A HELMET

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention generally relates to a helmet and particularly relates to a method for detecting location and degree of an injury to a head of a user of the helmet and monitoring the injury.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] A helmet is a headgear adapted to be worn by a user to cover one’s head in order to protect it from impact forces. The helmet can be any of various protective head coverings, usually hard on the outside to resist impact and padded on the inside for comfort and dampening of impact. The helmet takes diverse and different forms depending on its use or function. Helmets are widely used by soldiers, police officers, motorcyclists, sports players, factory workers and others who are in risk of impact to their heads in any form. The helmet is a precursor to motorcyclists for their safety and is a mandated requirement under law in most modern legal regimes while riding a motorcycle.

[003] However, a helmet is generally a passive tool for protection of the head. Apart from providing protection to the head in the event of an accident, there is no active situation diagnosis tool in the helmet which could potentially save lives. For e.g., an injury to the head in the accident, such as a fractured skull, cannot be seen from outside when the helmet remains on the head of the user. It may be the case that the skull of the user is held in place under the aegis of the helmet. Thus, if the helmet is removed without proper medical preparation the fracture could dislocate leading to fatal consequences. It is thus desirable to have a system for warning the user and persons in the vicinity including medical help that arrives about severity of the injury to the head of the user.

[004] There can also arise a situation where the user of the helmet is encountering an accident in a secluded or remote location. In this case third party actors may be unavailable to call for medical help and it is likely that the user is oneself incapacitated to call for medical attention. This can lead to devastating consequences for the user due to timely unavailability of medical help. Thus, it is desirable to have a system for triggering appropriate medical help by detecting the accident and evaluating injury to the head of the user.

[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a helmet which addresses at least the aforementioned problems and limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a helmet. The helmet includes a shell adapted to cover at least a portion of a head of a user, such that an interior of the shell faces the head of the user. The helmet further includes a vitality sensor, a plurality of impact sensors and a controller. The vitality sensor generates a first signal indicative of one or more physiological parameters of the user. The plurality of impact sensors is interspersed along the interior of the shell to face the head of the user and are adapted to generate a plurality of second signals indicative of intensity of impact. The controller receives the first signal from the vitality sensor and the plurality of second signals from the plurality of impact sensors. The controller is adapted to determine occurrence of an accident based on one or more of the plurality of second signals, determine a location of collision in the helmet based on one or more of the plurality of second signals, and determine an injury to the head of the user based on the first signal and one or more of the plurality of second signals. [007] In an embodiment, the vitality sensor is mounted in the interior of the shell to face a forehead of the user.

[008] In an embodiment, the plurality of second signals generated by the plurality of impact sensors is indicative of acceleration of the helmet.

[009] In an embodiment, the helmet includes an orientation sensor adapted to generate a third signal indicative of orientation of the helmet. In another embodiment, the helmet includes a battery pack for supplying electrical energy to the vitality sensor, the plurality of impact sensors, the controller and the orientation sensor.

[010] In an embodiment, the controller is adapted to determine whether the helmet has been worn by the user based on one or more of the first signal generated by the vitality sensor, the plurality of second signals generated by the plurality of impact sensors and the third signal generated by the orientation sensor.

[011] In another embodiment, the controller is adapted to determine the location of collision in the helmet by triangulating the plurality of second signals generated by the plurality of impact sensors. In yet another embodiment, the controller determines a degree of injury to the head of the user based on the first signal generated by the vitality sensor, the plurality of second signals generated by the plurality of impact sensors, the third signal generated by the orientation sensor and the location of collision in the helmet.

[012] In a further embodiment, the controller is adapted to determine probable trajectories followed by a body of the user during the accident based on the first signal generated by the vitality sensor, the plurality of second signals generated by the plurality of impact sensors and the third signal generated by the orientation sensor.

[013] In an embodiment, the controller is adapted to communicate with one or both of a personal digital device and a vehicle of the user. [014] In an embodiment, the controller transmits an SOS message comprising the degree of injury to the head of the user, the location of collision in the helmet and a location of the accident to a nearest medical care facility via an internet connection of one or both of the personal digital device and the vehicle of the user, if the degree of injury to the head of the user is greater than a predetermined first threshold value. In another embodiment, the controller transmits in real time the first signal generated by the vitality sensor to the nearest medical care facility via the internet connection of one or both of the personal digital device and the vehicle of the user, if the degree of injury to the head of the user is greater than the predetermined first threshold value.

