Method, device and system for detecting internal defects in protective helmets

Abstract

Methods, apparatuses, and systems for detecting internal defects of a protective helmet are provided. An example device can include a protective helmet, an actuator element integrated within the protective helmet, a sensor element integrated within the protective helmet, and a processor element electronically coupled to the actuator element and the sensor element. In some examples, the processor element is configured to cause the actuator element to generate a first ultrasonic wave, where the first ultrasonic wave propagates in the protective helmet, and receive a first output from the sensor element in response to the first ultrasonic wave.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to methods, apparatus, and systems associated with protective headgear, and more particularly to methods, apparatus, and systems for providing a protective headgear including integrated actuator(s) and sensor(s) for detecting internal defects in the protective headgear. Background Technology

[0002] In workplace environments (such as, but not limited to, construction sites, demolition sites, and warehouse sites), workers may be exposed to the risk of head injury, for example, from accidentally falling objects that could hit a worker's head, from a worker accidentally hitting their head on fixed equipment (such as an exposed beam), and from electric shock due to accidental head contact. In many cases, protecting workers from the risk of head injury may be an important element of workplace safety programs.

[0003] A protective helmet is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) that reduces the risk of head injury when worn. Examples of protective helmet types include, but are not limited to, hard hats, bump hats, and hard helmets. For example, hard helmets protect workers from impacts and penetrating head injuries, and also reduce the risk of electric shock. Furthermore, wearing a hard helmet makes workers more visible to others in the workplace environment.

[0004] However, existing systems and methods have not overcome many of the technical challenges and difficulties associated with protective helmets. For example, existing systems and methods fail to provide an effective and efficient way to detect one or more internal defects in a protective helmet. Exemplary internal defects may include, but are not limited to, perforations, deformations, cracks, tears, aging, and injection defects within or on the protective helmet. In some examples, one or more internal defects may not be visible when the protective helmet is inspected with the naked eye. Workers may unknowingly wear protective helmets provided by existing systems and methods that include one or more internal defects, which could pose a safety risk to workers. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The various embodiments described herein relate to methods, apparatus, and systems for providing protective helmets. In particular, the various embodiments relate to detecting one or more internal defects in a protective helmet based on, for example, one or more actuator elements and one or more sensor elements integrated within the protective helmet.

[0006] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an example apparatus is provided. The example apparatus may include a protective helmet, an actuator element integrated within the protective helmet, a sensor element integrated within the protective helmet, and a processor element electronically coupled to the actuator element and the sensor element. In some examples, the processor element may be configured to cause the actuator element to generate a first ultrasonic wave and, in response to the first ultrasonic wave, to receive a first output from the sensor element. In some examples, the first ultrasonic wave may propagate within the protective helmet.

[0007] In some examples, the processor element can be further configured to: cause the actuator element to generate a second ultrasonic wave; receive a second output from the sensor element in response to the second ultrasonic wave; and determine whether the protective helmet includes internal defects based on the first and second outputs. In some examples, the second ultrasonic wave propagates within the protective helmet.

[0008] In some examples, when determining whether a protective helmet includes internal defects, the processor element can be further configured to: calculate the output difference between the second output and the first output, and determine whether the output difference meets a predetermined threshold.

[0009] In some examples, the example device may further include a speaker element disposed on the outer surface of the protective helmet and electrically coupled to a processor element. In some examples, the processor element may be further configured to: determine that the output difference does not meet a predetermined threshold, and in response to determining that the output difference does not meet the predetermined threshold, cause the speaker element to output an audio alert.

[0010] In some examples, the example device may further include a light-emitting diode (LED) element disposed on the outer surface of the protective helmet and electronically coupled to a processor element. In some examples, the processor element may be further configured to: determine that the output difference does not meet a predetermined threshold, and in response to determining that the output difference does not meet the predetermined threshold, cause the LED element to generate a visual alarm.

[0011] In some examples, the example device may further include a vibrator element integrated within a protective helmet and electronically coupled to a processor element. In some examples, the processor element may be further configured to: determine that the output difference does not meet a predetermined threshold, and in response to determining that the output difference does not meet the predetermined threshold, cause the vibrator element to generate vibration.

[0012] In some examples, the processor element can be further configured to transmit the first output and the second output to the computing device, and to display the first output and the second output on the display of the computing device.

[0013] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, an example method for detecting internal defects in a protective helmet is provided. The example method may include causing an actuator element to generate a first ultrasonic wave, and receiving a first output from a sensor element in response to the first ultrasonic wave. In some examples, the actuator element is integrated within the protective helmet. In some examples, the sensor element is integrated within the protective helmet. In some examples, the first ultrasonic wave propagates within the protective helmet.

