Helmet detection in truck with RFID

Abstract

A smart system for detecting the presence of a helmet in a vehicle is disclosed herein. The system comprises a first transceiver configured within a trunk of the vehicle. The first transceiver is configured to transmit a first detection signal on detecting the opening of the trunk of the vehicle. At least one second transceiver corresponds to at least one helmet provided on the body of the helmet. The second transceiver is configured to respond to the first detection signal with a response signal, wherein the response signal includes a unique identity marker corresponding to the helmet. A transmission device is configured to detect opening and closing of trunk to activate the first transceiver, subsequent to which the first detection signal is sent, and the transmission device is further configured to transmit information associated with the response signal to a base controller.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to urban mobility, and more particularly, to two-wheeled vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and system for detecting helmets inside the two-wheeled vehicle trunk.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Helmets are an essential part of urban mobility. Typically, helmets are stored in vehicle trunks, and in some two-wheelers that do not have a trunk, external locking devices are installed on the two-wheeler for locking the helmet thereto. A disadvantageous aspect of such helmet containing methods is that these methods leave the helmets susceptible to theft.

In order to protect helmets from being stolen, various passive helmet detection methods and systems have been developed in the art. Some such conventional schemes include the use of scales, passive RFID tags, electronic locks, and other means that cannot be programmed. As a result, there is no way to accurately identify the helmet. As such, a disadvantageous aspect of the conventional means is that the helmet may be replaced with another one. In one aspect, if the helmet is replaced or stolen, when replacing them, the provider/user must update the scooter control program. Updating the scooter control program is an arduous task that needs time and technical expertise, which is not helpful for the end user of the scooter. Another disadvantageous aspect of the conventional schemes is optimization of battery consumption while maintaining the accuracy of the radio systems in urban environments and high electromagnetic noise.

Therefore, there is a need for a helmet detection method and system that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantageous aspects of the conventional helmet detection schemes and methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure envisages a smart system for detecting presence of a helmet in a vehicle. The system comprises a first transceiver configured within a trunk of the vehicle, wherein the first transceiver is configured to transmit a first detection signal on detecting the opening of the trunk of the vehicle. The system further comprises at least one second transceiver corresponding to at least one helmet provided on the body of the helmet, wherein the at least one second transceiver is configured to respond to the first detection signal with a response signal, wherein the response signal includes a unique identity marker corresponding to the helmet. A transmission device is configured to detect opening and closing of the trunk to activate the first transceiver, subsequent to which the first detection signal is sent. The transmission device is further configured to transmit information associated with the response signal to a base controller.

In an alternative embodiment, the base controller is at least one of a user smart device and a central application server.

In an alternative embodiment, the first transceiver and the at least one second transceiver are configured as an active circuit system.

In an alternative embodiment, an absence of the response signal until a predetermined time period after the transmission of the first detection signal indicates absence of the helmet inside the trunk. Receiving the incorrect unique identity marker corresponding to the helmet is also interpreted by the smart system as the absence of a helmet in the trunk

In an alternative embodiment, the helmet further comprises a GPS module for facilitating tracking of the helmet.

In an alternative embodiment, the smart system employs at least one of Bluetooth communication protocol, ModBus communication protocol, Near-Field Communication protocol, LoRa communication protocol, 6LowPan communication protocol, ZigBee communication protocol and custom communication protocol based on radio field communication, for facilitating communication between the first transceiver, the at least one second transceiver, and the transmission device.

The present disclosure also envisages a method for detecting presence of a helmet in a vehicle. The method comprises transmitting, via a first transceiver, a first detection signal on detecting the opening of the trunk of the vehicle; responding, via at least one second transceiver, to the first detection signal with a response signal, wherein the response signal includes a unique identity marker corresponding to the helmet, wherein the at least one second transceiver corresponding to at least one helmet; detecting, via a transmission device, opening and closing of trunk to activate the first transceiver, subsequent to which the first detection signal is sent; and transmitting, via the transmission device, information associated with the response signal to a base controller.

In an alternative embodiment, the first transceiver is configured within a trunk of the vehicle.

In an alternative embodiment, the second transceiver is configured on or within a body of the at least one helmet.

In an alternative embodiment, the base controller is at least one of a user smart device and a central application server.

In an alternative embodiment, the first transceiver and the at least one second transceiver are configured as an active circuit system.

In an alternative embodiment, an absence of the response signal until a predetermined time period after the transmission of the first detection signal indicates absence of the helmet inside the trunk. Receiving an incorrect unique identity marker corresponding to the helmet is also interpreted as the absence of a helmet in the trunk

In an alternative embodiment, the helmet further comprises a GPS module for facilitating tracking of the helmet.

