FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of safety devices for two-wheelers. In particular, the invention provides a device and method for detection of helmet or head protector on rider of a two-wheeler. More particularly, the invention provides a device that alerts the rider of a two-wheeler when not wearing a helmet, thereby aiding safety of the rider.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Two-wheelers are an important mode of transportation worldwide. A high rate of fatal accidents has been reported for two-wheeler riders as compared to cars, buses or trucks because of the absence of protective measures such as air bags, four side metal protection and seat belts etc. in the two-wheelers. A large number of people lose their lives in two-wheeler accidents every year due to over-speed, poor performance, or inadequate safety measures. Most of the causalities after accident are caused due to head and brain injury. Studies have shown that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a serious brain injury and death during a fall or collision as a large part of impact energy is absorbed by the helmet without seriously effecting head and brain. Helmet or head protector devices are widely used to protect head of the motorcyclist or biker during rides on the road. The practice has proved that helmet can effectively reduce the damage to the head (especially the brain), and mortality or disability caused by road accidents.
While traffic rules and regulations prescribe compulsory wearing of helmets during a ride, majority of the two-wheeler riders do not wear a helmet either for the sake of convenience or while they are in a haste. In spite of the awareness programmes being conducted by the government regularly and imposition of strict penalties on the violators, ensuring compliance with the requirement of wearing a helmet while driving a two-wheeler is still an uphill task. Monitoring for helmets on heads of two-wheeler riders by traffic police is not a permanent solution as police cannot be

present at all places. Also, manning traffic being the top priority, police do not have adequate manpower to implement the regulations. Despite effective traffic regulations and penalties for violators, a lot of two-wheeler accident mortality is registered due to forgetfulness or ignorance of the rider to wear a helmet. In order to improve the safety awareness of the two-wheeler rider, a system is required to alert the two-wheeler rider when not wearing a helmet, thereby encouraging the rider to wear helmet or head protector before starting to drive the vehicle.
Majority of the currently available helmet detection devices or systems use a sensor or circuitry that is mounted on the helmet. Printed circuit board (PCB) and circuitry mounted on the helmet makes it bulky and inconvenient for the rider. The number of hardware components required to run the device and its external integration (PCB/Integrated Circuit) with a two-wheeler makes these devices costly. Moreover, these helmet detection devices are not able to give accurate detection in all weather conditions (especially fog, rain and low lighting/dark scenarios). Most of the devices employ multiple components i.e. sensor, circuits, camera etc. that consume a lot of power (2-3 A/hour) and require external power back-up. Furthermore, the processing speed of the presently available helmet detection devices is low due to the complexity of the algorithm. Typically, there is a 40-50 second time lag for detection.
WO2015162624 discloses a safety device which comprises a photo-diode to detect the presence or absence of helmet on rider's head, and an alcohol sensor to detect whether the rider is drunk or not. The device of WO'624 allows ignition of the vehicle only after receiving a confirmation that the rider has worn the helmet. One of the disadvantage of the device disclosed in WO'624 is that it comprises a large circuitry consisting of separate transmitter and receiver systems, wherein the transmitter system consists of power supply, alcohol sensor, infrared (IR) LED photodiode, ADC (analog to digital converter) and microcontroller, and receiver system consists of power supply, microcontroller, motor driver, GSM module, limit switch and alcohol sensor. Further, the device is bulky as it contains separate power

supply consisting of a step-down transformer to supply power to different components of the device. Such large circuitry makes the device bulky and expensive.
US 9399398 relates to a system and method for encouraging a user of a recreational vehicle to wear safety equipment. The helmet contains a microprocessor and sensors to determine the presence of helmet on the rider's head. The helmet communicates with the vehicle, and the vehicle either disables operation or allows limited operation if the helmet is not worn. It is difficult to manufacture helmets with microprocessor and sensors or other circuitry, since it requires separate power supply to operate the circuitry mounted on the helmet which makes the helmet bulkier and more expensive.
Indian patent application number 2404/CHE/2010 provides a system for ensuring safety of rider of two-wheelers. The apparatus consists of two modules, one to be placed in the helmet and other to be incorporated in two-wheeler. The helmet module comprises among other components an alcohol detector, an IR based head detector, control unit and radio frequency identification (RFID) transmitters and a battery for power supply; and the two-wheeler unit comprises an RFID reader and a warning and delay unit. The electronic circuitry of the system checks whether the specified safety conditions are met or not. If the conditions are not met, the two-wheeler is rendered inoperative by controlling its engine. The large circuitry and extra power supply (such as battery) used to operate the device makes it bulky and expensive.
Despite the fact that many devices for helmet detection are available, due to the aforementioned disadvantages there is still an ongoing need for a compact device that can be conveniently integrated in the vehicle to detect whether the rider is wearing a helmet or not. It has been a challenge for the researchers to obtain a simple and compact helmet detection device which is not required to be mounted

on the helmet and can be easily integrated into the instrument panel or dashboard of the vehicle.
Thus, an object of the presently claimed invention is to provide a compact device and a method for detection of helmet on the head of a two-wheeler rider which can be easily integrated into the instrument panel or dash board of a vehicle, runs on a simple algorithm and aids instant detection of absence of helmet on the rider's head, consumes less power and does not need an external power supply for operation, and is economical. The invention of the present invention overcomes the problems associated with currently available helmet detection devices and provides a simple, compact, efficient and economical device for alerting the rider of the two-wheeler when not wearing a helmet, thereby ensuring the safety of the rider.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Surprisingly, the inventors of the present invention found that a compact device for helmet detection which can be easily integrated into the instrument panel or dashboard of a two-wheeler can be obtained by employing a sensor to capture infrared energy emitted by face of the rider to determine temperature readings at different sections of the face, which is facilitated by a motor connected to the sensor that enables lateral movement of the sensor across the face of the rider; and a microprocessor that stores and processes the temperature readings received from the sensor to determine whether the rider is wearing a helmet or not. The microprocessor provides an output to an indicator which gives a visual or audio indication in the event the microprocessor determines that the rider is not wearing a helmet, thereby alerting the rider and ensuring the safety of the rider of two-wheeler.
In the following, specific embodiments of the present invention are described: 1. A device for detecting helmet on a rider, comprising:

at least one sensor (212) to capture infrared energy emitted by face of the
rider (408) to determine temperature readings at different sections of the
face (500);
at least one motor (210) connected to the at least one sensor to enable lateral
movement of the sensor across the face of the rider (408);
at least one microprocessor (204) to store and process the temperature
readings received from the at least one sensor to determine whether the rider
(408) is wearing a helmet (406) or not; and
at least one indicator (614) connected to the microprocessor (204) to provide
visual or audio indication in the event the microprocessor (204) determines
that the rider (408) is not wearing a helmet (406).
2. The device as claimed in embodiment 1, wherein the at least one
microprocessor (204) compares the temperature readings from different sections of face (500) of the rider (408) with pre-determined temperature ratios to detect whether the rider (408) is wearing a helmet (406) or not.
3. The device as claimed in embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the at least one sensor (212) is an Infrared (IR) photodiode or photo detector.
4. The device as claimed in one or more of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the at least one motor (210) is a servo motor.
5. The device as claimed in one or more of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the at least one motor (210) enables the movement of the sensor from chin to the forehead of the rider (408).
6. The device as claimed in one or more of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the at least one sensor determines the temperature readings from chin to forehead of the rider (408) in four sections or phases (502, 504, 506, 508).

7. The device as claimed in embodiment 6, wherein the at least one sensor sends the temperature readings from four sections or phases, from chin to forehead of the rider (408), to the microprocessor (204).
8. The device as claimed in one or more of embodiments 2 to 7, wherein the pre-determined temperature ratios are relative to the human body temperature.
9. The device as claimed in one or more of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the at least one indicator (614) is configured to receive the signal of activation or de-activation from the at least one microprocessor (204).
10. The device as claimed in one or more of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the at least one indicator (614) is selected from an alarm, buzzer, beeper, LED or a display.
11. The device as claimed in one or more of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the device (200) is activated on the ignition of vehicle.
12. The device as claimed in one or more of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the device (200) is positioned into the instrument panel or dashboard of a vehicle.
13. A method for detecting helmet on a rider comprising:
providing at least one sensor (212) to capture infrared energy emitted by face of the rider (408) on to one or more photodiode or photodetectors to determine the temperature readings at different sections of the face (500); connecting at least one motor (210) to the at least one sensor to provide lateral movement of the sensor across the face of the rider (408); providing at least one microprocessor (204) to store in the memory the temperature readings received from the at least one sensor;

processing the temperature readings received by the at least one microprocessor (204) from the at least one sensor, to determine whether the rider (408) is wearing a helmet (406) or not; and
providing at least one indicator (614) connected to the at least one microprocessor (204) to show a visual or audio indication in the event the at least one microprocessor (204) determines that the rider (408) is not wearing a helmet (406).
14. The method as claimed in embodiment 13, wherein the at least one microprocessor (204) compares the temperature readings received from the at least one sensor from different sections of face (500) of the rider (408) with pre-determined temperature ratios which are relative to the human body temperature, to detect whether the rider is wearing a helmet (406) or not.
15. The method as claimed in embodiment 13 or 14, wherein the motor (210) enables the movement of the sensor from chin to the forehead of the rider (408).
16. The method as claimed in one or more of embodiments 13 to 15, wherein the at least one sensor determines the temperature readings from chin to forehead of the rider (408) in four sections or phases (502, 504, 506, 508).
17. The method as claimed in one or more of embodiments 13 to 16, wherein the at least one indicator (614) is selected from an alarm, buzzer, beeper, LED or a display.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
A skilled artisan will understand that drawings are primarily for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of subject matter of the invention

described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In some instances, various aspects of subject matter of the invention disclosed herein may be shown enlarged to facilitate an understanding of different features. In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to like features (e.g., functionally similar and/or structurally similar elements).
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary process for detection of helmet of a two-wheeler rider, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is atop view of helmet detection device incorporating different components of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a side view of helmet detection device incorporating different components of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of rider of a two-wheeler rider/motorcyclist wearing a helmet and riding on a motorcycle with the device for helmet detection incorporated into the dashboard of the motorcycle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating exemplary process of lateral movement of sensor from chin to the forehead of the rider to collect/detect infrared-red energy emitted by different sections of face, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram depicting different hardware components connected within the device for helmet detection, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
In the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. However, it will be obvious to a person skilled in art that the embodiments of invention may be practiced with or without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail, so as not to unnecessarily obscure different aspects of the embodiments of the invention.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that

terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity and brevity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.
The present invention provides a helmet detection device and a method for detecting helmet of a two-wheeler rider. The device is incorporated into the instrument panel or dashboard of a vehicle. The device comprises at least one sensor that is configured to capture the infrared energy emitted by an object (or rider) onto one or more photo-detectors and provides the temperature readings of an object (rider/biker). A motor is configured to move on a pre-defined path i.e. from forehead to chin of the rider or biker. The sensor is mounted onto the motor to enable lateral movement of the sensor from chin to the forehead of the rider (motorcyclist, biker etc.) to collect the temperature readings of the different sections i.e. between chin and forehead. Since, the helmet covers the section from forehead (head) to chin, different thermal readings are obtained over the lateral cross-section of wearer's face. Further, the present invention comprises a microprocessor configured to store the data sent by sensor(s) in memory and compute temperature ratios from the data stored in the memory, and compare them with pre-fed/pre-determined temperature ratios which are relative to the human body temperature. The memory is, but not limited to, ROM, RAM cache, flash, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM and the like. A voltage regulator provides the desired output voltage to different electrical/electronic components of the device. An indicator is electrically

connected to the microprocessor, wherein the indicator is activated to notify or alert the rider/biker, if the computed temperature ratio is comparable to the body temperature ratio which indicates that the rider is not wearing a helmet. The indicator is, but not limited to, alarm, buzzer, beeping, audio, video display etc. The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to detect helmet, it may be used to detect any type of head protector, headgear and any type of helmet like full-face, modular, open-face etc.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary process for detecting helmet on a rider in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows various steps involved in helmet detection by the device, consisting of basic/primary building blocks of the device for detecting helmet of the rider, numbered 100. In step 102 the device for detecting helmet of a rider/biker gets activated on ignition of the two-wheeler. The device is incorporated into the instrument panel or dashboard of the two-wheeler. The two-wheeler is, but not limited to, a motor cycle, racing cycle, recreational bike, scooter, bike such as cruiser bike, sport bike, touring bike, standard bike, dual-purpose bike, dirt bike etc.
The present device can be incorporated in any type of two-wheeler. The device has the advantage that it does not require additional battery to operate but it may harness power from conventional battery in-built in the two-wheeler. In step 104, on activation of the device the motor starts moving on a pre-defined path between chin and forehead of the rider or biker. Preferably, motor is a servo motor. In an embodiment of the present invention sensor is mounted onto the servo motor to enable lateral movement of the sensor from chin to forehead of the rider (motorcyclist, biker etc.) to collect the temperature readings of different sections i.e. between chin and forehead. The sensor is, but not limited to, an Infrared (IR) sensor, photodiode, photodetector, phototransistor etc. A servo motor is an electrical device which can move or rotate an object with great precision. If any object is required to be rotated at some specific angles or distance, a servo motor is preferred. It is a simple motor which runs through servo mechanism.

In an embodiment of the present invention the servo motor is precisely configured to enable the sensor (mounted on it) to move between chin and forehead of the rider. In step 106, the sensor captures the infrared energy emitted by different sections or phases of the rider from chin to forehead, for detecting the helmet. The present device uses Infrared Thermography to detect whether the rider is wearing a helmet or not. The preferred sensor used in the present invention is an Infrared (IR) sensor. The IR sensor is, but is not limited to, a photodiode, photodetector, phototransistor etc.
Infrared sensors can be passive or active. Passive infrared (PIR) sensors are basically Infrared detectors. Passive infrared sensors do not use any infrared source and detect energy emitted by obstacles in the field of view. On the other hand active infrared sensors consist of two elements: infrared source and infrared detector. Infrared sources include an LED or infrared laser diode. Infrared detectors include photodiodes or phototransistors. The energy emitted by the infrared source is reflected by an object and falls on the infrared detector.
In an embodiment of the present invention, a passive infrared (PIR) sensor is used to detect the infrared energy emitted by the human body specifically between chin and forehead. The PIR sensor (mounted on the servo motor) and the servo motor are configured to align and orient such that they focus on different sections or phases (i.e. between chin and forehead) of the rider to detect the helmet. In this manner the sensor detects the infrared energy or its equivalent temperature emitted by different sections of face (between chin and forehead) of the rider. If the rider is wearing a helmet, the detected temperature readings by sensor will be different from the temperature readings of head without helmet as on wearing the helmet there is an obstacle before the face/head of the rider which emits different IR energy and accordingly a different equivalent temperature reading is recorded.

In step 108, sensor transmits each of the received or detected temperature readings data of different phases from chin to forehead of the rider to the microprocessor. The microprocessor is, but not limited to, RISC, CISC, special processor, general purpose processor etc. In step 110, microprocessor stores the temperature data in the memory for further processing. The memory is, but not limited to, ROM, RAM cache, flash, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM and the like. In step 112, microprocessor derives temperature ratios from the data stored in the memory. The data received by microprocessor from sensor has temperature readings of the different sections of the rider's face (i.e. between chin and forehead). The microprocessor derives or computes the ratio of all temperature readings and compares that with pre-fed or pre-stored/pre-determined ratios which are relative to the human body temperature. In step 114, microprocessor determines whether the computed temperature ratio is comparable with the body temperature ratio or not. If the temperature ratio is comparable with the body temperature ratio, it indicates that the rider is not wearing a helmet, since there was no obstruction (before the face/head of rider). The microprocessor sends a signal of activation to the indicator 116. The indicator gets activated after receiving the activation signal from the microprocessor and notifies/alerts the rider for not wearing the helmet. In step 118, if the computed ratio is not comparable with the body temperature ratio it indicates that the rider is wearing a helmet, since there was an obstruction. In this case, the indicator is not activated and the same process is repeated in loops 120. The indicator may be, but not limited to, an alarm, buzzer, beeper, audio, video display, LED etc.
In another embodiment of the present invention the Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor i.e. a pyroelectric device may be used to detect the motion of head of a two-wheeler rider or a biker by measuring difference in the infrared levels emitted by surrounding objects. This motion can be detected by checking for a signal on a single I/O pin. When the rider or user rides on the two-wheeler with his face facing towards the device, the PIR sensor starts tracking the face of the rider or any external object coming into the frame of PIR sensor trajectory. If the user at that moment is wearing a helmet, the PIR sensor tracks the movement of head/face and