[0014] In some examples, the example method may further include: causing an actuator element to generate a second ultrasonic wave; receiving a second output from a sensor element in response to the second ultrasonic wave; and determining whether the protective helmet includes internal defects based on the first and second outputs. In some examples, the second ultrasonic wave propagates within the protective helmet.

[0015] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, example computer program products are provided. The example computer program products include: at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer-readable program code portion stored therein, the computer-readable program code portion including an executable portion configured to: cause an actuator element to generate a first ultrasonic wave; and receive a first output from a sensor element in response to the first ultrasonic wave. In some examples, the actuator element is integrated within a protective helmet, and the sensor element is integrated within the protective helmet. In some examples, the first ultrasonic wave propagates within the protective helmet.

[0016] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, an example system is provided. This example system may include multiple protective helmets in electronic communication with a computing device. Each protective helmet may include actuator elements, sensor elements, and processor elements integrated within the helmet. The computing device may provide a user interface facilitating the state management of the protective helmets.

[0017] The foregoing illustrative overview and other exemplary objectives and / or advantages of this disclosure, as well as the ways in which these objectives and / or advantages are achieved, are further explained in the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The description of the illustrative embodiments can be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of description, unless otherwise described, the elements illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, unless otherwise described, the dimensions of some elements may be enlarged relative to other elements. Embodiments incorporating the teachings of this disclosure are shown and described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 The illustration shows example schematic diagrams of example devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2Example block diagrams of example devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated;

[0021] Figure 3 The illustration shows example schematic diagrams of example systems according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4 Example flowcharts according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated;

[0023] Figure 5 Example user interfaces according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated; and

[0024] Figure 6 Example user interfaces according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Some embodiments of this disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some, but not all, of these embodiments. In fact, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. The same reference numerals throughout refer to the same elements.

[0026] The phrases “in one embodiment”, “according to one embodiment”, etc., generally mean that the specific feature, structure or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, and may be included in more than one embodiment of this disclosure (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment).

[0027] The terms “example” or “exemplary” are used in this document to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described as “exemplary” in this document is not necessarily to be construed as being better or more advantageous than other implementations.

[0028] If this specification states that a component or feature "may," "can," "may," "should," "will," "preferably," "possibly," "usually," "optionally," "for example," "often," or "may" (or other such language) include or have a characteristic, then that particular component or feature does not need to include or have that characteristic. In some embodiments, such components or features may be optionally included, or they may be excluded.

[0029] The term "electronic coupling" in this disclosure refers to two or more components (e.g., but not limited to (one or more) actuator elements, (one or more) sensor elements, (one or more) processor elements, (one or more) speaker elements, (one or more) light-emitting diode (LED) elements, (one or more) vibrator elements) and / or (one or more) circuits connected by wired components (e.g., but not limited to conductive wires or traces) and / or wireless components (e.g., but not limited to electromagnetic fields) such that data and / or information can be transmitted to and / or received from the electronically coupled components.

[0030] As stated above, existing systems and methods have not overcome many of the technical challenges and difficulties associated with protective helmets. According to various embodiments of this disclosure, example methods, systems, and apparatuses can provide an efficient way to detect one or more internal defects in a protective helmet, for example, by integrating actuator elements, sensor elements, and processor elements within the helmet.

[0031] Now for reference Figure 1 Example apparatus 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In such... Figure 1 In the example embodiment shown, example device 100 may include a protective helmet 101, actuator element 107, multiple sensor elements (including sensor elements 109A, 109B, 109C, and 109D), and processor element 111. The protective helmet 101 may include a shell portion 103 and a brim portion 105.

[0032] In some examples, the shell portion 103 of the protective helmet 101 may have a shape similar to a hollow hemisphere or a hollow semi-ellipse, such that when a user wears the protective helmet 101, the shell portion 103 of the protective helmet 101 can provide coverage for the user's head.

[0033] In some examples, the brim portion 105 may be attached to the bottom edge of the shell portion 103, molded to the bottom edge of the shell portion 103, or otherwise connected around the bottom edge of the shell portion 103. In some examples, the brim portion 105 of the protective helmet 101 may protect the user from environmental hazards such as falling debris, rain, or sunlight.