In an alternative embodiment, the smart system employs at least one of Bluetooth communication protocol, ModBus communication protocol, Near-Field Communication protocol, LoRa communication protocol, 6LowPan communication protocol, ZigBee communication protocol and custom communication protocol based on radio field communication, for facilitating communication between the first transceiver, the at least one second transceiver, and the transmission device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram depicting a system for helmet detection, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram depicting an exemplary embodiment of the system for helmet detection, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram depicting a method of helmet detection, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present subject matter envisages a helmet detection system and method, wherein the helmet detection scheme is configured as an active circuit system. In one embodiment, the helmet detection system is deployed on a two-wheeled vehicle. In one embodiment, the two-wheeled vehicle is a scooter. In another embodiment, the two-wheeled vehicle is a motorcycle having a discrete trunk assembled on the body of the motorcycle.

The helmet detection system, in accordance with the present subject matter, comprises a first transceiver. The first transceiver is configured in a trunk of the two-wheeled vehicle. In one embodiment, the first transceiver is configured at the base of the trunk of the two-wheeled vehicle. In one embodiment, the trunk has a size big enough to accommodate two helmets, including one for the rider and one for the pillion passenger. The system further comprises at least one second transceiver that is provided on one or more helmets placed inside the trunk of the two-wheeled vehicle. The system further comprises a transmission device coupled to the first transceiver.

The operation of the helmet detection system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, is described herein. The transmission device is configured to detect the opening and closing of the trunk. Once the transmission device detects that the trunk has been opened by a user, the transmission device triggers the first transceiver to initiate and send a first detection signal for detecting the presence of one or more helmets within the trunk of the two-wheeled vehicle. The second transceivers on the helmet are configured to receive the first detection signal and respond with a response signal indicating the presence thereof. In one embodiment, the response signal includes a unique identity marker associated with the one or more helmets. Such an identity marker allows the system to detect that the helmet has not been replaced, and that the helmet being detected is the actual helmet that is paired to the first transceiver. As such, the system concludes that there has been no tampering or any suspicious event that has taken place with the helmet. Similarly, the absence of the response signal for a predetermined time period is an indication that the helmets are not present in the trunk, and that the helmets are stolen.

The first transceiver, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, sends the information associated with the response signal to the transmission device, subsequent to which the transmission device transmits the information to a base controller for further processing. In one embodiment, the base controller is a central application server, wherein such information allows the central application server to detect the presence or absence of the helmets within the two-wheeled vehicle. In one embodiment, the central application server need not take any action when the response signal indicates the presence of the helmet within the trunk. In another embodiment, the central application server can be configured to create an alert for the owner of the two-wheeled vehicle. The alert can include information about the last known location of the helmet and the contact details of a nearest police authority office near the last known location. In one embodiment, the helmet can include a GPS unit that can facilitate tracking of the helmet. The tracking information can assist the police authorities to track down the helmet and catch the thief.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram depicting a system for helmet detection (hereinafter referred to as system 100 or smart system 100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The smart system 100 a first transceiver Tx configured within a trunk 150A of the vehicle, wherein the first transceiver Tx comprises a firmware configured to transmit a first detection signal on detecting the opening of the trunk 150A of the vehicle 150. The first transceiver Tx, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, is a combination of firmware and hardware. In one exemplary embodiment, the hardware can include microprocessors or microcontrollers and other peripherals as may be required by the firmware for performing the functionalities of information reception, processing, and transmission. In an embodiment, the first transceiver and the at least one second transceiver are configured as an active circuit system. The advantageous aspect of the active circuit system configuration is discussed in the subsequent sections of the present disclosure.

The system 100 further comprises at least one second transceiver Rx1, Rx2 corresponding to at least one helmet 102 provided on the body of the helmet 102. Although the instant embodiments are being described as having two helmets, the number of helmets and consequently, the number of the second transceivers may be greater than in other embodiments. In one embodiment, the at least one second transceiver Rx1, Rx2 comprises firmware to respond to the first detection signal with a response signal, wherein the response signal includes a unique identity marker corresponding to the helmet 102. In accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, the unique identity marker allows the user to identify the helmet correctly to ensure that the helmet has not been replaced with another inferior quality helmet. If the response signal contains incorrect unique identity marker, it means that the trunk doesn't contain equipped helmet and the smart system is processing such response as the absence of the helmet. Such a feature is especially advantageous in applications where a single vehicle is used by multiple users, for example, scooter rental agencies. In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the helmet 102 can also include a GPS unit provided therein for facilitating the tracking of the helmet in case of theft. The tracking information can be used by relevant police authorities to track the helmet and bring the thief to justice before the relevant judiciary courts.

