WO1997028710A1

WO1997028710A1 - Electronic safety system for motorcyclists with devices interacting between vehicle and crash helmet

Info

Publication number: WO1997028710A1
Application number: PCT/IT1997/000020
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marco Panunzio
Original assignee: Marco Panunzio
Priority date: 1996-02-07
Filing date: 1997-01-28
Publication date: 1997-08-14
Also published as: AU1617497A

Abstract

Electronic safety system for motorcyclists comprising interacting electronic devices (20, 50), a transmitter (20) of infrared rays with an emitter (28) placed on the front of the crash helmet (10) and a receiver (50) placed in the vehicle (40) with a sensor (55) placed on the dashboard (41), which receiver releases an electronic safety device in the engine permitting it to be started up and the vehicle to move only on receipt by the transmitter of an enabling signal, this being transmitted only if the helmet is oriented as it would be when worn on the head of the motorcyclist thus preventing the vehicle from being driven without the helmet and also preventing it being stolen.

Description

ELECTRONIC SAFETY SYSTEM FOR MOTORCYCLISTS WITH DEVICES INTERACTING BETWEEN VEHICLE AND CRASH HELMET The invention concerns systems and means for safety of motorcyclists on the road and protection against theft of motorcycles generally.

The two main problems in the use of motorcycles are protection of the user's head in the event of an accident, and theft of the vehicle. For head protection the law now requires motorcyclists to wear a crash helmet, namely headgear of metal or leather or of some other material able to protect the head against blows received during road accidents. Having to protect the head against hard impacts, such helmets must be very strong and this inevitably makes them heavy and bulky. Many women instinctly avoid wearing a crash helmet because it adverse¬ ly affects their hair-do and this unwillingness must not be underestimated. In view of the above objections, fear of fines is not always sufficient to persuade motorcyclists to wear a helmet.

The second problem is one of great importance considering the number of thefts of motor vehicles that occur, especially of motorcycles, their weight and size making them easy to carry away. The main object of the above invention is to make wearing a crash helmet unavoidable, when riding a motorcycle by overcoming the instinctive objection of some motorcyclists, offering at the same time a highly efficient anti-theft system that makes it almost impossible to steal the motorcycle.

Subject of the invention is an electronic safety system for motorcyclists that comprises interacting electronic devices placed in the helmet and on the vehicle.

The device in the helmet is a transmitter that transmits an enabling signal to a receiving device in the vehicle.

The receiving device closes the circuit of a safety device inserted in the electric circuit of the engine which can thereby only be started after receiving said enabling signal.

Said signal is only transmitted when the motorcyclists has put the helmet on his head.

The purpose of all this is both to prevent the rider from driving without wearing the helmet, and therefore in a situation of risk and illegality, and at the same time prevent theft of the vehicle, the thief being unlikely to have the helmet as well since a motorcyclist obviously keeps it with him. The transmitter device fitted into the helmet comprises an electro¬ magnetic-wave transmitting circuit, a 50Hz modulator for increasing the power peak dissipatable by an emitter diode, and therefore the capacity of the transmitter, a signal coder and a feed battery.

The receiver device placed in the vehicle comprises an electromagnetic- wave receiving circuit, a signal decoder, an adjustable timer, a control logic connected to a siren, with a buzzer and with a safety circuit for the engine, and a battery. The receiver device closes the safety circuit of the engine thus allowing it to be turned on, only when it has recognised the code received cor¬ responding to the code which has been set into said receiving circuit. If, after a previously determined period of movement, the enabling signal is not transmitted from the helmet, the control logic for said receiver device operates the buzzer to inform the motorcyclist that the engine is about to be turned off, after a certain interval of time if transmission of the enabling signal has not been resumed. The transmitter device in the helmet comprises a series-connected dipper interrupter so placed that said interruptor is only closed when the helmet assumes the position corresponding to its being worn on the head of the driver, the purpose of this being to avoid needless consumption of the battery when the helmet is not in use and is lying on one side or overturned.

The electromagnetic waves are preferably infrared so that the enabling signal is given, on starting up the vehicle, only when helmet and vehicle are duly aligned This alignment is facilitated by the position of the infrared-ray transmitting circuit on the front of the crash helmet and by the position of the infrared- ray detecting receiver circuit substantially in the middle of the dashboard. The enabling signal ceases, thus automatically stopping the engine even after it has been started, at the end of a certain period following an acoustic warning if the driver's head is not in the right position in relation to the dashboard, this being done to prevent the dπver becoming danger¬ ously distracted from the job of driving.

