FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)
“TAMPERPROOF SAFETY DEVICE FOR ENSURING RIDER’S SAFETY”
MINDA CORPORATION LIMITED, an Indian Company of, E-5/2, Chakan
Industrial Area, Phase-3, MIDC, Nanekarwadi, Pune - 410501, India.
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be
performed:

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, the
disclosure provides a tamperproof safety device for two-wheeler riders.
BACKGROUND
[002] In developing countries like India, China, Brazil etc. two wheelers like motorcycles,
scooters, bicycles, etc. are often used as the preferred ride for daily commute purpose. Safety
devices such as Helmet is an important safety measure used while driving two wheelers. In fact,
to enhance safety for two wheelers, governments have employed various means to mandate
helmets for two wheelers.

[003] In many instances, accidents are known to happen with two-wheelers rider due to
ignorance and/or avoidance of safety measures, such as not wearing helmets. So, with a view of enhancing safety for two-wheeler riders, there is a requirement for a mechanism to ensure that
riders wear proper safety device such as helmets. Furthermore, there is a requirement to ensure that such mechanisms are tamper proof, so the riders are not able to employ work arounds to avoid such safety measures.

[004] Conventionally, the state of the art provides mechanisms such as using an either a sensor or limit switch for ensuring wearing of the safety devices/helmets at all times. However, the implementation of a tamper proof technique to ensure proper and effective position and/or orientation of a safety device and thereby ensuring that the safety device is worn by a rider and
provides safety to the rider is still a challenge in the technical field.

SUMMARY

[005] Before the present methods, systems, and hardware enablement are described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the systems, and methodologies described, as
there can be multiple possible embodiments of the present invention which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only and is
not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[006] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a safety device for ensuring a rider’s safety. The safety device comprises a first switch being activated in response to a first condition being met, a second switch being activated in response to a second condition being met
and a processing unit upon activation of both the first and second switches enables sharing of identification codes for verification.

[007] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the safety device
comprises the first switch selected from a tilt sensor or an acceleration sensor, the tilt sensor or the acceleration sensor sensing an alignment of the safety device with respect to a rider’s head. The safety device further comprises the second switch as a micro switch and the first condition is met when the alignment is matched, and the second condition is met when the micro switch is engaged with the rider’s head.

[008] In still another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the safety device
further comprising a transmitter that is coupled to the processing unit and configured to transmit the identification codes shared by the processing unit to a vehicle control unit.

[009] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmitter is radio frequency (RF) transmitter or Bluetooth(BLE) transmitter.

[0010] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the safety device further comprises a power supply unit for providing power supply, the first switch connected in series with the power supply unit, the second switch connected in series with the first switch and the processing unit connected to the second switch. The activation of both the first and second switches allows the power supply to reach the processing unit thereby activating the processing unit.

[0011] In still another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the first and second switches once activated indicate correct alignment and engagement of the safety device with the rider’s head.

[0012] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the first and second switches once deactivated indicate that the safety device is either misaligned or not engaged with respect to the rider’s head.

[0013] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the safety device is a helmet.

[0014] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle control unit
operating in conjunction with a safety device is disclosed. The vehicle control unit comprising a receiver for receiving identification codes from the safety device and a processing unit connected to the receiver. The processing unit is configured to detect a signal from an engine of a vehicle indicating ignition ON condition and in response to detecting the signal from the engine of the vehicle, trigger an alarm if the identification codes from the safety device are not received within a predefined time interval.
[0015] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the alarm includes at least one of visual warning, auditory warning or a combination thereof and the alarm indicates that the safety device is either misaligned or not engaged with the rider’s head.

[0016] In still another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the processing unit is further configured to detect a pillion rider by detecting a signal from a first sensor located beneath a rear end of a seat of the vehicle, detecting a signal from a second sensor located beneath a foot rest of the vehicle and in response to detecting the signals from the first and second sensors, verifying presence of the pillion rider.

[0017] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the processing unit is further configured to detect whether a safety device is correctly engaged and aligned with the pillion rider’s head or not and trigger the alarm, if the identification codes from the safety device are not received within a predefined time interval.

[0018] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the receiver is a radio frequency (RF) receiver or Bluetooth (BLE) receiver.