The system 100 further comprises a transmission device 104 is configured to detect opening and closing of trunk 150A to activate the first transceiver Tx. In one embodiment, the transmission device can be provided on the vehicle body. In another embodiment, the transmission device can be provided adjacent to the trunk 150A of the vehicle for optimally detecting the opening and closing of the trunk 150A. Once the first transceiver Tx is activated, the first detection signal is transmitted by the first transceiver Tx. The transmission device 104 is further configured to transmit information associated with the response signal to a base controller 106.

In an alternative embodiment, the base controller is at least one of a user smart device and a central application server. In one embodiment, the base controller 106 is a central application server, wherein such information allows the central application server to detect the presence or absence of the helmets within the two-wheeled vehicle. In one embodiment, the central application server need not take any action when the response signal indicates the presence of the helmet within the trunk 150A. In another embodiment, the central application server can be configured to create an alert for the owner of the two-wheeled vehicle, wherein the alert can include information about last known location of the helmet and the contact details of a nearest police authority office near the last known location. In one embodiment, the helmet can include a GPS unit that can facilitate tracking of the helmet. The tracking information can assist the police authorities to track down the helmet and catch the thief.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram depicting an exemplary embodiment 200 of the system for helmet detection, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The embodiment 200 comprises the first transceiver Tx. The first transceiver Tx comprises firmware and hardware. The firmware of the first transceiver Tx is configured to transmit a first detection signal on detecting the opening of the trunk of the vehicle.

The firmware of the first transceiver Tx is implemented on a microcontroller of the first transceiver Tx. In the instant embodiment 200, the hardware for the first transceiver Tx includes a communication module 108A and a RFID coil 108B. In an embodiment, the communication module 108A can be at least one of Bluetooth communication protocol, infrared communication, ModBus communication protocol, Near-Field Communication protocol, LoRa communication protocol, 6LowPan communication protocol, and ZigBee communication protocol, for facilitating communication between the first transceiver Tx, the at least one second transceiver Rx1, Rx2, and the transmission device 104. In yet another embodiment the communication module 108A is operated using custom communication protocol based on radio field communication.

In the instant embodiment 200, the second transceiver Rx1, Rx2 are provided on the helmets 102, wherein each helmet includes one second transceiver provided on the body of the helmet. The helmet 102 also includes firmware and hardware. The firmware for the helmet 102 for facilitating the detection thereof is provided in a microcontroller or a microprocessor. In an embodiment, the firmware of the second transceiver is configured to respond to the first detection signal with a response signal, wherein the response signal includes a unique identity marker corresponding to the helmet. In an embodiment, such firmware can be integrated in the second transceiver Rx1, Rx2. In another embodiment, such firmware can be configured separately to the second transceiver Rx1, Rx2 on the body of the helmet 102.

In an embodiment, the helmet 102 can be a pair of helmets that includes a rider's helmet and a pillion's helmet, collectively referred to as the helmet 102. The helmet 102 can be provided with a GPS unit including GPS1, corresponding to the rider's helmet and GPS2, corresponding to the pillion's helmet. The hardware for the helmet 102 can also include the second transceiver Rx1, Rx2 provided for each helmet 102. In the instant embodiment 200, the transmission device 104 includes an opening/closing detection unit 104A and a trigger unit 104B. The transmission device 104 can be provided adjacent to the trunk of the vehicle 150 for optimally detecting the opening and closing of the trunk 150A via the opening/closing detection unit 104A. Once the transmission device 150A detects the opening of the trunk 150A, it triggers the first transceiver Tx via the trigger unit 104B to send a detection signal for detecting the presence of the helmets 102 within the trunk 150A of the vehicle.

In the instant embodiment, the first transceiver Tx includes the RFID transmission coil 108B. More specifically, transmission coil 108B is configured to generate an electromagnetic field encompassing the entire trunk 150A for detecting any other coils inside the electromagnetic field. If the helmets are present in the trunk 150A, the second transceiver Rx1, Rx2 include a similar RFID coil configured for responding to the detection signal with the response signal. In an embodiment, the response signal includes a unique identity marker. In an embodiment, an absence of the response signal until a predetermined time period after the transmission of the first detection signal indicates absence of the helmet inside the trunk. In yet another embodiment, the response signal containing incorrect unique identity marker also indicates absence of the helmet inside the trunk. The transmission device 104 is configured to transmit the information associated with the response signal to the base controller 106. It is to be noted that the power supply for the operation of the system 100 can be provided via a battery of the vehicle 150.

