EP3313222B1

EP3313222B1 - A helmet wearing encouraging and/or controlling system and a method of encouraging and/or controlling use of a helmet when riding a vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP3313222B1
Application number: EP16745044.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Murad Mahmoud; Lauge RØNNOW
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-06-23
Filing date: 2016-06-17
Publication date: 2021-01-20
Anticipated expiration: 2036-06-17
Also published as: WO2016206693A1; CN107787193A; EP3313222A1; CN107787193B; DK3313222T3; JP2018524493A

Description

The present invention relates to a helmet wearing encouraging and/or controlling system comprising an electronic helmet component and an associated electronic vehicle component provided on a vehicle and being in wireless communication with the electronic helmet component, wherein the electronic helmet component is adapted to detect that a rider of the vehicle wears the helmet on the head during riding the vehicle.
A safety helmet, e.g. a bicycle helmet, is designed to attenuate impacts to the head of rider of a vehicle, e.g. a cyclist, in falls while minimizing side effects such as interference with peripheral vision, but many cyclists and children are reluctant to wear helmets unless compelled.
Use of bicycle helmet varies greatly between populations and between groups. Bicycle helmets are subject to mandatory use in professional cycle sport, and use has gaining ground for mountain bikers and amateur sportive cyclists who normally wear helmets. In some states such as Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Iceland, New Zealand, Sweden, Spain and the United States use of bicycle helmets are ruled by law.
The study "Road Safety Research Report No. 30, Bicycle Helmets; A review of their effectiveness: A critical review of the literature"; by Elizabeth Towner, Therese Dowswell, Matthew Burkes, Heather Dickinson, John Towner, Michael Hayes; November 2002; Department for Transport; London; concludes that most bicycle injuries occur in teenage children or young adults, and that bicycle helmets have been found to be effective at reducing the incidence and severity of head, brain and upper facial injury.
Head injuries associated with accidents with other kinds of vehicles such as skateboards, snowboards, ski, motorcycles, scooters, push scooters, roller skates, etc. are also frequently seen. As for bicycles use of helmets to reduce impact and injuries from accidents with such other is not striking neither amongst adults, youngster or children. Use of safety helmet when riding motorcycles, mopeds and scooters are more common because often legally ruled, but can nevertheless be improved.
US patent no. US 7,973,652 describes a personal safety system for vehicles. This known safety system comprises a bicycle helmet, and means for restricting operation of a pedal-propelled bicycle in the event the bicycle helmet is not used, or is improperly applied to the head and/or inadequately secured. The system comprises a rotation-control hub assembly adapted for attachment to a wheel of the bicycle. The means for determining a functional state of the bicycle helmet includes an electric circuit with physical contacts located on the bicycle helmet and a sensor for determining the functional state of the bicycle helmet, i.e. whether the bicycle helmet is applied to the head of the user. Means for communicating the functional state of the bicycle helmet to the bicycle is provided to communicate to the means for restricting operation of the bicycle when the bicycle helmet is in a negative functional state.
This known personal safety system is based on restricting the rotation of the wheels. Riding without the helmet is indeed possible when the electronic components is integrated in the bicycle helmet, which can be extremely dangerous or is at least a tremendous task, because the wheels cannot only rotate with difficulties.
DE 10 2013 002655 A1 discloses a safety system that gives a warning signal if motion of a bicycle is detected when a helmet is not worn. The helmet contains pressure sensors on the inside of the shell and a magnetic switch in the chin strap fastener.
In a main aspect of the present invention is provided a safety system that encourages use of a safety helmet in combination with use of a vehicle in motion.
In a further aspect is provided a safety system that encourages use of bicycle helmets, particularly amongst children.
In a further aspect is provided a safety system that can log data of the rider's behaviour and the movements of the vehicle and/or the helmet during the ride.
In a further aspect is provided a safety system that can be monitored remotely.
In a further aspect is provided a method of encouraging and/or controlling use of a helmet when riding a vehicle.
The novel and unique whereby these and other aspects are achieved according to the present invention consist in that the electronic helmet component includes at least a helmet motion sensor and the electronic vehicle component includes at least a vehicle motion sensor, wherein

a helmet receiver member of the electronic helmet component is adapted to receive
- a vehicle motion signal from a vehicle transmitter member of the electronic vehicle component when the vehicle motion sensor detects motion of the vehicle, and/or
- a helmet motion signal from a helmet transmitter member when the helmet motion sensor detects motion of the helmet component,
and/or
a vehicle receiver member of the electronic vehicle component is adapted to receive
a vehicle motion signal from a vehicle transmitter member of the electronic vehicle component when the vehicle motion sensor detects motion of the vehicle, and/or
a helmet motion signal from a helmet transmitter member when the helmet motion sensor detects motion of the helmet component.

