Posted by on May 04, 2005 at 05:51:22:
A Mississippi State University mechanical engineering major has designed a "heads-up" scuba mask that could allow divers to keep their hands free while monitoring air supply and other life-supporting vital signs under water.
Senior Harold S. "Tommy" Thompson's high-tech proposal would integrate a computer into the mask, allowing divers to monitor a continuous display of vitals while keeping their hands free.
His design eliminates the need for currently used tethered consoles or wrist-mount displays.
"The information that would be displayed in the viewing area of the mask includes remaining air pressure, depth, total dive time and remaining dive time at the current depth," explained the 24-year-old entrepreneurial whiz from Decatur, Ala.
Thompson's project won first place and a $500 cash award in MSU's 2005 Jack Hatcher Entrepreneurship Business Plan Competition. He proposes marketing the product to underwater professionals and technical divers through his own planned business, Thompson SCUBA Co., which is only a theoretical company at this point.
A diver for the past two years, Thompson got his idea from having to constantly check his gauges for vital information while diving, and thinking "there has to be a better way.