[0019] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for detecting
presence of a pillion rider is disclosed. The system comprising a first sensor located beneath a rear end of a seat of a vehicle, a second sensor located beneath a foot rest of the vehicle and a processing unit operatively coupled to the first and second sensors. The processing unit is configured to detect a signal from the first sensor, detect a signal from the second sensor and in response to detecting the signals from both the first and second sensors, verify presence of the pillion rider.
[0020] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the first sensor is a micro switch and the second sensor is a proximity sensor.

[0021] In still another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the micro switch provides a signal when the pillion rider is engaged with the rear seat of the vehicle and the proximity sensor provides a signal when the foot rest is open.

[0022] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle safety method is disclosed. The method comprising detecting activation of a first switch of a safety device in response to a first condition being met. The method further comprises detecting activation of a second switch of the safety device in response to a second condition being met, wherein activation of the first and second switches indicate that the safety device is correctly aligned and engaged with a rider’s head and in response to detecting activation of both the first and second
switches, enabling a processing unit of the safety device to share identification codes to a transmitter of the safety device. Further, the method comprises transmitting, by the transmitter of
the safety device, identification codes to a vehicle control unit, detecting, by a processing unit of
vehicle control unit, presence of an ignition ON signal from an engine of a vehicle and in
response to detecting the presence of an ignition ON signal, triggering an alarm, by the
processing unit of the vehicle control unit, if the identification codes from the safety device are
not received by a receiver of the vehicle control unit within a predefined time interval.
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[0023] In still another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the method further
comprises selecting the first switch from a group comprises of tilt sensor, acceleration sensor and
gyroscopic sensor and sensing, by the first switch, an alignment of the safety device with respect
to the rider’s head. The method further comprises selecting the second switch as a microswitch.
Further, the method comprises matching the alignment of safety device with respect to rider’s head to meet the first condition and engaging the second switch with the rider’s head to meet the
second condition.
[0024] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the method comprises
selecting the alarm from a group comprising of audio alarm, visual alarm or a combination
thereof and indicating by the alarm that the safety device is either not engaged with the rider’s
head or not aligned with the rider’s head.
[0025] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the alarm indicates failure
of activation of the first switch or second switch or both.
[0026] In still another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the method comprises
detecting a pillion rider by the processing unit of the vehicle control unit. The method further
comprises detecting a signal from a first sensor located beneath a rear end of a seat of the
vehicle, detecting a signal from a second sensor located beneath a foot rest of the vehicle and
verifying presence of the pillion rider, in response to detecting the signals from the first and
second sensors.
[0027] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the method comprises
detecting, by the processing unit of the vehicle control unit, whether a safety device is correctly
engaged and aligned with the pillion rider’s head or not and if the safety device is not correctly
engaged and aligned, triggering the alarm.
[0028] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle safety system for
ensuring rider’s safety is disclosed. The system comprising a safety device and a vehicle control
unit. The safety device comprising a first switch, a second switch coupled to the first switch, a
processing unit coupled to the first and second switches and configured to enable sharing of the
identification codes for verification upon activation of the first and second switch and a
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transmitter coupled to the processing unit for transmitting the identification codes shared by the
processing unit. The vehicle control unit operatively coupled to the safety device comprising a
receiver, a processing unit operatively coupled to the receiver and configured to detect presence
of an ignition ON signal from an engine of a vehicle and a sensor unit operatively coupled to the
processing unit of the vehicle control unit and comprising a first sensor located beneath a rear
end of a seat of the vehicle and a second sensor located beneath a foot rest of the vehicle,
wherein in response to detecting the presence of an ignition ON signal, the processing unit of the
vehicle control unit is configured to trigger an alarm if the identification codes from the
transmitter are not received by the receiver within a predefined time interval.
[0029] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the first switch is
selected from a group comprises of tilt sensor, acceleration sensor, and Gyroscopic sensor for
sensing an alignment of the safety device with respect to the rider’s head, the second switch is a
micro switch, the first condition is met when the alignment is matched and the second condition
is met when the micro switch is engaged with the rider’s head.
[0030] In still another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the alarm includes at
least one of visual warning, auditory warning or a combination thereof and the alarm indicates
that the safety device is either not engaged with the rider’s head or misaligned with the rider’s
head.
[0031] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the alarm indicates failure
of activation of either the first switch or second switch or both.
