to look away from a direction of travel whilst driving, thereby increasing reaction time to external hazards .

[0006] Unlike automobiles, such as cars and trucks generally having a windshield which can be configured with a HUD, applications requiring a helmet, such as motorcycling, typically require some manner of optical combiner to be placed within the field of view of the helmet wearer . Such an optical combiner, albeit a transparent display or coated lens, must inherently be located in front of a wearer' s eyes in order to function as intended inside a helmet .

[0007] Such conventional helmet HUDs generally provide a full visual display and are typically complicated and expensive and may not be suited to all types of helmets . Full visual displays, which are able to present any kind of visual information to a person, often provide too much information, such as maps, navigational information, vehicle operatingcharacteristics, etc . and the optical combiner or display in front of a wearer' s eyes may thus be distracting. For these reasons, helmet HUDs have seen very limited uptake due to such cost, complexity and distraction provided to a user . Conventional display apparatus are also typically large and complicated and not suited for use with existing helmets, often requiring a bespoke helmet developed around such conventional devices .

[0008] In light of these shortcomings, the Applicant has identified the need for an unobtrusive helmet sightline display means able to provide information in an unobtrusive or nondistracting manner using existing helmets and the current invention was conceived with this goal in mind.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that reference herein to a 'helmet' is generally made in a broad and non-exclusive manner and generally refers to any motorcycle or racing helmet, including full face, modular, motocross, open face, half or short helmets, and may also include bicycle and other helmets, such as skateboard helmets, scooter or e-scooter helmets, or the like, and as will become readily apparent to the skilled addressee in light of the following disclosure .

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an unobtrusive helmet sightline display apparatus comprising :an elongate, planar housing configured for removable flat mounting to an upper portion of a helmet viewport, said housing including one or both of an optical waveguide for guiding lightand / or a light diffuser for diffusing light in a predetermined manner;an array of multicolour light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged within said housing; anda controller arranged within said housing and operatively arrangeable in signal communication with a mobile device, such as a smartphone, said controller configured to :i . selectively actuate and control a colour of individual LEDs within said array; andii . upon receipt of a predetermined designation signal from the mobile device, actuate and colour LEDs in a manner designated by said designation signal;wherein predetermined coloured patterns are producible by the LED array and the optical waveguide and / or light diffuser are configured to facilitate visibility of said predetermined coloured patterns in an unobtrusive manner in a wearer of the helmet' s peripheral vision.

[0011] In an embodiment, the elongate, planar housing comprises a flat, thin, beam-like structure shaped and dimensioned to abut against an upper portion of a helmet viewport to be out of a wearer of the helmet' s direct sightline whilst being within said wearer' s upper peripheral vision .

[0012] In an embodiment, the housing comprises a sealed, robust housing with ingress protection to minimise the ingress of moisture and dirt .

[0013] In an embodiment, the housing comprises a magnetic attachment to facilitate removable flat mounting to an upper portion of a helmet viewport .

[0014] In an embodiment, the optical waveguide is adjustable to allow a wearer of the helmet to adjust a position where the predetermined coloured patterns are visible in the wearer' s peripheral vision.

[0015] In an embodiment, the light diffuser comprises a translucent portion of the housing for diffusing light in a predetermined manner

[0016] In an embodiment, the light diffuser is adjustable to allow a wearer of the helmet to adjust a luminous intensity of the predetermined coloured patterns visible in the wearer' s peripheral vision.

[0017] In an embodiment, the display apparatus comprises an energising assembly for providing electrical energy to the controller and LEDs, said energising assembly comprising at least one electrochemical cell rechargeable via connector pins arranged external on the housing.

[0018] In an embodiment, the display apparatus includes a carry case for receiving the housing therein, said carry case configured to recharge the at least one electrochemical cell of the energising assembly via said connector pins .

[0019] In an embodiment, the array of multicolour lightemitting diodes (LEDs) comprises RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) LEDs .

[0020] In an embodiment, the controller includes an accelerometer configured to measure an acceleration of the display device .

[0021] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to actuate the colour LEDs in a predetermined manner if a measured acceleration exceeds a predetermined limit .