[015] In yet another embodiment, the controller is adapted to display a warning message to not remove the helmet from the head of the user on one or both of a visor of the helmet and a display on the helmet, if the degree of injury to the head of the user is greater than a predetermined second threshold value.

[016] In a further embodiment, the controller is adapted to communicate occurrence of the accident to predetermined personal digital devices of relatives of the user via the internet connection of one or both of the personal digital device and the vehicle of the user, if the degree of injury to the head of the user is greater than a predetermined third threshold value. [017] In an embodiment, the first threshold value, the second threshold value and the third threshold value of the degree of injury to the head of the user can be pre-set by the user.

[018] In an embodiment, the one or more physiological parameters of the user indicated by the first signal generated by the vitality sensor include heart rate, blood oxygen level and temperature of the user.

[019] In an embodiment, the plurality of impact sensors includes accelerometers. In an embodiment, the orientation sensor includes a gyroscope. [020] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for monitoring an injury to a head of a user of a helmet. The method includes the steps of generating a first signal indicative of one or more physiological parameters of the user by a vitality sensor mounted in an interior of a shell of the helmet facing a forehead of the user, generating a plurality of second signals indicative of intensity of impact, acceleration of the helmet and a location of collision in the helmet by a plurality of impact sensors interspersed along the interior of the shell to face the head of the user. The method also includes the step of receiving, by a controller, the first signal from the vitality sensor and the plurality of second signals from the plurality of impact sensors. The method further includes the steps of determining occurrence of an accident based on one or more of the plurality of second signals, determining an injury to the head of the user and location of the injury based on the first signal and one or more of the plurality of second signals by the controller.

[021] In an embodiment, the method includes the steps of generating a third signal indicative of orientation of the helmet by an orientation sensor and receiving the third signal from the orientation sensor by the controller.

[022] In an embodiment, the method includes the step of determining, by the controller, whether the helmet has been worn by the user based on one or more among the first signal generated by the vitality sensor, the plurality of second signals generated by the plurality of impact sensors and the third signal generated by the orientation sensor.

[023] In an embodiment, the method includes the step of determining, by the controller, the location of collision in the helmet by triangulating the plurality of second signals generated by the plurality of impact sensors.

[024] In an embodiment, the method includes the step of determining, by the controller, a degree of injury to the head of the user based on the first signal generated by the vitality sensor, the plurality of second signals generated by the plurality of impact sensors, the third signal generated by the orientation sensor and the location of collision in the helmet.

[025] In an embodiment, the method includes the step of transmitting, by the controller, an SOS message having the degree of injury to the head of the user, the location of collision in the helmet and a location of the accident to a nearest medical care facility via an internet connection of one or both of a personal digital device and a vehicle of the user, if the degree of injury to the head of the user is greater than a predetermined first threshold value.

[026] In another embodiment, the method includes the step of transmitting in real time, by the controller, the first signal generated by the vitality sensor to the nearest medical care facility via the internet connection of one or both of the personal digital device and the vehicle of the user, if the degree of injury to the head of the user is greater than the predetermined first threshold value.

[027] In yet another embodiment, the method includes the step of displaying a warning message, by the controller, to not remove the helmet from the head of the user on one or both of a visor of the helmet and a display on the helmet, if the degree of injury to the head of the user is greater than a predetermined second threshold value.

[028] In a further embodiment, the method includes the step of communicating, by the controller, occurrence of the accident to predetermined personal digital devices of relatives of the user via the internet connection of one or both of the personal digital device and the vehicle of the user, if the degree of injury to the head of the user is greater than a predetermined third threshold value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[029] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

Figure 1 illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary helmet worn on an exemplary head of a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a side perspective view of the helmet worn on the head of the user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a top perspective view of the helmet worn on the head of the user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of the helmet, a personal digital device and/or a vehicle of the user, a nearest medical care facility and one or more personal digital devices of relatives of the user in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a method for monitoring an exemplary injury to the head of the user of the helmet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a method for monitoring an exemplary injury to the head of the user of the helmet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[030] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the helmet is a helmet used by a motorist or a motorcyclist. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any type of helmet capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention.

[031] The present invention generally relates to a helmet 100 and particularly relates to a method 200 for detecting location and degree of an injury to a head 10 of a user of the helmet 100 and monitoring of the injury.