[0032] In still another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the processing unit of
the vehicle control unit is further configured to detect a pillion rider based on detecting a signal
from the first sensor, detecting a signal from the second sensor and in response to detecting the
signals from the first and second sensors, verifying presence of the pillion rider.
[0033] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the processing unit of
the vehicle control unit is further configured to detect whether a safety device is correctly
engaged and aligned with the pillion rider’s head or not and if the safety device is not correctly
engaged and aligned, trigger the alarm.
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[0034] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the first sensor is a
micro switch and the second sensor is a proximity sensor.
[0035] In still another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the micro switch
provides a signal when the micro switch is engaged with the pillion rider seating on the rear seat
of the vehicle and the proximity sensor provides a signal when the foot rest is open.
[0036] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting.
In the above paragraphs, the most important features of the invention have been outlined, in
order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that
the present contribution to the art may be better understood and in order that the present
contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the
invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject of the claims
appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this
disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures for
carrying out the several purposes of the invention. It is important therefore that the claims be
regarded as including such equivalent constructions as do not depart from the spirit and scope of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood from
the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like
reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate
views. The figures together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part
of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the aspects and explain various principles and
advantages, in accordance with the present invention wherein:
[0038] Fig. 1a shows an illustration of the proposed safety device in accordance with one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0039] Fig. 1b shows an illustration of the proposed system for ensuring rider’s safety in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;
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[0040] Fig. 2 shows an illustration of proposed system as implemented for two riders on a
vehicle in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0041] Fig. 3 shows a flow chart illustrating the method for implementing the safety measures in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0042] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity
and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the
elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve
understanding of aspects of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] The present invention will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying
drawings. In the following description, well known functions or constructions are not described
in detail since they would obscure the description with unnecessary detail.
[0044] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an
example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject
matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or
advantageous over other embodiments.
[0045] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms,
specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be
described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the
disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0046] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, or any other variations thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, arrangement, unit, system or
method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or
steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or
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arrangement or unit or system or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or
apparatus or unit or arrangement proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more
constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or
apparatus or unit or arrangement.
[0047] It must also be noted that as used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include
plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any systems and
methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of
embodiments of the present invention, the preferred, systems and methods are now described.
[0048] The elements illustrated in the Figures inter-operate as explained in more detail below.
Before setting forth the detailed explanation, however, it is noted that all of the discussion below,
regardless of the particular implementation being described, is exemplary in nature, rather than
limiting. Method steps of the invention may be performed by one or more processors; further the
vehicle control system as described herein may be implemented using various permutations of
processors, transceivers and the like. Suitable processors include, by way of example, both
general and special purpose microprocessors. Generally, the processor receives (reads)
instructions and data from a database or memory (such as a read-only memory and/or a randomaccess
memory) and writes (stores) instructions and data to the memory. Storage devices suitable
for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include, for example, all forms
of non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices, including EPROM, EEPROM,
and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks;
magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROMs. Any of the foregoing may be supplemented by, or
incorporated in, specially-designed ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits) or FPGAs
(Field-Programmable Gate Arrays).
[0049] The present disclosure provides a safety device working in conjunction with the vehicle’s
control unit. In particular, the present disclosure presents a safety device, a system to ensure