[0034] In some examples, the protective helmet 101 (including the shell portion 103 and / or the brim portion 105) may include one or more materials with durable properties, such that the protective helmet 101 can, for example, protect the wearer's head from impact. In some examples, the protective helmet 101 (including the shell portion 103 and / or the brim portion 105) may be at least partially made of a metallic material, such as aluminum. In some examples, the protective helmet 101 (including the shell portion 103 and / or the brim portion 105) may be at least partially made of a plastic material, such as polyethylene (e.g., high-density polyethylene) and / or polycarbonate resin. In some examples, the protective helmet 101 (including the shell portion 103 and / or the brim portion 105) may include other suitable materials (such as, for example, fiberglass) without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0035] In some examples, the protective helmet 101 may include one or more additional components. For example, the protective helmet 101 may include one or more liners disposed on the inner surface of the protective helmet 101. Such liners may be combined with, for example, a headband and suspension straps, which can provide shock absorption during impact and ventilation during normal wear. For example, when a user wears the protective helmet 101, the user's head may come into contact with the headband and suspension straps. The headband and suspension straps may allow the shell portion 103 to suspend away from the user's head (e.g., 2 to 3 centimeters above the user's head).

[0036] As another example, the protective helmet 101 may include a sweatband disposed on the inner surface of the protective helmet 101. The sweatband may include a fabric material (such as cotton) that can absorb sweat from the user's head. As another example, the protective helmet 101 may include a chin strip, and the two ends of the chin strip may be connected to the brim portion 105 of the protective helmet 101.

[0037] Although Figure 1 The example embodiment illustrated in the figures shows the protective helmet 101 in the form of a hard helmet, but it should be noted that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to hard helmets. In some examples, the protective helmet 101 may be in other suitable forms(s), such as, for example, a hard helmet, a ram helmet, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0038] Return to reference Figure 1 The device 100 may include one or more electronic components, such as, for example, actuator element 107 and one or more sensor elements (e.g., sensor elements 109A, 109B, 109C and 109D).

[0039] The term "actuator element" in this disclosure refers to an electronic component or device that can be configured to generate and / or excite ultrasonic waves. In some examples, the actuator element may be in the form of, for example but not limited to, an ultrasonic transducer that can perform the conversion of electrical energy to mechanical energy (i.e., ultrasonic waves). In some examples, the actuator element of this disclosure may be in other suitable forms(s) without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0040] The term "sensor element" in this disclosure refers to an electronic component or device that can be configured to detect and / or measure ultrasonic waves. In some examples, the sensor element may be in the form of, for example but not limited to, an ultrasonic receiver that can perform the conversion of mechanical energy (i.e., ultrasonic waves) to electrical energy, and / or can generate an output (e.g., current) based on the detected ultrasonic waves. In some examples, the sensor element of this disclosure may be in other suitable forms(s) without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0041] In some examples, actuator element 107 and one or more sensor elements (e.g., sensor elements 109A, 109B, 109C, and 109D) may be integrated within protective helmet 101. The term "integrated within" refers to a rigid structural connection between two structural members that prevents one from rotating or moving relative to the other. For example, actuator element 107 and / or sensor elements 109A, 109B, 109C, and 109D may be embedded in protective helmet 101 (e.g., disposed within a layer of shell portion 103). As another example, actuator element 107 and / or sensor elements 109A, 109B, 109C, and 109D may be rigidly bonded or attached to the inner surface of protective helmet 101, for example, with an adhesive.

[0042] As described above, actuator element 107 can be configured to generate and / or excite ultrasonic waves. Because actuator element 107 is integrated within protective helmet 101, the ultrasonic waves generated and / or excited by actuator element 107 can propagate within protective helmet 101 (including, for example, shell portion 103 and brim portion 105). Furthermore, because sensor elements 109A, 109B, 109C, and 109D are integrated within protective helmet 101, these sensor elements (109A, 109B, 109C, and 109D) can detect and / or measure the ultrasonic waves propagating at various locations within protective helmet 101.

[0043] Back to reference Figure 1The device 100 may further include a processor element 111, which is electronically coupled to actuator element 107 and sensor elements 109A, 109B, 109C, and 109D. In some examples, processor element 111, actuator element 107, and / or sensor elements 109A, 109B, 109C, and 109D may be powered by one or more power sources, such as, for example, batteries and / or power supply units (PSUs).

[0044] In some examples, processor element 111 may be in the form of, for example, but not limited to, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or central processing unit (CPU). In some examples, processor element 111 may be in other suitable forms(s) without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0045] In some examples, processor element 111 may cause actuator element 107 to generate one or more ultrasonic waves propagating in protective helmet 101; and may receive one or more outputs from sensor elements 109A, 109B, 109C, and 109D in response to one or more ultrasonic waves. Based on one or more outputs, one or more internal defects in protective helmet 101, the details of which are described in this disclosure, may be detected.