[0022] In an embodiment, the controller is operatively arrangeable in signal communication with a mobile device via including a wireless communications network interface, e . g. an interface using any of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ( IEEE) 802.11 family of wireless protocol standards and / or 802.15 standard for wireless communications protocol, or similar wireless communications protocols, e . g. wi-fi, ANT, ANT+, Bluetooth, BLE, ZigBee, or the like .

[0023] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to send a distress notification, via the mobile device, if a measured acceleration exceeds a predetermined limit .

[0024] In an embodiment, the predetermined designation signal is user-programmable via a suitable software application or app operatively executed on the mobile device in order to assign a specific predetermined coloured pattern for actuation by the controller in accordance with user-selectable characteristics .

[0025] In an embodiment, the user-selectable characteristics are selectable from a non-exclusive group consisting of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) information, mobile device notifications, and vehicle operating characteristics .

[0026] In an embodiment, a suitable software application or app operatively executed on the mobile device is configured togenerate the predetermined designation signal according to a real-time velocity of the mobile device, so that said predetermined coloured patterns are produced indicative of said real-time velocity.

[0027] In an embodiment, the mobile device is selectable from a non-exclusive group consisting of a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a portable computer, and a vehicle engine management controller (ECM) system.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an unobtrusive helmet sightline display system comprising :a mobile device, such as a smartphone, comprising a wireless communications network interface; anda helmet sightline display apparatus comprising:a . an elongate, planar housing configured for removable flat mounting to an upper portion of a helmet viewport, said housing including one or both of an optical waveguide for guiding light and / or a light diffuser for diffusing light in a predetermined manner; b . an array of multicolour light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged within said housing; andc . a controller arranged within said housing and operatively arrangeable in signal communication with a mobile device, such as a smartphone, said controller configured to :i . selectively actuate and control a colour of individual LEDs within said array; andii . upon receipt of a predetermined designation signal from the mobile device, actuate and colour LEDs in a manner designated by said designation signal;wherein predetermined coloured patterns are producible by the LED array and the optical waveguide and / or light diffuser are configured to facilitate visibility of said predetermined coloured patterns in an unobtrusive manner in a wearer of the helmet' s peripheral vision.

[0029] In an embodiment, the controller is operatively arrangeable in signal communication with the mobile device via including a wireless communications network interface, e . g. an interface using any of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ( IEEE) 802.11 family of wireless protocol standards and / or 802.15 standard for wireless communications protocol, or similar wireless communications protocols, e . g. wi-fi, ANT, ANT+, Bluetooth, BLE, ZigBee, or the like .

[0030] In an embodiment, the predetermined designation signal is user-programmable via a suitable software application or app operatively executed on the mobile device in order to assign a specific predetermined coloured pattern for actuation by the controller in accordance with user-selectable characteristics .

[0031] In an embodiment, the user-selectable characteristics are selectable from a non-exclusive group consisting of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) information, mobile device notifications, and vehicle operating characteristics .

[0032] In an embodiment, a suitable software application or app operatively executed on the mobile device is configured to generate the predetermined designation signal according to a real-time velocity of the mobile device, so that saidpredetermined coloured patterns are produced indicative of said real-time velocity.

[0033] In an embodiment, the mobile device is selectable from a non-exclusive group consisting of a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a portable computer, and a vehicle engine management controller (ECM) system.

[0034] In an embodiment, the elongate, planar housing comprises a flat, thin, beam-like structure shaped and dimensioned to abut against an upper portion of a helmet viewport to be out of a wearer of the helmet' s direct sightline whilst being within said wearer' s upper peripheral vision.

[0035] In an embodiment, the housing comprises a sealed, robust housing with ingress protection to minimise the ingress of moisture and dirt .

[0036] In an embodiment, the housing comprises a magnetic attachment to facilitate removable flat mounting to an upper portion of a helmet viewport .

[0037] In an embodiment, the optical waveguide is adjustable to allow a wearer of the helmet to adjust a position where the predetermined coloured patterns are visible in the wearer' s peripheral vision.

[0038] In an embodiment, the light diffuser comprises a translucent portion of the housing for diffusing light in a predetermined manner

[0039] In an embodiment, the light diffuser is adjustable to allow a wearer of the helmet to adjust a luminous intensityof the predetermined coloured patterns visible in the wearer' s peripheral vision.

