System and method for controlling vehicle operation using an alcohol detection device

Abstract

A system for controlling the operation of a vehicle, the system comprising: a sound synthesizer unit for providing voice communications to a driver; a speech recognition unit for receiving speech from the driver; a breath alcohol sensor unit for detecting the presence of alcohol in the driver's breath and providing a signal representative thereof; a vehicle operation interface for controlling the operation of the vehicle; and a controller for (i) selectively causing the sound synthesizer unit to speak to the driver, (ii) operating the speech recognition unit to detect speech from the driver, (iii) receiving a signal from the breath alcohol sensor unit, and (iv) providing commands to the vehicle operation interface to control the operation of the vehicle depending on the signal received from the breath alcohol sensor unit.

Description

[0001] References to pending prior patent applications

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of pending prior U.S. provisional patent application serial number 62 / 728,898 for DADSS Voice Activated Start filed on September 10, 2018 by Automotive Coalition For Traffic Safety, Inc. and Kyle Bowers et al. (Attorney Docket No. ACTS-3PROV), which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates generally to alcohol detection systems (ADS), and more particularly to a voice activated vehicle start for use in conjunction with a driver alcohol detection safety system (DADSS). Background Art

[0004] Every year in the United States, drunk driving claims about 10,000 lives and costs about $194 billion (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). "The Economic and Societal Impact Of Motor Vehicle Crashes, 2010." Washington (DC), May 2015 (Revised), DOT HS812 013. Available from URL: http: / / www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov / Pubs / 812013.pdf). In the United States, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities account for more than one-third of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). "Traffic Safety Facts 2013 Data: Alcohol-Impaired Driving." Washington (DC), December 2014, DOT HS 812 102. Available from URL: http: / / www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov / Pubs / 812102.pdf). In 2013, 17 percent of fatalities among children 14 years old and younger occurred in alcohol-impaired driving crashes (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). "Traffic Safety Facts 2013 Data: Alcohol-Impaired Driving." Washington (DC), December 2014, DOT HS 812 102. Available from URL: http: / / www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov / Pubs / 812102.pdf).An analysis by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicates that approximately 7,000 lives could be saved each year if driver blood alcohol concentration (BAC) could be limited to no more than 0.08%, the legal limit in all 50 states except Utah (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Data Institute. "Alcohol Detection Device Project is now in Development Phase." Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Nov. 2011. Available from URL: http: / / www.iihs.org / iihs / sr / statusreport / article / 46 / 10 / 4).

[0005] Therefore there is a need for a technology that can prevent or reduce drunk driving. Summary of the invention

[0006] Prior art alcohol detection systems are generally deployed after a driver is found guilty of "operating-under-the-influence" (OUI). Prior art systems require an aftermarket interlock system to be deployed into which the operator must blow (and then "pass" an alcohol detection test performed by the interlock system) before starting the vehicle. It became clear to the inventors that a new technology is needed that can achieve one or more of the following:

[0007] Preventing drunk driving by preventing the vehicle from starting if the driver is impaired

[0008] Let drivers know if they are over the legal limit and / or if it is unsafe for them to drive

[0009] Notify the driver when the presence of alcohol is detected

[0010] When alcohol is detected, an alert is sent via the network

[0011] System integrated into the vehicle and purchased as an option

[0012] It is also clear to the inventors that the new technology will achieve one or more of the following benefits:

[0013] It will prevent or reduce drink driving

[0014] It will save lives

[0015] It will make roads safer

[0016] It will let drivers know if they are over the legal limit or driving unsafely

[0017] It will help parents ensure their teenage children do not drink and drive

[0018] It will help businesses avoid costly litigation.

[0019] The present invention involves providing and using a new technology called an Alcohol Detection System (ADS) that detects when a driver is intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above 0.08% - the legal limit in all 50 states except Utah - and prevents the vehicle from moving.