the helmet and sends signal to the microprocessor informing the status of user as wearing the helmet. Pyroelectric devices, such as the PIR sensor, have elements made of a crystalline material that generates an electric charge when exposed to infrared radiation. The changes in the amount of infrared striking the face/head of the rider with the movement of helmet in different frames change the voltages generated by the PIR sensor which can then be measured or detected by the microprocessor. The device contains a special filter called a Fresnel lens, which focuses the infrared signals onto the element. As the ambient infrared signals change rapidly, the microprocessor detects the motion of the head of biker i.e. biker is wearing the helmet and sends a signal to the indicator accordingly.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention two Infrared (IR) sensors may be used with the servo motor, one of the sensors acts as IR emitter and other as an IR detector. The IR emitter is an IR Light Emitting Diode (LED) and the IR detector is an IR photodiode or photo-detector that is sensitive to IR light of the same wavelength as that emitted by the IR LED. When IR light falls on the photodiode, the resistances and the output voltages will change in proportion to the magnitude of the IR light received. The sensors and servo motor are configured to align and orient such that to focus the different sections or phases (i.e. between chin and forehead) of the rider to detect the helmet or any other head protector. The IR emitter transmits the IR signal towards the face/head of the rider and the signal is reflected back from the face/head of the rider. The reflected signals are received by an IR detector/receiver. The IR detector may be a photodiode or phototransistor or a readymade module which decodes the signal and detects the position of the obstacle before to the face or head of the biker. The IR energy reflected from obstacle (like helmet or any head protector) before to face/head is different from the IR energy reflected from face/head. If the rider is wearing a helmet, the detected temperature readings by IR detector will be different from the temperature readings of head without helmet as on wearing a helmet an obstacle comes before the face/head of the rider, consequently a different IR energy is emitted, and accordingly an equivalent temperature reading is recorded. The IR detector

transmits each of the received or detected temperature readings data of different phases (from forehead to chin) to the microprocessor. The microprocessor is, but not limited to, RISC, CISC, special processor, general purpose processor etc. The microprocessor derives or computes the ratio of all temperature readings and compares that with pre-fed/pre-determined ratios which are relative to the human body temperature. Further, the microprocessor determines whether the computed temperature ratio is comparable with the body temperature ratio or not. If the temperature ratio is comparable with the body temperature ratio it indicates that the rider is not wearing a helmet, since there was no obstruction (before the face/head of rider). The microprocessor sends a signal of activation to the indicator. The indicator gets activated after receiving the activation signal from the microprocessor and notifies/alerts the rider by providing audio or visual notification. If the computed ratio is not comparable with the body temperature ratio it indicates that the rider is wearing a helmet, since there was an obstruction. In that case, the indicator is not activated and the same process is repeated in loops. The indicator is, but not limited to alarm, buzzer, beeping, audio, video display, LED etc.
FIG. 2 is atop view of helmet detection device incorporating different components, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2, provides the manner in which the different components of the helmet detection device 200 are connected to each other and mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) 202; wherein the PCB 202 is enclosed in the enclosure body 218. The printed circuit board (PCB) 202 is fitted firmly in the enclosure body 218 with the help of PCB screw Tap Hole 206. The PCB 202 is a general circuit board that has lines and pads that connect various points together. It mechanically supports and electrically connects different electrical or electronic components using conductive tracks, pads and other features etched from one or more sheet layers of copper laminated onto and/or between sheet layers of a non-conductive substrate. The whole circuitry of the present invention is mounted on the single PCB that makes the invention concise and reduces its power consumption. Because of the small size the device 200 is incorporated easily

into the instrument panel or dashboard of the two-wheeler. The two-wheeler is, but not limited to, scooter, motorcycle, recreational vehicle, moped, bikes like cruiser bike, sport bike, touring bike, standard bike, dual-purpose bike, dirt bike etc. The present device can be incorporated in any type of two-wheeler motorcycle, moped easily. The helmet detection device 200 comprises at least one sensor 212 to capture infrared energy emitted by face of the rider, a thermal sensor module kit 214 to determine temperature readings at different sections of the face between chin to forehead. The sensor 212 is, but not limited to, an IR sensor, photodiode, photodetector, phototransistor etc. The helmet detection device 200 comprises a motor 210 connected to the sensor 212 to enable lateral movement of the sensor 212 across the face of the rider. The motor 210 is configured to move on a pre-defined path, wherein the sensor(s) is mounted onto the motor to enable lateral movement of the sensor from chin to the forehead of the rider to collect the temperature readings of the different sections. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the motor 210 is a servo motor which can move or rotate an obj ect with great precision. On activation of the device the servo motor 210 starts to move on a pre-defined path between chin and forehead of the rider or biker. The IR sensors mounted on the servo motor starts to collect the emitted infrared (or equivalent temperature) readings of the different sections (i.e. between chin and forehead) of the rider.
The device 200 further comprises a microprocessor chip 204 to store and process the temperature readings received from the sensor 212 to determine whether the rider is wearing a helmet or not. The microprocessor 204 is, but not limited to, RISC, CISC, special processor, general purpose processor etc. In the preferred embodiment, the microprocessor 204 is a 20 pin, low-voltage, high-performance CMOS 8-bit microcomputer with 2K bytes of Flash programmable and erasable read-only memory (PEROM). It is a powerful microcomputer which provides a highly-flexible and cost-effective solution to many embedded control applications. An indicator module (not shown in FIG. 2) is electrically connected to the microprocessor 204, wherein the indicator is activated to notify or alert the

