Patent Publication Number: US-11382377-B2

Title: Helmet systems and methods for detection and notification of objects present in the blind spot

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to the field of helmet systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to helmet systems for detection and notification of objects present in the blind spot and methods thereof. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Helmets are meant to safeguard two-wheeler riders but user habits compromise the safety of helmets. The unsafe practices include non-wearing of helmets, non-strapping of helmets, using worn out helmets, using mobile phones while riding, turning of the user&#39;s head to check for vehicles at blind spot (i.e. field of view not covered by their eyes or rear-view mirrors) etc. There are currently many intelligent helmet systems that address one or many of these issues. 
     There are independent Communication modules available in market that can be attached to the helmets for using devices like mobile phones while riding. But they leave loose wires hanging around the helmet making them inconvenient and non-aesthetic. The helmet systems with integrated Communication modules that are currently available are exorbitantly priced. 
     There are helmet systems that use cameras and image processing techniques to visualise objects present in the blind spots of users (eg: Skully helmets). However, these helmets involve a lot of processing due to use of image processing cameras and hence are bulkier and costlier. Also these helmets (Skully) have display screens in the visors, which might distract the driver from driving and can be intrusive and unsafe. 
     In the light of aforementioned discussion, there exists a need for cost-effective helmet systems that enhance the safety and convenience of commuters. The present invention discloses helmet systems that detect objects present in the blind spot through ultrasonic sensors and notify their presence through sensory output modules and methods thereof. The use of ultrasonic sensors involves less processing, low cost and simple circuitry and the use of sensory output modules such as, LED output modules, vibration motors, and speakers makes the system non-intrusive and safe. The present invention further discloses helmet systems with their strapping means acting as power switches wherein the power is switched on for operating the helmet system by strapping the helmet. This ensures that the commuters strap their helmet on while riding. In some embodiments, the strapping means of the helmet systems utilise novel self-locking round screw buckle units comprising male and female parts that are releasably engaged with each other by magnetic means and a threaded engagement. In some embodiments, the helmet systems disclosed herein are integrated with blue-tooth modules connecting the helmet system with devices such as mobile phones and thus allowing the riders to use the different functionalities of their devices without having to remove their helmets every time. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding to the reader. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and it does not identify key/critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards helmet systems and methods that detect and notify the presence of objects in the blind spot. They detect objects through ultrasonic sensors and notify the presence of those objects through sensory output modules. In a particular embodiment, the sensory output module is a LED output module, vibration motors, and speakers. The helmet system comprises of a helmet, strapping means, a processing device, one or more of ultrasonic sensors, one or more of sensory output modules and a power means. In a particular embodiment, the power means comprises of rechargeable batteries and a battery charging circuit. The strapping means comprise of a strap and buckle unit with inbuilt power connectors and as the buckle is fastened, the helmet&#39;s circuit gets closed and the helmet system starts working. This feature works as an additional safety feature to force the user to fasten the helmet&#39;s buckle. In a particular embodiment the helmet system further comprises of a communication module, speakers and microphones. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter is directed towards a method of a helmet system. As soon as the driver wears the helmet and fastens the strapping means, the entire circuit concealed inside the helmet gets connected and the system becomes operational. The left and right ultrasonic sensors (transceivers) emit sound waves continuously which on collision with any vehicle return back to the respective transceiver. The transceiver sends the received data to the processing device, where the processing device processes and compares the data as per the programming and makes a decision if any object or vehicle is present in the blind spot or not. If any object is detected, the processing device sends the signal to the corresponding sensory output module. For example, in a LED output module, the corresponding LED i.e. left or right glows indicating the presence of a vehicle in the blind spot. For another example, in vibration motors, the corresponding vibration motor generate the haptic feedback i.e. left or right notify the presence of the vehicle in the blind spot. For another example, in speakers, the corresponding speaker generate an audio feedback i.e., left or right notify the presence of the vehicle in the blind spot. In a particular embodiment, the method also includes the step of activating the communication module after connecting the power circuit to make the system operational thus enabling the user to use their electronic devices. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter is directed towards a side release buckle unit. It comprises of a male part attached to a strap and a female part attached to another strap. The female part houses two wires on either side of a base. One side of the base houses the first wire from the battery and the other side of the base houses the second wire connecting the entire circuit of the helmet system. The first wire and the second wire are insert molded inside the female part and have contact surfaces. The male part has a conducting plate on its middle pin&#39;s tip. When the female part is clamped to the male part, the conducting plate on the male part acts as a bridge (switch) and connects both the contact surfaces of the female part. This way the circuit gets completed and helmet&#39;s system becomes operational. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter is directed towards a self-locking round screw buckle unit. This buckle unit comprises of a male part and a female part that are attached to different straps of the helmet body. The male part comprises of a rotatable base attached to a strap, a main body having a round screw with an external thread and a conducting first magnet. The female part comprises of a base attached to another strap, a main body having a cavity with an internal thread, a pair of conducting second magnets and two conducting wires. The two conducting wires are on either side of the base. One side of the base houses the first wire from the battery and the other side of the base houses the second wire connecting the entire circuit of the helmet system. The first wire and the second wire are insert molded inside the female part and have contact surfaces. The first wire is attached through its contact surface to one of the second magnet and the second wire is attached through its contact surface to the other second magnet. The external thread of the male part and the internal thread of the female part correspond to each other and are configured to engage with each other. The magnets and the threaded engagement of the male and female parts are configured to releasably engage the male and female parts of the buckle. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter is directed towards the helmet system comprising at least one helmet body, at least two ultrasonic sensors positioned at the left and right side of at least one helmet body to cover a blind spot on the left and right side of a user. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter is directed towards the helmet system further comprising at least two LED output modules positioned at the right and left side of the front of at least one helmet body. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter is directed towards the helmet system further comprising at least two vibration motors which are concealed on either side of the helmet body and at least two vibration motors configured to generate the different patterns of a haptic feedback based on the different signals generated by at least two ultrasonic sensors. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter is directed towards the helmet system further comprising at least two speakers are positioned at the right and left side of at least one helmet body and at least two speakers are configured to give an audio feedback. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter is directed towards the helmet system further comprising at least one processing device electrically coupled to at least two ultrasonic sensors and at least two LED output modules and at least two vibration motors and at least two speakers, whereby at least two ultrasonic sensors configured to detect objects in the blind spot region and at least one LED output module and at least one vibration motor and at least one at least one speaker configured to notify the presence of the objects. 
     It is an object of the present invention to disclose helmet systems for detection and notification of objects present in the blind spot that enhance the safety and convenience of the users. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals have been used to designate like elements, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  represents a functional block diagram  100  of the helmet system, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  shows the diagrammatic representation of the top view (a), front view (b), side view (c) and rear view (d) of the helmet system  200 , in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  represents different views of the side release buckle  300 , in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. (a) A perspective view of the buckle with the male and female parts engaged with each other. (b) A top view of the buckle with the male and female parts disengaged from each other. (c) A sectional top view of the buckle with the male and female parts disengaged from each other. 
         FIG. 4  represents different views of the self-locking round screw buckle unit  400 , in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. (a) A perspective view of the buckle with the male and female parts disengaged from each other. (b) An exploded view of the male and female parts of the buckle. (c) A sectional and exploded front view of the male and female parts of the buckle. 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart depicting a method for identification and notification of presence of objects in the blind spot of a user by means of a helmet system  500 , in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6 ( a )  is a diagrammatic representation showing the average blind spot region for motorcyclists.  FIG. 6 ( b )  is a diagrammatic representation showing the region covered by the helmet system in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     The use of “including”, “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Further, the use of terms “first”, “second”, and “third”, and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. 