rider’s safety, a system for detecting a pillion rider, a method and a system ensuring safety of
main rider and pillion rider. The present disclosure mainly overcomes the issue of tempering the
safety device or not wearing the safety device while driving a vehicle, which is utmost required
for rider’s safety. As discussed in above paragraphs that when the rider drives a vehicle on the
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road without safety device, the risk of rider’s life is very high in case of accidents. Therefore, to
safeguard the rider as well as person seating behind him i.e pillion rider, a safety device is
proposed that ensures the safety of main rider as well as the pillion rider while driving the
vehicle.
[0050] Referring to Fig 1b, an illustration of the safety system is disclosed according to one
embodiment of the present invention. The left section of fig. 1b illustrates a safety device that
comprises a power supply unit coupled to a first switch, a second switch, a processing unit and a
transmitter. In an embodiment, the power supply unit can be a battery used to supply power to
the processing unit. In another embodiment, the power supply unit may be a super capacitor or
any other device which may provide power supply to the processing unit for the time the
vehicle’s engine is in ON condition. The first switch connected to the power supply unit can be a
tilt sensor for sensing the alignment of the safety device with respect to a rider’s head. In another
embodiment, the first switch may be selected from acceleration sensor or a Gyroscopic sensor or
any other sensor available which can sense the alignment of the safety device with respect to the
alignment of the rider’s head. By matching the alignment of rider’s head with the alignment of
safety device, one can ensure that the safety device is worn properly, and the safety device is
now ready to protect the rider’s head. In one embodiment the first switch is connected in series
with the second switch. The second switch may be a microswitch which ensures that the rider’s
head is engaged with the safety device. In an embodiment, the second switch can be any
component that ensures the engaging of rider/wearer’s head with the safety device. The tilt
sensor determines the direction of helmet position. The micro switch enables only if the helmet is
worn firm on to the head of the motorcycle rider/pillion rider.
[0051] The second switch is connected to the processing unit in series. On engaging the rider’s
head and after matching the proper alignment of rider’s head with the safety device, the second
switch connects the power supply coming from power supply unit to the processing unit. After
receiving the power supply, the processing unit starts generating identification code for the
rider’s safety device and the generated identification codes are shared with the transmitter. In an
embodiment, the processing unit may only generate a signal for the transmitter sothat the
transmitter can send the signal generated by the processing unit for the verification of safety
device engaged with the rider. The transmitter used for transmitting the identification codes or
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signal may be a RF transmitter or a Bluetooth transmitter. In an aspect, the transmitter sends the
identification code to the receiver of the vehicle control unit wirelessly.
[0052] Figure 1a represents an exemplary embodiment for the safety device which clearly
indicates the position of tilt sensor and the microswitch that can be treated as first and second
switch throughout the specification.
[0053] The right hand section of fig. 1b illustrates the vehicle control unit. The vehicle control
unit comprises a receiver coupled to a processing unit. In one embodiment the vehicle control
unit as shown in the figure 1b is activated by the ignition key signal indicating that the vehicle
ignition or engine of the vehicle is on. As soon as the engine of the vehicle is ON, the processing
unit of the vehicle control unit starts searching for the identification codes which may be
received by the receiver. In an aspect of the disclosed invention the RF transmitter may send the
signal wirelessly to the RF receiver continuously as soon as it is properly aligned and engaged
with the rider’s head. In an aspect, the receiver of the vehicle control unit may search for the
signal or identification code for a predetermined time interval, in case the signal or identification
code is not received for that predefined time interval, the processing unit will send a signal to
indicate the alarm. In an embodiment, the receiver may be a RF or Bluetooth receiver. The
receiver should be compatible with the transmitter of the safety device. If the receiver is not
compatible with the transmitter of the safety device, the receiver will not be able to detect the
signal or the identification code coming from the transmitter of the safety device. Once the
receiver is able to get the identification code, it shares the same with the processing unit of the
vehicle control unit. In case, the signal or codes arrived within the predefined time interval, the
processing unit will not send any signal to the alarming unit and no obstruction or alert will be
there for the rider. However, if there is no signal or code received for the time interval defined,
there will be an alert generated for the vehicle rider. The alert may be provided by way of visual
or auditory warning. In an aspect, the predefined time interval for checking or searching for the
transmitter signal is programmed by the manufacturer. For example, after the ignition has been
started, the processing unit of the vehicle control unit will wait for 1 minute and if there is no
signal or code received by the receiver of the vehicle control unit, then the processing unit may
provide an auditory warning that the safety device or helmet is not worn, please wear the helmet
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or there may be an alarming sound only to alert the driver. In another aspect, the driver of the
vehicle can get alert/alarm by a visual warning such as message displayed on the vehicle’s screen
or flashing of light etc.. In yet another embodiment the generated one or more alarm indication may be a combination of both the audio and visual signals.