rider/biker, if the computed temperature ratio is comparable to the body temperature ratio, it indicates that the rider is not wearing a helmet. The indicator is, but not limited to, alarm, buzzer, beeping, audio, video display etc. The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to detect helmet, it may be used to detect any type of head protector, headgear and any type of helmet like full-face, modular, open-face helmet etc.
A power supply section 208 is integrated on the PCB 202 to provide the required power supply to the different electrical or electronics components of the device. A battery (attachable and detachable) may be electrically mounted in power supply section 208 for providing the power supply to the device 200. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the device 200 has the advantage that it does not require additional battery to operate but it harnesses power from conventional battery inbuilt in the two-wheeler. The motor 210 and/or sensor 212 fitted outer side of the enclosure body 218 and connected to the PCB 202 through the wire 216.
FIG. 3 is a side view of helmet detection device 200 incorporating different components, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3, provides an enclosure body 218 enclosing the printed circuit board (PCB) 202, a motor mechanism 210 connected to the sensor 212 and thermal sensor module kit 214 to enable lateral movement of the sensor 212 across the face of the rider. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the motor 210 is a servo motor which can move or rotate an object with great precision. The helmet detection device 200 comprises at least one sensor 212 to capture infrared energy emitted by face of the rider, a thermal sensor module kit 214 to determine temperature readings at different sections of the face between chin to forehead. The sensor 212 is, but not limited to, an IR sensor, photodiode, photodetector, phototransistor etc. The sensor is attached to the motor with a defined resolution definition 302. The sensor 212 and thermal sensor module 214 detect the infrared energy or its equivalent temperature emitted by the four sections/phases of face (between chin and forehead) of the rider. If the rider is wearing a helmet, the IR energy emitted by helmet will

be different from the IR energy emitted by face/head (head without helmet) as on wearing a helmet there is an obstacle before the face/head of the rider, consequently a different IR energy is emitted and accordingly an equivalent temperature reading is recorded. The sensor transmits each of the received or detected temperature data of the four phases to microprocessor. The microprocessor derives or computes the ratio of temperature readings and compares them with pre-fed/pre-determined ratios which are relative to the human body temperature. Finally, based on the comparison of temperature ratios, microprocessor determines whether to activate the indicator or not.
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view 400 of a two-wheeler rider/motorcyclist 408 wearing a helmet when riding on a motorcycle with the device for helmet detection incorporated into the dashboard of the motorcycle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, it shows a rider/motorcyclist 408 driving a motorcycle 410 wearing a helmet 406 and a helmet detection device 200 incorporated into the dashboard. The helmet detection device comprises at least one sensor to capture infrared energy emitted 404 by face of the rider 408 to determine temperature readings at different sections of the face from chin to forehead as shown in FIG. 4. The sensor is, but not limited to, an IR sensor, photodiode, photodetector, phototransistor etc. The helmet detection device 200 comprises a motor connected to the sensor to enable lateral movement of the sensor across the face of the rider. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the motor is a servo motor which can move or rotate an object with great precision. The device 200 further comprises a microprocessor to store and process the temperature readings received from the sensor to determine whether the rider is wearing a helmet or not. The microprocessor is, but not limited to, RISC, CISC, special processor, general purpose processor etc. An indicator is provided which is electrically connected to the microprocessor to show visual or audio indication in the event the microprocessor determines that the rider 408 is not wearing a helmet. The indicator is, but not limited to, alarm, buzzer, beeper, audio, video display, LED etc.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating exemplary process of lateral movement of sensor from chin to the forehead of the rider to collect/detect IR energy emitted by different sections of face 500 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, it shows the detection of IR energy emitted by four different sections of the rider's face between chin and forehead. For the sake of simplicity and convenience four sections of face are illustrated here but the invention is not limited to four sections of the face of rider; it detects the face laterally from chin to forehead. The sensor detects the infrared energy or its equivalent temperature emitted by the four sections/phases 502, 504, 506 and 508 of face (between chin and forehead) of the rider. If the rider is wearing a helmet, the IR energy emitted by helmet will be different from the IR energy emitted by face/head (head without helmet) as on wearing a helmet there is an obstacle before the face/head of the rider, consequently a different IR energy is emitted and accordingly an equivalent temperature reading is recorded. The sensor transmits each of the received or detected temperature data of the four phases to microprocessor. The microprocessor stores the temperature data in the memory for further processing. The data received by microprocessor from sensor has temperature readings of the different sections of the rider's face 500 (i.e. between chin and forehead). The microprocessor derives or computes the ratio of temperature readings and compares them with pre-fed or pre-stored ratios which are relative to the human body temperature. Finally, based on the comparison of temperature ratios, microprocessor determines whether to activate the indicator or not.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor mounted on the motor detects the infrared energy or its equivalent temperature emitted by the different sections of the rider's face. For the sake of simplicity, the rider's face is defined into four sections (502, 504, 506 and 508), between chin to forehead. A pre-determined human body temperature (BT) is stored in the microprocessor for comparison with the detected temperature readings. For example, the body temperature (BT) is, but not limited to, 32°C to 37°C. If the surface temperature (ST) of the rider's face