[0046] Although Figure 1 The example embodiment illustrated in the figure shows an actuator element 107; however, it should be noted that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to a single actuator element. In some examples, more than one actuator element may be integrated within the protective helmet 101 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0047] Although Figure 1 The example embodiment illustrated in the figures shows four sensor elements (sensor elements 109A, 109B, 109C, and 109D), but it should be noted that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to four actuator elements. In some examples, fewer or more than four actuator elements may be integrated within the protective helmet 101 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0048] Although Figure 1 The illustrated example embodiment shows actuator element 107 integrated at the top location of housing portion 103, and sensor elements 109A, 109B, 109C, and 109D integrated at the bottom location of housing portion 103. However, it should be noted that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to integrating actuator element 107 and sensor elements 109A, 109B, 109C, and 109D at these specific locations. In some examples, actuator elements and / or sensor elements may be integrated with... Figure 1 The different locations shown in the illustrations are at one or more locations, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0049] Now for reference Figure 2 The illustration shows an example block diagram illustrating various electronic components of an example device 200 according to the present disclosure. For example, the example device 200 may include a processor element 202 that is electronically coupled to one or more actuator elements 204 and one or more sensor elements 206.

[0050] In some examples, processor element 202 can be combined in a manner similar to that described above. Figure 1 The processor element 111 is described. In some examples, actuator element(s) 204 can be combined in a similar manner to the above. Figure 1 The actuator element 107 is described. In some examples, one or more sensor elements 206 may be combined in a similar manner to those described above. Figure 1 The sensor elements described (e.g., sensor elements 109A, 109B, 109C, and 109D).

[0051] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the example device 200 may optionally include one or more additional electronic components, including, for example, one or more speaker elements 208, one or more light-emitting diode (LED) elements 210 and / or one or more resonator elements 212. In some examples, the processor element 202 may be electronically coupled to one or more speaker elements 208, one or more light-emitting diode (LED) elements 210 and / or one or more resonator elements 212.

[0052] In some examples, one or more speaker elements 208 may be disposed on the outer surface of the protective helmet (such as, for example, the surface combined with...). Figure 1 The described protective helmet 101 can be configured to output audio alarms (e.g., alarm sounds and / or pre-recorded audio messages). In some examples, speaker elements(s) 208 may be in the form of miniature speakers on printed circuit boards (PCBs). In some examples, speaker elements(s) 208 may be in other suitable forms(s) without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0053] In some examples, one or more light-emitting diode (LED) elements 210 may be disposed on the outer surface of the protective helmet (such as, for example, combined with the above). Figure 1 The described protective helmet 101 can be configured to output visual alarms (e.g., flashlights and / or red lights).

[0054] In some examples, one or more vibrator elements 212 can be integrated into the protective helmet (such as, for example, the combination above). Figure 1 The described protective helmet 101 can be configured to output vibration.

[0055] Now for reference Figure 3 The present invention illustrates an example system 300 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In some examples, the example system 300 may include one or more example computing devices (such as example computing devices 301A, 301B, ..., 301N) that communicate electronically with one or more example devices (such as devices 305A, 305B, ..., 305N) via one or more communication networks (such as, for example, communication network 303).

[0056] Communication network 303 may include: one or more wired or wireless communication networks, including, for example, wired or wireless local area networks (LANs), personal area networks (PANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs), etc.; and any hardware, software, and / or firmware (such as, for example, network routers) required to implement one or more networks. For example, communication network 303 may include a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, a Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000) network, a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) network, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, an Enhanced Data Rate Evolution of GSM (EDGE) network, a Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA) network, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, a High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA) network, a High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) network, IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, and / or IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX). Additionally or alternatively, the communication network 303 may include public networks (such as the Internet), private networks (such as intranets), or combinations thereof, and may utilize a wide variety of network protocols, including but not limited to TCP / IP-based network protocols, near field communication (NFC) protocols, Bluetooth protocols, and / or ZigBee protocols.

[0057] Via communication network 303, one or more example computing devices 301A, 301B, ..., 301N can communicate with each other and with one or more example devices 305A, 305B, ..., 305N. In some examples, one or more example computing devices 301A, 301B, ..., 301N may include servers, desktop computers, laptop computers, smartphones, netbooks, tablet computers, wearable devices, etc.

[0058] In some examples, one or more example computing devices 301A, 301B, ..., 301N may include one or more processors, such as, for example, one or more single-core processors and / or one or more multi-core processors. One or more processors may be electronically coupled to one or more memory circuits, such as, for example, volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory.

[0059] In some examples, one or more example computing devices 301A, 301B, ..., 301N may include one or more input / output circuitry (e.g., a display, touchscreen, keyboard, mouse, speaker, and / or microphone coupled to one or more processors). For example, one or more input / output circuitry may be configured to provide applications, browsers, user interfaces, dashboards, and / or web pages that execute on and / or are accessible via the example computing device, enabling the display of information / data and facilitating user interaction via one or more user interfaces. At least in combination Figure 5 and Figure 6 To illustrate and describe an example user interface.

