So another year later, when we look back at 2020 and look ahead to 2021, one thing is certain-our COVID-19 pandemic world is still around us. However, vaccines, continued vigilance, and the tireless efforts of our health care system and providers will prevail, and I am grateful to everyone who participated. There are still many uncertainties in the future, but optimism is a must.
It is undeniable that motorcycles have been and will continue to be affected positively and negatively by the pandemic. Although many large and small group events from mainstream industry exhibitions, manufacturer displays, demonstration days, and group functions have either been cancelled or severely curtailed, the industry and cycling communities have adapted.
This adaptation largely involves accelerating the use of digital multimedia presentation forums and platforms, and of course social media. We may or may not return to the physical interactions we once enjoyed, such as shows and demo days, but for now, we seem to be dealing with it digitally.
This form of response is likely to become reality or the norm, and many industry entities have shifted from hosting or participating in physical venue activities to online or virtual-based activities in whole or in part.
It is also undeniable that motorcycles are still a popular activity-looking at global market data and industry initiatives can tell the story. Whether it's leisure, work, or any combination between the two, our COVID-19 world has led to a larger power sports market, especially the surge or recovery of the motorcycle market.
This surge or recovery, as well as time, technology, and mandatory or voluntary suspension, are driving or the industry's attention to safety technologies and features that have been available in the automotive market for a long time but are rarely seen as near-term targets. Motorcycle community.
One of these focus areas involves situational awareness-you know we all need to help us stay safe and healthy on the road and rubber side down. Our current situational awareness environment is mainly based on data from human embedded sensors, such as vision, sound, and smell, which can be processed to provide cognition or awareness.
But as the automotive industry discovered many years ago, adding on-board sensor systems and using their functions can and does significantly improve situational awareness, thereby improving safety.
In the past two to three years, as manufacturers added related features or announced future development plans, these features have indeed become the focus of the motorcycle industry; all are good.
Some early examples provided on new motorcycles are adaptive cruise control or ACC-an independent function based on short-to-medium range radar, integrated with other on-board multi-axis multi-sensor components to provide following, overtaking and assisted stop functions. And the familiar cruise control management function.
Although there is no substitute for the Mark I human sensor (currently), these technology-based solutions can enhance the human in the loop. For example, the radar-based Bosch Advanced Driver Assistance System is a good thing.
In terms of road use and road safety, motorcycles and motorcyclists need to participate equally and actively. Situational awareness is the key; having the right riding tools is never a bad thing.
Other sensor-related plans, some long-term plans from small private or crowdfunding plans are now available or will be available soon, such as the smart helmet discussed by Wade Thiel, including the Forcite MK1 smart helmet (Jim is waiting for wBW review P) and other third parties General installation of passive and active safety related accessories.
One of these third-party universal installation solutions is the INNOVV ThirdEYE blind spot detection (BSD) and lane change assist system for motorcycles, now available in version 1. Now under further development, this fully functional early version system succinctly demonstrates the value of this safety and situational awareness accessory to motorcycles.
INNOVV is about innovation and safety. Technology provides products that can enhance power sports activities, especially motorcycle-related activities; their small and concentrated product line reflects these goals.
The current INNOVV product line includes multifunctional portable C5 camera system and C5 helmet camera system, popular dual-channel K2 MotoCam and new K5 4K and 1080P camera system, as well as small Power Hub 2 accessory power supply products; including the new K3. Multi-product is one way in 2021.
"ThirdEYE provides riders with blind spot information without sacrificing the rider’s attention or requiring physical movement. In addition, providing motorcyclists with a keen awareness of their surroundings will help them make faster decisions and keep themselves on the road More defensive." (published by INNOVV ThirdEYE)
The ThirdEYE concept with component options was shown to the North American market at AIMExpo 2019, and the brave wBW team composed of Cameron, Jim and Wade was responsible for reporting. Subsequent emails with INNOVV representatives and exhibition participants showed that ThirdEYE was well received and provided valuable feedback to help define and improve the road ahead.
wBW provides a pre-release or version 1 kit in early 2020-a new product that helps to cope with the winter cabin heat. The pre-release or version 1 system consists of a radar module that contains three radar sensors for left, center and right coverage, a set of ThirdEYE mirrors with embedded LEDs, a "watch" display, and a control module .