[0040] In an embodiment, the display apparatus comprises an energising assembly for providing electrical energy to the controller and LEDs, said energising assembly comprising at least one electrochemical cell rechargeable via connector pins arranged external on the housing.

[0041] In an embodiment, the display apparatus includes a carry case for receiving the housing therein, said carry case configured to recharge the at least one electrochemical cell of the energising assembly via said connector pins .

[0042] In an embodiment, the array of multicolour lightemitting diodes (LEDs) comprises RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) LEDs .

[0043] In an embodiment, the controller includes an accelerometer configured to measure an acceleration of the display device .

[0044] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to actuate the colour LEDs in a predetermined manner if a measured acceleration exceeds a predetermined limit .

[0045] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to send a distress notification, via the mobile device, if a measured acceleration exceeds a predetermined limit .

[0046] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a helmet comprising an unobtrusive helmet sightlinedisplay apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention .

[0047] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an unobtrusive helmet sightline display apparatus, an unobtrusive helmet sightline display system, and a helmet comprising such a display apparatus, substantially as herein described and / or illustrated.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective front-view representation of one embodiment of unobtrusive helmet sightline display apparatus, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;Figure 2 is a diagrammatic perspective rear-view representation of the unobtrusive helmet sightline display apparatus of Figure 1 ;Figure 3 is a diagrammatic overview representation of an example printed circuit board of the unobtrusive helmet sightline display apparatus of Figure 1 ;Figure 4 is a diagrammatic overview representation of an unobtrusive helmet sightline display system, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;Figure 5 is a diagrammatic side-view perspective representation of a carry case for the unobtrusive helmet sightline display apparatus of Figure 1 ; andFigure 6 is a diagrammatic bottom-view perspective representation of the carry case for the unobtrusive helmet sightline display apparatus of Figure 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0048] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several nonlimiting embodiments thereof . This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention to the skilled addressee . It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above .

[0049] In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout . Additionally, features, mechanisms and aspects well-known and understood in the art will not be described in detail, as such features, mechanisms and aspects will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[0050] Additionally, the accompanying figures do not represent engineering or design drawings, but provide a functional overview of the invention only. As a result, features and practical construction details required for various embodiments may not be indicated in each figure, but such construction requirements will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[0051] It is further to be appreciated that reference herein to 'GNSS' generally refers to any suitable Global Navigation Satellite System able to provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning, including the GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou and other regional satellite systems .

[0052] Broadly, the present invention seeks to provide means for relaying visual alerts and cues to a wearer of a helmet in an unobtrusive and non-distracting manner, with such visual alerts and cues user-configurable and controlled from a remote device, such as with a suitable smartphone app, or the like .

[0053] Accordingly, with reference now to the accompanying figures, there is exemplified different embodiments of such as an unobtrusive helmet sightline display apparatus 10, which forms part of an unobtrusive helmet sightline display system 34, and which is configured to provide unobtrusive and nondistracting visual alerts and cues to a wearer of a helmet 8. System 34 comprising apparatus 10 is specifically configured to facilitate producing predetermined coloured patterns in an unobtrusive manner in the wearer of the helmet' s peripheral vision, as described in more detail below. Broadly, the unobtrusive helmet sightline display system 34 comprises a mobile device 24, such as a smartphone, comprising a wireless communications network interface 22, and helmet sightline display apparatus 10.

[0054] Typically, helmet sightline display apparatus 10 comprises an elongate, planar housing 12 which is configured for removable flat mounting to an upper portion of a helmet viewport 14, as broadly shown in Figure 4. In one embodiment, the elongate, planar housing 12 comprises a flat, thin, beamlike structure shaped and dimensioned to abut against an upper portion of a helmet viewport 14 to be out of a wearer of the helmet' s direct sightline whilst being within said wearer' s upper peripheral vision. In a typical embodiment, the housing 12 comprises a sealed, robust housing with ingress protection to minimise the ingress of moisture and dirt . In oneembodiment, the housing comprises a magnetic attachment 26 to facilitate removable flat mounting to an upper portion of a helmet viewport 14. Such magnetic attachment 26 may take various configurations with variations hereon possible and anticipated. For example, magnetic attachment 26 may comprise a magnet for engaging a ferromagnetic portion of the helmet 8, or magnetic attachment 26 may comprise a ferromagnetic portion, such as a metal plate, for engaging with a magnet (s) mounted to an upper surface of the helmet viewport 14, or the like .