[032] Figure 1 illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary helmet 100 worn on an exemplary head 10 of a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The helmet 100 consists of a shell 110. The shell 110 is adapted to cover at least a portion of the head 10 of the user and an interior of the shell 110 faces towards the head 10 of the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the shell 110 covers the whole head 10 of the user, at top, front, rear and sides of the head 10 of the user. In an embodiment, the shell 110 is made of polycarbonate material. The shell 1 10 is the outermost layer of the helmet and takes the brunt of impact load when impact occurs. In the illustrated embodiment, the helmet 100 includes a visor 1 12. The visor 112 is rotatably attached to the shell 110 in such a manner that the visor 112 may be opened or closed as per user discretion. The visor 112 is transparent and allows the user to see outside of the helmet 100 while wearing the helmet 100. In another embodiment, the helmet 100 includes an impact absorbing liner (not shown) adjacent to the interior of the shell 110. The impact absorbing liner absorbs and dampens the impact load to keep the head 10 of the user safe in event of an accident. The impact absorbing liner may be made from dense and light material like polystyrene. In an embodiment, the helmet 100 includes a cushion padding (not shown) disposed between the impact absorbing liner and the head 10 of the user. The cushion padding ensures a comfortable and snug fit of the helmet 100 on the head 10 of the user. It also cushions the head 10 in event of impact. In yet another embodiment, the helmet 100 consists of a retention mechanism (not shown) adapted to secure the helmet 100 to the head 10 of the user. The retention mechanism may be a strap that can be tightened around a lower chin of the user’s head 10.

[033] Figure 2 illustrates a side perspective view of the helmet 100 worn on the head 10 of the user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 3 illustrates a top perspective view of the helmet 100 worn on the head 10 of the user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the helmet 100 includes a vitality sensor 120 which is adapted to generate a first signal. In the illustrated embodiment, the vitality sensor 120 is mounted in the interior of the shell 110 to face a forehead 15 of the user. In an embodiment, the vitality sensor 120 is embedded in the impact absorbing liner of the helmet 100 and is exposed from the cushion padding to face the forehead 15 of the user. The first signal generated by the vitality sensor 120 is indicative of one or more physiological parameters of the user. The vitality sensor 120 may employ any technique known in the art to measure the one or more physiological parameters of the user. In an embodiment, the one or more physiological parameters of the user indicated by the first signal generated by the vitality sensor 120 include heart rate, blood oxygen level, temperature of the user, and the like. This allows for determination of health and vitality of the user. The helmet 100 further includes a plurality of impact sensors 130. The plurality of impact sensors 130 are interspersed along the interior of the shell 1 10 to face the head 10 of the user. In an embodiment, the plurality of impact sensors 130 is embedded in the impact absorbing liner of the helmet 100 and is covered by the cushion padding of the helmet 100. In another embodiment, the plurality of impact sensors 130 is pasted securely within the impact absorbing liner of the helmet 100 so as to not get dislodged during the accident. In an embodiment, an impact sensor 130 is provided to align with each of the top, front, rear and sides of the head 10 of the user. Each of the plurality of impact sensors 130 is adapted to generate a plurality of second signals. Each of the plurality of second signals generated by the plurality of impact sensors 130 is indicative of intensity of impact. In another embodiment, each of the plurality of second signals generated by the plurality of impact sensors 130 indicates a location of the impact on the helmet 100. In another embodiment, each of the plurality of second signals generated by the plurality of impact sensors 130 is indicative of acceleration of the helmet 100. In an embodiment, the plurality of impact sensors 130 constitutes MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical systems) like accelerometers. In an embodiment, the helmet 100 includes an orientation sensor 150 (shown in Figure 4) which is adapted to generate a third signal. In an embodiment, the orientation sensor 150 is embedded in the impact absorbing liner of the helmet 100 and is covered by the cushion padding of the helmet 100. The orientation sensor 150 may be disposed anywhere in the helmet 100, but it is ideal to dispose the orientation sensor 150 at a top portion of the helmet 100. The third signal is indicative of orientation of the helmet 100. In an embodiment, the orientation sensor 150 is a gyroscope. In a further embodiment, in the absence of the orientation sensor 150, the plurality of impact sensors 130 operating in conjunction are able to determine the orientation of the helmet 100.