The whole system is simple, robust and fully functional. The uniqueness of this particular system is that it has the connections and components required for the (planned) Mirror and Watch versions to facilitate testing and evaluation.
Since receiving this initial kit, a set of ThirdEYE enhanced BMW-style rearview mirrors and mounting adapters was launched in mid-March. For nearly a year, this first version of ThirdEYE has conducted extensive bench tests and real-world evaluations on three motorcycles during a riding season, and the results are completely abnormal.
The entire opportunity, including the ability to interact with the INNOVV team on construction, features, and functional observations, continues to verify the value of the ThirdEYE system and the importance of INNOVV's introduction of this feature to the market.
The ancient and wise motto "See and Be Seen" was praised by INNOVV, and the ThirdEYE blind spot detection and lane change assist system for motorcycles specifically established and strengthened the "See" aspect of this motto; one sentence will never change Old, a motto that should never be forgotten.
There is one more thing that will never be forgotten-shoulder examination. Mirrors are indispensable, and the use of them is indispensable; but they do not eliminate the blind spots in the backward left, center, and right arcs.
Solving this problem is one of ThirdEYE's main goals-to provide visual warnings to alleviate or eliminate blind spots.
So, what does ThirdEYE provide? Well, ThirdEYE has multiple goals. First, it is a blind spot detection aid or tool that can enhance real-time shoulder inspection and continuous use of rearview mirrors, while adding another building block to continuous dynamic situational awareness pictures.
To this end, the ThirdEYE system has three radar sensors (in the radar module), located in the left, center, and right coverage areas, providing a 70-degree rearward field of view with a depth of 10m or 33ft.
So how does ThirdEYE present what happened behind the rider? By providing the real-time visual communication output of the left and right mirrored LED groups for the mirror version, or use three LED (left, center, and right) displays on the watch version.
When the sensor detects one or more objects (fixed or moving) in the coverage area, according to the evaluated position, the object is the corresponding mirror or watch component, and the LED flashes quickly or sequentially lights up as a visual warning. Rider; this is no different from most systems installed on other large road vehicles.
When an object (vehicle) moves up from behind and enters the central radar coverage, the square LED on the mirror will light up in red and flash quickly. If this car or other vehicles appear and enter the left or right radar coverage area, the triangular LED lights on the left or right side will light up and flash quickly.
If you are using the watch version, the left, center or right icon will light up and flash according to the above two conditions (directly behind or left/right approaching).
The secondary goal is to reduce the risk in lane changing activities.
For example: In a multi-lane environment, if a motorcyclist changes lanes and passes from the left side of the vehicle, when the motorcyclist overtakes and overtakes the vehicle (relative to the lane), the right side rearview mirror triangle LED flashes.
If the rider then pulls the car forward and returns to the driving lane, the square LEDs on the two rearview mirrors will flash red in sequence (based on the given center radar coverage and the output described earlier).
This has two different but related functions—recognizing and confirming whether there is a vehicle/vehicle in the left lane during overtaking/overtaking, and improving the blind spot area when the motorcyclist is driving forward and then returning to the original driving lane. know.
ThirdEYE does work in a similar way to most blind spot detection and vehicle/object approach warning systems on almost all new cars and trucks.
The first version of INNOVV ThirdEYE is a starting point and a very "product"; a way to point in the right direction, INNOVV is using everything learned from this version, as well as a lot of input from current users and testers, and then move on to the next one Version.
Related to this is that motorcycle manufacturers are accelerating the implementation of such systems by providing resources for corporate capabilities, establishing partnerships, or adopting third-party solutions, all of which are aimed at integrating technology, features, and capabilities into them In the product.
However, in the near to mid-term, the availability of these features and functions will be limited to brands, models and option packages, and the ThirdEYE system is now and will be installed on almost all motorcycles.