Within the scope of the present invention a "vehicle" is a mobile device for at least one person. A typical vehicle is a bicycle or a motor vehicle, such as a motorcycle, moped, scooter. Other kinds of human-powered land vehicle includes vehicles that require the rider to push off the ground, such vehicle being e.g. kick scooters, push scooters, roller skates and skateboards. In vehicles such as cars and watercrafts used for racing safety helmet may be compulsory but nevertheless the present invention can advantageously help the driver to remember to wear the helmet. It may also be compulsory to use a safety helmet when operating heavy vehicles on constructions sites, such as cranes and lorries. The invention can be used in any context where a safety helmet is used by an individual on a vehicle in motion.
Within the scope of the present invention a "transmitter member" is to be understood as any electronic component suited for issuing a signal that can be received a distance from the transmitter by another electronic component, a "receiver member". The transmitter member can be a separate piece of electronic equipment, or an electrical circuit within the vehicle component. The receiver member can be a separate piece of electronic equipment, or an electronic circuit within the helmet component. The transmitter member can e.g. be of the kind that issues a non-audible radio frequency signal to be received by a radio frequency receiver constituting the receiver member.
In contrast to the prior art devices the current systems involves sensoring the motion of the helmet by using a helmet motion sensor. The event(s), which the helmet motion sensor has detected, is transmitted via the helmet transmitter member to the vehicle receiver member to be checked against simultaneous event sensored by e.g. the vehicle motion sensor to establish whether or not the helmet is used in relation to movements of the vehicle that is provided with the electronic vehicle component that matches with the electronic helmet component.
The system of the present invention may comprise a control module electronically associated with at least one of the electronic helmet component and the electronic vehicle component to at least log data obtained by one or both of said component(s), which control module has at least one predefined criterion/criteria, which at least one of said motion signals must satisfy by comparison.
The criterion/criteria is/are various predefined values that has/have been established by experiments and/or has been calculated to be found decisive for conducting at least one comparison(s) with representative data and signals collected by the motion sensor(s) during the actual event(s) in order to reveal, verify and confirm if these criterion/criteria is/are met, or at least is/are within an acceptable predefined range. An alert member may be associated with at least one of the electronic helmet component and the electronic vehicle component to issue at least one alert in the event that the at least one predefined criteria of the control module is not satisfied.
It should be emphasised that the present invention does not include mechanical means and mechanisms that prevents the vehicle from rolling if the rider does not wear the helmet, nor means that actually registers that a helmet is mounted to the head of the rider, or that the helmet strap is closed. Such embodiments are specifically excluded. Rather the present invention serves to encourage and motivate, in particular younger individuals, to make use of their bicycle helmet to thereby enhance bicycling safety in general during cycling. The risk of alerts not being issued in case the bicycle helmet is carried along close to the associated bicycle without being at the head of the cyclist is therefore a calculated and accepted risk that is believed to be reduced over time due to the training involved by application of the helmet wearing encouraging system of the present invention.
The electronic helmet component and/or the electronic vehicle component may include sensor(s) selected from the group of sensors adapted to register rotation of a wheel, opening of a lock, tilting of the vehicle, vibration and/or motion of at least a part of a vehicle frame or a part of other vehicle structure, a gyro sensor, an optical sensor, a pressure transducer, an accelerometer, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a hall effect sensor, a proximity sensor, or combinations thereof. Almost any sensor that can detect a motion of the helmet or parts of the vehicle will do as motion sensor. Use of several different sensor types may be used to create an optimum reliable representation of the motion and of any other detectable event. Any kind of motion sensor able to sense variation of a change from a static condition to a dynamic condition or change in space of one or more components of the vehicle will be suited for use in the present invention.
Obviously a motion sensor may also register most motions and movements related to authorised movements of the vehicle. Such as for example when a vehicle, such as a bicycle, is moved in a rack to give place for further bicycles, pulled inside a shelter or pulled along on the pavement in situations where the cyclist need not wear the bicycle helmet. To that aspect the system according to the present invention may further include a timer that interrupts the alert after a predetermined period, e.g. a predetermined period in which the vehicle component and the helmet component are not within the predetermined distance, or simply a time-out period.
The detections by means of different sensors may create a collection of data and parameters, which can be stored simultaneously and/or sequentially, e.g. by the control module, to be compared for verification with the criterion/criteria, as mentioned above. Using several sensors for detecting the same event can also be utilised as a back-up system in case one sensor fails. In case several sensors detect different events, such as different movements of the vehicle or of different parts of the vehicle, the several sensors may serve to complete the collections of data, e.g. the data representing motion of the helmet and the vehicle, respectively.
An overall picture of the actual helmet/vehicle situation can thus at all times be created, preserved and acted upon. The readings of the sensors advantageously serve as a tool to distinguish between true events and false events, where a "true" event e.g. is when the rider wears the helmet on his/her head instead of a "false" event where the rider places the helmet hanging on the handlebars when the bicycle is on the move. Thus the system not forming part of the present invention involves obtaining, using, establishing and evaluating the readings of the sensors the best possible and most reliable way to provide information of at least helmet use.
The wireless communication may be Bluetooth communication, preferably Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication. This low current consuming technology for data communication defines a general specification for sending and receiving data over a low energy link with high bit rates. Thus not only is consumption of current low so that an energy source, such as e.g. a battery that powers the electronic helmet component and the electronic vehicle component, will have a very long active period, data exchange is also fast and efficient in real time.
The at least one predefined criterion defined by the control module can be selected from the group of criteria including