In one embodiment, the base controller 106 is a central application server, wherein such information allows the central application server to detect the presence or absence of the helmets within the two-wheeled vehicle. In one embodiment, the central application server need not take any action when the response signal indicates the presence of the helmet within the trunk 150A. In another embodiment, the central application server can be configured to create an alert for the owner of the two-wheeled vehicle, wherein the alert can include information about last known location of the helmet and the contact details of a nearest police authority office near the last known location, and the alert can be sent to a smart device associated with the user. In one embodiment, the helmet can include a GPS unit that can facilitate tracking of the helmet. The tracking information can assist the police authorities to track down the helmet and catch the thief. In the instant embodiment, the vehicle 150 can include a GPS tracker 150B via which the helmet 102 can be tracked. The tracking information can be shared with the central application server as well as the police authorities in real time for assisting the police authorities closest to the helmet location to take appropriate action for re-capturing the stolen helmet.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram depicting a method of helmet detection (hereinafter referred to as method 300), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The order in which the method 300 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method or similar alternative methods. Additionally, individual blocks can be deleted from the method without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

At block 302, the method 300 includes the step of transmitting, via a first transceiver Tx, a first detection signal on detecting the opening of the trunk of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the first detection signal is a query signal that is sent out by the first transceiver Tx for detecting the presence of the helmet within a trunk 150A of the vehicle 150. In an embodiment, the first transceiver Tx can be a transceiver that can use any of the known wireless communication protocols for sending out the first detection signal.

At block 304, the method 300 includes the step of responding, via at least one second transceiver Rx1, Rx2, to the first detection signal with a response signal, wherein the response signal includes a unique identity marker corresponding to the helmet. In an embodiment, the at least one second transceiver corresponds to at least one helmet. More specifically, each of the helmets present inside the trunk 150A includes a second transceiver.

At block 306, the method 300 includes the step of detecting, via a transmission device 104, opening and closing of trunk to activate the first transceiver Tx, subsequent to which the first detection signal is sent. In an embodiment, the transmission device 104 is provided adjacent to the trunk 150A on the body of the vehicle 150 for optimally detecting the opening and closing of the trunk 150A.

At block 308, the method 300 includes transmitting, via the transmission device 104, information associated with the response signal to a base controller 106. In one embodiment, the base controller 106 is a central application server, wherein such information allows the central application server to detect the presence or absence of the helmets within the two-wheeled vehicle. In one embodiment, the central application server need not take any action when the response signal indicates the presence of the helmet within the trunk 150A. In another embodiment, the central application server can be configured to create an alert for the owner of the two-wheeled vehicle, wherein the alert can include information about last known location of the helmet and the contact details of a nearest police authority office near the last known location, and the alert can be sent to a smart device associated with the user. In one embodiment, the helmet can include a GPS unit that can facilitate tracking of the helmet. The tracking information can assist the police authorities to track down the helmet and catch the thief.

One exemplary application of the system 100 and method 300 that can be usable in the scooter rental agency is described herein. A scooter rental agency is a service provider wherein a user registers with a central rental agency server via a user smart device to become a registered user of the scooter rental agency. Registered users of the scooter rental agency have access to scooters that are parked at various locations within a city. To avail the facility of using the scooter, the user is required to put up a request for the same via a smart device application provided on the user smart device. Once such a request is made, the central rental agency server identifies an available scooter for the user in the user's vicinity. The details of such a vehicle are then provided to the user.

Once the user identifies the allotted vehicle, the user proceeds to open the trunk of the vehicle to gain access to the helmets. As soon as the user opens the trunk, the transmission device 104 triggers the first transceiver Tx of the vehicle to detect the presence of the helmet within the trunk 150A of the vehicle. If the system 100 detects the presence of the helmet within the trunk 150A, the same information is conveyed by the transmission device 104 to the base controller 106, which in this case is the central rental agency server. The central rental agency server does not take any action in case the helmets are present.

Another action that the central rental agency can be configured to perform is generating an alert to alert the user that the vehicle is being reallotted because of absence of a helmet inside the vehicle. Furthermore, the central rental agency server can be configured to initiate GPS tracking of the helmet, in accordance with one embodiment. More specifically, the tracking of the helmets can be facilitated by the GPS units GPS 1, GPS 2 provided inside the helmet. The tracking information can be shared with the law enforcement authorities.