[0020] In one form of the invention, the technology utilizes a breath-based system that measures alcohol while the driver is breathing normally in the driver's seat. It is designed to obtain an instantaneous reading of blood alcohol concentration while the driver is breathing normally, and accurately and reliably distinguishes the driver's breath from the breath of any passengers.

[0021] In one form of the invention, the technology utilizes a voice recognition system that can understand a driver's voice commands, such as "start the car." Alcohol measurements are taken in real time and synchronized with the driver giving the voice command. If the system detects a BAC measurement above a predetermined threshold, vehicle movement is prohibited or prevented. If the measurement is above a predetermined threshold, the system may give a warning.

[0022] In one form of the invention, the technology utilizes a speech synthesis system that can be used to notify the driver of events such as "alcohol detected" and "vehicle start disabled" or "vehicle prevented from moving."

[0023] In one form of the invention, the technology is an Internet of Things (IoT) application that can send cellular alerts and data. It can also upload vehicle and alcohol data to the "cloud" (e.g., one or more remote servers) via a wireless network. A "data viewer" computer program of the type known in the art can be used to analyze the uploaded data.

[0024] In one form of the invention, the technology also utilizes a contact-based system that measures the driver's blood alcohol level beneath the skin by shining infrared or near-infrared light through the driver's fingertips. The contact-based system is integrated into the vehicle controls (such as the start button or steering wheel) and takes multiple accurate readings.

[0025] In one form of the invention, there is provided a system for controlling operation of a vehicle, the system comprising:

[0026] a voice synthesizer unit for providing voice communications to the driver;

[0027] A speech recognition unit, the speech recognition unit is used to receive speech from the driver;

[0028] a breath alcohol sensor unit for detecting the presence of alcohol in the driver's breath and providing a signal representative thereof;

[0029] A vehicle operation interface for controlling the operation of the vehicle; and

[0030] A controller is configured to (i) selectively cause the voice synthesizer unit to speak to the driver, (ii) operate the speech recognition unit to detect speech from the driver, (iii) receive signals from the breath alcohol sensor unit, and (iv) provide commands to the vehicle operation interface to control operation of the vehicle depending on the signals received from the breath alcohol sensor unit.

[0031] In another form of the invention, there is provided a method for controlling operation of a vehicle occupied by a driver, the method comprising:

[0032] Using a speech recognition system unit to identify the driver's voice command;

[0033] The driver is tested for alcohol at least once;

[0034] determining whether the driver's alcohol measurement is above or below a predetermined threshold; and

[0035] Operation of the vehicle is controlled based on the alcohol measurement being above or below a predetermined threshold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] These and other objects and features of the present invention will be more fully disclosed or become apparent through the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, which detailed description is to be taken together with the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 Considered together, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, and further wherein:

[0037] Figure 1 is an exemplary block diagram of the voice activated vehicle starting system of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of voice activated vehicle starting;

[0039] Figure 3 is an exemplary illustration of a breath alcohol sensor unit;

[0040] Figure 4is another exemplary illustration of a breath alcohol sensor unit integrated into a vehicle steering column;

[0041] Figure 5 is an exemplary illustration of a contact alcohol sensor unit integrated into a vehicle center console;

[0042] Figure 6 is a detailed block diagram of the voice activated vehicle starting system of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of an alcohol detection alarm; and

[0044] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for controlling vehicle operation using an alcohol detection device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] According to the present invention, the new voice activated vehicle starting system is an integrated system that is capable of determining the presence of alcohol in the driver and inhibiting vehicle starting or preventing movement if the driver's blood alcohol level is above a predetermined threshold.

[0046] In the teachings of this patent, the inventor uses the term vehicle, which the reader may interpret as referring to a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other type of vehicle known in the art today. However, the inventor does not impose limitations on this technology, and it should be clear to the reader that the methods and apparatus of the present invention may be implemented in any motorized means of transportation (such as airplanes, trains, buses, boats, jet-skis, submarines, jets, helicopters, spacecraft, snowmobiles, construction equipment, oil drilling equipment, heavy machinery, etc.) or non-motorized means (such as sailboats, gliders, bicycles, etc.), including manually controlled, semi-autonomous, or autonomous vehicles.