[0054] The safety device’s transmitter will get the signal or code for transmitting to the vehicle control unit only on the activation of first and second switches.The power supply may be
connected to one side of the arrangement as shown in the Fig.1b and processing unit of the safety device on the other side. The processing unit in this condition will be powered ON only if both switches (e.g tilt sensor and micro switch) are enabled which will occur only when the helmet is worn correctly (firm and right direction). In other words, the first switch will get activated when the safety device is correct aligned with the rider’s head and the second switch will get activated when the safety device is properly engaged with the rider’s head. Therefore, once the safety device is properly or correctly aligned and engaged with rider’s head then only the signal or identification code will be transmitted from the transmitter of the safety device to the receiver of the vehicle control unit.

[0055] The RF transmitter may send continuous signals to the RF receiver of the vehicle once the safety device or helmet is worn in proper orientation. Once the RF receiver does not receive signals from the RF transmitter after ignition/engine On of the vehicle, the RF receiver may enable the vehicle control unit to generate one or more alarm indications to indicate that the helmet is not worn or is not worn properly. In one embodiment the receiver unit can be integrated either with a body control module, an immobilizer or remote-control lock system etc.

[0056] Referring now to Fig 2, another embodiment of the system for implementation of the disclosed safety device is shown. The embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 2 discloses the implementation wherein a two-wheeler vehicle is driven with two riders (driver and pillion rider). In accordance with the implementation as shown in Fig. 2, the disclosed system works as described above with reference to Fig 1 for the driver.

[0057] However, in accordance with the present embodiment, the vehicle control unit is
configured to detect, in addition to not receiving RF signal from the pillion rider’s helmet, at least one from a group comprising a signal indicating weight on the pillion position on the seat of the vehicle and a signal from the pillion rider foot rest of the vehicle. The sensor unit which comprises of two sensors mainly used for detecting the rear seat occupancy and the rear foot rest occupancy. The one or more sensors may be located on the seat and the rear foot rest. The first sensor is used to detect that the pillion seat is occupied based on the signal detected from the pillion position on the seat of the vehicle (rear occupancy signal) and the second sensor senses the pillion rider foot rest (rear foot rest signal) based on the opening of the foot rest. Once, the signal is received from the first sensor indicating that the pillion rider’s seat is occupied, the processing unit check for the signal from the second sensor. If there is no signal available from the second sensor, this indicates that there must be some item or luggage present on the pillion seat and hence, there is no requirement of sending an alarm indication to the rider of the vehicle. However, if there is a signal available from the second sensor that is the foot rest available for the pillion rider is open then the processing unit may search for the helmet or safety device of the pillion rider. While not receiving RF signals from the pillion rider’s helmet, the vehicle Control unit generates one or more alarm indication. Further the vehicle control system or similar system/ unit performing the function as disclosed herein receives the signals using one or more receivers.

[0058] In one embodiment the vehicle control unit may be configured such that determination of availability of pillion rider on the vehicle is initiated once determination of the driver is performed. In another embodiment the determination for safety devices or helmets for both riders may occur simultaneously. In yet another embodiment the determination for the driver and pillion rider may be made using different modules of the vehicle control unit. In yet another embodiment vehicle control system may be a distributed electronic unit(s) performing the functions as disclosed herein.

[0059] It may be note that the vehicle control system as disclosed herein may be a single unit/
module comprising one or more processors and transceivers etc. configured to perform the functionalities for implementing the safety device. In another aspect the functionalities of vehicle control system may be implemented using a plurality of distributed units performing the functionalities for implementing the safety device or helmet as described and connected to the vehicle. In another aspect the data/ helmet wearing pattern may be stored in a database or transmitted to a server over a network periodically or in real time.

[0060] Referring now to Fig 3, a method for implementing the safety device or helmet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. At the step 302, the circuitry of the safety device is activated whenever the safety device is worn in proper orientation, the other vehicle system components are activated once the ignition is turned on. As shown at the step 304, a signal from the RF transmitter is sent to a receiver coupled to the vehicle and/or the vehicle control unit on successful enabling of both the switches (e.g tilt sensor and the micro switch) wherein the first switch and second switch are enabled on proper wearing of the helmet. In an embodiment the first switch and the second switch are connected such that the RF
transmitter can send signal only upon simultaneous enabling of both the switches. As shown at the step 306, the vehicle control unit generates one or more alarm indications if the receiver does not receive signals or identification codes from the transmitter and the ignition is turned on indicating that the helmet is not worn properly by the rider(s). Lastly, as shown at the step 308, once the helmet is worn correctly and RF signals are received by the receiver, the vehicle control unit may stop generating the one or more alarm indication and ensures that the rider(s) of the vehicle is wearing the safety device properly. Further, the method may be implemented for a pillion rider safety device by using one or more sensors to determine the pillion seat occupation.For example, pillion rider may be determined by one or more sensor at the pillion seating position and/or the pillion foot rest.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the identification codes of the safety device engaged with the main rider’s head is different from the safety device engaged with the pillion rider’s head.The vehicle control unit can identify the alignment and engagement of rider’s or pillion rider’s head on the basis of different identification codes received from both the safety devices. Sometimes, there may be identification code available to the vehicle control unit from the neighboring riders as well, in that case, the vehicle control unit compare the identification codes received from the neighboring vehicle with the rider and pillion rider’s safety devices codes available in its database to differentiate the safety devices of its own vehicle. Every time a new safety device introduced with the vehicle control unit, the details related to the identification code gets updated in its database.