One aspect of the system 100 and method 300 that is important to consider is that during a course of a trip, a user can open the trunk 150A multiple times. However, the first transceiver Tx is not triggered every time the trunk 150A is opened to check the presence of the helmet within the trunk 150A. In one implementation, the transmission device 104 provided adjacent the trunk 150A stores the status of helmet check in a memory, and when the ride finishes then the helmet check parameter is reset so that the helmet check can be performed the next time the trunk is opened at the start of the next trip. More specifically, the decision, regarding when the ride finishes, is computed by checking if the current location of the scooter matches with the ride destination that the user provided on the central rental agency application on the user smart device.

An advantageous aspect of the system 100 and the method 300, in accordance with the present disclosure, is the active circuit system configuration of the first and second transceivers. If the helmet is stolen or requires replacement, the active circuit system configuration of the system allows the user to re-program the system 100 for accepting a new unique identity marker of the replacement helmet. More specifically, the first transceiver includes a microcontroller(s) containing the firmware that can be re-programmed to accept the new unique identity marker. As such, the efforts associated with completely re-programming the scooter operation algorithm is eliminated, and the user only has to reprogram a small part of the scooter instead of re-programming the entire scooter operation algorithm.

Claims

1. A smart system for detecting presence of a helmet in a vehicle, the system comprising:

a first transceiver, placed within a trunk of the vehicle, configured to: transmit a first detection signal on detecting the opening of the trunk of the vehicle to at least one second transceiver;

the at least one second transceiver, corresponding to at least one helmet to be placed within the trunk, provided on the body of the helmet, wherein the at least one second transceiver is configured to; respond to the first detection signal, received from the first transceiver, with a response signal, wherein the response signal includes a unique identity marker corresponding to the helmet; and

a transmission device configured to detect opening and closing of trunk to activate the first transceiver, subsequent to which the first detection signal is sent, and the transmission device is further configured to transmit information associated with the response signal to a base controller.

2. The smart system according to claim 1, wherein the base controller is at least one of a user smart device and a central application server.

3. The smart system according to claim 1, wherein the first transceiver and the at least one second transceiver are configured as an active circuit system.

4. The smart system according to claim 1, wherein an absence of the response signal until a predetermined time period after the transmission of the first detection signal indicates absence of the helmet inside the trunk.

5. The smart system according to claim 1, wherein the response signal containing the incorrect unique identity marker indicates absence of the helmet inside the trunk.

6. The smart system according to claim 1, wherein the helmet further comprises a GPS module for facilitating tracking of helmet.

7. The smart system according to claim 1, wherein the smart system employs at least one of Bluetooth communication protocol, ModBus communication protocol, Near-Field Communication protocol, LoRa communication protocol, 6LowPan communication protocol, and ZigBee communication protocol, for facilitating communication between the first transceiver, the at least one second transceiver, and the transmission device.

8. The smart system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second transceivers include RFID coils.

9. A method for detecting presence of a helmet in a vehicle, the method comprising:

transmitting, via a first transceiver, a first detection signal on detecting the opening of the trunk of the vehicle;

responding, via at least one second transceiver, to the first detection signal with a response signal, wherein the response signal includes a unique identity marker corresponding to the helmet, wherein the at least one second transceiver corresponding to at least one helmet;

detecting, via a transmission device, opening and closing of trunk to activate the first transceiver, subsequent to which the first detection signal is sent; and

transmitting, via the transmission device, information associated with the response signal to a base controller.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the first transceiver is configured within a trunk of the vehicle.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the second transceiver is configured on or within a body of the at least one helmet.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the base controller is at least one of a user smart device and a central application server.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein the first transceiver and the at least one second transceiver are configured as an active circuit system.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein absence of the response signal until a predetermined time period after the transmission of the first detection signal indicates absence of the helmet inside the trunk.

15. The method according to claim 9, wherein the response signal containing the incorrect unique identity marker indicates absence of the helmet inside the trunk.

16. The method according to claim 9, wherein the helmet further comprises a GPS module for facilitating tracking of helmet.

17. The method according to claim 9, wherein the smart system employs at least one of Bluetooth communication protocol, ModBus communication protocol, Near-Field Communication protocol, LoRa communication protocol, 6LowPan communication protocol, and ZigBee communication protocol, for facilitating communication between the first transceiver, the at least one second transceiver, and the transmission device.