a predetermined distance between the electronic vehicle component and the electronic helmet component, which e.g. can be detected by a proximity sensor associated with one or both of the electronic vehicle component and the electronic helmet component,
mutual recognition of the electronic vehicle component and the electronic helmet component, which e.g. can be achieved by electronic exchange of unique verification data for both the electronic vehicle component and the electronic helmet component, and e.g. monitored by a common control module, or the system may be equipped with a separate control module for each of the electronic vehicle component and the electronic helmet component,
a threshold or parameter defining orientation of the helmet on the head of the rider of the vehicle, and wherein the orientation of the helmet e.g. can be established by a accelerometer, such a establishing the current orientation of the helmet continuously during riding of the vehicle, which does not form part of the claimed invention,
a threshold or parameter defining movement of the helmet on head, and wherein movement of the helmet e.g. can be established by means of a gyroscope sensor, such as establishing one or more movements of the helmet continuously during riding of the vehicle, e.g. to monitor turning the head before rounding a corner, etc., which does not form part of the claimed invention,
a threshold or parameter defining movement of at least a part of the vehicle, e.g. using an inertial measurement unit to detect turning and breaking of the vehicle.

The predetermined distance can preferably be less than or equal to 5 m, preferably less than 4 m, preferably less than 3 m, preferably less than 2 m, preferably less than 1.5 m, and even less than 1.0 m, so that when the helmet with the electronic helmet component is close to the vehicle with the electronic vehicle component, such as when the individual pulls or rides the vehicle while wearing the helmet, the alert maintains interrupted because the distance between the individuals head with the helmet component and the vehicle component on the vehicle are within the set value for the predetermined distance.
As already mentioned, in order that the electronic helmet component and/or the electronic vehicle component can be kept as small as possible both can conveniently be battery powered, optionally at least the electronic vehicle component can be powered by chargeable batteries. Batteries having high capacity or lifetime are preferred, however because the batteries only use power a very short period each time the system is active the duration of the batteries are very long. Both chargeable and disposable batteries can be used.
In some embodiments disposable batteries may be integrally embedded in any of the electronic helmet component and the electronic vehicle component. Chargeable batteries can be solar batteries, which are particularly favourable if the electronic helmet component is arranged on the outside of the helmet and for the electronic vehicle component. The battery of the electronic vehicle component may alternatively be coupled to the bicycle or other vehicle in a manner that allows this battery to be charged when the bicycle or other vehicle is in motion, such as be kept charged by a hub dynamo or by spokemounted electromagnets.
The batteries can be any kind of batteries commonly used in portable devices that have low current drain, and are used only intermittently. Due to size disposable batteries which are particularly suited may be tiny button cells, such as button cells used for electric watches, cell phones and hearing aids. Furthermore, the batteries need not be of high-output kind. Low-power devices is feasible. An examplary low power device has outputs of a nominal 3.7V at 40mAh, these values should however not be seen as limiting for the present invention. Emphasis is made that these values are examples and for some embodiments other values may be preferred.
The alert of the alert member may be acoustic, tactile and/or visual.
An exemplary tactile alert of the alert member can a vibration by a vibrator, optionally a vibrator integrated in the handlebars of a vehicle.
An exemplary acoustic alert of the alert member can conveniently be an audio signal, a sound or noise issued by the alert member until the respective receiver member registers the signal from the respective transmitter member.
An exemplary visual alert of the alert member can be a flashing LED light or an SMS send by the control module to e.g. a smartphone.
The advantage of a visual signal or a vibration signal is that it can be perceived by for example deaf or hard- or low-hearing people. People who are not allowed to take away the vehicle, such as the bicycle, are within the scope of the present invention deprived to do so by the issued alerts by the alert member.
Micro electronic circuits are available as digital radio frequency components, which, if used, minimize the physical dimensions of the helmet component and the vehicle component.
Any of the transmitter member and the receiver member can be a transceiver to allow two-way communication between the electronic vehicle component and the electronic helmet component.
Any motion of the vehicle may be the first indication associated with a vehicle provided with the electronic vehicle component of system of the present invention that somebody is about to take a ride. The vehicle motion sensor registers that the vehicle is set in motion and the vehicle transmitter member may in one simple embodiment with a distance criterion then issue a signal that triggers the alert member to issue an alert, such as a loud sound, e.g. if a cyclist has not brought his/her bicycle helmet close to his/her bicycle. The simple way to bring e.g. a bicycle helmet with the electronic helmet component close to the electronic vehicle component is to wear the bicycle helmet.
So in this simple embodiment in use with a bicycle, if a cyclist moves his/her bicycle and already wears the bicycle helmet with the electronic helmet component that are in electronic wireless communication with the electronic vehicle component, no alert needs to be transmitted, because the electronic vehicle component and the electronic helmet component are within a short predetermined distance, which is a set value of the criteria of the system.
If on the other hand the cyclist has forgot to bring his/her bicycle helmet along, he/she cannot in some embodiments interrupt the alert before he/she has brought the bicycle helmet within electronic signal reach of the vehicle component, thus within the predetermined distance. Alternatively the alert serves as a reminder to collect the bicycle helmet and the alert member can be periodically or temporarily deactivated. The alert member of the vehicle component may e.g. have a snooze function.
Not only does the helmet wearing encouraging system of the present invention encourage and motivates to use of the helmet, the system may also serve to form good habits of e.g. children and teenagers reluctant to wear bicycle helmets when cycling. The risk that a child forgets his/her bicycle helmet is substantially reduced or even eliminated by the present invention.
