Device and method for detecting alcohol content in the breath of vehicle occupants

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device and method for detecting the alcohol content in the breath of a vehicle occupant. The device includes: an inlet, a sensor, a driver valve, a passenger valve and a controller, wherein the inlet inhales the driver's exhalation and the passenger's exhalation respectively; the sensor detects the alcohol content in the driver's exhalation or the passenger's exhalation; the driver valve is controlled to be open or closed so that the driver's exhalation can be introduced into the sensor; the passenger valve is controlled to be open or closed so that the passenger's exhalation can be introduced into the sensor; the controller determines whether the passenger is on the vehicle (i.e., in the vehicle), and controls the driver valve and the passenger valve to open or close based on the determination result. Therefore, the driver's breathing is distinguished from the passenger's breathing, and the influence of the passenger is eliminated to detect the alcohol content in the driver's breath, thereby accurately determining the driver's drinking state.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0082866, filed on Jul. 6, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for detecting the alcohol content in the breath of a vehicle occupant. Background Art

[0004] In a conventional alcohol detection device, a driver's seat in a vehicle is provided with an inlet for detecting the alcohol content contained in the driver's breath, so as to determine whether the alcohol content contained in the driver's breath in the vehicle exceeds the legal limit, thereby determining whether the driver is driving under the influence of alcohol. However, the inlet provided in the driver's seat can detect not only the driver's breath, but also the breath of the passenger next to the driver, making it difficult to accurately determine the driver's drinking state. Summary of the invention

[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus and method for detecting alcohol content (ingredients), the apparatus distinguishing the breath of a driver in a vehicle from the breath of a fellow passenger to accurately determine the driver's drinking state.

[0006] The technical problems to be solved by the inventive concept are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will clearly understand any other technical problems not mentioned herein from the following description.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a device for detecting alcohol content includes: an inlet, a sensor, a driver valve, a passenger valve and a controller, wherein the inlet inhales the driver's exhalation and the passenger's exhalation respectively; the sensor detects the alcohol content in at least one of the driver's exhalation or the passenger's exhalation; the driver valve is controlled to be opened or closed to enable the driver's exhalation to be introduced into the sensor; the passenger valve is controlled to be opened or closed to enable the passenger's exhalation to be introduced into the sensor; the controller determines whether the passenger is on board (i.e., in the vehicle), and controls the driver valve and the passenger valve to be opened or closed based on the determination result.

[0008] When it is determined that a fellow passenger is on board based on the determination result, the controller may control the driver valve and the fellow passenger valve to be opened or closed to enable the driver's exhalation and the fellow passenger's exhalation to be alternately introduced into the sensor.

[0009] When there are passengers in the vehicle, the controller can control the driver's valve to open for a predetermined first time and control the passenger's valve to close for a predetermined first time to introduce the driver's exhalation into the sensor, and then the controller can control the driver's valve to close for a first time and control the passenger's valve to open for a first time to introduce the passenger's exhalation into the sensor, thereby alternately introducing the driver's exhalation and the passenger's exhalation into the sensor.

[0010] The controller may determine whether the driver's breath or the passenger's breath flows into the sensor based on a predetermined first time.

[0011] When it is determined based on the determination result that the passenger is not in the vehicle, the controller may control the driver valve to open and control the passenger valve to close to introduce the driver's exhalation into the sensor without introducing the passenger's exhalation into the sensor.

[0012] Before starting the engine, the controller may determine whether alcohol components are detected in the driver's breath and the passenger's breath alternately introduced into the sensor, and when no alcohol components are detected in the driver's breath, the controller may determine that the engine can be started.

[0013] After starting the engine, the controller may determine whether alcohol components are detected in the driver's breath and the passenger's breath alternately introduced into the sensor during driving, and when no alcohol components are detected in the driver's breath, the controller may determine to keep driving.

[0014] While driving, when alcohol is detected in the driver's breath, the controller can determine whether alcohol is detected in the breath of the fellow passenger. When alcohol is not detected in the breath of the fellow passenger, the controller can output a warning and control the vehicle to stop driving.