[0055] Helmet sightline display apparatus 10 further includes an array 16 of multicolour light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that are generally longitudinally arranged within said housing 12. By means of one or both of an optical waveguide 18.1 for guiding light and / or a light diffuser 18.2 for diffusing light in a predetermined manner, display apparatus 10 facilitates producing predetermined coloured patterns in an unobtrusive manner in the wearer' s peripheral vision when the housing 12 is mounted to an upper portion of a helmet viewport 14, as shown in Figure 4.

[0056] In a typical embodiment, the array 16 of multicolour light-emitting diodes (LEDs) comprises RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) LEDs, but of course variations hereon are possible and anticipated. In one embodiment, the optical waveguide 18.1 is adjustable to allow a wearer of the helmet 8 to adjust a position where the predetermined coloured patterns are visible in the wearer' s peripheral vision. In one embodiment, the light diffuser 18.2 comprises a translucent portion of the housing 12 for diffusing light in a predetermined manner . In one embodiment, the light diffuser 18.2 is adjustable to allow a wearer of the helmet 8 to adjust a luminous intensity of the predetermined coloured patterns visible in the wearer' speripheral vision. Such adjustment of the light diffuser 18.2 may take various forms, including adjusting of LED intensity via a suitable software application or app operatively executed on the mobile device 24, an adjustable mechanical shield, or the like .

[0057] The optical waveguide 18.1 may be realised in various ways, and generally includes any suitable structure that confines and guides light waves from the LED array 16 using principles like total internal reflection (TIR) to keep light trapped within a central "core" with a higher refractive index than the surrounding "cladding" material . Similarly, the light diffuser 18.2 may take various forms, such as a material of the housing that scatters and spreads light from the led array 16 and / or waveguide 18.1 to transform direct light beams into softer, more even, and less glaring illumination.

[0058] With reference to Figure 3 of the accompanying figures showing an example printed circuit board (PCB) 40, helmet sightline display apparatus 10 also includes a controller 20 arranged within the housing 12 and which is operatively arrangeable in signal communication with the mobile device 24 via a suitable wireless network interface 22. Typically, the processor comprises any suitable processor or microcontroller configured to receive input, perform logical and arithmetical operations on a suitable instruction set, and provide output, as well as transitory and / or non-transitory electronic storage . For example, a SoC microcontroller, or the like, as generally known in the art of electronic engineering.

[0059] Similarly, the controller 20 may be operatively arranged in signal communication with the mobile device by including any suitable wireless communications networkinterface 22, e . g. an interface using any of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ( IEEE) 802.11 family of wireless protocol standards and / or 802.15 standard for wireless communications protocol, or similar wireless communications protocols, e . g. wi-fi, ANT, ANT+, Bluetooth, BLE, ZigBee, or the like .

[0060] In one embodiment, the display apparatus 10 comprises an energising assembly 28 for providing electrical energy to the controller 20 and array 16 of LEDs . Such an energising assembly 28 typically comprises at least one electrochemical cell 28.1 which is rechargeable via connector pins 32 arranged external on the housing 12. For example, apparatus 10 may be realised by means of a printed circuit board (PCB) 40 housing the LED array 16 with the controller 20 as a SoC arrangement at one end, with energising assembly 28 at the other end, as shown. In such an embodiment, the rechargeable cell 28.1 is locatable within the PCB 40, as shown, but of course variations hereon are possible . Apparatus 10 also typically includes a suitable activation switch or button 38 for activating the controller 20 and LED array 16.

[0061] The skilled addressee will further appreciate that the mobile device 24 may take various forms and may include, for example, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a portable computer, a vehicle engine management controller (ECM) system, and / or the like .

[0062] Importantly, the controller 20 is configured selectively to actuate and control a colour of individual LEDs within the LED array 16, and upon receipt of a predetermined designation signal 36 from the mobile device 24, actuate and colour LEDs in the array 16 in a manner designated by thedesignation signal . In this manner, predetermined coloured patterns are producible in an unobtrusive manner in the helmet wearer' s peripheral vision. The skilled addressee will appreciate that such colours and / or patterns produced in the helmet wearer' s peripheral vision are generally unobtrusive and non-distracting as opposed to creating a HUD with specific maps and / or detailed information.