[0062] It may be understood by a person skilled in the art that although the subject matter disclosed herein is illustrated with reference to certain embodiments, this is in no way to limit the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein and the method and system disclosed may be implemented in embodiments other than those disclosed in this application.

We Claim:

1. A safety device for ensuring a rider’s safety, the device comprising:
a first switch being activated in response to a first condition being met;
a second switch being activated in response to a second condition being met; and
a processing unit upon activation of both the first and second switches enables sharing
of identification codes for verification.

2. The safety device as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the first switch is selected from a group comprises of tilt sensor, acceleration
sensor and Gyroscopic sensor for sensing an alignment of the safety device with respect
to a rider’s head; the second switch is a micro switch;
the first condition is met when the alignment is matched; and the second condition is met when the micro switch is engaged with the rider’s head.

3. The safety device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a transmitter is coupled to the processing unit and configured to:
transmit the identification codes shared by the processing unit to a vehicle control
unit.

4. The safety device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the transmitter is radio frequency (RF)
transmitter or Bluetooth (BLE) transmitter.

5. The safety device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a power supply unit for providing power supply;
the first switch connected in series with the power supply unit;
the second switch connected in series with the first switch; and
the processing unit connected to the second switch;
wherein: the activation of both the first and second switches allows the power supply to reach the processing unit thereby activating the processing unit.

6. The safety device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second switches once
activated indicate correct alignment and engagement of the safety device with the rider’s head.

7. The safety device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second switches once
deactivated indicate that the safety device is either misaligned or not engaged with respect to the
rider’s head.

8. The safety device as claimed in claim 1, where the safety device is a helmet.

9. A vehicle control unit operating in conjunction with a safety device, the vehicle control
unit comprising: a receiver for receiving identification codes from the safety device; and
a processing unit connected to the receiver and configured to:
detect a signal from an engine of a vehicle indicating ignition ON condition;
in response to detecting the signal from the engine of the vehicle, trigger an alarm
if the identification codes from the safety device are not received within a predefined
time interval.

10. The vehicle control unit as claimed in claim 9, wherein:
the alarm includes at least one of visual warning, auditory warning or a
combination thereof; and the alarm indicates that the safety device is either misaligned or not engaged with the rider’s head.

11. The vehicle control unit as claimed in claim 9, wherein the processing unit is further
configured to detect a pillion rider by:
detecting a signal from a first sensor located beneath a rear end of a seat of the vehicle;
detecting a signal from a second sensor located beneath a foot rest of the vehicle;
in response to detecting the signals from the first and second sensors, verifying presence of the pillion rider.

12. The vehicle control unit of claim 11, wherein the processing unit is further configured to: detect whether a safety device is correctly engaged and aligned with the pillion rider’s
head or not; and trigger the alarm, if the identification codes from the safety device are not received within a predefined time interval.

13. The vehicle control unit of claim 9, wherein the receiver is a radio frequency (RF)
receiver or Bluetooth (BLE) receiver.

14. A system for detecting presence of a pillion rider, comprising:
a first sensor located beneath a rear end of a seat of a vehicle;
a second sensor located beneath a foot rest of the vehicle; and
a processing unit operatively coupled to the first and second sensors and configured to:
detect a signal from the first sensor; detect a signal from the second sensor; and
in response to detecting the signals from both the first and second sensors, verify
presence of the pillion rider.

15. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first sensor is a micro switch and the
second sensor is a proximity sensor.

16. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the micro switch provides a signal when the pillion rider is engaged with the rear seat of the vehicle and the proximity sensor provides a signal when the foot rest is open.