[0047] Figure 1is an exemplary block diagram of a voice-activated vehicle start system 5 integrated into a vehicle. In this concept, the system 5 utilizes the vehicle's integrated microphone 10 and speaker 15 via a Bluetooth interface 20. In another form of the invention, the system may use other interfaces, such as WiFi, Zigbee, or other wired or wireless interfaces known to those skilled in the art. In another form of the invention, the system 5 includes its own speaker and one or more microphones. The system 5 includes a controller 25 for controlling the operation of the system. In one form of the invention, the controller 25 includes a speech recognition unit 30 that is capable of parsing words spoken by an operator. This enables the system 5 to respond to voice commands such as "start the car" or "turn off the ignition." The controller 25 uses a controller area network (CAN) interface 35 to communicate with a breath alcohol sensor unit 40. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that CAN interfaces are widely used in automotive applications. In one form of the invention, controller 25 uses speech synthesizer unit 45 to generate voice prompts to the operator in response to operator voice commands and consistent with breath alcohol sensor measurements, such as "Alcohol detected, vehicle prohibited" or "No alcohol detected, start vehicle."

[0048] Breath alcohol sensor unit 40 may include any breath alcohol sensor unit capable of obtaining a driver's exhaled breath and analyzing the exhaled breath to determine the driver's blood alcohol content, which is a function of the driver's breath alcohol concentration. By way of example and not limitation, the breath alcohol sensor unit 40 may include a breath alcohol sensor unit as disclosed in: (i) U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0219620, published on August 6, 2015 by the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety, Inc. and Bertil Hok et al., regarding BREATH TEST SYSTEM (Attorney Docket No. ACTS-108460-0006-301), (ii) U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0233897, published on August 20, 2015 by the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety, Inc. and Bertil Hok et al., regarding HIGHLY ACCURATE BREATH TEST SYSTEM (Attorney Docket No. ACTS-108460-0007-301), (iii) U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0233897, published on August 20, 2015 by the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety, Inc. and Bertil Hok et al., regarding HIGHLY ACCURATE BREATH TEST SYSTEM (Attorney Docket No. ACTS-108460-0007-301), Hok et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0274768, filed on September 28, 2017 (Attorney Docket No. ACTS-108460-0009-101), regarding SENSOR SYSTEM FOR PASSIVE IN-VEHICLE BREATH ALCOHOL ESTIMATION; and (iv) by the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety, Inc. and Hans U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0356764 (Attorney Docket No. ACTS-108460-0010-101) published on December 8, 2016 by Evald Martin et al. regarding INTEGRATED BREATH ALCOHOL SENSOR SYSTEM are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0049] Now go to Figure 2 , showing an exemplary method of safe vehicle starting using system 5. Figure 2, the operator gives a "start car" command to begin the sequence. In one form of the invention, breath samples are taken in real time as the person speaks. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention differs from the prior art because the breath alcohol concentration (BRAC) measurement is synchronized in real time with the person speaking, rather than collecting samples prior to attempting to start the vehicle. Further details of the sensor measurement process are described later in this document. When the controller 25 receives blood alcohol concentration data from the breath alcohol sensor unit 40, the controller 25 compares it to a predetermined threshold, for example, using Figure 1 2 and 3. The respiratory data analyzer 47 is shown in FIG. 2 (it will be appreciated that the respiratory data analyzer 47 is essentially a decision tree implemented by suitable software running on the controller 25). Figure 2 The predetermined value shown in is 0.02 (i.e., 0.02% blood alcohol concentration), which may be a suitable value for a teenage driver or a school bus operator. However, other values ​​may be used, such as 0.08 (i.e., 0.08% blood alcohol concentration), which is the legal limit for many states in the United States. In this example, the operator's blood alcohol concentration is compared to the 0.02 threshold. If the value is above the predetermined threshold, the system 5 plays the prompt "Alcohol Detected". This may be accompanied by other messages such as "Vehicle Prohibited". If the driver's blood alcohol concentration value is below the predetermined threshold, the system plays the prompt "No Alcohol Detected" and starts the vehicle. Figure 2 The flowchart in can be modified to be higher than a predetermined threshold (such as 0.02), warning "alcohol detected", but not prohibiting the vehicle from starting until a second predetermined threshold (such as 0.08) is reached. System 5 can give a countdown for starting or provide additional synthesized voice prompts.

