Swimming Goggle HUD System for Real-Time Performance Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Swimmers lack real-time access to critical performance data and motivational messages while swimming, as existing technologies do not effectively provide near-eye data feeds during their activities.
Innovation Solution
A heads-up display (HUD) system integrated into swimming goggles, comprising an electronics module with sensors and a display, and an optics module with light directing features, which processes swimming performance data and projects it onto the user's field of vision, providing real-time information such as time, splits, lap count, and motivational messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If swimming goggles are equipped with traditional display devices, then swimmers can access performance data, but the display devices increase device complexity and may interfere with swimming performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the swimmer's own eye as an intermediary to display performance data. Instead of adding traditional display screens to the goggles, the system projects images directly onto the retina through the existing optical path of the eye, utilizing the eye's natural focusing ability to present information without adding complex display hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the swimming goggle lens serve multiple functions: it acts as both the primary optical element for vision and as a display medium for performance data. By integrating the display function into the existing lens structure, the system avoids adding separate display components and maintains the goggle's primary swimming function while enabling data visualization.
2Loss of information
If performance data is displayed in the swimmer's field of vision, then real-time feedback is provided, but the display may obstruct the swimmer's view of the pool environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent displays performance data in a localized region of the visual field rather than across the entire field of view. By concentrating the display in specific areas (such as peripheral vision zones), the system provides necessary feedback while leaving the central and other regions clear for observing the pool environment, coaches, and competitors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the display from a two-dimensional screen to a three-dimensional retinal projection within the eye's focal plane. This dimensional change allows the display to be superimposed on the natural visual field without physically blocking the line of sight, as the image is formed at the retinal level rather than in the external optical path.
3Measurement precision
If electronic components are added to swimming goggles, then performance monitoring capability is improved, but the goggle structure becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the display function with the existing goggle lens structure rather than adding separate display components. By integrating the projection optics and display elements into the lens assembly that already exists in swimming goggles, the system achieves performance monitoring capability while minimizing increases in manufacturing complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables swimmers to receive critical performance data and motivational messages in real-time, enhancing their swimming experience by providing immediate feedback and encouragement, thereby improving technique and motivation.
Implementation Method 1
The optics module extends from the electronics module and has one or more light directing features for redirecting the image toward an eye of a user to generate a redirected image
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a heads up display (HUD) system configured for use with a pair of swimming goggles comprising first and second eye cups, a nose bridge connected to inner sides of the eye cups, and strap mounting portions on outer sides of the eye cups. The HUD system comprises an electronics and optics modules. The electronics module comprises a water tight housing and a processor, memory, power supply, sensors and a display within the water tight housing. The processor processes signals from the sensors to determine swimming performance data and controls the display to generate an image containing the swimming performance data. The optics module is mounted on one of the eye cups and is coupled to the electronics module for receiving the image from the display. The optics module extends from the electronics module and has one or more light directing features for redirecting the image toward an eye of a user to generate a redirected image.