[0063] In one embodiment, a suitable software application or app operatively executed on the mobile device 24 is configured to generate the predetermined designation signal 36 according to a real-time velocity of the mobile device 24, so that the predetermined coloured patterns are produced indicative of said real-time velocity. It is to be appreciated that reference herein to 'real-time' is to be understood as meaning an instance of time that may include a delay typically resulting from processing, calculation and / or transmission times inherent in computer processing systems . These transmission and calculations times, albeit of generally small duration, do introduce some delay, i . e . typically less than a second or within milliseconds, but the user is provided with relevant visualisation information relatively quickly or within 'real-time' .

[0064] In one embodiment, the predetermined designation signal 36 is user-programmable via a suitable software application or app operatively executed on the mobile device 24 in order to assign a specific predetermined coloured pattern for actuation by the controller 20 in accordance with user-selectable characteristics . Such user-selectable characteristics may take various forms, including Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) information, mobile devicenotifications, vehicle operating characteristics, and / or the like .

[0065] For example, GNSS information may comprise a speed of travel as derived from a smartphone' s onboard GNSS sensors and / or posted speed limits at a certain geographical location with specific colours and / or patterns user-selectable to provide an indication of such speed of travel . The skilled addressee is to appreciate that web mapping platforms such as Google™ Maps and Apple™ Maps may include posted speed limits along travel routes, and that such posted speed limits are included with the GNSS information.

[0066] For example, a user may configure the user-selectable characteristics of the designation signal 36 to indicate a 'breathing' green colour to be produced via the LED array 16 at travel speeds of below 60km / h, with a 'breathing' orange colour to be produced at speeds of between 60km / h and lOOkm / h, and a 'breathing' red colour to be produced at speeds over lOOkm / h, or the like . Similarly, a posted speed limit may be automatically obtained from a web mapping platform by the mobile device 24 for comparison with onboard GNSS sensors . In such a manner, the colours of the LED array 16 may be automatically configured accordingly depending on where a wearer of the helmet 8 travels, e . g. a green colour when travelling below the posted speed limit, an orange colour when travelling at the posted speed limit, and a red colour when exceeding the posted speed limit, etc . Of course, variations hereon are possible and anticipated.

[0067] Another example of the user-selectable characteristics sent to the controller 20 via the designation signal 36 may include directions from a smartphone' s onboardGNSS sensors . For example, if a desired destination has been programmed on a navigation module of the mobile device 24, such as Google™ Maps, or the like, then navigational aids may comprise colours and / or patterns via the LED array 16 that indicates left or right turn prompts . For example, a green point travelling in a left direction may provide advance notice of an upcoming left turn, with such left traveling point turning orange indicating the left turn is within 100m, and the left travelling point turning red indicating that the left turn is within 100m, or the like . Again, variations hereon are possible and expected. Similarly, a reported speed camera on a route of travel may comprise another pattern and / or colour to be produced, and the like .

[0068] Additionally, mobile device notifications, such as incoming calls, messages received, etc . may be configured to produce unique patterns and / or colours to be produced. In a similar manner, vehicle operating characteristics, such as engine revolution speeds, operating temperatures, alerts, etc . may also be configured to produce specific patterns and / or colours to inform the helmet wearer accordingly.

[0069] In one embodiment, the controller 20 includes an accelerometer 42 which is configured to measure an acceleration of the display device 10. In one embodiment, the controller 20 is configured to actuate the colour LEDs 16 in a predetermined manner if a measured acceleration exceeds a predetermined limit, e . g. flashing a distress signal . In one embodiment, the controller 20 is configured to send a distress notification, via the mobile device 24, if a measured acceleration exceeds a predetermined limit . For example, when the helmet 8 impacts a surface or other obj ect in a potentially harmful manner, adesignated contact of the wearer may be informed via a suitable message, or the like .

[0070] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that such an accelerometer 42 may form part of an inertial measurement unit ( IMU) , generally being an electronic device with sensors, such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, etc . that tracks an obj ect ' s motion, acceleration, orientation (pitch, roll, yaw) , and angular rate in three-dimensional space . In one embodiment, the controller 20 may also include a microphone (not shown) configured to facilitate voice commands to the mobile device 24. For example, the mobile device 24 and / or controller 20 may be configured to be responsive to voice commands via such a microphone, as generally known in the art of electronic engineering.