[0015] When an alcohol component is detected in the breath of a fellow passenger, the controller may output a ventilation request message for the interior of the vehicle, and may control to re-detect the alcohol components in the breath of the driver and the breath of the fellow passenger.

[0016] Each of the driver valve and the passenger valve may include a solenoid valve, respectively.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for detecting alcohol content includes: determining whether a passenger is on board (i.e., in the vehicle); controlling the opening or closing of a driver valve and a passenger valve based on the determination result of whether the passenger is on board; and detecting the alcohol content in at least one of the driver's breath or the passenger's breath introduced into the sensor in response to the opening or closing of the driver valve and the passenger valve.

[0018] When it is determined that a fellow passenger is on board based on the determination result, the driver valve and the fellow passenger valve may be controlled to be opened or closed, thereby enabling the driver's exhaled breath and the fellow passenger's exhaled breath to be alternately introduced into the sensor.

[0019] When there are passengers in the vehicle, the driver valve can be controlled to open for a predetermined first time and the passenger valve can be controlled to close for a predetermined first time, so that the driver's exhalation can be introduced into the sensor, and then the driver valve can be controlled to close for a predetermined first time and the passenger valve can be controlled to open for a predetermined first time, so that the passenger's exhalation can be introduced into the sensor, and then the driver's exhalation and the passenger's exhalation can be alternately introduced into the sensor.

[0020] Whether the driver's breath or the passenger's breath is introduced into the sensor may be determined based on the predetermined first time.

[0021] Based on the determination result, when the passenger is not on board, the driver valve may be controlled to be open and the passenger valve may be controlled to be closed, thereby enabling the driver's exhaled breath to be introduced into the sensor and enabling the passenger's exhaled breath not to be introduced into the sensor.

[0022] Before starting the engine, it can be determined whether alcohol components are detected in the breath of the driver and the breath of the passenger alternately introduced into the sensor, and when alcohol components are not detected in the breath of the driver, it can be determined that the engine can be started.

[0023] After starting the engine, it can be determined whether alcohol components are detected in the driver's breath and the breath of the passenger alternately introduced into the sensor during driving. When alcohol components are not detected in the driver's breath, control can be performed to maintain driving.

[0024] When alcohol is detected in the driver's breath while driving, it can be determined whether alcohol is detected in the breath of the fellow passenger. When alcohol is not detected in the breath of the fellow passenger, a warning can be output and driving can be controlled to stop.

[0025] When an alcohol component is detected in the breath of a fellow passenger, a ventilation request message for the interior of the vehicle may be output, and control may be performed to re-detect the alcohol components in the breath of the driver and the breath of the fellow passenger.

[0026] Each of the driver valve and the passenger valve may include a solenoid valve, respectively. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an apparatus for detecting alcohol content in the breath of a vehicle occupant according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a valve of a driver's seat according to an embodiment of the present invention is opened;

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a valve of a passenger seat according to an embodiment of the present invention is opened;

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a device for detecting alcohol content installed in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a method for detecting alcohol components according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a method for detecting alcohol components according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a computing system for executing a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicle-related" or other similar terms used herein generally include motor vehicles, such as passenger cars including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, ships including various boats, vessels, aircraft, etc., and include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from non-petroleum energy sources). As referred to herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle having two or more power sources, such as a vehicle having both gasoline power and electric power.

[0036] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "one", "a" and "said" are intended to also include plural forms, unless the context clearly states otherwise. It will also be further understood that when the terms "including" and / or "including" are used in this specification, it is indicated that there are the features, numerical values, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but it is not excluded that there are or add one or more other features, numerical values, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related enumeration items. Throughout the specification, unless a clear contrary description is made, the word "including" and variations such as "including" or "including" will be understood to imply the elements stated, but do not exclude any other elements. In addition, the terms "unit", "device", "component" and "module" described in the specification are meant to be units for performing at least one function and operation, and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and their combinations.