In an embodiment of the present invention the electronic helmet component can be detachable arranged on the helmet, and the electronic vehicle component be detachable arranged on the vehicle. This means that the system of the present invention can be obtained as a separate system that can be installed on any vehicle and helmet. The electronic helmet component can be moved from helmet to helmet and the electronic vehicle component be moved from vehicle to vehicle if any of these components are renewed, e.g. due to the need for larger bicycle helmets or larger bicycles when the child grows bigger, or if the helmet and/or the vehicle is/are worn down, or in case of simple replacement of the vehicle or helmet. Alternatively just one of the electronic helmet component and the electronic vehicle component can be detachable.
The electronic helmet component can be mounted detachable to the helmet by means of e.g. an adhesive liner, a Velcro® liner, stitching to the padding of the helmet, magnetic attachments or combinations thereof, however this list should not be construed as limiting. The electronic helmet component can be mounted inside or outside the hard shell of the helmet, thus be visual or not-visual when the individual wears the helmet.
The electronic vehicle component can be detachable arranged on the vehicle by means of any appropriate fastening means including but not limited to for example snap-fittings, screws, brackets and magnetic attachments or combinations thereof.
The helmet and the vehicle are closely electronically linked to each other, and the alert may thus also be issued in case of unauthorised motion of the vehicle, e.g. in case of theft. The alert may e.g. cause a cyclist to look for his/her bicycle if he/she is within hearing distance of the alert. The alert may even include issuance of two different alerts, one first alert that is audible to trigger wearing of the helmet, and another long-reaching second alert, e.g. another second alert, which can be associated with a second predetermined distance much longer than a first shorter predetermined distance for the first alert. The second alert can e.g. be associated with a Bluetooth marker, e.g. a tag associated with the helmet component and being in communication with a mobile phone. If the marker on the helmet is out of range of the mobile phone, such as when the cyclist or other user forgets his/her helmet but remembers his/her mobile phone, then a second alert is issued by the mobile phone as a reminder. This double alerting system provide additional guarantee to remember to wear the helmet.
If e.g. a cyclist is in the vicinity of the bicycle helmet when the alert is issued the cyclist is warned of unauthorised movement of the bicycle. Accordingly, the alert may include one or more signals and alerts associated with one or more predetermined distances. So because the helmet component is detachable it can, e.g. in an adult mode, even be brought along detached from the bicycle helmet to serve the additional function as an anti-theft protection means in case the bicycle helmet is left another place, e.g. the wardrobe. This embodiment may be less preferred for children and teenagers where the detachability of the vehicle component preferably is restricted to replacement situations.
Alternatively the electronic helmet component may be integrated in the helmet, and/or the electronic vehicle component be integrated in the vehicle. Another option is that one of the electronic helmet component and the vehicle helmet component may be detachable and the other one be integrated. By integrating the electronic helmet component in the helmet and/or the electronic vehicle component in the vehicle it is possible to ensure that the rider does not remove these components to circumvent the system and manual tampering with these components are made impossible.
The control module may include a microprocessor or microcontroller for processing the data read by any of the sensors, and in particular data detected by the respective motions sensors. The microprocessor or microcontroller may e.g. be responsible for monitoring and controlling the receipt of signals from the transmitter member(s) by the receiver members and for monitoring and controlling said transmitted signal, controlling a timer, the Bluetooth technology and any other operation that requires data processing in order for the system to work in accordance with the invention. The microprocessor or microcontroller performs the function and structure of a central processing unit (CPU) on a single integrated circuit. This technology is known by the person skilled in the art of electronic data processing and will not be described and discussed in further details. The data from the sensor are input to the microprocessor or microcontroller, that processes the data according to instructions stored in its memory, and provides results as output, such as to issue alerts and SMSs via dedicated means to that aspect.
Accordingly, the control module may include storage means for logging and/or storing data representing the behaviour of a user of the helmet wearing encouraging and/or controlling system described above.
Stored data may be transferred to a remote storage, such as a cloud storage, e.g. to be a remote storage that is accessible for multiple users, preferably users with authorisation to access the stored data. Thus somebody else than the rider of the vehicle can monitor date for the ride and for the rider from a remote location, as well as the rider herself/himself can take a look of his riding actions and behaviour after the ride ahs been completed. Such features allow parents to act on bad or wrong behaviour of a child.
It should thus be noted that the present invention may include further features related to monitoring use of the helmet. Such further features may be implemented and made available via various devices and applications such as mobile apps, such as apps for smartphones and tablets, which most people nowadays always have at hand. To that aspect the readings of the motions sensor may collect valuable information, which may be particularly reliable if the corresponding respective electronic helmet component and electronic vehicle component always are in substantial same position, as is particularly possible for an integrated electronic component.
Different apps may be designed for example for:

parents to monitor use of a bicycle helmet,
the electronic vehicle component to collect data representing the motions and movements of the vehicle and issue an alarm or alert to an app when the vehicle is parked. When the helmet comes close to the vehicle again the alarm or alert can be synchronised with the app,
communicating crashes and accidents to an app that trigger a message to another party, such as parents or other family member, e.g. transmitting GPS coordinates of the location of the crash.