17. A vehicle safety method comprising:
detecting activation of a first switch of a safety device in response to a first condition
being met; detecting activation of a second switch of the safety device in response to a second condition being met, wherein activation of the first and second switches indicate that the safety device is correctly aligned and engaged with a rider’s head;
in response to detecting activation of both the first and second switches, enabling a
processing unit of the safety device to share identification codes to a transmitter of the safety device;

transmitting, by the transmitter of the safety device, identification codes to a vehicle
control unit; detecting, by a processing unit of vehicle control unit, presence of an ignition ON signal from an engine of a vehicle; and in response to detecting the presence of an ignition ON signal, triggering an alarm, by the processing unit of the vehicle control unit, if the identification codes from the safety device are not received by a receiver of the vehicle control unit within a predefined time interval.

18. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein:
selecting the first switch from a group comprises of tilt sensor, acceleration sensor and
gyroscopic sensor and sensing, by the first switch, an alignment of the safety device with respect to the rider’s head; selecting the second switch as a microswitch;
matching the alignment of safety device with respect to rider’s head to meet the first
condition; engaging the second switch with the rider’s head to meet the second condition.

19. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein:
selecting the alarm from a group comprising of audio alarm, visual alarm or a
combination thereof; and indicating by the alarm that the safety device is either not engaged with the rider’s head or not aligned with the rider’s head.

20. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the alarm indicates failure of activation of the first switch or second switch or both.

21. The method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising:
detecting a pillion rider by the processing unit of the vehicle control unit by:
detecting a signal from a first sensor located beneath a rear end of a seat of the
vehicle; detecting a signal from a second sensor located beneath a foot rest of the vehicle; verifying presence of the pillion rider, in response to detecting the signals from
the first and second sensors.

22. The method as claimed in claim 21, further comprising:
detecting, by the processing unit of the vehicle control unit, whether a safety device is
correctly engaged and aligned with the pillion rider’s head or not; and
if the safety device is not correctly engaged and aligned, triggering the alarm.

23. A vehicle safety system for ensuring rider’s safety comprising:
a safety device comprising:
a first switch;
a second switch coupled to the first switch;
a processing unit coupled to the first and second switches and configured to
enable sharing of the identification codes for verification upon activation of the first and second switch; and a transmitter coupled to the processing unit for transmitting the identification codes shared by the processing unit;
a vehicle control unit operatively coupled to the safety device comprising:
a receiver; a processing unit operatively coupled to the receiver and configured to detect
presence of an ignition ON signal from an engine of a vehicle; and a sensor unit operatively coupled to the processing unit of the vehicle control unit
and comprising: a first sensor located beneath a rear end of a seat of the vehicle; and
a second sensor located beneath a foot rest of the vehicle;
wherein: in response to detecting the presence of an ignition ON signal, the processing unit of the vehicle control unit is configured to trigger an alarm if the identification codes from the transmitter are not received by the receiver within a predefined time interval.

24. The system as claimed in claim 23, wherein:
the first switch is selected from a group comprises of tilt sensor, acceleration sensor, and
Gyroscopic sensor for sensing an alignment of the safety device with respect to the rider’s head; the second switch is a micro switch;
the first condition is met when the alignment is matched; and
the second condition is met when the micro switch is engaged with the rider’s head.

25. The system as claimed in claim 23, wherein:
the alarm includes at least one of visual warning, auditory warning or a combination
thereof; and the alarm indicates that the safety device is either not engaged with the rider’s head or misaligned with the rider’s head.
26. The system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the alarm indicates failure of activation of either the first switch or second switch or both.

27. The system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the processing unit of the vehicle control unit is further configured to detect a pillion rider based on:
detecting a signal from the first sensor;detecting a signal from the second sensor;
in response to detecting the signals from the first and second sensors, verifying presence of the pillion rider.

28. The system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the processing unit of the vehicle control unit is further configured to:
detect whether a safety device is correctly engaged and aligned with the pillion rider’s
head or not; and if the safety device is not correctly engaged and aligned, trigger the alarm.

29. The system as claimed in claim 28, wherein the first sensor is a micro switch and the
second sensor is a proximity sensor.

30. The system as claimed in claim 29, wherein the micro switch provides a signal when the micro switch is engaged with the pillion rider seating on the rear seat of the vehicle and the proximity sensor provides a signal when the foot rest is open.