[0037] In addition, the control logic of the present invention can be implemented as a non-volatile computer readable medium on a computer readable medium, which contains executable program instructions executed by a processor, a controller, etc. Examples of computer readable media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, compact disk (CD)-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash drive, smart card, and optical data storage device. The computer readable medium can also be distributed on a network-connected computer system so that the computer readable medium is stored and executed in a distributed manner, for example, through a telematics server or a controller area network (CAN).

[0038] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary drawings. When adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that even when the same or equivalent components are shown in other drawings, they are represented by the same reference numerals. In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present invention, the specific description of known features or functions will be excluded so as not to unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention.

[0039] When describing components according to embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, "A", "B", (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are intended only to distinguish one component from another, and these terms do not limit the nature, order or sequence of the constituent components. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical or scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Terms defined in general dictionaries are interpreted as having the same meaning as the contextual meaning in the relevant technical field, and are not interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless explicitly defined as having such a meaning in this application.

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an apparatus for detecting an alcohol component in the breath of a vehicle occupant according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the device 100 for detecting alcohol content may include: an inlet 110 , a valve 120 , a sensor 130 , an output device 140 and a starting device 150 .

[0042] The inlet 110 can inhale the driver's exhaled breath and the passenger's exhaled breath respectively. To this end, the inlet 110 can be set at a position where the driver's exhaled breath can be easily inhaled (for example, one side of the steering wheel) and a position where the passenger's exhaled breath can be easily inhaled (for example, one side of the dashboard of the front passenger seat).

[0043] The valve 120 may include a driver valve and a passenger valve, the driver valve being controlled to be opened or closed so that the driver's exhaled air can flow into the sensor 130; and the passenger valve being controlled to be opened or closed so that the passenger's exhaled air can flow into the sensor 130. Here, each of the driver valve and the passenger valve may include a solenoid valve controlled by the controller 160. The valve 120 may be provided at a position where a ventilating pipe (the driver's exhalation passage) connected to the inlet 110 for inhaling the driver's exhaled air and a ventilating pipe (the passenger's exhalation passage) connected to the inlet 110 for inhaling the passenger's exhaled air intersect each other.

[0044] The sensor 130 may detect the alcohol content in at least one of the driver's breath or the breath of the passenger. In this case, the sensor 130 may include an alcohol sensor. Here, the alcohol content may include an alcohol content having an alcohol concentration higher than a threshold value (which is determined as a drinking state), but is not limited thereto, and may also include an alcohol content having an alcohol concentration lower than a threshold value.

[0045] In addition, the sensor 130 can be arranged in the driver's seat and the co-driver's seat to detect that the driver is on the vehicle and the co-passenger is on the vehicle. In this case, the sensor 130 can be implemented as a seat sensor.

[0046] The output device 140 may output the determination result of the controller 160. To this end, the output device 140 may include a combined instrument panel display device and an audio video navigation (AVN) display device capable of outputting images and a speaker capable of outputting sounds.

[0047] The starting device 150 may refer to an engine starting device of the vehicle, and may cause the engine to be driven or stopped based on the determination result of the controller 160. According to an embodiment, in the determination result of the controller 160, when it is determined that no alcohol component is detected in the breath of the driver, the engine may be driven by determining that it can be started, and when it is determined that an alcohol component is detected in the breath of the driver, the engine may be prevented from being driven.

[0048] The controller 160 can be implemented by various processing devices, such as a microprocessor equipped with a semiconductor chip capable of calculating or executing various instructions. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 160 can control the operation of the device for detecting alcohol content. Specifically, the controller 160 can determine whether a fellow passenger is on the vehicle based on the determination result and control the driver valve and the fellow passenger valve to open or close.

[0049] Specifically, in the determination result, when it is determined that a fellow passenger is on board, the controller 160 may control the driver valve and the fellow passenger valve to be opened or closed, and enable the driver's exhaled air and the fellow passenger's exhaled air to flow into the sensor alternately. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Give a detailed description.