[0071] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the display apparatus 10 also includes a carry case 30 for receiving the housing 12 therein, with said carry case 30 configured to recharge the at least one electrochemical cell 28.1 of the energising assembly 32 via said connector pins 32. For example, the carry case 30 typically includes a rechargeable battery via which the electrochemical cell 28.1 is rechargeable when the display apparatus 10 is stored within the carry case 30.

[0072] In one embodiment, the carry case 30 and / or housing 12 may include some manner of automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) token 44, such as a Quick Response (QR) code or the like, which is scannable via the mobile device 24 to direct said mobile device 24 to the suitable software application or app, such as on an online app store or similar online software repository, for execution to provide thefunctionality described herein. Such AIDC token 44 may include any suitable technique or methodology for automatically and without user data entry, identifying an obj ect and entering relevant data directly into a computer system (i . e . without human involvement) . Examples of AIDC technologies include bar codes, Quick Response (QR) tags, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) , Near-Field Communication (NFC) , data tags, magnetic stripes, smart cards, etc .

[0073] Applicant believes it particularly advantageous that the present invention provides for an unobtrusive helmet sightline display apparatus 10 and an associated system 34 whereby visual alerts and cues can be relayed to a wearer of a helmet in an unobtrusive and non-distracting manner . In particular, use of the optical waveguide 18.1 and / or light diffuser 18.2 facilitates unobtrusiveness of visual alerts and allows apparatus 10 to be realised in a single, compact and unitary manner to fit an existing helmet 8, i . e . a single device removably mountable in an existing helmet . Apparatus 10 and system 34 provides for a smartphone app to determine and controls the array 16 of LEDs via Bluetooth or other wireless protocols, and enables the LEDs to illuminate and flash in different colours and intensity, depending on GNSS derived speed, time, and distance parameters, which can be both preconfigured and / or user defined.

[0074] The apparatus 10 and system 34 further allows for the creation of additional visual alerts for other smartphone functions, such as incoming calls, or new message alerts, or other app alerts . Other user-selectable characteristics may also be configured for customising LED flash triggers, such as posted-speed-limit information, navigation information, traffic condition alerts, group ride navigation, ridertraining, lap times and lap sector progress indicators and the like . Apparatus 10 and system 34 are also relatively inexpensive compared to conventional HUD systems as existing mobile devices are incorporated therein.

[0075] The skilled addressee is further to appreciate that the apparatus 10 and system 34 described herein may find application in other fields, such as providing non-intrusive visual alerts to rally car drivers, or personnel working on noisy industrial sites wearing hard hats or similar headwear, including personnel training, operational and / or safety indicators, or the like . Accordingly, apparatus 10 and system 34 may find application in various fields and industries, as will be appreciated by the skilled addressee in light of this disclosure, and provided the relative ease with which a suitable software application may be tailored according to such requirements for mobile device 24.

[0076] In the example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee . Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features . Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth .

[0077] Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplifiedin a different example . Variations (e . g. modifications and / or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor (s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor (s) intends for the claimed subj ect matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[0078] The use of the terms "a" , "an" , "said" , "the" , and / or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subj ect matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context . The terms "comprising, " "having, " "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i . e . , meaning "including, but not limited to, " ) unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items .

[0079] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner, " "outer, " "beneath, " "below, " "lower, " "above, " "upper, " and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature ' s relationship to another element (s) or feature (s) as illustrated in the figures . Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the contrivance in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures . For example, if the contrivance in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features .

Claims

CLAIMS1. An unobtrusive helmet sightline display apparatus comprising :an elongate, planar housing configured for removable flat mounting to an upper portion of a helmet viewport, said housing including one or both of an optical waveguide for guiding light and / or a light diffuser for diffusing light in a predetermined manner;an array of multicolour light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged within said housing; anda controller arranged within said housing and operatively arrangeable in signal communication with a mobile device, such as a smartphone, said controller configured to :i . selectively actuate and control a colour of individual LEDs within said array; andii . upon receipt of a predetermined designation signal from the mobile device, actuate and colour LEDs in a manner designated by said designation signal;wherein predetermined coloured patterns are producible by the LED array and the optical waveguide and / or light diffuser are configured to facilitate visibility of said predetermined coloured patterns in an unobtrusive manner in a wearer of the helmet' s peripheral vision.

2. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongate, planar housing comprises a flat, thin, beam-like structure shaped and dimensioned to abut against an upper portion of a helmet viewport to be out of a wearer of the helmet' s direct sightline whilst being within said wearer' s upper peripheral vision .

3. The display apparatus of either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the housing comprises a sealed, robust housing with ingress protection to minimise the ingress of moisture and dirt .

4. The display apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing comprises a magnetic attachment to facilitate removable flat mounting to an upper portion of a helmet viewport .

5. The display apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the optical waveguide is adjustable to allow a wearer of the helmet to adjust a position where the predetermined coloured patterns are visible in the wearer' s peripheral vision.

6. The display apparatus of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light diffuser comprises a translucent portion of the housing for diffusing light in a predetermined manner7. The display apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the light diffuser is adjustable to allow a wearer of the helmet to adjust a luminous intensity of the predetermined coloured patterns visible in the wearer' s peripheral vision.

8. The display apparatus of any of claims 1 to 7, which comprises an energising assembly for providing electrical energy to the controller and LEDs, said energising assembly comprising at least one electrochemical cell rechargeable via connector pins arranged external on the housing.

9. The display apparatus of claim 8, which includes a carry case for receiving the housing therein, said carry case configured to recharge the at least one electrochemical cell of the energising assembly via said connector pins .

10. The display apparatus of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the array of multicolour light-emitting diodes (LEDs) comprises RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) LEDs .

11. The display apparatus of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the controller includes an accelerometer configured to measure an acceleration of the display device .

12. The display apparatus of claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the colour LEDs in a predetermined manner if a measured acceleration exceeds a predetermined limit .

13. The display apparatus of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the controller is operatively arrangeable in signal communication with a mobile device via including a wireless communications network interface, e . g. an interface using any of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ( IEEE) 802.11 family of wireless protocol standards and / or 802.15 standard for wireless communications protocol, or similar wireless communications protocols, e . g. wi-fi, ANT, ANT+, Bluetooth, BLE, ZigBee, or the like .

14. The display apparatus of claim 13 via claim 11 , wherein the controller is configured to send a distress notification, via the mobile device, if a measured acceleration exceeds a predetermined limit .

15. The display apparatus of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the predetermined designation signal is user-programmable via a suitable software application or app operatively executed on the mobile device in order to assign a specific predeterminedcoloured pattern for actuation by the controller in accordance with user-selectable characteristics .

16. The display apparatus of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the user-selectable characteristics are selectable from a nonexclusive group consisting of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) information, mobile device notifications, and vehicle operating characteristics .

17. The display apparatus of any of claims 1 to 16, wherein a suitable software application or app operatively executed on the mobile device is configured to generate the predetermined designation signal according to a real-time velocity of the mobile device, so that said predetermined coloured patterns are produced indicative of said real-time velocity.

18. The display apparatus of any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the mobile device is selectable from a non-exclusive group consisting of a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a portable computer, and a vehicle engine management controller (ECM) system.

19. An unobtrusive helmet sightline display system comprising :a mobile device, such as a smartphone, comprising a wireless communications network interface; anda helmet sightline display apparatus comprising:a . an elongate, planar housing configured for removable flat mounting to an upper portion of a helmet viewport, said housing including one or both of an optical waveguide for guiding light and / or a light diffuser for diffusing light in a predetermined manner;b . an array of multicolour light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged within said housing; andc . a controller arranged within said housing and operatively arrangeable in signal communication with a mobile device, such as a smartphone, said controller configured to :i . selectively actuate and control a colour of individual LEDs within said array; andii . upon receipt of a predetermined designation signal from the mobile device, actuate and colour LEDs in a manner designated by said designation signal;wherein predetermined coloured patterns are producible by the LED array and the optical waveguide and / or light diffuser are configured to facilitate visibility of said predetermined coloured patterns in an unobtrusive manner in a wearer of the helmet' s peripheral vision.

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