[0050] Back to Figure 1 , the system 5 uses a relay 50 connected to the contacts of a vehicle start button 55. It will be appreciated that other methods for starting the vehicle may also be used, such as remote starting, sending a CAN message to the vehicle's ignition controller, automatic key turning, etc. In one form of the invention, the voice activated vehicle starting system 5 allows the vehicle to start, but conversely inhibits the transmission shifter so that the vehicle may not be driven. For example, a school bus driver may not be able to put the bus into gear due to the transmission locking mechanism. This method may be preferred in very cold or very warm climates and allows the operator to use a heater or air conditioning device so that the vehicle's cabin temperature is at a comfortable and / or safe setting while inhibiting vehicle movement.

[0051] It will be appreciated that the accuracy of the BRAC measurement depends on the volume of exhaled breath provided to the alcohol detection system: the greater the volume of exhaled breath, the greater the accuracy of the BRAC measurement (and therefore the greater the accuracy of the determination of the driver's blood alcohol concentration). It will also be appreciated that with a voice-activated car start system, the driver naturally exhales breath when the driver provides a voice-based command to the car (e.g., "start car"). In accordance with the present invention, the system 5 can be configured to increase the volume of exhaled breath provided to the alcohol detection system by requiring the driver to speak additional words to the system until the system obtains a sufficient volume of exhaled breath to ensure an accurate BRAC measurement (and therefore an accurate blood alcohol concentration can be determined for the driver).

[0052] By way of example and not limitation, in the event that the alcohol detection system does not obtain a sufficient volume of exhaled breath to ensure an accurate BRAC measurement, the alcohol detection system may require additional speaking by the driver (i.e., in order to obtain additional driver exhaled breath) by presenting the driver with a series of questions that must be answered. By way of example and not limitation, in the event that the driver commands "start the car," the system 5 may respond with a series of questions that must be answered by the driver, such as, "What is your name?", "What is your date of birth?", "Where were you born?", etc. This series of questions and answers may continue until the alcohol detection system obtains a sufficient volume of exhaled breath to ensure an accurate BRAC measurement is obtained.

[0053] It has been found that certain words cause the speaker to expel more breath or more concentrated bursts of breath than other words. By way of example and not limitation, words that cause the speaker to "gasp" when speaking typically cause the speaker to expel more air than other words. Words that begin with a consonant also tend to cause the speaker to expel more air than other words. Therefore, in one form of the invention, the system 5 may cause the driver to say certain words that are known to cause more air to be expelled. By way of example and not limitation, the system 5 may be configured to instruct the driver to repeat certain words (e.g., "put," "where," "task," etc.) so that the system can capture more breaths from the driver and therefore obtain a more accurate BRAC measurement.

[0054] Therefore, the system 5 may be configured to increase the volume of exhaled breath provided to the alcohol detection system by requiring the driver to speak additional words to the system until the system obtains a sufficient volume of exhaled breath to ensure accurate BRAC measurement.