[0060] Back to reference Figure 3 One or more example devices 305A, 305B, ..., 305N can be combined in a similar manner as described above. Figure 1 The example device 100 is described. Furthermore, one or more example devices 305A, 305B, ..., 305N may include one or more communication circuits. These communication circuits may be devices or circuits embodied, for example, in hardware or a combination of hardware and software, configured to receive data from and / or transmit data to the communication network 303. For example, such data may include outputs from one or more processor elements and / or one or more sensor elements of one or more of the example devices 305A, 305B, ..., 305N.

[0061] Now for reference Figure 4 The illustration depicts example methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In some examples, each block of the flowchart and combinations of blocks in the flowchart may be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, circuitry, and / or other devices associated with the execution of software including one or more computer program instructions.

[0062] In some examples, one or more processes depicted in the figures may be embodied by computer program instructions, which may be stored by memory circuitry (such as non-transitory memory) of a device employing embodiments of the present disclosure and executed by processing circuitry (such as a processor) of the device. These computer program instructions may direct the device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the memory circuitry produce an article of art, the execution of which implements the function specified in one or more flowchart blocks. Furthermore, the device may include one or more other components, such as, for example, those combined with the above. Figure 1 The device describes one or more actuator elements and one or more sensor elements. The various components of the device can communicate electronically with and / or among each other to transmit data to and / or receive data from each other.

[0063] In some examples, embodiments may take the form of a computer program product on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores computer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software). Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be used, including non-transitory hard disks, CD-ROMs, flash memory, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

[0064] Back to reference Figure 4 The illustration depicts an example method 400 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, example method 400 illustrates an example embodiment of calculating various parameters for detecting internal defects in a protective helmet. In some examples, method 400 may be comprised of processing circuitry (e.g., as described above in conjunction with...). Figure 1 The processor element 111 described and / or combined above Figure 3 The processors of one or more example computing devices 301A, 301B, ..., 301N described are implemented.

[0065] Method 400 begins at box 402.

[0066] At box 404, the processing circuitry (e.g., combined with the above) Figure 1 The processor element 111 described and / or combined above Figure 3 The processors of one or more example computing devices 301A, 301B, ..., 301N described herein can make the actuator elements of the example devices (e.g., those combined above) Figure 1 The actuator element 107 of the described example device 100 generates a first ultrasonic wave. As described above... Figure 1 As described, the actuator element can be integrated into the protective helmet, and the first ultrasonic wave can propagate within the protective helmet.

[0067] In some examples, the actuator element can be configured to generate ultrasonic waves at a fixed frequency. In some examples, the actuator element can be configured to generate ultrasonic waves at different frequencies without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0068] At box 406, the processing circuitry (e.g., combined with the above) Figure 1 The processor element 111 described and / or combined above Figure 3 The processors of one or more example computing devices 301A, 301B, ..., 301N described can respond to a first ultrasonic wave from a sensor element of the example device (e.g., the one described above). Figure 1 The sensor element 109A, 109B, 109C, or 109D of the described example device 100 receives a first output. (As described above...) Figure 1 As described, the sensor element can be integrated into the protective helmet, and the ultrasonic waves detected by the sensor element can have already propagated within the protective helmet.

[0069] In some examples, the output generated by the sensor element at box 406 may correspond to the wavelength of an ultrasonic wave detected by the sensor element. In some examples, the sensor element may generate one or more outputs corresponding to other properties of the detected ultrasonic wave (e.g., amplitude) without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0070] At box 408, the processing circuitry (e.g., combined with the above) Figure 1 The processor element 111 described and / or combined above Figure 3 The processors of one or more example computing devices 301A, 301B, ..., 301N described above can make actuator elements (e.g., those combined above) Figure 1 The actuator element 107 of the described example device 100 generates a second ultrasonic wave.

[0071] In some examples, the second ultrasonic wave propagates within the protective helmet. In some examples, the second ultrasonic wave may have one or more of the same properties as the first ultrasonic wave generated by the actuator element as described above in conjunction box 404. For example, the second ultrasonic wave may have the same frequency as the first ultrasonic wave.

[0072] At box 410, the processing circuitry (e.g., the one combined with the above) Figure 1 The processor element 111 described and / or combined above Figure 3 The processors of one or more example computing devices 301A, 301B, ..., 301N described above can respond to a second ultrasonic wave from a sensor element (e.g., the one described above in conjunction with the sensor). Figure 1 The sensor element 109A, 109B, 109C or 109D of the described example device 100 receives a second output.