[034] The helmet 100 further includes a controller 140. The controller 140 may be any microcontroller known in the art that can govern specific operations described hereinbelow. Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of the helmet 100, a personal digital device and/or a vehicle 20 of the user, a nearest medical care facility 80 and one or more personal digital devices 50 of relatives of the user in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to Figure 4, the controller 140 is adapted to receive the first signal from the vitality sensor 120, receive the plurality of second signals from the plurality of impact sensors 130 and receive the third signal generated by the orientation sensor 150. The controller is further adapted to determine occurrence of an accident based on one or more of the plurality of second signals, determine a location of collision in the helmet 100 based on one or more of the plurality of second signals, and determine an injury to the head 10 of the user based on the first signal and one or more of the plurality of second signals. In an embodiment, the controller 140 is adapted to determine whether the helmet 100 has been worn by the user by means of the vitality sensor 120. In another embodiment, the controller 140 is adapted to determine a degree of injury to the head 10 of the user. In yet another embodiment, the controller 140 is adapted to determine probable trajectories followed by a body of the user during the accident. In a further embodiment, the controller 140 is adapted to communicate with either a personal digital device 20 or a vehicle of the user or both. In another embodiment, the controller 140 is adapted to transmit an SOS message and the first signal generated by the vitality sensor 120 to a nearest medical care facility 80 depending on value of the degree of injury to the head 10 of the user. The SOS message transmitted by the controller 140 may include the degree of injury to the head 10 of the user, the location of collision in the helmet 100 and a location of the accident. In yet another embodiment, the controller 140 is adapted to display a warning message to not remove the helmet 100 from the head 10 of the user and/or communicate occurrence of the accident to predetermined personal digital devices 50 of relatives of the user depending on value of the degree of injury to the head 10 of the user. In a further embodiment, the controller 140 is adapted to triangulate the plurality of second signals generated by the plurality of impact sensors 130 in order to determine the location of collision in the helmet 100. [035] Referring to Figure 2, in an embodiment, the helmet 100 includes a battery pack 160 for supplying electrical energy to the vitality sensor 120, the plurality of impact sensors 130, the controller 140 and the orientation sensor 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery pack 160 is disposed at a rear lower portion of the helmet. Also, the battery pack 160 is embedded in the impact absorbing liner of the helmet 100 and is covered by the cushion padding of the helmet 100. Further, the controller 140 is disposed in the vicinity of the battery pack 160 since the controller 140 consumes the most power among all the functional electronic units. In an embodiment, the battery pack 160 is electrically connected to the vitality sensor 120, the plurality of impact sensors 130, the controller 140 and the orientation sensor 150 with a series of electric wires lined along the shell 110 of the helmet 100. In another embodiment the battery pack 160 is a rechargeable unit. In a further embodiment, there are additional signal wires which transmit information between the controller 140 and the vitality sensor 120, the plurality of impact sensors 130 and the orientation sensor 150.

[036] In an aspect, the present invention relates to a method 200 for monitoring an injury to the head 10 of the user of the helmet 100. Figure 5 illustrates the method 200 for monitoring an exemplary injury to the head 10 of the user of the helmet 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. At step 204, the vitality sensor 120 mounted in the interior of the shell 1 10 facing a forehead 10 of the user generates the first signal indicative of the one or more physiological parameters of the user and also indicative of the helmet 100 being worn by the user. At step 206, the plurality of impact sensors 130 interspersed along the interior of the shell 1 10 generates a plurality of second signals indicative of intensity of impact, acceleration of the helmet 100 and the location of collision in the helmet 100. At step 208, the controller 140 receives the first signal from the vitality sensor 120 and the plurality of second signals from the plurality of impact sensors 130. At step 210, the controller 140 determines occurrence of the accident based on one or more of the plurality of second signals. At step 212, the controller 140 determines an injury to the head 10 of the user and location of the injury based on the first signal and one or more of the plurality of second signals. The location of injury to the head of the user is determined by identifying the location of collision in the helmet 100.

[037] Figure 6 illustrates the method 200 for monitoring the injury to the head 10 of the user of the helmet 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, at a step 214, the orientation sensor 150 generates the third signal indicative of orientation of the helmet 100. At step 216, the controller 140 receives the third signal from the orientation sensor 150. In an embodiment, at a step 218, the controller 140 determines whether the helmet 100 has been worn by the user based on one or more of the first signal generated by the vitality sensor 120, the plurality of second signals generated by the plurality of impact sensors 130 and the third signal generated by the orientation sensor 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the vitality sensor 120 and the orientation sensor 150 remain inactive and does not transmit signals to the controller 140 when the helmet is stored or placed idle, i.e. , when the helmet is not in use. One or more of the plurality of impact sensors 130 periodically sends signal to the controller 140 for identification of movement. Only if the controller 140 detects movement the vitality sensor 120 and the orientation sensor 150 are activated and start transmitting signals to the controller. This saves battery when the helmet 100 is not in use. In another embodiment, the step 210 of the controller 140 determining occurrence of the accident based on one or more of the plurality of second signals is executed only if the helmet 100 is worn by the user.