The sensor side of the system is a uniquely shaped sealed module installed on the rear of the motorcycle, usually in the lower license plate frame or fender area using aluminum plates and L-shaped adapter brackets; some installation kits have been or are being modified for the release version .
The sloped back of the module and its sloped sides accommodate the left, center, and right sensor devices. This layout provides a 70-degree overall coverage. The module is installed in a horizontal position, ideally at a height of 50 to 70 cm (19.68 inches to 27.55 inches) above the ground to minimize or prevent false alarms caused by ground reflections.
The long connecting cable with waterproof connector (M) is led out from the back of the module or the motorcycle side. The first version of the module does not have the same waterproof seal with strain relief as the other components, but some liquid tape solves this problem, and subsequent versions of the module are unlikely to have this weakness.
This is the connection center of the system. This module is INNOVV's standard housing for cameras and Power Hub 2 systems, but it is unique to ThirdEYE's internal components and external connections; therefore, this module is "busy" with multiple inputs and outputs, although everything is clear And clearly marked for the purpose of connection.
A separate red (with 5A fuse in series) and black settings for the (main) battery (power supply) connection and the yellow ACC or switch type (SW) ignition wire are combined. The third yellow/green line provided for the future is not used.
The two longest flying leads on the module are used for the connection of the left and right rearview mirrors, and the shorter lead and the larger connector are used for the connection of the radar module. On this disposable system, there is an additional short flying wire for watch module connection.
This is one of the two planned options, with a custom-designed universal mounting mirror with two embedded LEDs (warning triangle and square) in the upper inner corner.
From a functional point of view, when the vehicle is within the detection range of 10m (33 feet) from directly behind the motorcycle, the left and right box outputs will light up. The output of the triangular display is side-specific-when the vehicle approaches from the left and/or right side of the motorcycle, the left and/or right side mirrors will light up.
The special-shaped displays in each rearview mirror are well placed, and the output is bright enough to be visually distinguished by the rider, whether they are (possibly) focused on the frontal field of view or a wider frontal saccade-one action and continuous The process provides constantly changing "views" with different depth perspectives to avoid "fixing" and losing consciousness of the rider.
This one-time first version kit contains a set of universal mount polyarthroscopes with a 10mm threaded base, and 8 to 10mm adapters, but some adjustments are still needed to mount the left and right threaded mirror adapter mounts on BMW Used on the use... but they put on and used it.
This type of mirror provides a good view, and has good versatility and adjustability, but the combination of multiple joints and poor hardware makes the mirror suffer even slight vibrations, and the hardware needs to be tightened every few days ——Another observation was given to the INNOVV team.
The second set of ThirdEYE rearview mirrors provided in the familiar BMW style is provided as a follow-up kit. It is very popular, although the accompanying hardware for right and left hand does not match the BMW mirror adapter; however, the email with photos and technical information is short. Within time, the INOVV team resolved this issue.
The simplest option is the Watch version. When a single circular module is installed in the best viewing position, it is the long-term preferred visual display. It provides detection and warning output through three backlit symbols grouped on the left, middle and right side. (50 mm or 2 inches) on the unique surface of the watch component.
There is also a bright blue power LED on the top of the front of the piece, and an on or off button at 3 o'clock on the housing. The bright blue LED was dimmed a bit by a piece of opaque tape.
With its adhesive backing and long connecting leads, the Watch module can be installed almost anywhere-high, low, left or right, so that the rider can get the best single-point viewing effect. It is best to place it in or around the same observation line as the TFT monitor, or place it in the head-up position next to the Navigator VI base.
Even on a sunny day, the output of the three unique backlit symbols on the big face is easy to distinguish. Depending on whether the vehicle is approaching from the left, directly behind, or right, as long as an object enters or enters the 10m and 70-degree coverage area, the corresponding left, middle, or right LED will light up.
As mentioned earlier, the design and manufacture of INNOVV ThirdEYE is a universal installation product, which can be installed on almost any motorcycle. Due to its design, components, and connectivity, installing it on all three hosts proved to be a simple task.