     According to various non limiting exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, helmet systems and methods that detect and notify the presence of objects in the blind spot are disclosed. They detect objects through ultrasonic sensors and notify the presence of those objects through sensory output modules. The sensory output modules could be visual, auditory, tactile or any other sensory output modules that are known in the art without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In a particular embodiment, the sensory output module is a LED output module. These helmet systems and methods are suitable for two wheelers such as motorbikes and bikes. 
     In accordance with various non limiting exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter, helmet systems and methods are disclosed that have their strapping means acting as power switches. Here, the power is switched on for operating the helmet systems by strapping the helmet. 
     According to various non limiting exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, novel strapping means and methods for using the strapping means are disclosed. These strapping means utilise novel self-locking round screw buckle units comprising male and female parts that are releasably engaged with each other by magnetic means and a threaded engagement. 
     In accordance with various non limiting exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter, helmet systems and methods are disclosed wherein the helmet systems are integrated with blue-tooth modules connecting the helmet system with devices such as mobile phones and thus allowing the riders to use the different functionalities of their devices without having to remove their helmets every time. 
     According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the helmet system detects incoming objects or vehicles in the driver&#39;s blind spot region and alerts the driver about the same with visual cues. The ultrasonic sensors in the system detect objects in the blind spot region. This data is processed by a processing device to give output with the help of LEDs, which are fixed in the front of the helmet. 
     In a particular embodiment, the helmet system comprises of a helmet, strapping means, a processing device, one or more of ultrasonic sensors, one or more of LED output modules and a power means. In a particular embodiment, the power means comprises of rechargeable batteries and a battery charging circuit. The rechargeable batteries are charged using adapters. In a particular embodiment, the rechargeable batteries are lithium ion rechargeable batteries. The strapping means comprise of a strap and buckle unit with inbuilt power connectors and as the buckle is fastened, the helmet&#39;s circuit gets closed and the helmet system starts working. This feature works as an additional safety feature to force the user to fasten the helmet&#39;s buckle. 
     In a particular embodiment the helmet system further comprises of a communication module, speakers and microphones. The communication module can be either integrated within the processing device or can be a separate module. It lets the user connect his/her device such as mobile phone to the helmet and use it for receiving or making calls and other auditory purposes like listening to music. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , it represents a functional block diagram  100  of the helmet system, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. It depicts a processing device  102 , an independent communication module  104 , two ultrasonic sensors  106 , two LED output modules  108  a power means  110 , two vibration motors  112 , and two speakers  114 . The processing device  102  electrically coupled to the ultrasonic sensors  106 , the LED output modules  108 , the vibration motors  112  and the speakers  114 . The processing device  102  includes but is not limited to, a microcontroller (for example ARM  7  or ARM  11 ), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array, a programmable logic device, a state machine or a logic circuitry. The ultrasonic sensors  106  are configured to detect objects in the blind spot region and at least one LED output module  108  configured to glow and notify the presence of the objects. The communication module  108  includes, but is not limited to a Bluetooth module, a near field communications (NFC) functional module, a radio frequency identification (RFID) module. The communication module  108  is configured to establish communication with an end user device. The end user device includes but is not limited to, a computing device, a smart phone, a wrist watch, a speaker, a microphone, and the like. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , it shows the diagrammatic representation of the top view (a), front view (b), side view (c) and rear view (d) of the helmet system  200 , in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The two ultrasonic sensors  106  are positioned at the left and right side of the helmet body  202  to cover the blind spot on the left and right side of the user. The same way the LED output modules  108  are positioned at the right and left side of the front of the helmet body  202 . The vibration motors  112  are positioned at the right and left side of the front of the helmet body. The vibration motors  112  may be concealed on either side of the padding or interior shell of the helmet body  202 . Depending on which side the objects are detected by the ultrasonic sensors  106 , the corresponding LED output module would glow and notify the presence of the objects. The ultrasonic sensors  106  are configured to transmit the detected data to the processing device  102 . A feedback may be given through the LED output modules  108 . The vibration motors  112  are configured to notify the presence of the objects. The vibration motors  112  are configured to generate the different patterns of the haptic feedback based on the different signals generated by the ultrasonic sensors  106 . The different patterns of the haptic feedback are received by the processing device  102 . The haptic feedback in the form of tactile feedback by applying forces, vibrations, or motions from the vibration motors  112  to the user. The figure further depicts the presence of the left speaker  114  and a microphone  206 . The left speaker  114  and the right speaker  114  (not shown) are configured to generate an audio feedback to notify the presence of the object in the blind spot. 