In another execution the electromagnetic waves are radio-frequency waves but even so the characteristics of the other devices remain sub- stantially unaltered.

In another execution the electromagnetic waves are electric signals transmitted by electric wiring connecting the helmet to the vehicle. In this case too the main characteristics of the other devices remain substantially unaltered. For greater safety correct connection between the transmitter in the helmet and the receiver device in the vehicle is shown by a flashing green LED on the dashboard.

If putting on the helmet does not properly connect transmitter and receiver, turning the ignition key will not start the engine as its normal safety circuit has not been closed and, after a certain number of, attempts the siren will sound.

The receiver device comprises a key-operated contact and, in emergencies such as the system completely breaking down or the battery becoming exhausted, this is useful as closing the contact produces the same effect as receiving a pulse permitting the motorcycle to move for a certain time.

The key cannot however be left in to maintain this contact as it must be closed and re-opened at intervals longer than a certain period of time.

The LED warning light and the infrared-ray detector in the receiver can be fitted into a single hole in the motorcycle's dashboard.

In particular, the detector can be mounted behind the LED to receive the signal through the LED's transparent cover. A single device can be used for both siren and buzzer, the former operating at full power and the latter at reduced power.

The invention offers evident advantages.

The system described comprises circuits applicable not only to helmets and motorcycles of future design but also to those at present on sale. It is absolutely impossible to start the engine without first putting on the helmet and this is most important to ensure greater safety for the driver.

It is impossible to steal the vehicle without first having the helmet and generally speaking motorcyclists keep their helmets with them.

A particular advantage of the infrared-ray circuit is that, being directional, it determines the necessary connection for starting the vehicle only when the transmitter and the receiver are visible one to another; in other words the driver cannot hold the helmet under his arm and even less stow it away under the saddle.

Another advantage it that the driver's attention cannot be distracted from the road as if his head is in the wrong position the sound circuit produces an annoying kind of whistle.

It is also impossible to tamper with the circuit, inside the helmet, that activates the coded transmitter.

If the transmission circuit could be activated without the driver wearing the helmet, he would still have to hold it close to the vehicle's handlebars.

This would be so awkward that he would be obliged to put it on his head. Characteristics and purposes of the invention will be made still clearer by the following examples of its execution illustrated by diagrammatically drawn figures.

Fig. 1 Motorcycle and crash helmet with infrared-ray safety system, when out of use, perspective.

Fig. 2 As above, in movement, perspective. Fig. 3 Diagram of parts of the infrared-ray transmitter. Fig. 4 Diagram of parts of the infrared-ray receiver. Fig. 5 Flow diagram of the infrared-ray receiver. Fig. 6 Motorcycle and helmet with wired connection, when moving.

Fig. 7 Motorcycle and helmet with reflecting device on the helmet, when moving. The motorcycle 40 with dashboard 41 , bonnet 42, ignition key 43 and driver's crash helmet 10, exhibit a safety system for drivers comprising a transmitter device 20 placed inside the helmet and a receiver device 50 placed on the vehicle.

The transmitter device 20 inside the helmet comprises a printed circuit 21 which in turn comprises an infrared-ray transmitter circuit 22, a 50 Hz modulator 23 to increase peak power dissipatable by the transmitter diode and therefore increase capacity, a timer circuit 24 that enables transmission of signals for about 0.1 of a second per second in order to save current and therefore prolong battery life, a decoding circuit 25 to personalise the signal transmitted, and comprises a dipper interrupter 26 so oriented as to determine closure and then ignition of the transmitter device 20 when the helmet is in a substantially vertical position corres¬ ponding to that when worn on the driver's head, a 12V battery, a LED 28 for infrared rays and a LED 29 visible from the outside, series connected to the transmitter device to confirm it has been turned on. The receiver device 50 comprises a printed circuit 51 inside a box 51 ^* placed in the bonnet 42 with a decoding circuit 52 for the infrared-ray signal, a timer 53, a control logic 54, and comprises, on the dashboard 41 , an infrared-ray detector circuit 55, a green LED 56 to verify that the system is working properly, a red alarm LED 57, a pre-alarm buzzer 58, a siren 59, and comprises a battery 60 and a key switch 61 for use in emergency situations if the transmitter irreparably breaks down or if the battery is exhausted.