The ThirdEYE User Manual is the usual large double-sided fold from INNOVV, which contains a lot of diagrams and text boxes with attention to detail. It works, although it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between multi-layer diagrams and small-font text. Fortunately, the PDF version allows zooming in and out, providing visual clarity to ensure that nothing is missing.
The radar module needs stable installation and correct orientation to get the best system performance. It needs to be installed horizontally at a height of 50 to 70 cm or 19.7 to 27.5 inches from the ground to obtain the best coverage and minimize false (scattering) readings.
Admittedly, this requirement can be a problem on some motorcycles, especially those with a high frame, large ground clearance, and (usually) larger wheel diameters; many of them have higher rear fenders instead of Pull down the mudguard.
On the tall BMW F 850 GS Adventure, install the ThirdEYE radar module to its bracket, and then install it to the drop-down part of the Ohmics license plate frame, so that the height of the module to the ground is 70 cm or 27.5 inches-just the uppermost part. The limitation of good coverage.
Without the accessory license plate holder, and using the lower mounting holes on the OE license plate holder, the radar module is 74 cm above the ground-a bit high, but still effective. On the BMW F 900 XR, the measured value is 62 cm or 24.4 inches. On the low frame F 850 GS Adventure, the height of the radar module is 64 cm or 15.1 inches; both are within the height range.
The power/control module is small and the protection level is IP67 (dust and water immersion (≤ 1m), so it can be installed almost anywhere. Once all connections are completed and tested, no further access is required. The module should be heated away from the engine directly Or not place it in an area where a lot of heat buildup occurs.
The individual wires and cables are long enough to allow the control module to be placed forward or centrally. The test layout on two long motorcycles-a Honda Goldwing and BMW K1600GT, as well as a Honda NC750X and other BMW motorcycles, showed that the module can be placed almost anywhere, although the placement under the seat or under the deck is ideal.
For the first F 850 GSA installation, the module is firmly mounted to the outer deck wall on the right side using the adhesive pad provided. On the F 900 XR, it is placed in the space, which is formed by removing the small plastic tool tray that clicks into place at the rear of the area under the seat (the space on this motorcycle is really tight).
On 2020 F 850 GSA, a long 3M double lock strip is now equipped along the inner wall of the upper fender (area below the deck). The ThirdEYE module snaps into place, about 20 cm away from its INNOVV K5 power module. The side wall installation optimizes real estate use and makes the modules easy to access and move when needed.
The easy-to-place side wall shape helps to route the thicker radar module leads and their large connectors to the outside on the left. And this connection is made through a long connecting cable extending from the radar module installed at the bottom of the Ohmics license plate holder. Adhesive cable holders ensure safe cable routing.
Once the red and black wires are wrapped in a segment of Flexo F6 split packaging, the pair of wires extend forward to the battery area between the inner side wall and the OE electronic housing, and the yellow ACC wire extends to the back to share the red end with the previous Posi-Lock of the installed K5 ACC line.
An extension cord is installed at the other end of the Posi-Lock, which is connected to the 12V lead of the license plate light connector to provide ignition switch power for these ACC leads.
After removing the left side plastic, the mirror and watch assembly cables extend forward along the left frame and motorcycle assembly mounting points until the steering column, and then extend up to the handlebars along the left and right cable bundles. The watch module cable passes through the front sub-frame mount to the back of the front panel bracket.
Installing universal rearview mirrors only requires some adjustments in terms of hardware, but once sorted, install the 10mm base mounting hardware on the straight-through mount and tighten, and then you can adjust other joints or pivot points to appropriate angles. etc.
The watch module is not difficult to install, but deciding on the "best" location may take some time, so over time, some installation and placement options will be used. In order to increase the flexibility of use, 3M Dual Lock parts replace the adhesive mounting blocks in the kit, and these parts are ready for use after curing overnight.
The watch module is inserted into the RAM AMPS board (PN RAM-B-347U) prepared by the double lock. If the RAM mount is not used, the module can be easily removed and fixed to any other double-lock preparation surface-safety and flexibility.
