March Capstone Update

Evidence of Work

My group and I have been working for the past three months to create a device that could eliminate the traditional huddle in football. Our team, PlayVision, is designing a heads-up display (HUD) integrated into a football helmet visor. The goal of this device is to allow coaches to send plays and important game information directly to the player through a transparent display inside the helmet.

To build our prototype, we purchased a 128x64 pixel clear OLED display and connected it to a Raspberry Pi microcomputer. Using AI tools, we were able to help program the Raspberry Pi to display the information we needed. We also used AI assistance to help create a program that allows commands to be sent from another device directly to the helmet system.

After consulting with our mentors, we decided to change our communication method from Bluetooth to Wi-Fi. Bluetooth could create loading delays or connectivity problems across a large football field, while Wi-Fi allows faster and more stable communication between devices. We are currently working on the final stage of our design process, which is safely and securely integrating the electronics into the football helmet while maintaining comfort and safety for the player.

Our HUD system currently displays:

-Live game clock

-Automatic quarter updates

-Down and distance

-Coach alerts

-Play calls sent directly from the coach

These features allow teams to run plays much faster without needing a huddle, hand signals, or radios in extremely loud stadiums. This could allow offenses to move quickly and potentially catch defenses off guard before they can get fully set. The current prototype is Version 1, and we plan to add more features and improvements in the future.

Proof of Productivity

Content

Problem Solving and Design Process

During the design process, our group changed our approach several times. Our original idea during the first semester was to use a miniature projector to project the HUD onto a transparent film layer inside the visor. After extensive research, we discovered that there were no projectors small enough to fit inside the helmet safely.

Because of this limitation, we explored alternative technologies and discovered a 1.5-inch transparent OLED display. This display could be mounted directly inside the visor area and provide the same function without needing a projection system. After reviewing this option, we decided to purchase the OLED display and redesign our system around it.

This design change shows an important part of the engineering design process, where engineers must adapt their solutions when constraints such as size, safety, or cost make the original design unrealistic.

Design Challenges

One of the biggest challenges we are currently facing is safely installing the electronic components inside the helmet. The helmet must still protect the player and remain comfortable to wear. Because of this, we must carefully analyze the helmet’s internal structure before deciding where to place the computer, display, and power supply.

One possible solution is modifying the interior padding of the helmet to create space for the electronics. Another option would be designing a custom helmet interior that safely houses the hardware. Our goal is to find the safest placement that still allows the system to function properly.

Reflection

I have really enjoyed working on this project with my group. One of the best parts of this capstone project is the freedom we had to create something we are passionate about. Since three of the four members of our group play varsity football, designing a technology that could impact the sport made the project very exciting for us.

Throughout the year we learned many engineering and problem-solving skills that helped us develop our product. We learned how to conduct market research, design blueprints, and plan our project before building it. We also worked on marketing and fundraising, including posting updates about our project on Instagram. In addition, we used AI tools to help us program the device, which helped us overcome some technical challenges even though we did not have extensive programming experience.

However, there are still some things we could improve on. One challenge our group faced was staying focused and using our class time efficiently. Sometimes we got distracted while working together, which slowed down our progress. Another area we could improve is managing our time between class assignments and working on the project. Balancing both tasks has sometimes been difficult, but it is something we can improve by planning our time better and staying more organized.

Overall, this capstone project has been a very valuable experience, and our team PlayVision is excited to continue improving our device and developing new features in future versions.