     The helmet body has a hard outer layer and an inner foam layer. In a particular embodiment, the processing device, blue-tooth module, batteries and wires are concealed inside the surface of the helmet in between the hard outer layer and the inner foam layer. 
     In accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, a method of a helmet system is disclosed. As soon as the driver wears the helmet and fastens the strapping means, the entire circuit concealed inside the helmet gets connected and the system becomes operational. The left and right ultrasonic sensors (transceivers) emit sound waves continuously which on collision with any vehicle return back to the respective transceiver. The transceiver sends the received data to the processing device, where the processing device processes and compares the data as per the programming and makes a decision if any object or vehicle is present in the blind spot or not. If any object is detected, the processing device sends the signal to the corresponding sensory output module such as LED. To show the output, the corresponding LED i.e. left or right glows indicating the presence of a vehicle in the blind spot. 
     In a particular embodiment, the method also includes the step of activating the communication module after connecting the power circuit to make the system operational thus enabling the user to use their electronic devices. In a particular embodiment, the electronic device is a mobile phone and the user can make or respond to calls using the Communication module, microphone and speaker. 
     To encourage drivers to tie the helmet strap around their chins, the helmet is provided with an extra safety feature, i.e. the helmet&#39;s systems will get activated only when the strap of the helmet is tied around by closing the buckle that basically acts as a switch. The strap contains a pair of connecting wires concealed inside it which is connected to the female part of the buckle, which in turn have conducting wires molded inside them. The male part of the buckle contains a conducting contact surface. When the buckle is closed the male part&#39;s conducting surface gets in contact with the female part&#39;s twin conducting surfaces thus completing the circuit and starting the system. 
     According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the buckle unit of the strapping means in the helmet system is like a regular side release buckle with extra components that enables it to perform the function of a switch also other than the regular function of fastening the two straps together. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , it represents different views of the side release buckle  300 , in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. (a) A perspective view of the buckle with the male and female parts engaged with each other (b) A top view of the buckle with the male and female parts disengaged from each other (c) A sectional top view of the buckle with the male and female parts disengaged from each other. The buckle unit comprises of a male part  302  attached to a strap and a female part  304  attached to another strap. The female part  304  houses two wires on either side of a base  306 . One side of the base  306  houses the first wire  308  from the battery and the other side of the base  306  houses the second wire  310  connecting the entire circuit of the helmet system. The first wire  308  and the second wire  310  are insert molded inside the female part  304  and have contact surfaces  312 . The first wire  308  and the second wire  310  from the base  306  of the female part  304  pass through the strap attached to the female part  304  into the helmet body. The male part  302  has a conducting plate  314  on its middle pin&#39;s  316  tip. When the female part  304  is clamped to the male part  302 , the conducting plate  314  on the male part  302  acts as a bridge (switch) and connects both the contact surfaces  312  of the female part. This way the circuit gets completed and helmet&#39;s system becomes operational. 
     The first wire  308  from the power means  110  and the second wire  310  from the processing device  102  are insert molded inside the female part  304  and the first wire  308  from the female part  304  pass through the strap attached to the female part  304  into the helmet body  202 . 
