DESC:Form 2
The Patent Act 1970
(39 of 1970)
AND
Patent Rules 2003
Complete Specification
(Sec 10 and Rule 13)
Title
Method, System and Apparatus for a Helmet Detection in
Under Seat Storage Compartment of a Vehicle
Applicant(s) Vogo Automotive Pvt. Ltd.
Nationality India
Address
#483, 17th Cross, 27th Main Road, Sector 2, HSR Layout,
Bengaluru-560102, Karnataka, India.
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in
which it is to be performed.
2
DESCRIPTION
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to an anti-theft helmet lock system
in a vehicle and more specifically to a method, system and apparatus for a helmet detection in
under seat storage compartment of a vehicle.
RELATED ART
[0002] In recent times, many people are opting to rental vehicles and shared-use vehicles due to
various reasons such as parking issues, time management, heavy traffic, unaffordability etc.
There is a sharp rise in using the rental bikes and scooters all over the world and many systems
have been described for renting a vehicle and sharing access or shared-use vehicles. This has also
increased the concern of the vehicle owners or proprietors in protecting their rented vehicle in
terms of damage and operation.
[0003] There is steep rise in helmet thefts in those rented vehicles and it has become a serious
concern for all two-wheeler/rented vehicle owners and especially for rental bike service
providers. As the helmets are unable to track down by the rental bike service providers, they are
incurring in a huge loss and are unable to find an appropriate solution. The present disclosure
provides a novel and unique solution for protecting helmets in a two-wheeler.
[0004] Hence, there is a need to provide a simple, robust, efficient and commercially feasible
method and system to protect helmets in a rental vehicle/two-wheeler.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a system (101) for helmet detection in
under-seat storage compartment of a vehicle comprising a user device (102) communicating a
registered user details to a central server (112), an integrated vehicle unit (106) to authenticate
the registered user and communicate with a central server (112) for smart access to the vehicle, a
motorcycle helmet (401) with a built-in RFID tag and an RFID detector (302) together forming a
helmet detection module (124) in the integrated vehicle unit (106), an ignition switch controller
(126) that is smartly operated by a plurality of commands received from the central server (112),
and a data storage (110) to store the registered user details and plurality of parameters with
respect to a ride data received from the integrated vehicle unit (106) and the electronic device
(102), wherein the helmet detection module (124) configured within the integrated vehicle unit
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(106) determines the presence of helmet in under-seat storage compartment (502) and
communicates with the central server to grant permission to a vehicle user to end the ride.
[0006] Several aspects are described below, with reference to diagrams. It should be understood
that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a full
understanding of the present disclosure. One who skilled in the relevant art, however, will readily
recognize that the present disclosure can be practiced without one or more of the specific details,
or with other methods, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown
in detail to avoid obscuring the features of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an example system in which various aspects of the present
invention may be seen.
[0008] FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle unit integrated within a scooter/vehicle in
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 2A is an exemplary radio frequency identification (RFID) tag used to track the
vehicle and helmet data at regular intervals of time.
[0010] FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a communication system interconnecting the RFID tag
placed on the vehicle with the central server in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 3A and 3B are the diagrams illustrating the installation of RFID detector within the
vehicle in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG 4A and 4B are the diagrams illustrating a motorcycle helmet with in-built RFID tag in
another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the under-seat storage compartment of a twowheeler
that detects the helmet and communicate with the vehicle unit at the end of the ride in
another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the steps involved in detecting the motorcycle helmet by
the helmet detection module in yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXAMPLES
[0015] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an example system 101 in which various aspects of the
present invention may be seen. The example system 101 is shown comprising a user device 102, a
vehicle unit 106, a communication network (104, 108), a central server 112 and a data storage
110. Each element is described in further detail below.
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[0016] The vehicle unit 106 determines a plurality of parameters relating to the vehicle number,
status and condition of the vehicle such as fuel capacity, battery, pending traffic violation dues,
location of the vehicle and actuators. The determined parameters are tagged to or associated to a
profile of a registered user of the user device 102. In an embodiment, the vehicle unit 106
determines these parameters by communicating with the central server 112 over the wireless
communication network 108.
[0017] The user device 102 connects to the corresponding vehicle unit 106 through the
communication network 104 and stores the vehicle information from time to time. Further, the
user device 102 may also connect to the central server 112 for user authentication over the
network 108. The communication networks 104 and 108 interconnect the electronic device 102,
the vehicle unit 106 and the central server 112 either independently or in combination. In one
embodiment, the communication network 104 may employ communication standards and
protocols such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and alternatively any other short distance communication
standards. Similarly, the communication network 108 may employ communication standards and
protocols such as GSM, 3G, 4G, 5G etc. In an embodiment, the user device comprises a Bluetooth
based smartphone or a mobile handset.