[038] In an embodiment, at a step 220, the controller 140 determines the location of collision in the helmet 100 by triangulating the plurality of second signals generated by the plurality of impact sensors 130. Impact on the helmet 100 produces a mechanical wave in material of the shell 110 which may be called an impact wave. This wave travels around the helmet at a wave speed corresponding to the material used to manufacture the shell 1 10. The plurality of impact sensors 130 can detect this impact wave as it travels around the shell 110. In an embodiment, where the plurality of impact sensors 130 constitutes accelerometers, the accelerometers produce an output voltage based on the acceleration at given points, i.e., the plurality of impact sensors 130 can detect pressure and convert it into a corresponding voltage. When the helmet 100 experiences an impact, the shell 110 can experience waves in any direction in a three-dimensional space along one or more of an X, Y and Z axes. The plurality of impact sensors 130 are adapted to measure impact waves in the shell 110 in all three of the X, Y and Z axes. There will be some time delay, ideally in fractions of milliseconds, for the wave developed in the shell 110 under impact of the helmet 100 to travel from one region of the shell 110 to a next region. Since the plurality of impact sensors 130 are interspersed along the shell 110, this time delay between the plurality of impact sensors 130 transmitting their respective plurality of second signals to the controller 140 is utilized to pinpoint the exact location of impact in the helmet 100. Further, an amplitude of such impact wave detected by the plurality of impact sensors 130 will be higher for the plurality of impact sensors 130 which are disposed in the proximity of a location of impact in the helmet 100. The amplitude of the impact wave detected by the plurality of impact sensors 130 will be lower for the plurality of impact sensors 130 which are disposed farther away from the location of impact in the helmet 100. The plurality of second signals generated by the plurality of impact sensors 130 is communicated to the controller 140 in real time. Based on these signal inputs and the delay between each individual second signal, the controller 140 can pinpoint the location of collision in the helmet 100 with precision. The method of triangulation is much more cost effective and simple. In the absence of triangulation method, an array of sensors will have to be used in the helmet 100. Thus, triangulation permits the use of a minimum number of the plurality of impact sensors 130.

[039] In an embodiment, at a step 222, the controller 140 determines a degree of injury to the head 10 of the user based on the first signal generated by the vitality sensor 120, the plurality of second signals generated by the plurality of impact sensors 130, the third signal generated by the orientation sensor and the location of collision in the helmet 100. In another embodiment, the degree of injury to the head 10 of the user may be determined based on one among the first signal, the plurality of second signals, the third signal and the location of collision in the helmet 100 or any combination of these parameters. In an embodiment, severity of impact is determined on the basis of the amplitude of each individual second signal. The degree of injury to the head 10 of the user is very much dependent on the severity of impact.

[040] In an embodiment, at a step 224, the controller 140 transmits an SOS message to the nearest medical care facility 80 if the degree of injury to the head 10 of the user is greater than a predetermined first threshold value. The SOS messages includes the degree of injury to the head 10 of the user, the location of collision in the helmet 100 and a location of the accident. The location of collision in the helmet 100 is analogous to the location of impact on the head 10 of the user. In an embodiment, the SOS message includes the location of impact on the head 10 of the user instead of the location of collision in the helmet 100. The SOS message is transmitted to the nearest medical care facility 80 via an internet connection of the personal digital device 20 or the internet connection of the vehicle of the user. In another embodiment, at a step 226, the controller 140 transmits the first signal generated by the vitality sensor 120 to the nearest medical care facility 80 in real time if the degree of injury to the head 10 of the user is greater than the predetermined first threshold value. The first signal generated by the vitality sensor 120 is transmitted via the internet connection of the personal digital device 20 or the internet connection of the vehicle of the user. The nearest medical care facility 80 may be an ambulance, a primary health centre, a hospital, para medical team, etc. which is closest to the location of the accident and where immediate medical aid is available. In an embodiment, the controller 140 determines which internet connection to use for transmitting the SOS message and the first signal generated by the vitality sensor 120 to the nearest medical care facility 80 depending on the speed of data transmission of the available internet connections. In another embodiment, the helmet 100 itself is provided with a dedicated communication module to directly connect to internet and transmit this data as required. In this case external internet connection from the personal digital device 20 or the vehicle of the user is not required. Further, the SOS message alerts the hospital to dispatch a medical team or an ambulance to the location of the accident. While the ambulance is carrying the injured user to the hospital, the hospital can monitor the vitals of the user continuously from the first signal of the vitality sensor 120, get updates on the type and degree of injury and prepare facilities for immediate attention to the injured user. This way less time is lost in diagnosing a head injury and treatment can be initiated at the earliest. Thus, medics can be prepared for the right treatment, which will reduce critical time for reaction to the accident and can save life in urgent cases.