[0050] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a valve of a driver's seat according to an embodiment of the present invention is opened, Figure 3 : is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a valve of a passenger seat according to an embodiment of the present invention is opened.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the controller 160 can control the driver valve 121 to open for a first time after the driver's exhalation "a" is inhaled through the inlet 110, and can control the passenger valve 122 to close, so that the driver's exhalation "a" can be introduced into the sensor 130. Here, according to the embodiment, the first time can include a time of 2 seconds to 5 seconds.

[0052] In addition, if Figure 3As shown, the controller 160 controls the driver valve 121 to be closed for a first time after the driver's exhalation “a” flows in for a first time, and can control the passenger valve 122 to be opened, thereby enabling the passenger's exhalation “b” to be introduced into the sensor 130 .

[0053] Therefore, since the driver's breath "a" and the passenger's breath "b" can be alternately introduced at intervals of the first time, the controller 160 can determine whether the breath sensed by the sensor 130 at a specific time is the driver's or the passenger's based on the first time. Here, preferably, the specific time is understood as a time to obtain information sufficient to distinguish the driver's breath from the passenger's breath.

[0054] Therefore, the sensor 130 can distinguish the driver's breath from the passenger's breath and detect the alcohol content of each breath, so that the controller 160 can accurately detect the alcohol content in the driver's breath. In addition, the controller 160 can output the determination result through the output device 140, or control the starting device 150 based on the determination result.

[0055] Furthermore, when it is determined that the passenger is not on board (ie, not in the vehicle), the controller 160 may control the driver valve 121 to open and the passenger valve 122 to close, such as Figure 2 As shown, the driver's breath can be introduced into the sensor 130 and the passenger's breath can not be introduced into the sensor 130. Therefore, when the passenger is not in the car, the controller 160 can fundamentally block the passenger's breath to accurately detect the alcohol content in the driver's breath.

[0056] Before starting the engine, the controller 160 may determine whether an alcohol component is detected in the breath of the driver and the breath of the passenger alternately introduced into the sensor 130 .

[0057] When no alcohol component is detected in the driver's breath, the controller 160 may determine that the engine can be started. On the other hand, when an alcohol component is detected in the driver's breath, the controller 160 may not start the engine, but may reintroduce the driver's breath and the breath of the fellow passengers.

[0058] When it is determined that the engine can be started, the controller 160 may introduce the driver's breath and the passenger's breath in the driving state after starting the engine. The controller 160 may determine whether alcohol components are detected in the inhaled driver's breath and the passenger's breath while driving.

[0059] When the alcohol component in the driver's breath is not detected in the driving state, the controller 160 can control to keep driving. In addition, when the alcohol component in the driver's breath is detected in the driving state, the controller 160 can determine whether the alcohol component is detected in the breath of the fellow passenger.

[0060] When it is determined that no alcohol component is detected in the breath of the fellow passenger, the controller 160 may output a warning message and control the vehicle to stop driving. On the other hand, when it is determined that alcohol component is detected in the breath of the fellow passenger, the controller 160 may output a guidance message requesting indoor ventilation of the vehicle and control the vehicle to re-inhale the breath of the driver and the breath of the fellow passenger while driving.

[0061] Figure 4 Schematic diagram schematically showing a device for detecting alcohol content installed in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] like Figure 4 As shown, the device 100 for detecting alcohol content of the present invention may include: an inlet 110 for inhaling the driver's breath and arranged on one side of the steering wheel, and an inlet 110 for inhaling the passenger's breath and arranged on one side of the instrument panel.

[0063] In addition, valve 120 can be set at a position where a ventilation tube connected to an inlet 110 for inhaling the driver's exhalation (driver's exhalation channel) and a ventilation tube connected to an inlet 110 for inhaling the exhalation of a passenger (passenger's exhalation channel) intersect each other, so as to be controlled to be opened or closed based on the control of controller 60.