detected by the sensor is equal to the pre-determined body temperature (BT), i.e. ST=BT, it indicates that rider is not wearing a helmet. On the other hand, if the surface temperature (ST) of the rider's face is not equal to the pre-determined body temperature (BT), i.e. ST > BT or ST < BT, it indicates that rider is wearing a helmet.
The sensor is mounted onto the motor to enable lateral movement of the sensor from chin to forehead of the rider (motorcyclist, biker etc.) to capture the temperature readings of different sections i.e. between chin and forehead. For example, the motor is configured to move on a pre-defined path. The pre-defined motor movement allows the sensor to capture the temperature readings of the rider's face in four different steps. In each step sensor captures the temperature reading of rider's face at different angle. In step 1, the sensor captures temperature reading at an angle of 7.5 degree; in step 2, it captures temperature reading at an angle of 15 degree; in step 3, it captures temperature reading at an angle of 22.5 degree; and in step 4 it captures temperature reading at an angle of 30 degree. The step swing time (TS) of each step is made constant to 2 second. The microprocessor calculates the temperature ratios of different parts of the rider's face FP (FPi, FP2, FP3, and FP4) and compares it with the pre-determined body temperature (BT) reading.
In phase 502, the sensor captures the temperature readings of the first part of the rider's face (FPi) at an angle of 7.5 degree, which covers 1/4 part of the rider's face.
In phase 504, the sensor captures the temperature readings of the second part of the rider's face (FP2) at an angle of 15 degree, which covers 1/3 part of the rider's face.
In phase 506, the sensor captures the temperature readings of the third part of the rider's face (FP3) at an angle of 21 degree, which covers 1/2 part of the rider's face.
In phase 508, the sensor captures the temperature readings of the fourth part of the rider's face (FP4) at an angle of 30 degree, which covers full face of the rider.

Based on the comparisons made by the microprocessor, the device decides whether the rider's face is open face or wearing a Safa/Pagdi, or mini helmet, or full helmet.
FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram depicting different hardware components connected within the device for helmet detection, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, it provides a circuit diagram 600 of the present invention. The circuit diagram 600 comprises a microprocessor chip 204 configured to store the data sent by different circuit components (like sensor(s), servo motor etc.) in memory and computes all arithmetic and logical operations; serial clock (SCL) 604 line and serial data (SDA) 606 line are connected to pins P1.0 and Pl.l of the microprocessor 204, a display 608, a resistor 610 to limit the current, a transistor 612 which works as a switch, an indicator 614 electrically connected to the microprocessor, wherein indicator is activated if the computed temperature ratio is comparable with the body temperature ratio which indicates that the rider is not wearing a helmet. A servo motor (not shown in FIG. 6) is configured to move on a pre-defined path, wherein the sensor(s) is mounted onto the servo motor to enable lateral movement of the sensor from chin to the forehead of the rider to collect the temperature readings of the different sections.
The microprocessor 204 is, but not limited to, RISC, CISC, special processor, general purpose processor etc. In an embodiment of the present invention, the microprocessor 204 is a low-voltage, high-performance CMOS 8-bit microcomputer with 2K bytes of Flash programmable and erasable read-only memory (PEROM). It is a powerful microcomputer which provides a highly-flexible and cost-effective solution to many embedded control applications. In an embodiment, in case the two-wheeler already has an in-built microprocessor, there may not be a need to incorporate a microprocessor in the device. The function of the microprocessor 204 can be taken up by the in-built microprocessor of the two-

wheeler. Port pins PI.2 to PI.7 provide internal pull-ups. Pl.O 604 and Pl.l 606 require external pull-ups. Pl.O 604 and Pl.l 606 also serve as the positive input (AINO) and the negative input (AIN1), respectively, of the on-chip precision analog comparator. In an embodiment, serial clock (SCL) 604 line and serial data (SDA) 606 line are connected to pins Pl.O and Pl.l of the microprocessor 204 for bi¬directional data transmission with the IR sensor(s) 212. The ports Pl.O 604 and Pl.l 606 are configured to use Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) communication protocol. I2C uses just two wires for communication regardless of the number of peripherals that are supported. The two signal lines are defined as serial clock (SCL) 604 and serial data (SDA) 606. Serial data (SDA) 606 is the line that facilitates the bi¬directional data flow between the microprocessor 204 and sensor 212. Serial Clock (SCL) 604 is the line that carries the clock signal. The communication between the sensor 212 and microprocessor 204 is done by ports Pl.O 604 and Pl.l 606. Electrically, these bi-directional lines are specified as open collector and, therefore, must be supplied with pull-up resistors to the positive supply rail. Since the lines are passively pulled up, they are in the recessive state when they are not being driven. Any device on the bus is free to pull these lines low thereby asserting the dominant state. This phenomenon is utilized for a variety of bus management functions including wait state synchronization and bus arbitration.
The pins PI.2 to PI.7 are used as inputs and are externally pulled low, they will source current (IIL) because of the internal pull-ups. A display 608 may be connected between the port pins PI.2 to PI.7. The display is, but not limited to, Light-emitting diode display (LED), Liquid crystal display (LCD), Organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), Digital Light Processing display (DLP), Cathode ray tube display (CRT), Plasma display panel (PDP) and the like.
The indicator 614 is used to create a sound alarm when the rider is identified without helmet by IR sensor. The indicator 614 is, but not limited to, alarm, buzzer, beeper, audio, video display etc. A transistor 612 is used to drive the indicator 614. The maximum current that can be sourced or sinked from port pin P3.7 is 20mA (the