[041] In yet another embodiment, at a step 228, the controller 140 displays a warning message to not remove the helmet 100 from the head 10 of the user if the degree of injury to the head 10 of the user is greater than a predetermined second threshold value. The warning message is displayed on the visor 112 of the helmet 100 and/or a display 115 on the helmet 100. In an embodiment, this warning message may be accompanied by a warning Y1 sound indicating that the helmet 100 is not to be removed. The warning message is meant for persons other than the user and it is desirable to have the warning message displayed on at least a front and a rear of the helmet so that it is visible to persons approaching the user post an accident without moving the body of the person. The warning message to not remove the helmet 100 is advantageous in instances where there is a fracture in a skull of the user’s head 10. A fracture in the skull is a risky injury and removal of helmet may lead to dislocation of the skull at the fractured joints leading to permanent brain injury or imminent death. The warning message informs persons attending to the injured person to keep the helmet on till professional medical help arrives and aids in saving life in cases of grave injuries.

[042] In a further embodiment, at a step 230, the controller 140 communicates to predetermined personal digital devices 50 of relatives of the user if the degree of injury to the head 10 of the user is greater than a predetermined third threshold value. The occurrence of the accident is communicated to predetermined personal digital devices 50 of relatives of the user via the internet connection of the personal digital device 20 or the internet connection of the vehicle of the user. In an embodiment, the controller 140 determines which internet connection to use for communicating occurrence of the accident to predetermined personal digital devices 50 of relatives of the user depending on the speed of data transmission of the available internet connections. In another embodiment, the helmet 100 itself is provided with a dedicated communication module to directly connect to internet and transmit this information as required. In this case external internet connection from the personal digital device 20 or the vehicle of the user is not required.

[043] In an embodiment, the first threshold value, the second threshold value and the third threshold value of the degree of injury to the head 10 of the user can be pre-set by the user. The first threshold value, the second threshold value and the third threshold value are indicative of the acuteness of the injury to the head 10 of the user. The first, second and third threshold values can be selected from a predetermined set of values by the user. In another embodiment, the user can select whether the controller 140 would transmit 224 an SOS message to the nearest medical care facility 80, display 228 a warning message to not remove the helmet 100, or communicate 230 occurrence of the accident to predetermined personal digital devices 50 of relatives of the user in isolation or in any combination, at the first, second and third threshold values as the case may be.

[044] In an embodiment, at an exemplary step (not shown), the controller 140 determines probable trajectories followed by a body of the user during the accident based on the first signal generated by the vitality sensor 120, the plurality of second signals generated by the plurality of impact sensors 130 and the third signal generated by the orientation sensor 150. The said signals are monitored in real time to generate the most probable trajectory followed by the body of the user during the accident. This information when communicated to medical team treating the user post injury allows them to quickly identify what body parts of the user may have been injured during the accident. This is favourable to improve speed of diagnosing injuries and providing timely treatment. The data collected in this manner may also be used during testing of vehicles to arrive at a fall pattern, for e.g., like during a crash test.

[045] Advantageously, the present claimed invention provides a helmet and a method for detecting location and degree of an injury to a head of a user of the helmet and monitoring the injury. The claimed configurations of the helmet as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed configurations of the helmet enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. The present invention provides an active monitoring system which could warn the user, the nearest medical facility and medical team attending to the injury of the user severity of the injury. The active monitoring system also provides additional information such as the exact location of the injury on the head of the user, location of accident, etc. The helmet sends the physiological parameters of the user to the medical care facility in real time and communicates occurrence and location of the accident to relatives of the user, thereby ensuring immediate medical attention and aid. The helmet also warns persons who arrive to help the accident stricken user to not remove the helmet depending on the degree of injury. Thus, the present claimed invention provides for a helmet capable of detection of injury to the head of a user post impact under accident, collection, and transmittal of data for medical diagnosis, and automatic triggering for medical help for prompt adequate medical response. [046] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.