[0064] The sensor 130 can detect the alcohol content in the breath of the driver and the breath of the passenger, and can detect whether the passenger is in the vehicle.

[0065] The output device 140 may output the determination result of the controller 160. To this end, the output device 140 may include a combined instrument panel display device and an AVN display device capable of outputting images and a speaker capable of outputting sounds.

[0066] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a method for detecting alcohol components according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] like Figure 5 As shown, in step S110, the controller 160 determines whether a fellow passenger is on board based on the information detected by the sensor 130. When it is determined that a fellow passenger is on board ("Yes" in step S110), the controller 160 may control the driver valve and the fellow passenger valve to open or close so that the driver's exhalation and the fellow passenger's exhalation are alternately introduced into the sensor.

[0068] Specifically, in step S120, after the driver's exhalation is inhaled through the inlet 110, the controller 160 may control the driver valve 121 to open and the passenger valve 122 to close for a first time, thereby enabling the driver's exhalation "a" to be introduced into the sensor 130. In step S120, according to an embodiment, the first time may include a time of 2 seconds to 5 seconds.

[0069] After the driver's exhaled air flows in for the first time, in step S140 , the controller 160 may control the driver valve 121 to be closed for the first time, and control the passenger valve 122 to be opened, so that the passenger's exhaled air can flow into the sensor 130 .

[0070] In step S150, the controller 160 determines whether to introduce the driver's breath and the passenger's breath at a specific time. Here, the specific time may be a time to obtain information sufficient to distinguish the driver's breath from the passenger's breath. When the controller 160 determines to introduce the driver's breath and the passenger's breath at a specific time ("yes" in step S150), the controller 160 can determine whether the breath sensed by the sensor 130 is the driver's or the passenger's based on the first time, and in step S160, the controller 160 detects the alcohol content in the breath (the driver's breath and the passenger's breath) alternately introduced at intervals of the first time.

[0071] That is, the controller 160 can make the sensor 130 distinguish the driver's breath from the breath of the fellow passenger, and detect the alcohol content of each breath, thereby accurately detecting the alcohol content in the driver's breath. In addition, the controller 160 can output the determination result through the output device 140, or control the starting device 150 based on the determination result.

[0072] Furthermore, when the controller 160 determines that the fellow passenger is not on the vehicle ("No" in step S110), in step S170, the controller 160 may control the driver valve 121 to open and the fellow passenger valve 122 to close, so as to introduce only the driver's breath into the sensor 130, but not the fellow passenger's breath into the sensor 130. Thereafter, in step S160, the alcohol component in the breath (driver's breath) sensed by the sensor 130 is detected. Therefore, when the fellow passenger is not on the vehicle, the controller 160 may fundamentally block the fellow passenger's breath, so as to be able to accurately detect the alcohol component in the driver's breath.

[0073] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a method for detecting alcohol components according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] like Figure 6As shown, the controller 160 determines whether a fellow passenger is on board based on the information sensed by the sensor 130, and when a fellow passenger is on board, the driver's exhalation and the fellow passenger's exhalation are introduced in step S210. Figure 5 A more detailed description of step S210 is given in steps S120 to S150 in FIG.

[0075] Before starting the engine, the controller 160 may determine whether an alcohol component is not detected in the breath of the driver and the breath of the passenger alternately introduced into the sensor 130 in step S220 .

[0076] When no alcohol component is detected in the driver's breath ("Yes" in step S220), in step S230, the controller 160 may determine that the engine can be started. Also, when alcohol component is detected in the driver's breath ("No" in step S220), in step S210, the controller 160 may reintroduce the driver's breath and the passenger's breath without starting the engine.

[0077] When it is determined to start the engine, in step S240, the controller 160 may introduce the driver's breath and the passenger's breath in the driving state after starting the engine. In step S250, the controller 160 may determine whether no alcohol component is detected in the driver's breath and the passenger's breath inhaled while driving.