total current being 200mA from different pins). But the indicator 614 will need more than just 20mA for its proper functioning. So, for providing the necessary current required by indicator 614, the device uses a switching transistor 612. It can act as a switch and at the same time it provides the required current amplification. A transistor with a gain of 100 can give up to 1A current at its output. Another purpose of using a transistor 612 in between pin P3.7 and indicator 614 is isolation. A short circuit of the indicator 614 will destroy only the collector-emitter junction of transistor. Since, there is an isolation at the base region of transistor (base is connected to pin P3.7 through resistor 610), the destruction of collector-emitter junction will not affect base and hence, indicator 614 will be safe from getting burned. The resistor 610 at base is used to limit base current of transistor.
In an embodiment, the device for helmet detection of the present invention gets activated on ignition of the two-wheeler. The device is incorporated into the instrument panel or dashboard of the two-wheeler. The two-wheeler is, but not limited to, scooter, motorcycle, recreational vehicle, moped, bikes like cruiser bike, sport bike, touring bike, standard bike, dual-purpose bike, dirt bike etc. The present device can be incorporated in any type of two-wheeler motorcycle, moped etc. The device has the advantage that it does not require additional battery to operate but it may harness power from conventional battery inbuilt in the two-wheeler. On activation of the device the servo motor starts to move on a pre-defined path between chin and forehead of the rider or biker. The IR sensors mounted on the servo motor starts to collect the emitted infrared (or equivalent temperature) readings of the different sections (i.e. between chin and forehead) of the rider. The IR sensor 212 transmits each of the received or detected temperature data of different phases to the microprocessor through I2C protocol using port pins P1.0 604 and P 1.1 606 i.e. serial clock (SCL) 604 and serial data (SDA) 606 lines. The microprocessor 204 derives or computes the ratio of all temperature readings and compares that with pre-fed/pre-determined ratios which are relative to the human body temperature. The microprocessor 204 determines whether the computed temperature ratio is comparable with the body temperature ratio or not. If the

temperature ratio is comparable with the body temperature ratio it indicates that the rider is not wearing a helmet as there was no obstruction (before the face/head of rider). The microprocessor sends a signal of activation to the indicator 614. The indicator 614 gets activated after receiving the activation signal from the microprocessor and notifies/alerts the rider for not wearing the helmet. If the computed ratio is not in proportion with the body temperature ratio it indicates that the rider is wearing a helmet, as there was an obstruction. The indicator is not activated and the same process is repeated in loops.
Having generally described the invention, a further understanding can be obtained by reference to certain specific examples which are provided herein for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified.
While embodiments of the helmet detection device in accordance with the invention have been shown and described in the specification, many changes and modifications may be made therein without, however, departing from the essential spirit of the invention thereof.
EXAMPLE:
The present invention is described by way of a working example, hereinbelow. In the helmet detection device of the present invention, the sensor (212) is mounted onto the motor (210) to enable lateral movement of the sensor from chin to forehead of the rider (motorcyclist, biker etc.) to capture the temperature readings of different sections i.e. between chin and forehead (502) (504) (506) (508). For example, the motor (210) is configured to move on a pre-defined path so as to facilitate the movement of the sensor (212). The pre-defined motor movement allows the sensor to capture the temperature readings of the rider's face in four different steps. A pre¬determined human body temperature (BT) is stored in the microprocessor (204) for comparison with the detected temperature readings. For example, the body

temperature (BT) is, but not limited to, 32 C to 37 C. If the surface temperature (ST) of the rider's face detected by the sensor is equal to the pre-determined body temperature (BT), i.e. ST = BT, it indicates that rider is not wearing a helmet. On the other hand, if the surface temperature (ST) of the rider's face is not equal to the pre-determined body temperature (BT), i.e. ST > BT or ST < BT, it indicates that rider is wearing a helmet.
In each step, the sensor (212) captures the temperature reading of rider's face at different angle. In step 1, the sensor captures temperature reading at an angle of 7.5 degree; in step 2, it captures temperature reading at an angle of 15 degree; in step 3, it captures the temperature reading at an angle of 22.5 degree; and in step 4, it captures the temperature reading at an angle of 30 degree. The step swing time (TS) of each step is made constant to 2 second.
In step 1, the sensor captures the temperature readings of the rider's face at an angle of 7.5 degree and it covers the 1/4 part of the rider's face. The sensor sends the temperature readings of first part (i.e. 7.5 degree) of the rider's (408) face to the microprocessor (204). The microprocessor calculates the temperature ratio of first part (FPi) i.e. FPi = ST/TS and compares it with the pre-determined body temperature (BT) reading.
In step 2, the sensor (212) captures the temperature readings of the rider's face at an angle of 15 degree and it covers the 1/3 part of the rider's face. The sensor sends the temperature readings of first part (i.e. 15 degree) of the rider's (408) face to the microprocessor (204). The microprocessor calculates the temperature ratio of first part (FP2) i.e. FP2 = ST/TS and compares it with the pre-determined body temperature (BT) reading.
In step 3, the sensor (212) captures the temperature readings of the rider's face at an angle of 22.5 degree and it covers the 1/2 part of the rider's face. The sensor sends the temperature readings of first part (i.e. 22.5 degree) of the rider's (408)

face to the microprocessor (204). The microprocessor calculates the temperature ratio of first part (FP3) i.e. FP3 = ST/TS and compares it with the pre-determined body temperature (BT) reading.
In step 4, the sensor (212) captures the temperature readings of the rider's face at an angle of 30 degree and it covers full face of the rider. The sensor sends the temperature readings of first part (i.e. 30 degree) of the rider's (408) face to the microprocessor (204). The microprocessor calculates the temperature ratio of first part (FP4) i.e. FP4 = ST/TS and compares it with the pre-determined body temperature (BT) reading.
Based on the comparisons made by the microprocessor (204), the device decides whether the rider's face is open face or wearing a Safa/Pagdi or mini helmet or full helmet.
Example 1
In case the temperature ratios of all four parts are equal to the body temperature (BT) i.e. FPi = FP2 = FP3 = FP4 = BT, it indicates that the rider is open face or without helmet. Then, microprocessor (204) sends a signal to the indicator accordingly.
Example 2
In case the temperature ratios of first three parts i.e. part 1 (FPi), part 2 (FP2) and part 3 (FP3) are equal but temperature ratio of fourth part (FP4) is not comparable to prior three, and all four temperature ratios are greater than or less than the body temperature (BT) i.e. FPi = FP2 = FP3 != FP4 > < BT, it indicates that the rider is wearing a Safa or Pagdi. Then, microprocessor (204) sends a signal to the indicator accordingly.