Then install the AMPS board to the RAM-B base (PN RAM-B-367U) through the short RAM-B arm. The base replaces the OE right front handlebar to install the M8 hardware. After positioning, the watch module and TFT.
Another RAM option is the Medium Tough Claw (PN RAP-B-404U) adjustable clamp base, which provides more flexibility where it is placed on the handlebar.
However, through more production of some 3M Dual Lock, the module is now located on a set of small straight brackets mounted on the back of the BMW Navigator VI bracket for head-up positioning. The module is located directly above the top line of the bracket, which can clean the windshield well (under Hi or Lo setting).
The head-up GPS accessory on the F 850 GSA is provided by the Hornig part 44019 originally purchased for the now traded F 900 XR-this part is installed directly on the F 850 GSA.
As a universal installation accessory, the ThirdEYE version 1 system is a simple and straightforward installation, providing everything needed for most installation configurations. Only a few small layouts and adjustments are needed to install the system on three motorcycles.
Once the Mirror or Watch version of the component is installed and everything is connected, the system truly does not need intervention and is always active, as it should be. And in the case of simultaneous mirror and watch output functions, the watch components can be turned off as needed; this is the degree of interaction with the system.
Since receiving the version 1 system, despite the COVID-19 restrictions, ThirdEYE has accumulated a lot of time and distance installed on three motorcycles, and it has never failed (distanced) conversation clips when it stops. -There is always someone paying attention to the module on the back and/or the LED embedded in the mirror.
Whether people want to call this iteration of ThirdEYE a prototype, a proof-of-concept demonstrator, or version 1, there is no doubt that it works. Visual information is viewed in real time, processed, and added to the situational awareness library; it is not an interference, but an auxiliary tool or tool that is always effective.
But when evaluating its design, features, functions, and related performance, especially when there is an opportunity to evaluate early versions, it is important to have the opportunity to provide constructive and objective feedback to the manufacturer (according to the following section), for this (continued) The opportunity INNOVV is grateful.
The radar module is larger than expected, but light weight and easy to install. Some original drawings show individual radar sensor modules or sensors arranged in a thinner strip housing, but this piece is effective and very sturdy. Keep in mind that the module needs to be 50 to 70 cm from the ground and level to get the best radar coverage.
Based on detection measurements (to evaluate absorption/scattering, etc.) in large outdoor parking lots and some wide paved and dirt roadways, the nominal detection range of the three sensors (left, center, and right) is closer to 11m (36.1 feet) Or 12yds), so it just exceeds the listed specifications.
Static testing also showed that the field of view is indeed just over 70 degrees-in fact, it is very accurate in this regard. The visual output of the icons on the left, middle, and right sides of the Watch component reveals the degree of response of the system when entering and exiting the detection range and the coverage "channels" provided by the three sensors.
The coverage from the left, center, and right radar sensors is critical, so it can provide a total coverage of 70 degrees, while each radar provides discrete coverage to detect, track the positioning and movement of vehicles entering and passing through the coverage area, and Provide appropriate output.
With continued use on various roads, riders began to better distinguish between low-density to high-density traffic. Discrete output of rear, side lane or overtaking traffic-real-time information of continuous situational awareness pictures.
But having said that, from the perspective of traffic distance, speed and warning, the longer detection range of the initial detection is at least 15m (49 feet), possibly with a dual-stage proximity/distance visual warning sequence (initially at 15m and at 10m) Closed at different locations, using different colors and/or pulse rate) will/can provide better coverage without overly complicating the visual alarm.
The set provided with this version 1 system is a universal style with a large mirror-well-shaped and with an excellent rear field of view. Two side-by-side LEDs are precisely installed in the mirror layer. These components are well-made, durable and have a professional appearance.
The LED connection cable extends from the base to the end in the hollow rod of the mirror. This is a clean appearance, but if the cable needs to be repaired or replaced, this method may also be problematic-unless the entire unit is simply replaced.
The milled aluminum mirror rod has flat spots on the front and back, with "ThirdEYE" and "INNOVV" logos on each side, and has a unique appearance when the rearview mirror is installed.
