An augmented-reality (增强现实的) helmet that gives cyclists a 360-degree view of the road could help prevent accidents.
Unlike cars, bicycles don't come with rear view mirrors (后视镜), which is why British product design firm DCA created the Optic helmet. The helmet has front and rear cameras and a drop-down visor (面罩) that can display road conditions in real-time from the rear camera onto a rider's field of view. The visor can show warnings. If a vehicle is overtaking (超过) the rider, it can warn the rider by combining data from the cameras on the front and back of the helmet. In addition, the Optic helmet can provide GPS navigation information for riders who want to track their performance. The design is now just a concept, but it won the “Best of the Best” Red Dot Design Award recently.
Richard Price, a designer at DCA and the brains behind the project, said the helmet is aimed at reducing cycling accidents. Because the helmet is just a concept design, some of the details have yet to be decided, such as the exact method for projecting video onto the visor. However, Price said Google Glass has already shown that this is practical. The Optic helmet will be able to connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth to allow maps and routing information to be updated, but actual navigation will be carried out by the helmet using its onboard (自身携带的) GPS unit. It can be controlled either by a touchpad next to the visor or by using gestures picked up by the front camera.
“Users can order what is shown in the visor to suit their needs and to make sure the display doesn't distract them.” Price said. Since the designs were made public, Price said the design firm has received plenty of positive feedback from cyclists and cycling companies. But actually, putting the device into production will require lots of money, so it is unclear when or if the helmet will be available to consumers.
【小题1】Which is NOT right about the Optic helmet?| A．It has been put into mass production. |
| B．It can provide GPS navigation information. |
| C．It can give cyclists a 360-degree view of the road. |
| D．It has front and rear cameras to provide road information. |
| A．Richard Price designed the Optic helmet. |
| B．Google offered help in designing the helmet. |
| C．The Optic helmet is mainly made of steel. |
| D．Consumers can order the new helmet online now. |
| A．To win the Red Dot Design Award. |
| B．To make a large amount of profit. |
| C．To help reduce cycling accidents. |
| D．To give cyclists a cool experience. |
| A．Critical. | B．Doubtful. |
| C．Negative. | D．Positive. |