[0055] Figure 3An exemplary diagram of a breath alcohol sensor unit 40 is shown. In one form of the invention, the breath alcohol sensor unit 40 is integrated into the driver's door. The breath alcohol sensor unit 40 includes a fan 60 (not shown). Figure 3 shown in Figure 6 ), the fan 60 draws air to the sensor inlet 65 ( Figure 3 ) and sucked down through the vent tube 70 into the breath analyzer 75. Prior art systems require the operator to blow into the breath alcohol sensor unit 40 to start the car. Prior art systems also use disposable plastic tubes or straws (which must be removed after each use) for the operator to blow into. It can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the device in the present invention does not require a straw and has no wasted disposable parts, making it environmentally friendly. It can also be appreciated that the breath alcohol sensor unit 40 does not require the operator to blow into the breath alcohol sensor unit 40 or give a directed breath, it uses the fan 60 to simply suck the operator's breath into the breath alcohol sensor unit, allowing the breath alcohol sensor unit 40 to operate in "sniffer mode". However, in the event that the operator gives a directed breath sample, the breath alcohol sensor unit 40 will operate, and in some specific cases, the system 5 can prompt the operator to do so. The breath analyzer 75 runs an algorithm that combines with an ethanol measurement (BRAC) to find a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide (CO2). If the breathalyzer 75 does not measure CO2 at or above a predetermined threshold, it deems the measurement invalid and prompts the operator to provide a breath sample in order to start the vehicle. This prevents the operator from providing an invalid sample (e.g., by rolling down the window and breathing out of it while giving the "start car" command). In one form of the invention, Figure 3 The breath alcohol sensor unit 40 is installed in other areas of the cabin of the vehicle.

[0056] In one form of the invention there may be more than one breath alcohol sensor unit 40 integrated into the vehicle (see Figure 6 ).

[0057] Note that the breath alcohol sensor unit 40 is configured so that it can operate in a "sniffer mode" to draw the driver's breath into the breath analyzer 75. To this end, the breath alcohol sensor unit 40 includes a fan 60 that is provided to draw the driver's breath into the breath alcohol sensor unit. Note that the fan 60 is preferably turned on before or when the driver begins to speak, so that the breath alcohol sensor unit 40 can capture as much breath as possible, thereby providing a more accurate BRAC measurement (and therefore a more accurate blood alcohol concentration reading). To this end, the system 5 can be configured to turn on the fan 60 when the driver's door is opened (or when the driver sits in the driver's seat, or when the driver begins to speak, etc.).

[0058] Figure 4 is an exemplary illustration of a breath alcohol sensor unit 40 integrated into a vehicle. More particularly, in one form of the invention, Figure 3 The breath alcohol sensor unit 40 is integrated into the Figure 4 . Prior art systems use a handheld device that traditionally uses a tether so that the operator can blow into the device. However, a drawback of this prior art approach is that there is no mechanism to prevent someone else (such as a passenger or someone else sitting in the car) from blowing into the alcohol detection system. This allows the safety start interlock to be bypassed and will allow the operator to drive the car regardless of the breath alcohol content. The present invention has a breath alcohol sensor unit 40 mounted on the driver's door and / or on the steering column, which makes it difficult for someone sitting in the passenger seat or another location in the vehicle to interfere with the safe start mechanism.

[0059] Figure 6 is a detailed block diagram of a voice activated vehicle starting system 5. As shown in the figure, the system 5 includes one or more cameras 80 to record activities while and after the operator attempts to start the car. It can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the controller 25 can run a facial recognition algorithm to determine whether the person giving the voice command to start the car is sitting in the driver's seat and is the operator of the vehicle. Therefore, the system 5 is able to determine whether someone other than the driver is trying to give the voice command and breath sample. If the system 5 determines that someone other than the person sitting in the driver's seat is trying to start the car, a prompt "Vehicle is prohibited" is given. The system 5 can also provide a directional breath sample for the operator prompt. Figure 6 Also shown in the figure is a CAN interface 35 for CAN data from the system 5 to the vehicle. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, vehicle data can be used to determine information about the driver and / or passengers. For example, information about whether the passenger's airbag is effective can be used to determine whether the passenger is present. In addition, status information about seats, doors, windows, seat belts, air conditioning devices, convertible tops, etc. can be used to determine whether the breath sample obtained while the operator gives the "start car" command is valid. In one form of the present invention, the controller 25 can communicate with various automotive controllers of the vehicle via CAN 35 to perform actions such as turning off the car's air conditioner or prohibiting the window from rolling down during the vehicle start process. If it is determined that the operator is not sitting in the driver's seat or leaves the seat, the vehicle start process is terminated, and in some cases, if the car is started, the ignition can be turned off.