Furthermore, any of the control module and/or the app can be programmed to any of activation of the system, deactivation of the system, providing statistics of use of the vehicle and/or the helmet, comparing sensor data with reference data to provide use advices to the user of the system, registration and logging event, and transmitting alerts and/or notifications to remote locations.
In one embodiment the system can always be in active state and operatable upon the electronic helmet component and the electronic vehicle component identifies presence of each other.
Alternatively he system can actively be switched on prior to use, optionally from the remote device, e.g. by a parent having a child using the system of the present invention.
By making the electronic helmet component unique to the electronic vehicle component it can be ensured that an individual riding a vehicle in question uses a helmet fitting him/her properly, thus only his/her helmet.
A method of encouraging and/or controlling use of a helmet in relation to riding a vehicle may include providing and using the above described system.
The method may include the further step of issuing an alert in the event that wireless communication between the electronic vehicle component and the electronic helmet component cannot be established, issuing an alert in the event that the motion sensor readings deviate from ranges or thresholds set by the criteria of the control module, transmittal of communication of from the electronic vehicle component and/or the electronic vehicle component to each other or to another device, including smartphones, GPSs, etc.
The method may include the further step of monitoring the system from a remote location, such as a PC, over a wireless network in communication with the system via the control module.
The invention is illustrated in further details in the drawing and described below in relation to principle sketches and exemplary embodiments, wherein

fig. 1 schematically shows the elements of a first embodiment of the electronic vehicle component and the electronic helmet component,
fig. 2 schematically shows the elements of a second embodiment of the electronic vehicle component and the electronic helmet component,
fig. 3a shows a principle sketch of a first embodiment of exchange of signals of a system according to the invention, wherein the electronic vehicle component and the electronic helmet component are integral components, and communication takes place by using Bluetooth short-range wireless connection,
fig. 3b shows a principle sketch of a second embodiment of exchange of signals of a system according to the invention,
fig. 4 illustrates schematically an example of such main component of an electronic helmet component,
fig. 5 is a communication path of data of readings of the motions sensor during a ride on a bicycle, and
fig. 6 shows some test result made during a ride of a bicycle where the rider wear a helmet with integrated electronic helmet component that includes a gyroscope.