     According to another non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the buckle unit of the strapping means in the helmet system is a self-locking round screw buckle unit comprising male and female parts that are releasably engaged with each other by magnetic means and a threaded engagement. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , it represents different views of the self-locking round screw buckle unit  400 , in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. (a) A perspective view of the buckle with the male and female parts disengaged from each other. (b) An exploded view of the male and female parts of the buckle. (c) A sectional and exploded front view of male and female parts of the buckle. This buckle unit comprises of a male part  402  and a female part  404  that are attached to different straps of the helmet body. The male part  402  comprises of a rotatable base  406  attached to a strap, a main body  408  having a round screw with an external thread  410  and a conducting first magnet  412 . The female part  404  comprises of a base  414  attached to another strap, a main body  416  having a cavity with an internal thread  418 , a pair of conducting second magnets  420  and two conducting wires. The two conducting wires are on either side of the base  414 . One side of the base  414  houses the first wire  422  from the battery and the other side of the base  414  houses the second wire  424  connecting the entire circuit of the helmet system. The first wire  422  and the second wire  424  are insert molded inside the female part  404  and have contact surfaces  426 . The first wire  422  is attached through its contact surface  426  to one of the second magnet  420  and the second wire  424  is attached through its contact surface  426  to the other second magnet  420 . The first wire  422  and the second wire  424  from the base  414  of the female part  404  pass through the strap attached to the female part  404  into the helmet body. The external thread  410  of the male part  402  and the internal thread  418  of the female part  404  correspond to each other and are configured to engage with each other. The magnets and the threaded engagement of the male and female parts are configured to releasably engage the male and female parts of the buckle. The female part  404  of the self-locking round screw buckle unit  400  is fixed while the male part  402  is rotatable by means of the rotatable base  406 . The rotatable base  406  prevents the twisting of the strap while fastening the strap. The attraction force between the conducting first magnet  412  in the male part  402  and the pair of conducting second magnets  420  present in the female part  404  (opposite poles) clamps them together. The pair of conducting second magnets  420  in the female part  404  have similar cross section as the electrically conducting first magnet  412  in the male part  402  and faces the opposite pole of that male counterpart. The pair of conducting second magnets  420  is positioned side by side with some gap (interference) between them. When the male part  402  comes in contact with the female part  404  because of magnetic force they get attracted towards each other and get clamped by use of threads. And because of threads it is difficult to separate them laterally. The buckle unit works like the nut and bolt mechanism. Magnet is used for pulling force. When both parts are connected then the first magnet  412  in the male part  402  works as the bridge (switch) and connects the pair of second magnets  420  of the female part  404 . This way the circuit gets completed and the helmet system becomes operational. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , it is a flowchart depicting a method for identification and notification of presence of objects in the blind spot of a user by means of a helmet system  500 , in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The method begins with a step  502  of transmitting data to the processing device from both the left and right ultrasonic sensors. The next step  504  is processing of the transmitted data by the processing device to detect the presence of objects in a blind spot of the user. The step  506  validates the presence of objects in the blind spot. If objects are present in the blind spot, then the method proceeds to step  508  of transmitting signals by the processing device to the LED output module to notify the presence of objects in the blind spot. If there are no objects in the blind spot, then the step  506  goes back to the first step  502  with the sensors transmitting fresh data to the processing device. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 ( a ) , it is a diagrammatic representation showing the average blind spot region for motorcyclists, wherein the gray shaded region shows the range of the rear view mirrors  602   a - 602   b  and the hatched region shows the blind spot of the user. Referring to  FIG. 6 ( b ) , it is a diagrammatic representation showing the region covered by the helmet system in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The hatched region shows the region including blind spot area covered by the helmet system for identifying and notifying the presence of objects. 
     In different embodiments, the helmet systems are integrated with artificial intelligence (AI), wherein the AI integrated helmet systems can detect various situations and react/adapt accordingly in an intelligent manner. 
     In different embodiments, the helmet systems are configured to collect the traffic data while riding and correlate and compute it with the map application in computing devices such as mobile phones to provide real time traffic data for navigation purposes. 
     Although the present disclosure has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments and illustrations thereof, other embodiments and modifications to preferred embodiments may be possible that are within the principles and spirit of the invention. The above descriptions and figures are therefore to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive. 
     Thus the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub combinations of the various features described herein above as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.