[0018] The central server 112 processes the information received from the vehicle unit 106 and
the user device 102 along with the data stored in the data storage 110 to trigger a plurality of
preconfigured commands in the vehicle unit 108 that operates and provides smart access to the
associated vehicle. In one embodiment, the processed information is shared between the vehicle
unit 106, user device 102, central server 112 and data storage 110 over the communication
networks 104 and 108 to exploit available processing power and reduce communication overheads
on the devices.
[0019] Data storage 110 stores data received from the central server 112 that may comprise the
information received from the user device 102, processed results, indications and warnings,
profiles of the person/user etc., for further processing and reference. In one embodiment, the
central server 112 and the data storage 110 may be deployed in plurality of servers and storage
units spread over multiple geographical locations or at same place that are interconnected to
operate in conjunction to provide the processing and storage resources to manage, control and
process the desired functionality of the system 101.
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[0020] FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating the vehicle unit 106 integrated within a
scooter/vehicle in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle unit 106 is deployed
within a vehicle and configured to communicate with the central server 112, data storage 110 and
the user device 102 over the communication networks 104 and 108. As shown there, the vehicle
unit 106 comprises a processor 114, a memory unit 116, a wireless transceiver 118, a plurality of
sensors 120, vehicle built-in components 122, an ignition switch controller 126 and an helmet
detection module 124. Each element is further described in detail below.
[0021] The wireless transceiver 118 is operated to transmit and receive the information to and
from the network 104 and 108. The wireless transceiver 118 may comprise an encoder, a
modulator, a frequency translator, an RF front end and antenna (that are not shown) interfaced to
the other elements on an integrated circuit for compact and power efficient deployment.
[0022] The plurality of sensors 120 operate to sense condition around the vehicle and captures
signal that determine the motional behaviour, pattern and characteristics and the plurality of
parameters of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the plurality of sensors 120 comprise inertial
navigation sensors like gyroscopes, accelerometers, magnetic compass, proximity sensor, motion
sensors, infrared, Lidar, Radar, camera, etc. Further, the plurality of sensors 120 may also
comprise sensors to monitor and determine the acceleration of the vehicle, detecting helmet in the
storage compartment, seat lock, handle lock, wheel lock, ignition on/off detection and side stand
detection.
[0023] The vehicle built in components 122 detects condition and status of the vehicle, like
ignition on/off, engine rpm, speed, load, cabin temperature, occupancy, engine temperature, fuel
etc. In one embodiment the vehicle built in components 122 are interfaced to the vehicle unit 106
through a communication bus, thus, making it a part of the vehicle unit 106. The communication
bus may be data interface lines like CAN bus or any other proprietary vehicle bus made available
for interfacing the vehicle built in components 122. The data and profile of the vehicle may also
be transferred on the CAN bus to the processor 114. The profile of the vehicle may comprise
engine type, make, power, braking, fuel type and analysis, gear assembly, axle weight, or any data
from OBD or telematics.
[0024] The processor 114 receives data from the plurality of sensors 120, vehicle built in
components 122, and wireless transceiver 118 and performs various operations such as signal
processing, image processing, on the data received to generate the plurality of parameters,
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notifications, and alerts. Further, the processor 114 may transfer the data thus collected from the
plurality of sensors 120, vehicle built in components 122 through the wireless transceiver 118 to
the user device/vehicle unit/central server. The processor 114 may save the data received from the
plurality of sensors 120/vehicle built in components 122 in the memory 116 for further processing
or while processing.
[0025] The ignition switch controller 126 is configured to provide access to the ignition button
based on the commands received from the processor 114 of the vehicle unit. The vehicle unit 106
provides the commands either independently from the processed information of the processor 114
or in conjunction with the information received from the central server 112. In an embodiment,
the ignition switch controller 126 and the helmet detection module 124 are operated in
conjunction to provide an efficient anti-theft helmet lock system.