[0078] When the alcohol component in the driver's breath is not detected in the driving state ("Yes" in step S250), the controller 160 may control to keep driving in step S260. Moreover, in step S250, when the alcohol component in the driver's breath is detected in the driving state, the controller 160 may determine whether the alcohol component is not detected in the breath of the fellow passenger in step S270.

[0079] When the controller 160 determines that no alcohol component is detected in the breath of the fellow passenger ("Yes" in step S270), the controller 160 may output a warning message and control the vehicle to stop driving in step S280. On the other hand, when it is determined that alcohol component is detected in the breath of the fellow passenger ("No" in step S270), the controller 160 may output a guidance message requesting indoor ventilation of the vehicle in step S290, and in step S240, the driver's breath and the fellow passenger's breath may be controlled to be re-inhaled while driving.

[0080] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a computing system for executing a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] refer to Figure 7, the computing system 1000 may include at least one processor 1100 , a memory 1300 , a user interface input device 1400 , a user interface output device 1500 , a storage device 1600 , and a network interface 1700 connected to each other via a bus 1200 .

[0082] The processor 1100 may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a semiconductor device that processes instructions stored in the memory 1300 and / or the storage device 1600. The memory 1300 and the storage device 1600 may include various types of volatile or non-volatile storage media. For example, the memory 1300 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1310 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1320.

[0083] The operation of the method or algorithm described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be directly implemented as a hardware or software module executed by the processor 1100, or a combination thereof. The software module can be stored on a storage medium (that is, the memory 1300 and / or the storage device 1600), such as RAM, flash memory, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, register, hard disk, removable hard disk, CD-ROM. An exemplary storage medium can be connected to the processor 1100, and the processor 1100 can read the information of the storage medium and can record information in the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium can be integrated with the processor 1100. The processor 1100 and the storage medium can be stored in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC can be stored in a user terminal. In another case, the processor 1100 and the storage medium can be stored in a user terminal as a separate component.

[0084] In the device and method for detecting alcohol content according to an embodiment of the present invention, the driver's breathing is distinguished from the breathing of the fellow passengers, and the influence of the fellow passengers is eliminated to detect the alcohol content in the driver's breath, thereby accurately determining the driver's drinking status.

[0085] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto but various modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as required by the appended claims.

[0086] Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided to explain the spirit and scope of the present invention, rather than to limit the spirit and scope of the present invention, and therefore the spirit and scope of the present invention are not limited by these embodiments. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical concepts within the scope equivalent to the claims should be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for detecting alcohol content in a driver's breath, the device comprising: an inlet configured to inhale the driver's exhaled breath and the passenger's exhaled breath respectively; a sensor configured to detect an alcohol content in at least one of the driver's breath or the breath of a fellow passenger; a driver valve and a passenger valve, wherein the driver valve is controlled to be opened or closed so as to allow the driver's exhaled breath to be introduced into the sensor, and the passenger valve is controlled to be opened or closed so as to allow the passenger's exhaled breath to be introduced into the sensor; as well as The controller is configured to determine whether a passenger is on board the vehicle and control the driver valve and the passenger valve to open or close based on the determination result.

2. The device for detecting alcohol content in a driver's breath according to claim 1, wherein: When it is determined that a fellow passenger is on board the vehicle based on the determination result, the controller controls the driver valve and the fellow passenger valve to be opened or closed to alternately introduce the driver's exhaled breath and the fellow passenger's exhaled breath into the sensor.

3. The device for detecting alcohol content in a driver's breath according to claim 2, wherein: When there are passengers in the vehicle, the controller controls the driver's valve to open for a predetermined first time and controls the passenger's valve to close for a predetermined first time to introduce the driver's exhalation into the sensor, and then the controller controls the driver's valve to close for a predetermined first time and controls the passenger's valve to open for a predetermined first time to introduce the passenger's exhalation into the sensor, thereby alternately introducing the driver's exhalation and the passenger's exhalation into the sensor.

4. The device for detecting alcohol content in a driver's breath according to claim 3, wherein: The controller determines whether the driver's breath or the passenger's breath flows into the sensor based on a predetermined first time.