[0073] In some examples, the output generated by the sensor element at block 410 may correspond to the same properties of the detected ultrasonic waves as the output generated by the sensor element at block 406. For example, while the output generated by the sensor at block 406 indicates that the sensor element is responding to the wavelength detected by the first ultrasonic wave, the output generated by the sensor element at block 410 may indicate that the sensor element is responding to the wavelength detected by the second ultrasonic wave.

[0074] Based on the first and second outputs, the processing circuit (e.g., combined with the above) Figure 1 The processor element 111 described and / or combined above Figure 3 The processors of one or more example computing devices 301A, 301B, ..., 301N described can determine whether a protective helmet includes internal defects. For example, at block 412, the processing circuitry can calculate the output difference between a second output and a first output.

[0075] As described above, in some examples, the output generated by the sensor element at block 406 may indicate the sensor element's response to a wavelength detected by a first ultrasonic wave, and the output generated by the sensor element at block 410 may indicate the sensor element's response to a wavelength detected by a second ultrasonic wave. In such examples, the output difference between the second output and the first output may correspond to a wavelength difference. In some examples, the output difference may correspond to other properties of the detected ultrasonic wave (e.g., amplitude) without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0076] Referring back to reference box 412, the processing circuit (e.g., the one above combined) Figure 1 The processor element 111 described and / or combined above Figure 3 The processors of one or more example computing devices 301A, 301B, ..., 301N described can determine whether the output difference meets a predetermined threshold.

[0077] In some examples, when one or more internal defects (e.g., cracks) are present in the protective helmet, these defects may create one or more discontinuities in the wave path as the ultrasonic waves propagate within the helmet. These discontinuities can reflect at least a portion of the ultrasonic waves back, resulting in one or more irregularities in the output generated by the sensor elements.

[0078] In some examples, blocks 404 and 406 may be performed before the initial wearing of the protective helmet. In such examples, the first output received by the processor element at block 406 may indicate one or more properties of the ultrasonic waves propagating in a protective helmet that does not contain any internal defects. Blocks 408 and 410 may be performed after the protective helmet has been used. In this way, the output difference between the second output and the first output may indicate the presence of any internal defects in the protective helmet. In some examples, blocks 404 and 406 may be performed after the initial wearing of the protective helmet without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0079] Additionally or alternatively, the example method may compare a first output (or a second output) with a predetermined value to calculate the output difference, and the predetermined value may indicate one or more properties of the ultrasonic waves propagating in a protective helmet that does not contain any internal defects.

[0080] As described above, in some examples, the output difference between the second output and the first output may correspond to a wavelength difference. In such examples, a predetermined threshold (e.g., less than half the wavelength of the first ultrasonic wave) can be set based on the wavelength of the first ultrasonic wave to reduce the likelihood of false detections and false alarms due to, for example, ambient noise. In some examples, the predetermined threshold can be set at least in part based on other suitable parameters (e.g., the sensitivity and / or resolution of the sensor element) without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0081] Back to reference Figure 4 In response to determining that the output difference meets a predetermined threshold (e.g., the output difference is less than half the wavelength of the first ultrasonic wave), the processing circuit can determine that there are no internal defects in the protective helmet, and method 400 ends at block 416.

[0082] In response to determining that the output difference does not meet a predetermined threshold (e.g., the output difference is equal to or greater than half the wavelength of the first ultrasound), method 400 continues to block 414. At block 414, the processing circuitry may trigger a warning in response to determining that the output difference does not meet the predetermined threshold.

[0083] For example, the processing circuitry could cause the example speaker element to output an audio alarm. (As described above...) Figure 2 As described, the example speaker element can be mounted on the outer surface of a protective helmet. Alternatively or additionally, the example speaker element can be detached from the protective helmet.

[0084] As another example, the processing circuitry can cause the example light-emitting diode (LED) element to output an audio alarm. (As described above...) Figure 2 As described, the example LED element can be disposed on the outer surface of the protective helmet. Alternatively or separately, the example LED element can be detached from the protective helmet.

[0085] As another example, the processing circuitry can cause the example vibrator element to output vibration. (As described above...) Figure 2 As described, the example vibrator element can be integrated into a protective helmet. Alternatively, the example vibrator element can be detached from the protective helmet.

[0086] Method 400 ends at box 416.

[0087] Now for reference Figure 5-6 The illustration depicts example user interfaces according to various examples of this disclosure. In particular, the user can operate example computing devices (such as, for example, those described above in conjunction with...) Figure 3 The example computing devices described are 301A, 301B, ..., 301N. Figure 5-6 The example user interface is viewed and / or interacted with via the display of the example computing device as illustrated in the figure. It should be noted that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to desktop computers or mobile phones, and other devices may be used to view and / or interact with the example user interface according to various embodiments of this disclosure, including, for example, wearable devices, based on embodiments of this disclosure.