[0026] The helmet detection module 124 is configured to access the under-seat storage
compartment in the vehicle and determine the presence of the helmet paired with the
corresponding vehicle. In an embodiment, the ignition switch controller 126 and the helmet
detection module 124 together works in conjunction with the inputs received from the central
server 112. The central server 112 provides access to the ignition switch and seat lock/unlock
buttons after authenticating the registered user profile in the user device that is connected to the
vehicle over the communication networks 104 and 108. In another embodiment, the helmet
detection module 124 comprises an RFID tag/label, an RFID detector/reader that are associated
with the vehicle and communicates with the central server 112 at regular intervals to grant or
restrict access to the ignition switch of the vehicle.
[0027] FIG. 2A is an exemplary radio frequency identification (RFID) tag/label used to track the
vehicle and helmet data at regular intervals of time. As shown there the RFID tag/label 201
comprises an integrated circuit 202 and an integrated antenna 204 that are packaged within a
substrate 206. In an embodiment, the integrated circuit 202 electronically stores information
related to the vehicle such as vehicle registration number and its chassis number. The integrated
circuit 202 is further configured to modulate and demodulate radio-frequency (RF) signals in a
desired range/frequency to process the information. The integrated antenna 204 is operative to
receive and transmit signals 208 while the information is stored in a non-volatile memory inside
the integrated circuit. The RFID tag employs either fixed or programmable logic for processing
the transmission and sensor data, respectively.
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[0028] FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a communication system 203 interconnecting the RFID
tag 201 placed on the vehicle with the central server 214 in an embodiment of the present
disclosure. As shown there the communication system 203 comprises the RFID tag/label 201,
RFID detector/reader 210 and the central server 214 that is operable and functional in a similar
way to that of the central server in the system 101. The RFID detector/reader 210 transmits an
encoded radio signal to interrogate the RFID tag. The RFID tag 201 receives the message and then
responds with its identification and other information stored in its non-volatile memory. This may
comprise a unique tag serial number, product-related information such as a stock number, lot or
batch number, production date and other vehicle-specific details. Since the RFID tags have
individual serial numbers, the system 203 may discriminate among several tags that might be
within the range of the RFID detector/reader and read them simultaneously. Fixed readers are set
up to create a specific interrogation zone which may be tightly controlled. This allows a highly
defined reading area for when tags go in and out of the interrogation zone.
[0029] The information stored in the non-volatile memory of the RFID tag 201 is transmitted to
the RFID detector 210 through the communication channel 212A which in turn transmits the
signals to the central server 214 through the communication channel 212B. the communication
channels 212A and 212B are functional in a similar way to that of the communication channels
104 and 108 in the system 101. The central server 214 collects the information from the RFID
detector 210 and processes it to analyse as well as to determine the presence of helmet in the
under-seat storage capacity of the vehicle. The central server 214 thus processes the information
and controls the ignition switch controller which may restrict the user of the vehicle from
disconnecting the user device with the central server to end the ride.
[0030] FIG. 3A and 3B are the diagrams illustrating the installation of RFID detector within the
vehicle in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The RFID detector 302 is installed near the
under-seat storage compartment of the vehicle so that it detects the RFID tag that is tagged to the
helmet or a desired object which is going to be placed inside the storage compartment. In an
embodiment, the RFID detector 302 is installed on the outer surface of the inner storage
compartment 304 (as shown in 301) which is covered by an external body and rear parts of the
vehicle (not shown in the figure). In an example, the RFID detector 302 may be installed
anywhere close to the under-seat storage compartment i.e., within 1m radius range from the
central location of the compartment. The radius may vary as per requirement and the range of
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detector used in the communication system 301. In an embodiment, the placement of the RFID
detector 302 between the inner storage compartment and the external body of the vehicle avoids
an easy access to a user of the vehicle and prevents tampering of the system, device and apparatus
that are disclosed in the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG 4A and 4B are the diagrams illustrating a motorcycle helmet with in-built RFID tag in
another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown there, a motorcycle helmet with an inbuilt
RFID tag 412 that stores information related to the helmet and the associated vehicle. In an
embodiment, the RFID tag 412 may also be provided with a serial number that is directly
associated with the registration number of the vehicle so that it enables the RFID detector to read
and pass the information to a central server for authentication check. As shown in 401, the helmet
comprises an impact absorbing liner 402, a comfort padding 404, a face shield 406, a fastening
strap 408, a rigid outer shell 410 and an in-built RFID tag 412. The impact absorbing liner 402 is
configured to absorb the impact to a certain extent from a sudden external force applied onto the
outer surface of the rigid outer shell 410 thereby protecting the head wearing it. In an