5. The device for detecting alcohol content in a driver's breath according to claim 1, wherein: When it is determined based on the determination result that the passenger is not on the vehicle, the controller controls the driver valve to open and controls the passenger valve to close to introduce the driver's exhalation into the sensor but not the passenger's exhalation into the sensor.

6. The device for detecting alcohol content in a driver's breath according to claim 3, wherein: Before starting the engine, the controller determines whether alcohol components are detected in the breath of the driver and the breath of the passenger alternately introduced into the sensor, and when no alcohol component is detected in the breath of the driver, the controller determines that the engine can be started.

7. The device for detecting alcohol content in a driver's breath according to claim 6, wherein: After starting the engine, the controller determines whether alcohol components are detected in the breath of the driver and the breath of the passenger alternately introduced into the sensor during driving, and determines to keep driving when no alcohol components are detected in the breath of the driver.

8. The device for detecting alcohol content in a driver's breath according to claim 6, wherein: When alcohol is detected in the breath of the driver during driving, the controller determines whether alcohol is detected in the breath of a fellow passenger. When alcohol is not detected in the breath of the fellow passenger, the controller outputs a warning and controls the vehicle to stop driving.

9. The device for detecting alcohol content in a driver's breath according to claim 8, wherein: When an alcohol component is detected in the breath of a fellow passenger, the controller outputs a ventilation request message for the interior of the vehicle and controls to re-detect alcohol components in the breath of the driver and the breath of the fellow passenger.

10. The device for detecting alcohol content in a driver's breath according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the driver valve and the passenger valve includes a solenoid valve, respectively.

11. A method for detecting alcohol content in a driver's breath, the method comprising: Determine whether fellow passengers are on board; controlling the driver valve and the passenger valve to open or close based on the determination result of whether the passenger is in the vehicle; In response to the opening or closing of the driver valve and the passenger valve, an alcohol component in at least one of the driver's breath or the passenger's breath introduced into the sensor is detected.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: When it is determined based on the determination result that a fellow passenger is on board, the driver valve and the fellow passenger valve are controlled to be opened or closed, thereby enabling the driver's exhaled breath and the fellow passenger's exhaled breath to be alternately introduced into the sensor.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: When there are passengers in the vehicle, the driver valve is controlled to open for a predetermined first time and the passenger valve is controlled to close for a predetermined first time, so that the driver's exhalation can be introduced into the sensor. Then the driver valve is controlled to close for a predetermined first time and the passenger valve is controlled to open for a predetermined first time, so that the passenger's exhalation can be introduced into the sensor. Further, the driver's exhalation and the passenger's exhalation can be alternately introduced into the sensor.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: It is determined based on the predetermined first time whether the driver's breath or the passenger's breath is introduced into the sensor.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein: Based on the determination result, when the passenger is not on board, the driver valve is controlled to be open and the passenger valve is controlled to be closed, thereby enabling the driver's breath to be introduced into the sensor without introducing the passenger's breath into the sensor.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Before starting the engine, it is determined whether alcohol components are detected in the breath of the driver and the breath of the passenger alternately introduced into the sensor, and when alcohol components are not detected in the breath of the driver, it is determined that the engine can be started.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: After starting the engine, it is determined whether alcohol components are detected in the breath of the driver and the breath of the passenger alternately introduced into the sensor during driving, and when alcohol components are not detected in the breath of the driver, control is performed to maintain driving.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein: When alcohol is detected in the breath of the driver during driving, it is determined whether alcohol is detected in the breath of the fellow passenger. When alcohol is not detected in the breath of the fellow passenger, a warning is output and driving is controlled to stop.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: When an alcohol component is detected in the breath of the fellow passenger, a ventilation request message for the vehicle interior is output, and control is performed to re-detect the alcohol components in the breath of the driver and the breath of the fellow passenger.

20. The method according to claim 11, wherein: Each of the driver valve and the passenger valve includes a solenoid valve, respectively.

Images