[0088] Now for reference Figure 5 The example user interface 500 is shown. Specifically, the example user interface 500 illustrates an example dashboard interface for monitoring a single protective helmet. Figure 5 As shown, the user interface 500 may include a protective helmet identification portion 501 and an output presentation portion 503.

[0089] The helmet identification section 501 may display a graphical representation of the helmet and / or its identification number. The output presentation section 503 may include presenting one or more outputs associated with one or more sensor elements and / or processor elements integrated within the helmet. For example, the processor element may process and transmit a first and a second output to a computing device, and may cause the first and second outputs to be presented on the output presentation section 503 of the user interface 500. Figure 5 In the example embodiment shown, the output presentation section 503 may also display the date and time associated with each output.

[0090] In some examples, when processing circuits (e.g., combined with the above) Figure 1 The processor element 111 described and / or combined above Figure 3 The processors of one or more example computing devices 301A, 301B, ..., 301N described determine that the protective helmet (as indicated in the protective helmet identification section 501) includes one or more internal defects (e.g., based on the above combination). Figure 4When describing method 400), user interface 500 may further include warning section 505, which can display warning messages that there may be one or more internal defects in the protective helmet.

[0091] As described above Figure 3 As illustrated, multiple example devices according to this disclosure can communicate electronically with one or more computing devices. Thus, a computing device can be configured to receive data from a set of example devices. Reference now is made to... Figure 6 The example user interface 600 is shown. In particular, the example user interface 600 illustrates an example dashboard interface for monitoring a set of protective helmets.

[0092] like Figure 6 As shown, the user interface 600 may include a helmet identification portion 602 and an output presentation portion 604.

[0093] The helmet identification section 602 can display a graphical representation of the protective helmets within the group. In some examples, each protective helmet can be associated with a unique identifier, and the unique identifier of the protective helmets in the group can be stored in the memory circuitry of a computing device. In some examples, the unique identifier can be in the form of a string of numbers, American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) text, a pointer, and / or something similar.

[0094] In some examples, the helmet identification section 602 can indicate the status of each protective helmet in the group. For example, a shaded graphic representation of a protective helmet can indicate that the corresponding protective helmet may include one or more defects. As another example, a color-filled graphic representation of a protective helmet can indicate that the corresponding protective helmet may soon be affected by one or more internal defects, as described below.

[0095] The output presentation section 604 may include one or more outputs associated with one or more sensor elements and / or processor elements integrated within the protective helmet group. In some examples, each output may be associated with a unique identifier. For example... Figure 6 In the example embodiment shown, the output can be presented as a bar chart in the output presentation section 604.

[0096] In some examples, the user interface 600 may also include a group status section 606. The group status section 606 may display information, such as, for example, a unique identifier for one or more internal defects in the protective helmet (e.g., based on the above combination). Figure 4Method 400 described. Additionally or alternatively, the group status section 606 may display information indicating the "health status" of the protective helmet group, which may be calculated based on dividing the number of protective helmets excluding internal defects by the total number of protective helmets in the group.

[0097] In some examples, the computing device may implement a machine learning model (such as, for example, a time series prediction model) based on historical data associated with protective helmets in the group to generate predictions for one or more protective helmets(s) that may soon be affected by one or more internal defects. In some examples, the group status section 606 may display information indicating one or more unique identifiers of the protective helmet(s)(s) that may soon be affected by one or more internal defects. In some examples, the user interface 600 may display these unique identifiers after a user operating the computing device clicks, taps, or otherwise selects the "Alternative Prediction" button 608.

[0098] In some examples, the user interface 600 may include one or more buttons, such as an "Inventory" button 610, an "Order" button 612, and an "More Information" button 614. When a user clicks, taps, or otherwise selects the "Inventory" button 610, the user interface 600 may display the total number of protective helmets in the group. When a user clicks, taps, or otherwise selects the "Order" button 612, the computing device may present one or more user interfaces that facilitate ordering of the example device according to this disclosure. When a user clicks, taps, or otherwise selects the "More Information" button 614, the user interface 600 may display additional information associated with the protective helmet group.

[0099] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes, unless otherwise described.