Closure of the contact using the key 61 has the same effect as reception of a pulse that permits forward movement for three minutes.

Said key cannot be left in its operative position as this contact must be closed and re-opened at intervals longer than 30".

The printed circuit 51 and battery 60 are placed in the bonnet 42.

The control logic 54 is connected to an engine locking device 62 similar to the well-known anti-theft devices that act on the engine's ignition circuit and permit the engine to be started up if the helmet is not being worn.

Operation

The receiver and automatisms connected to the motorcycle's ignition systems are switched on when the ordinary ignition key 43 is inserted. As soon as the driver puts on the helmet 10, the dipper interrupter 26 is switched on and also the transmitter device 20.

The receiver installed on the vehicle then receives the demodulated and coded signal from the transmitter.

If the code set on the receiver is the same as that on the transmitter, a pulse is generated and is used for resetting the timer 53 and control logic

54.

The green LED 56 on the dashboard 41 simultaneously flashes for an instant to confirm by its lighting up that the transmitter is correctly oriented in relation to the receiver. The engine can then be turned on using the ignition key 43.

If after a previously established period of travelling time, for example 90", the signal from the helmet that transmits a series of pulses every second, is no longer received, the pre-alarm buzzer 58 sounds to inform the driver that the engine is about to be turned off. If after a further period, for example another 90", no signal from the transmitter on the helmet has been received, the engine switches off and the siren 59 sounds. Figure 6 illustrates a variant of the system connecting the transmitter device on the helmet to the receiver device on the vehicle. The vehicle 80 with dashboard 81 and bonnet 82 exhibits an electric socket 84 while another socket 70 is placed on the helmet 60 for con- necting helmet to vehicle by the cable 71.

The transmitter device 65 placed inside the helmet is substantially the same as that described except that instead of an infrared-ray transmitter circuit, there is a transmitter that emits electric signals through a cable. The dipper interrupter 26 and LED 29 on the outside of the helmet are still present to confirm electric connection with the vehicle.

The receiver device 85 is mainly the same as that desribed only that there is no infrared-ray sensor but a device for receiving electric signals from the receiver. The green LED 56 and red LED 57, buzzer 58 and siren 59 are also visible on the dashboard of the vehicle.

Compared with the preceding type, after putting on the helmet the motorcyclist simply plugs it into the connecting cable to the dashboard. Fig. 7 shows a second variant where the transmitter device is on the dashboard too, while there is an electronic or mechanical reflector on the helmet to re-transmit the signal to the receiver device on the dashboard. As seen in Fig. 7, the dashboard 91 of the vehicle 90 carries an infrared- ray transmitter circuit 92 associated to the infrared-ray detector 55 on the dashboard 91 of the vehicle 90. A reflector 101 on the front of the helmet 100 receives infrared rays from the transmitter 92 on the dashboard re-transmitting them to detector 55 on the dashboard connected to the receiver device 95 on the bonnet 93.. Other characteristics of receiver 95 and transmitter 92 are substantially similar to those described making a detailed description unnecessary. Alternatively to the above helmet and vehicle can be connected by electromagnetic waves, as for example by radio-frequency waves.

Claims

1 . Electronic safety system for motorcyclists (20-50, 65-85, 95-101 ), characterized in that it comprises interacting electronic devices placed respectively in the crash helmet (10, 60, 100) and in the vehicle (40, 80, 90), the device placed in the crash helmet being a transmitter device (20, 65, 101) of electromagnetic waves that transmits an enabling signal to a receiver device (50, 85, 95) of electromagnetic waves, placed in the vehicle, that closes the circuit of a safety device (62) inserted in the electric circuits of the engine, that permits it to be turned on in the normal way only after receiving said enabling signal, said signal being received only when the crash helmet assumes the orientation corresponding to that when worn on the motorcyclist's head, the purpose of all this being both to prevent the motorcycle being driven unless the driver is wearing the helmet, so that the vehicle may only be driven in conditions of safety and legality, and also to prevent these vehicles being illegally appropriated by others unless together with the helmets, which helmets motorcyclists would obviously carry away with them.