Example 3
In case the temperature ratios of first two parts i.e. part 1 (FPi) and part 2 (FP2) are equal but temperature ratio of part 3 (FP3) and fourth part (FP4) are not comparable to prior two, and all four temperature ratios are greater than or less than the body temperature (BT) i.e. FPi = FP2 = FP3 != FP4 > < BT, it indicates that the rider is wearing a mini helmet. Then microprocessor (204) sends a signal to the indicator accordingly.
Example 4
In case the temperature ratios of all four parts i.e. part 1 (FPi), part 2 (FP2), part 3 (FP3) and part 4 (FP4) are equal and these temperature ratios are greater than or less than the body temperature (BT) i.e. FPi =FP2 = FP3 = FP4 > < BT, it indicates that the rider is wearing a helmet (full face cover helmet). Then microprocessor (204) sends a signal to the indicator accordingly.
Thus, as discussed above, the helmet detection device will provide a visual or audio indication when the rider is open face i.e. not wearing a helmet, Safa/Pagdi.
The invention provides a simple and compact device for detection of helmet or a head protector of a rider of a two-wheeler which can be easily integrated into the instrument panel or dash board of a vehicle. The helmet detection device runs on a simple algorithm and aids instant detection of absence of helmet on the rider's head with accuracy. The device consumes less power and does not need an external power supply for operation. The device is economical due to the compact size, fewer hardware components, and simple algorithm on which the microprocessor runs.
The present invention has been described with reference to specific drawings, preferred embodiments and examples purely for the sake of understanding and not

in any way limits the invention. Further, the present invention includes all legitimate developments within the scope of what has been described herein before and claimed in the appended claims. Furthermore, the invention need not be limited to applications described in the specification but may also be used on motorcycles, and other wheeled conveyances. Many additional modifications are intended to be covered in the foregoing disclosure which are easily appreciated and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

We claim:
1. A device for detecting helmet on a rider, comprising:
at least one sensor (212) to capture infrared energy emitted by face of the
rider (408) to determine temperature readings at different sections of the
face (500);
at least one motor (210) connected to the at least one sensor (212) to enable
lateral movement of the sensor across the face of the rider (408);
at least one microprocessor (204) to store and process the temperature
readings received from the at least one sensor to determine whether the rider
(408) is wearing a helmet (406) or not; and
at least one indicator (614) connected to the microprocessor (204) to provide
visual or audio indication in the event the microprocessor (204) determines
that the rider (408) is not wearing a helmet (406).
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one microprocessor
(204) compares the temperature readings from different sections of face (500) of the rider (408) with pre-determined temperature ratios to detect whether the rider (408) is wearing a helmet (406) or not.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one sensor (212) is an Infrared (IR) photodiode or photo detector.
4. The device as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one motor (210) is a servo motor.
5. The device as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one motor (210) enables the movement of the sensor from chin to the forehead of the rider (408).

6. The device as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one sensor determines the temperature readings from chin to forehead of the rider (408) in four sections or phases (502, 504, 506, 508).
7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one sensor sends the temperature readings from four sections or phases, from chin to forehead of the rider (408), to the microprocessor (204).
8. The device as claimed in one or more of claims 2 to 7, wherein the pre-determined temperature ratios are relative to the human body temperature.
9. The device as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one indicator (614) is configured to receive the signal of activation or de-activation from the at least one microprocessor (204).
10. The device as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one indicator (614) is selected from an alarm, buzzer, beeper, LED or a display.
11. The device as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 10, wherein the device (200) is activated on the ignition of vehicle.
12. The device as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 11, wherein the device (200) is positioned into the instrument panel or dashboard of a vehicle.
13. A method for detecting helmet on a rider comprising:
providing at least one sensor (212) to capture infrared energy emitted by face of the rider (408) on to one or more photodiode or photodetectors to determine the temperature readings at different sections of the face (500); connecting at least one motor (210) to the at least one sensor to provide lateral movement of the sensor across the face of the rider (408);

providing at least one microprocessor (204) to store in the memory the
temperature readings received from the at least one sensor;
processing the temperature readings received by the at least one
microprocessor (204) from the at least one sensor, to determine whether the
rider (408) is wearing a helmet (406) or not; and
providing at least one indicator (614) connected to the at least one
microprocessor (204) to show a visual or audio indication in the event the
at least one microprocessor (204) determines that the rider (408) is not
wearing a helmet (406).
14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the at least one microprocessor (204) compares the temperature readings received from the at least one sensor from different sections of face (500) of the rider (408) with pre¬determined temperature ratios which are relative to the human body temperature, to detect whether the rider is wearing a helmet (406) or not.
15. The method as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the motor (210) enables the movement of the sensor from chin to the forehead of the rider (408).
16. The method as claimed in one or more of claims 13 to 15, wherein the at least one sensor determines the temperature readings from chin to forehead of the rider (408) in four sections or phases (502, 504, 506, 508).
17. The method as claimed in one or more of claims 13 to 16, wherein the at least one indicator (614) is selected from an alarm, buzzer, beeper, LED or a display.