Claims

1. A device associated with a protective helmet, comprising: Protective helmet; Actuator components, which are integrated within the protective helmet; Sensor elements, which are integrated within the protective helmet; as well as A processor element, electronically coupled to the actuator element and the sensor element, wherein the processor element is configured to: The actuator element generates a first ultrasonic wave, which propagates within the protective helmet; and In response to the first ultrasonic wave, a first output is received from the sensor element.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor element is further configured to: The actuator element generates a second ultrasonic wave, which propagates within the protective helmet. In response to the second ultrasonic wave, a second output is received from the sensor element; and Based on the first output and the second output, determine whether the protective helmet includes internal defects.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, in determining whether the protective helmet includes the internal defect, the processor element is further configured to: Calculate the output difference between the second output and the first output; and Determine whether the output difference meets a predetermined threshold.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: A speaker element, wherein the speaker element is disposed on the outer surface of the protective helmet and electrically coupled to the processor element, wherein the processor element is further configured to: Determine that the output difference does not meet the predetermined threshold; and In response to determining that the output difference does not meet the predetermined threshold, the speaker element outputs an audio alarm.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a light-emitting diode (LED) element disposed on the outer surface of the protective helmet and electrically coupled to the processor element, wherein the processor element is further configured to: Determine that the output difference does not meet the predetermined threshold; and In response to determining that the output difference does not meet the predetermined threshold, the LED element generates a visual alarm.

6. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a vibrator element integrated within the protective helmet and electrically coupled to the processor element, wherein the processor element is further configured to: Determine that the output difference does not meet the predetermined threshold; and In response to determining that the output difference does not meet the predetermined threshold, the vibrator element generates vibration.

7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the processor element is further configured to: Transmit the first output and the second output to a computing device; and This causes the first output and the second output to be displayed on the display of the computing device.

8. A method for detecting internal defects in a protective helmet, comprising: The actuator element generates a first ultrasonic wave, wherein the actuator element is integrated within the protective helmet, and wherein the first ultrasonic wave propagates within the protective helmet. as well as In response to the first ultrasonic wave, a first output is received from a sensor element, wherein the sensor element is integrated within the protective helmet.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: The actuator element generates a second ultrasonic wave, which propagates within the protective helmet. In response to the second ultrasonic wave, a second output is received from the sensor element; and Based on the first output and the second output, determine whether the protective helmet includes the internal defect.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein determining whether the protective helmet includes the internal defect further comprises: Calculate the output difference between the second output and the first output; as well as Determine whether the output difference meets a predetermined threshold.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: It is determined that the output difference does not meet the predetermined threshold; as well as In response to determining that the output difference does not meet the predetermined threshold, a speaker element outputs an audio alarm, wherein the speaker element is disposed on the outer surface of the protective helmet.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: It is determined that the output difference does not meet the predetermined threshold; as well as In response to determining that the output difference does not meet the predetermined threshold, an LED element is caused to output an audio alarm, wherein the LED element is disposed on the outer surface of the protective helmet.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising: It is determined that the output difference does not meet the predetermined threshold; as well as In response to determining that the output difference does not meet the predetermined threshold, the vibrator element outputs vibration, wherein the vibrator element is integrated within the protective helmet.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising: Transmit the first output and the second output to a computing device; as well as This causes the first output and the second output to be displayed on the display of the computing device.

15. A computer program product comprising: At least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer-readable program code portion stored therein, the computer-readable program code portion including an executable portion configured to: The actuator element generates a first ultrasonic wave, wherein the actuator element is integrated within a protective helmet, and wherein the first ultrasonic wave propagates within the protective helmet; and In response to the first ultrasonic wave, a first output is received from a sensor element, wherein the sensor element is integrated within the protective helmet.

16. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein the executable portion is configured to further: The actuator element generates a second ultrasonic wave, which propagates within the protective helmet. In response to the second ultrasonic wave, a second output is received from the sensor element; and Based on the first output and the second output, determine whether the protective helmet includes internal defects.

17. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein, in determining whether the protective helmet includes the internal defect, the executable portion is configured to further: Calculate the output difference between the second output and the first output; and Determine whether the output difference meets a predetermined threshold.

18. The computer program product of claim 17, wherein the executable portion is configured to further: Determine that the output difference does not meet the predetermined threshold; and In response to determining that the output difference does not meet the predetermined threshold, a speaker element outputs an audio alarm, wherein the speaker element is disposed on the outer surface of the protective helmet.

19. The computer program product of claim 17, wherein the executable portion is configured to further: Determine that the output difference does not meet the predetermined threshold; and In response to determining that the output difference does not meet the predetermined threshold, an LED element is caused to output an audio alarm, wherein the LED element is disposed on the outer surface of the protective helmet.

20. The computer program product of claim 17, wherein the executable portion is configured to further: Determine that the output difference does not meet the predetermined threshold; and In response to determining that the output difference does not meet the predetermined threshold, the vibrator element outputs vibration, wherein the vibrator element is integrated within the protective helmet.

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