embodiment, the RFID tag 412 may be firmly positioned or stuck between the comfort padding
404 and the impact absorbing liner 402. It my also be placed in any location within the structure
of the helmet so that it is not accessible to the user of the vehicle to prevent tampering of the RFID
tag/label 412. As shown in 4063, the RFID tag 412 may be placed on surface of the outer shell
410 as a label as per the requirement.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the under-seat storage compartment of a twowheeler
that detects the helmet and communicate with the vehicle unit at the end of the ride in
another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in 501, the under-seat storage
compartment 502 comprises a storage cabin space for placing a motorcycle helmet 504 in it. An
RFID detector 506 is installed on outer surface of the storage compartment 502 and is electrically
powered either by using a detachable power supply unit or internal battery/power supply unit of
the vehicle. The motorcycle helmet 504 with in-built RFID tag 508 is positioned inside the storage
compartment 502 in its place. In an embodiment, the cabin space of the storage compartment 502
may be modified by placing external paddings or components in such a way to place the helmet
firmly in a fixed position. This enables the RFID detector 506 to transmit data to and from the
RFID tag of the helmet within the interrogation zone. In another embodiment, the RFID tag 508 is
provided with a serial number and unique identity number which is preconfigured or pre-stored in
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the RFID detector 506. Further, the RFID tag 508 may stores data related to the RFID detector
506 and associated vehicle information for efficient and robust helmet detection system. In
another embodiment, the RFID detector 506 transmits signal to the RFID tag and receives
information from the associated tag 508 which is then communicated to the vehicle unit installed
on the vehicle. The vehicle unit analyses the data and verify whether the helmet is detected within
the storage compartment or not. If the helmet is not detected within the storage compartment, user
of the vehicle is restricted to end his/her ride and is forced to place the original helmet in the
compartment 502. Pairing the RFID tag and RFID detector plays a key role in determining the
presence of helmet in the storage compartment. However, the radius or range of detecting the tag
508 by the RID detector 506 may vary as per the requirement and distance at which the detector
506 is installed.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the steps involved in detecting the motorcycle helmet by
the helmet detection module in yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] In step 602, a registered user device or an electronic device comprising an application with
a registered user profile is paired to an integral vehicle unit of the vehicle by any conventional
method such as scanning a unique QR code, verifying one-time password and the like. In an
example, the integral vehicle unit initially keeps the vehicle in a idle state or a sleep mode in order
to reduce the battery consumption. Once the pairing request is initiated, the vehicle unit
immediately alerts the central server to register a request for booking a new ride corresponding to
that vehicle.
[0035] In an embodiment, the registered user profile and mac address of the electronic device that
is trying to connect with the vehicle are retrieved and sent back to the user profile for
authentication purpose. This connects the vehicle unit and the registered user profile in the
electronic device and tagged or associated with the status of “ride booked” in the central server. In
an embodiment, the electronic device connected to the vehicle is forced to enable the wireless
communication channel for example, Bluetooth in order to pair with the vehicle unit integrated
within the vehicle.
[0036] In step 604, the ignition and seat lock/unlock buttons are given access to the registered user
once the electronic device is paired with the vehicle unit. Thus, the registered user is able to
switch on ignition button and start the vehicle as well as unlock the seat so that under-seat storage
is made accessible.
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[0037] In step 606, the moment the ignition switch is ON and the ride has started, the status of the
“ride booked” in the central server is changed to the “ride active” based on the inputs i.e., ignition
status received from the vehicle unit which is periodically updated at regular intervals of time.
[0038] In step 608, various parameters of the vehicle status and ride status are determined based
on the inputs received from the vehicle built-in components as well as the ignition switch
controller and the helmet detection module. These parameters are further fed to the central server
and the data storage for further processing and updating the database. In an embodiment, the
determined plurality of parameters is analysed by the server for any user compliance violations
such as geo-fencing or misuse of the vehicle against the terms and conditions as laid by the
vehicle owner. If any user compliance violation is found or in case of any other arbitration, the
vehicle gets immobilised by the central server once the ignition switch is turned off.
[0039] In an example, the plurality of parameters from the vehicle built-in components are
determined and analysed to know the real time status of the ride. The real time information is fed
to the central server over a communication network at regular intervals of time to trigger various
commands in the vehicle unit. Sleep mode in the vehicle unit is triggered when the user pauses the
ride by choosing pause ride option from the registered electronic device. This pushes the vehicle
into sleep mode without ending the ride so that the user may resume the ride only by using the
same registered electronic device connected to the vehicle unit.