The principle sketch of fig. 1 shows a helmet wearing encouraging system 1 with an electronic helmet component 2 and an electronic vehicle component 3 in wireless communication with each other. The electronic vehicle component 3 has a vehicle motion sensor 4, a vehicle transmitter member 5, and an alert member 6. In the exemplary embodiment of fig. 1 the vehicle motion sensor is a gyro sensor component 4, the alert member is a speaker 6, and the vehicle transmitter member 5 is a radio transmitter member including at least a DSP (Digital Signal Processing), CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a suited first microprocessor or microcontroller unit 7, a first radio element 8 and a first antenna 9 to transmit a signal to the electronic helmet component 2 once the gyro sensor component registers motion. A first battery 10 provides power to the electronic vehicle component 3.
An exemplary gyro sensor component is a MEMS gyroscope, thus a gyroscope manufactured with a micro-electromechanical system. A simple inexpensive MEMS gyroscope is a single component packed as an integrated circuit including gyroscopic sensors for multiple axes to register vibrations and provide either analogue or digital outputs. Accelerometers may be integral with the MEMS gyroscope, which makes the vehicle component very sensitive to motions due to six degrees of freedom.
The electronic helmet component 2 is composed almost similarly and includes a helmet receiver member 11 in form of a radio receiver member including at least a DSP, CPU or a suited second microprocessor or microcontroller unit 12, a second radio element 13 and a second antenna 14 to receive the signal issued by the helmet transmitter member 5 that the electronic helmet component 2 is within a selected predetermined distance D, whereby the speaker 6 issues the alarm. A second battery 15 provides power to the electronic helmet component 2.
A second embodiment 16 of the electronic vehicle component and the electronic helmet component is seen in fig. 2. The second embodiment 16 corresponds substantially to the first embodiment 1 and for like parts same reference numerals are used.
The second embodiment differs in that the electronic vehicle component 2' has a charging unit 17 for charging chargeable batteries 18, and in that the electronic helmet component 3' has a temperature sensor 19 that detects a raise in the temperature once the helmet is placed on the individual's head. The temperatures sensor 17 serves as an additional sensor that register that the helmet is actually worn and not just carried alongside the vehicle.
The system may include the feature that if the electronic helmet component already is within the predetermined distance when the vehicle is put in motion issuance of the alarm is avoided, e.g. if a timer sets a delay for the issuance of the alarm, which delay is sufficient to register that helmet component is within the predetermined distance of the vehicle component.
Fig. 3a is a principle sketch of the exchange of signals by using Bluetooth short-range low energy wireless communication in a modified system 1' according to the invention, wherein the electronic vehicle component 3" and the electronic helmet component 2" are integral components of a bicycle 20 and a bicycle helmet 21, respectively, as indicated by dotted boxes. The electronic helmet component 2" may include one or more motion sensors, such as a gyroscope (as e.g. shown in figs. 1 and 2) and/or an accelerometer (not shown), to register that the bicycle helmet 21 moves, and to perform readings during the ride. The motion sensors register e.g. if the helmet 21 is put correctly on the head of the bicyclist and take regular readings; and/or readings are occasioned by events taking place during the ride. The readings are e.g. stored in a control module (not shown) of the electronic helmet component 2".
The wireless communication shown in fig. 3a starts with sending a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal from the electronic helmet component 2" that is integrated in the helmet 21 to the electronic vehicle component 3" that is integrated in the bicycle 20, which electronic vehicle component 3 then sends a communication signal via wireless Bluetooth Low Energy protocol to a smartphone 22 that communicates the received information to a cloud storage 23 to make the date accessible from a remote location by the rider later, or by any other authorised person. It should be noted that the order and the path of wireless signals could be any, and the paths shown in fig. 3a and fig. 3b should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Wireless communication can e.g. be triggered by the electronic vehicle component 3" instead of by the electronic helmet component 2", as well as communication via wireless Bluetooth Low Energy technology can work in both directions to directly exchange information between the electronic helmet component 2", the electronic vehicle component 3" and the smartphone provided within Bluetooth signal reach.
Fig. 3b shows a principle sketch of a second embodiment of exchange of signals of a system 1' according to the invention. The system 1' in accordance with the second embodiment includes the same core components as the first embodiment and for like parts same reference numerals are used.
In the second embodiment of a system 1' communication is illustrated as two-way between the helmet 21 with integral electronic helmet component 2" and the smartphone 22; between the vehicle 20 with integral electronic vehicle component 3" and the smartphone 22; and between the electronic helmet component 2" and the electronic vehicle component 3". In this embodiment can the helmet 21 with the electronic helmet component 2" then e.g. communicate with the smartphone 22 without the helmet 2 being within Bluetooth reach of the vehicle 20 with the electronic vehicle component 3", thereby facilitating e.g. reading out data using the smartphone 22 when being inside a house with the helmet 21 out of Bluetooth reach with the electronic vehicle component 3".
In the present above described exemplary embodiments, in the event that the criteria stored in the control module (not shown) of e.g. the electronic helmet component 2;2';2" is not fulfilled, an alert is issued by an alert member 24 on the bicycle 20. The alert member is, as an example shown to be a microphone 24 embedded in the electronic vehicle component 3;3',3". The alert member can however also be a separate component. Other alert members, such as vibration alert members that e.g. can be integrated in the handlebars, and a flashing LED light, that can be mounted on a part of the frame of the bicycle or other kind of vehicle, is within the scope of the present invention as well.
The electronic helmet component 2;2';2" is a battery driven module embedded or integral with the bicycle helmet 21. Specifically, the electronic helmet component 2" shown in fig. 3a and 3b may, as seen in fig. 4, include at least the main components: a microcontroller, a Bluetooth Low Energy radio component, a battery and a motion sensor in form of an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). The IMU is as an example a device with at least two motion sensors, an accelerometer 25 and a gyroscope 26, as exemplified above. More sensors than two may be provided. An accelerometer 25 can detect the orientation of the helmet 21, e.g. to monitor if the helmet 21 is worn correctly, thus not just hanging on the handlebars. A gyroscope 26 can be used to track head movement of the rider e.g. to detect if the rider looks over his/her shoulder before making a turn, but this does not form part of the claimed invention.
Fig. 5 shows the flow of a bicycle ride where different events occur and how they are handled. A communication path of data of readings of the motions sensor during a ride on the bicycle is illustrated. The microcontroller controls software and algorithm special to the system, to perform monitoring, registration and processing of the readings by the motion sensors. A specific algorithm is e.g. controlled to make a flag that is valid for a few seconds after the head has turned more than a fixed threshold, thus the predetermined criteria stored in the microcontroller for comparison with a reading, and so that if a turn is detected by the electronic vehicle component, no alert is issued. However, if the flag is not set the alert member issues the alert.
The electronic helmet component 2;2';2'' and the electronic vehicle component 3;3';3" may connect automatically in response to an initial pairing of said components, thus the electronic helmet component 2;2';2'' and the electronic vehicle component 3;3';3'' may recognise each other, e.g. by identification of unique codes, where after the system 1;1';16 may become operative. The total system 1;1';16 is not required to have all components and modules, but can get additional features, functions and modes by adding more electronic and mechanical components and modules on demand.
The microcontroller is e.g. a cost-effective, low-power, system-on-chip (SoC) for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) applications. Such a microcontroller enables BLE master or slave nodes to be built with very low costs. Both the electronic helmet component 2;2';2'' and the electronic vehicle component 3;3';3'' may have microcontroller units (MCUs) and any of those may be the master and the slave. In the embodiment shown in fig. 3a and 3b, the electronic helmet component 2" serves as the master and the electronic vehicle component 3" as the slave, however this could be reversed. The microcontroller unit (MCU) may be of the kind that combines with an RF transceiver, has in-system programmable memory, and RAM suitable for systems where very low power consumption is required. Very low-power sleep mode may be available as well as short signal transition times between operating modes further may enable low power consumption.
The electronic vehicle component 3;3';3" may be configured in a manner similar to the electronic helmet component 2;2';2'' and include similar components. Examples of motions sensors could be IMUs to detect bicycle movement, which sensors for example register turning and breaking. Another motion sensor could be a hall effect sensor if it was desired to measure the speed of the bike with magnets attached to the rim of the wheel.
Fig. 6 shows test result from a ride of a bicycle where the rider used a helmet with an integrated electronic helmet component that included a gyroscope, as e.g. in the system 1' described in relation to figs. 3 - 5.
The gyroscope reading of fig. 6 is from an IMU tracking a head turn. Raw data captured is a velocity in rad/sec, and this is then converted to degrees of angular displacement from facing forward.
If a rider violates a criteria set by the system of the present invention that compromises the rider's safety the system issues an alert to notify the rider. The alert member may be embedded in one of the electronic components or be a separate component within wireless reach of said electronic components. The alert is e.g. issued if the rider starts a bicycle ride without wearing the helmet. The system then fails to connect via BLE to the electronic helmet component, as it is not present. Then the alert member notifies the rider right away with for example vibrations in the handlebars.
An additional part of the system of the present invention is an application on the e.g. the rider's smartphone. The application (app) can be adapted to display a log of monitored data. The app could for example display motion sensor data stored by the system and show graphs and figures of bicycle ride statistics. The app could also use activity recognition to detect if the user is riding a bike and thereby connect to the system. Another usage, not forming part of the claimed invention, could be to help the user to wear the helmet correctly by connecting to the electronic helmet component and assisting with the placement of the helmet. By reading the electronic helmet component's motion sensor the app can recommend if the user needs to tilt the helmet in any direction in order to provide optimal protection. The app can also have safety features like fall detection. The motion sensors detect that the user is riding a bicycle, or any other wheeled vehicle that is associated with wear of a safety helmet, and at least one of the electronic components start to monitor e.g. gyroscope and/or accelerometer data from the system. In case the motion sensors detect what looks like a collision or crash the app can send out an emergency notification to relatives with an SMS with GPS coordinates of the location of the accident.