[0060] Back to Figure 6 The voice activated vehicle start system 5 also includes a wireless unit 85. The wireless unit 85 includes a cellular subunit capable of sending data and alerts via 3G or 4G LTE. If the implementation of the system 5 is in a school bus, and if the Figure 2 A blood alcohol concentration threshold in the range of 1 to 200 s may be used to send an alert to the school bus management company, school or authority (see Figure 7 ).if Figure 2 The blood alcohol concentration threshold in is the legal limit, and an alert can be sent to the local police department. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, the alert can be accompanied by data, such as the operator's BRAC and / or blood alcohol concentration. If desired, the cellular subunit of the wireless unit 85 can include a 5G or other state-of-the-art cellular radio. The cellular subunit of the wireless unit 85 can also include GPS, GNSS and / or GLONASS for vehicle location tracking and routing. In one form of the present invention, the wireless unit 85 includes a wireless network modem so that the vehicle's data, BRAC measurements over time, blood alcohol concentration over time, vehicle tracking, vehicle data, video, etc. can be uploaded to network storage (e.g., "cloud"). For example, when the vehicle is parked and has access to a network access point (such as a WiFi access point), the stored information can be uploaded to the cloud for later analysis. For example, a computer program for viewing data can be used. The computer program can include a graphical user interface to display the route that the vehicle has taken, a real-time report of the driver's blood alcohol concentration, vehicle data, events, and system diagnostics.

[0061] Figure 5is an exemplary illustration of a contact alcohol sensor unit 90 as seen from above a center console 95 of a vehicle looking down. In one form of the invention, the system 5 utilizes a contact alcohol sensor unit 90 in addition to one or more breath alcohol sensor units 40. This can be helpful in situations where the breath alcohol sensor unit 40 produces an inconclusive result or where confirmation of the result of the breath alcohol sensor unit 40 is desired. The contact alcohol sensor unit 90 uses one or more lasers that can penetrate the skin of an operator's finger. The contact alcohol sensor unit 90 detects the returned light and can use infrared or near infrared light to sense blood alcohol content. However, other spectroscopy methods using different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum may also be used. In this exemplary illustration, the contact alcohol sensor unit 90 is integrated into the center console 95 of the vehicle. In one form of the invention, the driver enters the car, gives a voice command to "start the car", the breath alcohol sensor unit 40 analyzes the driver's breath to determine the driver's blood alcohol concentration, and if the result of the breath alcohol sensor unit 40 is uncertain or if confirmation of the result of the breath alcohol sensor unit 40 is desired, the controller 25 instructs the driver to press the contact alcohol sensor unit 90, which then measures the blood alcohol concentration in the driver's blood. Depending on the results of the breath alcohol sensor unit 40 and the contact alcohol sensor unit 90, the controller 25 enables or disables the vehicle (as appropriate). In another form of the invention, the system 5 requires the use of both the breath alcohol sensor unit 40 and the contact alcohol sensor unit 90 in order to enable the vehicle. In this form of the invention, the breath alcohol sensor unit 40 operates in "sniffer mode" to sense the driver's blood alcohol content using the driver's breath, and also requires the driver to engage their finger with the contact alcohol sensor unit 90. If the results of the breath alcohol sensor unit 40 and the contact alcohol sensor unit 90 show a blood alcohol content below a predetermined threshold, the system 5 then enables the vehicle. The system 5 may also require the operator to first press the brake and then press the contact alcohol sensor unit 90. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that when the operator's foot contacts the brake and the operator's finger presses the contact alcohol sensor unit 90, the brake and the contact alcohol sensor unit 90 may be electrically coupled to complete the loop. Many methods can be used to complete the loop, such as DC, AC, RF or any other type of signal using point-to-point, electrode-to-electrode, capacitive coupling, transmitter-receiver or any other topology. The method excludes the possibility of someone else trying to start the car except the driver. In one form of the present invention, when the voice-activated vehicle starting system 5 receives a "start car" command and the alcohol detection system detects a blood alcohol concentration above a predetermined threshold, it allows the car to start. However, the system 5 prevents the operator from putting the conversion mechanism 100 in gear.