[0040] In step 610, the user may resume or end the ride which gets communicated immediately to
the central server by the vehicle unit. If the user wants to end the ride, the central server analyses
the status of the ride and plurality of parameters for any arbitration. In case of any arbitration, the
vehicle gets immobilised by the central server and alerts the concerned official or owner of the
vehicle along with the registered user of the vehicle. In case of no arbitrations, the vehicle unit
starts communicating with helmet detection module.
[0041] In step 612, output from the helmet detection module is retrieved and assessed by the
vehicle unit to determine the presence of helmet in under-seat storage compartment. The assessed
information may also be transmitted to the central server via a wireless communication channel.
[0042] In step 614, the vehicle unit determines the presence of helmet in under-seat storage
compartment based on the output of the helmet detection module. If the original helmet is placed
in its original position in under-seat compartment, it proceeds to step 616 or else to step 612 by
sending an alert message of notification to the user as well as the central server.
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[0043] In step 616, “end ride” is registered in the central server and the paired electronic/user
device is then disconnected with the vehicle unit. Thus, the ride is ended and communicated to the
registered user after checking the user compliance violations.
[0044] In step 618, a receipt gets generated by the central server within the registered user account
for using the vehicle and the user gets charged for that corresponding amount. Thus, the ride gets
ended and the vehicle undergoes the sleep mode enabling other users to book a ride. Thus, the
original helmet is protected from theft and tampering or replacement with other one. This helps
the rental bike service providers and two-wheeler owners to save a lot of investment with the
helmet detection module of the present disclosure.
[0045] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should
be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the
breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-discussed
embodiments but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their
equivalents. ,CLAIMS:CLAIMS
I/We Claim,
1. A system (101) for helmet detection in under-seat storage compartment of a vehicle
comprising:
a user device (102) communicating a registered user details to a central server (112);
an integrated vehicle unit (106) to authenticate the registered user and communicate with a
central server (112) for smart access to the vehicle;
a motorcycle helmet (401) with a built-in RFID tag (201) and an RFID detector (302)
together forming a helmet detection module (124) in the integrated vehicle unit (106);
an ignition switch controller (126) that is smartly operated by a plurality of commands
received from the central server (112); and
a data storage (110) to store the registered user details and plurality of parameters with
respect to a ride data received from the integrated vehicle unit (106) and the electronic
device (102),
wherein the helmet detection module (124) configured within the integrated vehicle unit
(106) determines the presence of helmet in under-seat storage compartment (502) and
communicates with the central server to grant permission to a vehicle user to end the ride.
2. The system (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the built-in RFID tag (201) in motorcycle
helmet (401) stores information related to the vehicle and communicates with the RFID
detector (302) over a wireless communication channel within a predetermined range.
3. The system (101) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the RFID detector (302) associated with
the vehicle transmits and receives information only from the RFID tag (201) that stores the
associated vehicle information.
4. The system (101) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the RFID detector (302) detects the RFID
tag (201) within the range of under-seat storage compartment and communicates the
information to the integrated vehicle unit (106) during the end of the ride.
5. The system (101) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the integrated vehicle unit (106)
communicates end of the ride to the central server only if the motorcycle helmet (401) with
built-in RFID tag (201) is detected in the under-seat storage compartment.
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6. The system (101) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the central server (112) allows the vehicle
user to end the ride only on receiving the communication of end ride from the integrated
vehicle unit (106).
7. A method (601) of detecting helmet in under-seat storage compartment of a vehicle
comprising:
pairing (602) a vehicle unit of the vehicle and a registered user device;
providing (604) access to ignition switch and seat lock buttons;
activating (606) a ride mode for the corresponding vehicle;
analyzing (608) a plurality of parameters for determining status of the ride;
confirming (610) an end of the ride from the determined status of the ride;
assessing (612) output from a helmet detection module comprising a helmet with built-in
RFID tag and an RFID detector;
confirming (614) the presence of helmet in the under-seat storage compartment;
ending (616) the ride and disconnecting the paired registered user device with the vehicle
unit; and
generating a receipt in a registered user account for using the vehicle,
wherein the helmet detection unit detects the helmet with built-in RFID tag in under-seat
storage compartment and communicates to the vehicle unit which is then validated by the
central server to end the ride.
8. A method, system and apparatus providing one or more features as described in the
paragraphs of this specification.
Date: 13-07-2021 Signature………………………
OMPRAKASH S.N.
Agent for Applicant
IN / PA - 1095