2. Electronic safety system for motorcyclists as in claim 1 , characterized in that the transmitter device (20, 65, 101) placed in the crash helmet (10, 60, 100) comprises a series-connected dipper interrupter (26) so placed that it closes only if the helmet assumes the orientation corresponding to that when worn on the motor-cyclist's head, the purpose of this being to avoid consumption of battery power when the helmet is not in use.

3. Electronic safety system for motorcyclists as in claim 1 , characterized in that the electromagnetic waves are radio-frequency waves.

4. Electronic safety system for motorcyclists as in claim 1 , characterized in that the electromagnetic waves are electric signals transmitted by means of an electric cable (71) connecting the helmet (60) to the vehicle (80).

5. Electronic safety system for motorcyclists as in claim 1 , characterized in that the electromagnetic waves are infrared rays.

6. Electronic safety system for motorcylists as in claims 1 and 5, characterized in that the transmitter device (20) placed in the helmet (10) comprises an emitting diode (28), a circuit (22) generating infrared rays, a 50 Hz modulator (23) to increase peak power and therefore capacity of emission, a signal coder circuit (25) and a feed battery (27).

7. Electronic safety system for motorcyclists as in claims 1 and 5, characterized in that the transmitter device placed in the helmet (100) is a device (101) for reflecting infrared rays while in the upper part (91) of the handlebars of the vehicle (90) there is a circuit (92) transmitting infrared rays generated by a transmitter device (95) placed in the vehicle.

8. Electronic safety system for motorcyclists as in claim 7, characterized in that the reflecting device (101) is electronic.

9. Electronic safety system for motorcyclists as in claims 1 and 6, characterized in that the receiver device of infrared rays (50) placed in the vehicle (40), (90) comprises a circuit (55) for detecting infrared rays placed in the dashboard (41 , 91) on the handlebars, a signal-decoding circuit (52), an adjustable timer (53), a control logic (54) connected to a siren (59) with a buzzer (58), and with a safety circuit (62) in the engine, and a battery (45), the receiver device closing the safety circuit (62) of the engine so that it can only be turned on when it has received the enabling signal and has recognised that the code received corresponds to the code set in said receiver device, said enablaing signal only being received when, position of the motorocyclist's head being correct in relation to the handlebars, correct connection is made between the transmitter device (20, 101) and the receiver device (50, 95), namely when alignment is made between the transmitting means (28, 101 ) placed on the front of the helmet (10, 100) and the circuit (55) for detecting infrared rays, placed substantially in the centre of the dashboard (41), the enabling signal being cut off and the engine therefore being turned off at the end of a certain period following an acoustic warning signal, if the motorcyclist's head in relation to the dashboard (41 , 91) is not being maintained in the correct position, the purpose of this being to prevent the driver's attention being dangerously distracted while the vehicle is moving.

10. Electronic system of safety for motorcyclists, as in claim 9, characterized in that if, after a previously established period of vehicle movement the enabling signal is no longer transmitted from the helmet (10, 100), the control logic (54) in the receiver device (50) operates the buzzer (58) to warn the motorcyclist that the engine will shortly be turned off and sounds the siren (59) after a certain interval of time if, meanwhile, transmission of the enabling signal has not been resumed.

1 1. Electronic system of safety for motorcyclists, as in claim 9, characterized in that correct connection between the transmitter device (20, 101) placed in the helmet (10, 100) and the receiver device (50) placed in the vehicle (40, 90), is indicated by flashing of a green LED (56) placed on the dashboard (41).

12. Electronic system of safety for motorcyclists, as in claim 9, characterized in that unless the transmitter device (20, 101) and the receiver device (50) are correctly connected, due to the helmet (10, 100) being worn, on turning the usual ignition key (43) for starting the engine, this will not start up as the safety circuit (62), normally present in the engine, has not closed, and after a certain length of time the siren (59) will sound.

13. Electronic system of safety for motorcyclists as in claim 9, characterized in that the receiver device (50) is connected to a key contact (61) useful, in cases of emergency such as total breakdown of the system or the battery (45) being completely exhausted, since, on closing contact, an effect is obtained the same as that produced by receiving a pulse that enables the vehicle to move for a certain length of time, it being impossible to leave the key (61) inserted to maintain contact as said contact must be closed and re-opened at intervals longer than a certain period.