[0062] The contact alcohol sensor unit 90 may include any contact alcohol sensor unit capable of determining the driver's blood alcohol content by contact with the driver's finger. By way of example and not limitation, the contact alcohol sensor unit 90 may include a contact alcohol sensor unit disclosed in: (i) U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0050518 (Attorney Docket No. ACTS-108460-0003-102) published on February 23, 2017 by the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety, Inc. and Benjamin Ver Steeg et al. regarding SYSTEM FOR NON-INVASIVE MEASUREMENT OF AN ANALYTE IN A VEHICLE DRIVER, and (ii) SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE IGNITION USING BIOMETRIC EQUIPMENT, published on March 5, 2015 by the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety, Inc. and Gilbert A. Todd et al. regarding SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE IGNITION USING BIOMETRIC U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0066238 to DATA (Attorney Docket No. ACTS-108460-0004-101), which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0063] Figure 7 An exemplary method of sending an alarm when alcohol is detected by the system 5 is shown. In one form of the invention, after the voice activated system starts the vehicle, the system 5 continues to monitor the breath alcohol sensor unit 40. This method can be used to detect if the operator begins drinking after the vehicle is started. Figure 7 In the embodiment, a BRAC threshold of 0.02 is used, however other values ​​may be used. This method may be used for either the breath alcohol sensor unit 40 or the contact alcohol sensor unit 90. In one form of the invention, Figure 5 The contact alcohol sensor unit 90 shown in FIG. 1 is integrated into a vehicle steering wheel or a throttle valve. Figure 7 This will allow the system 5 to continuously monitor the driver's hands for alcohol.

[0064] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary scenario for using the system 5 to control vehicle operation. Figure 8The teachings in this specification are related to the real-life scenario of a school bus driver operating under zero alcohol tolerance laws. In this example, if no alcohol is detected, the driver is able to put the bus in gear and operate the vehicle normally. However, if alcohol is detected, the driver is unable to put the bus in gear, thus prohibiting operation of the bus. Authorities are notified with an alert containing information about the driver's blood alcohol concentration and the location of the bus. If children are present on the bus, the driver is able to adjust the cabin temperature to a safe and comfortable setting.

[0065] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the methods and apparatus described herein may be applied using other types of non-invasive sensors. The teachings of the inventors do not limit the technology to alcohol. Systems for preventing other types of impaired driving may also be implemented, including but not limited to narcotics, prescription and over-the-counter medications, opioids, amphetamines, hallucinogens, synthetic drugs, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and the like.

[0066] Modifications of the Preferred Embodiments

[0067] It will be understood that numerous additional changes in the details, materials, steps, and arrangements of components described and illustrated herein to explain the nature of the present invention may be made by those skilled in the art while remaining within the principles and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for controlling vehicle operation, the system comprising: a voice synthesizer unit for providing voice communications to the driver; A speech recognition unit, the speech recognition unit is used to receive speech from the driver; a breath alcohol sensor unit for detecting the presence of alcohol in the driver's breath and providing a signal representative thereof; A vehicle operation interface, the vehicle operation interface is used to control the operation of the vehicle; as well as a controller for (i) selectively causing the voice synthesizer unit to speak to the driver, (ii) operating the speech recognition unit to detect speech from the driver, (iii) receiving the signal from the breath alcohol sensor unit, and (iv) providing commands to the vehicle operation interface to control operation of the vehicle depending on the signal received from the breath alcohol sensor unit, wherein, when insufficient breath is received by the breath alcohol sensor unit to determine the concentration of alcohol in the driver's breath, the controller causes the sound synthesizer unit to speak to the driver so as to cause the driver to provide a spoken response, thereby providing additional breaths from the driver so as to allow the breath alcohol sensor unit to detect the concentration of alcohol in the additional breath of the driver and provide a signal representative of the concentration.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The breath alcohol sensor unit passively detects the presence of alcohol in the driver's breath while the driver speaks.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The breath alcohol sensor unit detects the presence of alcohol in the driver's breath when the driver gives a voice command to the vehicle.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that If the driver's breath alcohol content is below a predetermined threshold, the controller instructs the vehicle operation interface to allow operation of the vehicle.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that If the driver's breath alcohol content is above a predetermined threshold, the controller instructs the vehicle operation interface to prohibit operation of the vehicle.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The controller prompts the driver to speak a word using the voice synthesizer unit.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that The words are answers to questions prompted by the sound synthesizer unit.

8. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that The word is a specific word to be repeated by the driver.

9. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that The voice synthesizer unit prompts the driver to speak a word when the driver's breath alcohol content is at a predetermined threshold.

10. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that The voice synthesizer unit prompts the driver to speak a word when the volume of breath exhaled by the driver needs to be increased to ensure an accurate measurement of the driver's breath alcohol content.

11. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that If the driver's breath alcohol content is below a predetermined threshold and above a second lower predetermined threshold, the controller instructs the voice synthesizer unit to provide one or more voice synthesized notifications.

12. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The controller is configured to obtain data about the driver and / or passenger before and / or during the time when an alcohol measurement is taken by the breath alcohol sensor unit.

13. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that Before and / or during the time when alcohol measurement is performed by the breath alcohol sensor unit, the controller instructs the voice operated interface to disable a specific function.

14. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The system further comprises a contact alcohol sensor unit for performing a second alcohol measurement, wherein the second alcohol measurement is performed using a contact sensor.

15. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that If the driver leaves the driver's seat, the controller instructs the vehicle operation interface to prohibit operation of the vehicle.

16. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that The predetermined threshold is the legal alcohol limit in a given jurisdiction.

17. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that Alerts are sent via wireless network.

18. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that The alert contains measurement data and Global Positioning System (GPS) location information.

19. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The controller is also configured to determine whether someone other than the driver of the vehicle attempted to give a voice command, and if the controller determines that someone other than the driver attempted to give a voice command, the controller commands the vehicle operator interface to inhibit operation of the vehicle.

20. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The system further includes at least one from the group consisting of a wireless network unit for transmitting data over the wireless network and a video recorder system for recording video.

21. A method for controlling the operation of a vehicle occupied by a driver, the method comprising: using a speech recognition system unit to identify a voice command of the driver; taking at least one alcohol measurement of the driver; determining whether the driver's alcohol measurement is above or below a predetermined threshold; as well as controlling operation of the vehicle based on the alcohol measurement being above or below the predetermined threshold, Wherein, when insufficient breath is received by the breath alcohol sensor unit to determine the concentration of alcohol in the driver's breath, the driver is caused to speak, thereby providing additional breath from the driver to detect the concentration of alcohol in the driver's additional breath and provide a signal representing the concentration.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that If the alcohol measurement is below the predetermined threshold, operation of the vehicle is permitted.

23. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that If the alcohol measurement is above the predetermined threshold, operation of the vehicle is prohibited.

24. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that If the alcohol content is below the predetermined threshold and above a second lower predetermined threshold, the driver is notified.

25. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The predetermined threshold is the statutory limit in a given governance.

26. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that Prior to and / or during the time when the alcohol measurement is taken, certain functions of the vehicle are disabled.

27. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that If the driver leaves the driver's seat, operation of the vehicle is prohibited.

28. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that Information about the driver and / or passenger is obtained before and / or during the time when the alcohol measurement is taken.

29. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that Alerts are sent via wireless network.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that The alert contains measurement data and Global Positioning System (GPS) location information.

31. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that If it is determined that someone other than the driver is attempting to give the voice command, operation of the vehicle is prohibited.

Images