The mirror uses two joints for pivot and angle adjustment at the pole mounting point, and uses a fixture mount for the lens. The straight-through base mount can accommodate 8mm or 10mm hardware-suitable for universal installation and universal adaptation. A thin knurled washer is used for angle joints to minimize slippage between surfaces.
This is indeed a lightweight and adaptable layout, but in use, if the rod has any vibration (even the slight vibration produced by the parallel double Beemers), or when the motorcycle is off-road, the rearview mirror starts to move with the hardware Loose at the connection point and install.
Treating the thread to a medium-strength thread locker helped a few days, but then it started to change again. Using the multi-key Allen-head combination tool in all amusement facilities and tightening the hardware every few days are standard operating procedures when installing rear-view mirrors.
BMW-style mirrors with embedded LEDs are a direct exchange of OE mirrors (once the left-hand/right-hand threaded adapters and pitch requirements are classified); they look good and work very well, once installed in BMW On the mirror adapter, they will be firm and provide a more stable rear view than OE parts.
In general, the left and right rearview mirror LED groups are bright and easy to see, but not obtrusive at night. However, direct sunlight can sometimes cause the visual field of its output to deteriorate.
Providing rearview mirror replacement options may be a good choice, but the premise is that INNOVV is ready to provide solutions of multiple brands/models or better universal accessories with adapters, etc.
Another possible option is to place the LED on a small adhesive mounting piece, which can be easily fixed on the mirror surface or on the mirror rod, and provide a small adhesive label or wrap to fix these The components are cleanly arranged with thin and flexible connecting cables; the permanence and transferability are poor.
Mirror VS Watch version-If you need to choose between Mirror or Watch version, the visually focused Watch module version is the overall preferred display option.
The LED option based on the rearview mirror is effective and familiar because it simulates the side mirror layout of the system used on a four-wheeled vehicle, but for the rider, one or both of these options can be used while riding. Time, distance, and conditional perspective Watch output are preferred.
Timeout-When the review of ThirdEYE was completed, some email exchanges with the INNOVV team indicated that they were doing various resets on ThirdEYE; now they are re-examining the goal, focusing on using some different technologies, re-examining components, and building more More evolvability.
With everything that INNOVV could get when developing version 1 and all the feedback from early users and the (recognized) consumer interest in the product, we may soon see the next iteration or better, we get a Early testing... hints, hints.
In the meantime, INNOVV has confirmed that the original (version 1) ThirdEYE Mirror and Watch versions are now and will continue to be ordered directly from the INNOVV website; if you are sitting on the fence but want to experience the functions provided by the system in the short term, this is A great opportunity.
It is undeniable that this ThirdEYE iteration is a bit sensitive and requires a larger range and (maybe) better definition of the output between the left, center and right detection lanes, but it is a complete function for what it should do and what it does. And motorcyclists, took a big step in the right direction.
Bottom line-INNOVV ThirdEYE is revolutionary. Although the technology is widely known and widely used in other power platforms, ThirdEYE is the first system that can be used as a universal installation of motorcycle accessories, although the manufacturer (swiftly) gains a close second . In its basic version 1 form, it works exactly the same as advertised. For the rider, it is an important part of the safety toolbox and situational awareness environment. As INNOVV is committed to the next version, it will only get better and even more evolved. It is strongly recommended to use ThirdEYE in progress or not.
Bruce Cole is a long-term contributor to webBikeWorld, an experienced rider and Bluetooth expert.
Will there be a model of BMW R1250RT?
Patrick, there is no need for a specific "model"... As pointed out in the comments, ThirdEYE is a truly universal accessory, and I think the next iteration will be adaptable. I know that the radar shell is easy to install to the back of the R1250RT. Once the installation is complete, you need to install the power/control module, connect it and run the mirror or watch version of the cable or cable, and then use it.
Although some manufacturers are using similar sensor-based functions for other functions, such as ACC, which may evolve to provide enhanced situational awareness assistants, INNOVV ThirdEYE is here now, and I look forward to the next version.
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