Claims

A helmet wearing encouraging and/or controlling system (1;1';16) comprising an electronic helmet component (2;2';2") associated with a helmet (21) and an associated electronic vehicle component (3;3';3") provided on a vehicle (20) and being in wireless communication with the electronic helmet component (2;2';2"),
the electronic helmet component (2;2';2'') includes at least a helmet motion sensor,
the electronic vehicle component (3;3';3'') includes at least a vehicle motion sensor,
a control module electronically associated with at least one of the electronic helmet component (2;2';2'') and electronic vehicle component (3;3';3'') to at least log data obtained by one or both of said component(s), which control module has at least one predefined criterion, which at least one of said motion signals must satisfy by comparison,
an alert member (24) associated with at least one of the electronic helmet component (2;2';2'') and the electronic vehicle component (3;3';3'') to issue at least one alert in the event that the at least one predefined criterion of the control module is not satisfied,
wherein
- a helmet receiver member of the electronic helmet component (2;2';2'') is adapted to receive
- a vehicle motion signal from a vehicle transmitter member of the electronic vehicle component (3;3';3'') when the vehicle motion sensor detects motion of the vehicle (20), and/or

- a helmet motion signal from a helmet transmitter member when the helmet motion sensor detects motion of the helmet component,
and

- a vehicle receiver member of the electronic vehicle component (3;3';3'') is adapted to receive
- a vehicle motion signal from a vehicle transmitter member of the electronic vehicle component (3;3';3'') when the vehicle motion sensor detects motion of the vehicle (20), and/or

- a helmet motion signal from a helmet transmitter member when the helmet motion sensor detects motion of the electronic helmet component (2;2';2").
A helmet wearing encouraging and/or controlling system (1;1';16) according to claim 1, characterised in that the electronic helmet component (2;2';2'') and/or the electronic vehicle component (3;3';3'') includes sensor(s) (4) selected from the group of sensors adapted to register rotation of a wheel, opening of a lock, tilting of the vehicle (20), vibration and/or motion of a vehicle frame or other vehicle structure, a gyro sensor, an optical sensor, a pressure transducer, an accelerometer, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), hall effect sensor, a proximity sensor, or combinations thereof.
A helmet wearing encouraging and/or controlling system (1;1';16) according to any of the preceding claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the wireless communication is Bluetooth communication, preferably Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication.
A helmet wearing encouraging and/or controlling system (1;1';16) according to any of the preceding claims 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the least one predefined criterion defined by the control module is selected from the group of criteria including
- a predetermined distance (D) between the electronic vehicle component (3;3';3'') and the electronic helmet component (2; 2'; 2"),

