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Writer's pictureSanskruti Ashtikar
Nov 104 min read

Smart Helmet for Bike Riders Using PIC Microcontroller

Updated: Nov 26

Introduction


A Smart Helmet enhances the safety and convenience of bike riders by integrating various technologies that provide real-time information, notifications, and connectivity. Using a PIC Microcontroller, you can create a smart helmet with features such as an emergency alert system, navigation assistance, and communication capabilities. This article outlines the design and implementation of a smart helmet using a PIC Microcontroller.





Components of the System


  1. PIC Microcontroller:

  2. Model: PIC16F877A or similar

  3. Function: Acts as the central processing unit of the smart helmet, handling data from sensors and managing communication.

  4. Bluetooth Module:

  5. Model: HC-05 or HC-06

  6. Function: Provides wireless connectivity to connect with a smartphone or other devices.

  7. GPS Module:

  8. Model: NEO-6M

  9. Function: Provides location data for navigation and tracking purposes.

  10. Accelerometer and Gyroscope:

  11. Model: MPU6050

  12. Function: Detects motion, orientation, and impact for safety and navigation purposes.

  13. Microphone and Speaker:

  14. Purpose: Allows communication and voice commands.

  15. LED Indicators:

  16. Purpose: Provides visual signals for turn indicators, emergency alerts, and status notifications.

  17. Power Supply:

  18. Type: Rechargeable Li-ion battery

  19. Purpose: Powers the microcontroller and all other components.

  20. Control Buttons:

  21. Function: Allows the rider to interact with the helmet’s features.


Design Considerations


  1. Safety:

  2. Ensure that the electronic components do not interfere with the helmet's structural integrity or rider safety.

  3. Comfort:

  4. Integrate components in a way that maintains helmet comfort and does not add significant weight.

  5. Battery Life:

  6. Optimize power consumption to ensure long battery life.

  7. Connectivity:

  8. Ensure reliable communication between the helmet and external devices, such as smartphones.

  9. User Interface:

  10. Design an intuitive interface for user interaction with the helmet's features.


Building the System


1. Microcontroller and Sensor Integration

  • Connecting the Bluetooth Module:

  • Connect the HC-05 Bluetooth module to the PIC microcontroller using UART. Configure the module for pairing with a smartphone.

  • Connecting the GPS Module:

  • Connect the NEO-6M GPS module to the microcontroller. Use UART for communication and configure the module to send location data.

  • Connecting the Accelerometer and Gyroscope:

  • Connect the MPU6050 module to the microcontroller using I2C communication. Implement functions to read motion and orientation data.

  • Programming the PIC Microcontroller:

  • Write firmware to handle data acquisition from sensors, manage Bluetooth communication, and control LEDs and other actuators.



#include <xc.h>
#define _XTAL_FREQ 4000000
void setup() {
    TRISB = 0x00;  // Set PORTB as output for LED indicators
    PORTB = 0x00;  // Initialize PORTB to 0
    // Initialize UART for Bluetooth communication
    TXSTAbits.SYNC = 0;
    TXSTAbits.SENDB = 0;
    TXSTAbits.CSRC = 0;
    RCSTAbits.SPEN = 1;
    RCSTAbits.CREN = 1;
}
void sendData(const char *data) {
    while (*data) {
        TXREG = *data++;
        while (!PIR1bits.TXIF);
    }
}
void loop() {
    // Example code to control an LED indicator
    if (/* condition based on sensor data */) {
        PORTBbits.RB0 = 1;  // Turn on LED
    } else {
        PORTBbits.RB0 = 0;  // Turn off LED
    }
    __delay_ms(1000);
}

2. Bluetooth Communication


  • Setting Up Bluetooth:

  • Use AT commands to configure the HC-05 module for pairing and communication. Implement protocols to send and receive data from the smartphone.

  • Implementing Communication Protocols:

  • Develop protocols for exchanging data between the helmet and a smartphone application, including commands for navigation and emergency alerts.



void handleBluetoothData() {
    // Example code to handle incoming data from Bluetooth
    if (RCSTAbits.OERR) {
        RCSTAbits.CREN = 0;
        RCSTAbits.CREN = 1;
    }
    char receivedChar = RCREG;
    // Process received data
}

3. GPS Integration


  • Reading GPS Data:

  • Implement code to parse GPS data and extract location information. Use this data for navigation and tracking features.


void parseGPSData(char *gpsData) {
    // Example code to parse GPS data
    // Implement actual parsing logic based on NMEA sentences
}

4. Accelerometer and Gyroscope Integration


  • Reading Sensor Data:

  • Implement code to read and process data from the MPU6050. Use this data to detect falls, impacts, and orientation changes.


void readAccelerometer() {
    // Example code to read accelerometer data
    // Implement actual I2C communication and data retrieval
}

5. User Interface and Control


  • LED Indicators:

  • Connect LEDs to the microcontroller and write code to control them based on user commands and sensor data.

  • Microphone and Speaker:

  • Integrate the microphone and speaker for communication and voice commands. Ensure proper amplification and audio processing.

  • Control Buttons:

  • Connect buttons to the microcontroller and implement functionality to control various features of the helmet.


void handleButtonPress() {
    // Example code to handle button presses
    // Implement actual button reading and feature activation
}




Testing and Optimization


  1. Functional Testing:

  2. Test each feature of the smart helmet, including GPS tracking, Bluetooth communication, and sensor data processing.

  3. Safety Testing:

  4. Ensure that the electronic components are securely mounted and do not compromise the helmet's safety.

  5. Performance Optimization:

  6. Optimize the code and hardware design to ensure efficient operation and long battery life.

  7. User Experience Testing:

  8. Gather feedback from users to improve the interface and functionality of the helmet.


Conclusion


A Smart Helmet using a PIC Microcontroller integrates various technologies to enhance the safety and convenience of bike riders. By combining features such as emergency alerts, navigation assistance, and communication capabilities, the smart helmet offers a comprehensive solution for modern bikers.

The development of such a system involves careful consideration of safety, comfort, and connectivity. With ongoing advancements in microcontroller technology and sensor integration, the potential for smart helmet features continues to expand, making it an exciting field for innovation.



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