- mutual recognition of the electronic vehicle component (3;3';3'') and the electronic helmet component (2;2';2"),

- a threshold or parameter defining orientation of the helmet (21) on the head,

- a threshold or parameter defining movement of the head,

- a threshold or parameter defining movement of at least a part of the vehicle (20).
A helmet wearing encouraging and/or controlling system (1;1';16) according to any of the preceding claims claim 1 - 4, characterised in that the electronic vehicle component (3;3';3'') and/or the electronic helmet component (2;2';2'') are battery powered.
A helmet wearing encouraging and/or controlling system (1;1';16) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 5, characterised in that the alert of the alert member (24) is acoustic, tactile and/or visual, optionally a tactile alert member is a vibrator, optionally a vibrator integrated in the handlebars of a vehicle (20).
A helmet wearing encouraging and/or controlling system (1;1';16) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 6, characterised in that the electronic helmet component (2;2';2'') is detachable arranged on the helmet (21), and/or the electronic vehicle component (3;3';3'') is detachable arranged on the vehicle (20), optionally the electronic helmet component (2;2';2'') is detachable to the helmet (21) by means of an adhesive liner, a Velcro® liner, stitching to the padding of the helmet (21), magnetic attachment or combinations thereof, optionally the electronic vehicle component (3;3';3'') is detachable arranged on the vehicle by means of fastening means such as snap-fittings, screws, brackets, and magnetic attachment or combinations thereof.
A helmet wearing encouraging and/or controlling system (1;1';16) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 7, characterised in that the electronic helmet component (2;2';2'') is integrated in the helmet (21), and/or the electronic vehicle component (3;3';3'') is integrated in the vehicle (20).
A helmet wearing encouraging and/or controlling system (1;1';16) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 8, characterised in comprising a timer that interrupts the alert after a predetermined period, optionally the predetermined period is a period in which the electronic vehicle component (3;3';3'') and the electronic helmet component (2;2';2'') are not within the predetermined distance, optionally the predetermined period is a time-out period.
A helmet wearing encouraging and/or controlling system (1;1';16) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 9, characterised in that the control module includes a microprocessor or a microcontroller, optionally the control module includes storage means for logging and/or storing data representing the behaviour of a user of the helmet wearing encouraging and/or controlling system according to any of the preceding claims.
A helmet wearing encouraging and/or controlling system (1;1';16) according to claim 10, characterised in that stored data and/or read date are transferred to a remote storage, such as a cloud storage (23), optionally the remote storage is a storage accessible for multiple users, preferably users with authorisation to access the stored data.
A helmet wearing encouraging and/or controlling system (1;1';16) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 11, characterised in that the system has means for wireless communication with a remote electronic device, such as a mobile phone (22); such as a smartphone, optionally the means for wireless communication includes an app.
A helmet wearing encouraging and/or controlling system (1;1';16) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 12, characterised in that any of the control module and/or the app is programmed to any of activation of the system, deactivation of the system, providing statistics of use of the vehicle (20) and/or the helmet (21), comparing sensor data with reference data to provide use advices to the user of the system, registration and logging event, transmitting alerts and/or notifications to remote locations.
A helmet wearing encouraging and/or controlling system (1;1';16) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 13, characterised in that the vehicle (20) is a bicycle.
A helmet wearing encouraging and/or controlling system (1;1';16) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 14, characterised in that the system always is in active state and operatable upon the electronic helmet component (2;2';2'') and the electronic vehicle component (3;3';3'') identifies presence of each other, or the system is switched on prior to use, optionally the system is switched on by means of the remote device.
A helmet wearing encouraging and/or controlling system (1;1';16) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 15, characterised in that the electronic helmet component (2;2';2'') is unique to the electronic vehicle component (3;3';3").
A method of encouraging and/or controlling use of a helmet (21) when riding a vehicle (20), characterised in that the method comprises providing the helmet wearing encouraging and/or controlling system (1;1';16) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 16.
A method of encouraging and/or controlling use of a helmet (21) when riding a vehicle (20) according to claim 17, characterised in the further step issuing an alert in the event that wireless communication between the electronic vehicle component (3;3';3'') and the electronic helmet component (2;2';2'') cannot be established, issuing an alert in the event that the motion sensor readings deviate from ranges or thresholds set by the criteria of the control module, transmittal of communication of from the electronic vehicle component (3;3';3'') and/or the electronic helmet component (2;2';2") to each other or to another device, including smartphones (24) and GPSs.
A method of encouraging and/or controlling use of a helmet (21) when riding a vehicle (20) according to any of claims 17 or 18 characterised in the further step of monitoring the system from a remote location.