Device and method for preventing drunk driving

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device and a method for preventing drunk driving, wherein the device for preventing drunk driving comprises: a first measuring device configured to detect alcohol in the indoor air of a vehicle; and a processor connected to the first measuring device, wherein the processor is configured to: perform a first check to check for the presence or absence of alcohol in the indoor air by means of the first measuring device before the driver gets into the vehicle; perform a second check to check for the presence or absence of alcohol in the indoor air by means of the first measuring device after the driver gets into the vehicle; and determine the possibility of the driver being drunk based on the results of the first check and the second check.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and method for preventing drunk driving. Background Art

[0002] With the emergence of the severity of traffic accidents caused by drunk driving, regulations on drunk driving have been strengthened. In addition, a device for preventing drunk driving (alcohol ignition interlock device) is compulsorily installed in vehicles to prevent drunk driving. The device for preventing drunk driving measures the alcohol concentration in the driver's exhaled breath using an alcohol sensor before starting the vehicle, and controls the starting of the vehicle based on the measured alcohol concentration, thereby restricting a drunk driver from driving the vehicle.

[0003] However, the inconvenience of the device for preventing drunk driving is that even a sober driver who has not drunk alcohol has to have their alcohol concentration measured. In addition, since perfume, air freshener, and / or hand sanitizer also contain a small amount of alcohol components, it may be difficult for the device for preventing drunk driving to measure the driver's blood alcohol level.

[0004] The information included in the background art section of the present invention is only used to enhance the understanding of the general background of the present invention, and should not be regarded as an acknowledgement or any form of implication that this information constitutes the prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Aspects of the present invention are directed to providing a device and method for preventing drunk driving that pre-detects alcohol in the indoor air of a vehicle, thereby performing a measurement of the driver's blood alcohol level only when the driver is suspected of being drunk.

[0006] The technical problems to be solved by the inventive concept of the present invention are not limited to the above problems, and include any other technical problems not mentioned herein that will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which various exemplary embodiments of the present invention belong through the following description.

[0007] According to aspects of the present invention, a device configured to prevent drunk driving includes: a first measuring device configured to detect alcohol in the indoor air of a vehicle; and a processor connected to the first measuring device, wherein the processor is configured to: perform a first check to check for the presence or absence of alcohol in the indoor air through the first measuring device before the driver gets into the vehicle; perform a second check to check for the presence or absence of alcohol in the indoor air through the first measuring device after the driver gets into the vehicle; and determine the possibility of the driver being drunk based on the results of the first check and the second check.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first measuring device includes: a simplified alcohol sensor that detects alcohol components in the indoor air; and an olfactory sensor that detects the smell of alcohol in the indoor air.

[0009] In one embodiment, the processor is configured to determine whether there is a possibility of the driver being drunk based on whether an alcohol component and an alcohol smell are detected in the first check and the second check.

[0010] In one embodiment, the processor is configured to: when it is determined that there is a possibility of the driver being drunk, the processor waits for a predetermined time and then re - executes the second check.

[0011] In one embodiment, the predetermined time is defined as the time required for the alcohol to volatilize and disappear.

[0012] In one embodiment, the device further includes: a second measuring device connected to the processor and configured to measure the alcohol level of the driver, wherein the processor is configured to: when it is determined that there is a possibility of the driver being drunk, use the second measuring device to measure the blood alcohol concentration in the driver's breath.

[0013] In one embodiment, the processor is configured to: when it is determined that the blood alcohol concentration is equal to or higher than the threshold, restrict the vehicle from starting; when it is determined that the blood alcohol concentration is lower than the threshold, allow the vehicle to start.

[0014] In one embodiment, the processor is configured to: when it is determined that there is no possibility of the driver being drunk, the processor allows the vehicle to start.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first measuring device and the second measuring device are formed as a single module.

[0016] In one embodiment, the processor is configured to output a guiding message indicating that the second check is being executed on an output device connected to the processor.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for preventing drunk driving includes the following steps: performing a first check to check whether there is alcohol in the indoor air of the vehicle before the driver gets on the vehicle; performing a second check to check whether there is alcohol in the indoor air after the driver gets on the vehicle; and determining whether there is a possibility of the driver being drunk according to the results of the first check and the second check.

[0018] In one embodiment, the step of performing the first check includes: detecting that the driver's seat door of the vehicle is unlocked; and using a simplified alcohol sensor and an olfactory sensor placed in the vehicle to detect the alcohol component and the alcohol smell in the indoor air.

[0019] In one embodiment, the step of performing a second check includes: detecting that the state of the driver's seat door of the vehicle switches from an open state to a closed state; receiving a command to start the vehicle; and using a simplified alcohol sensor and an olfactory sensor placed in the vehicle to detect alcohol content and alcohol odor in the interior air.

[0020] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of measuring the blood alcohol concentration in the driver's breath using a blood alcohol level measurement sensor.

[0021] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of: determining that the vehicle cannot be started when it is determined that the measured blood alcohol concentration is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold.

[0022] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of allowing the vehicle to be started when it is determined that the measured blood alcohol concentration is below a predetermined threshold.

[0023] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of allowing the vehicle to start when it is determined that there is no possibility that the driver is drunk.

[0024] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps: when it is determined that there is a possibility that the driver is drunk, waiting for a predetermined time and then re-performing a second check.

[0025] In one embodiment, the predetermined time is defined as the time required for the alcohol to evaporate and disappear.

[0026] In one embodiment, the step of performing a second check further comprises: outputting a guidance message on an output device connected to the processor indicating that the indoor air is being checked for the presence or absence of alcohol.

[0027] The method and apparatus of the present invention have other features and advantages, which will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the accompanying drawings incorporated herein. Figure 1 This will become apparent or be described in more detail in the following description which illustrates certain principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle system for preventing drunk driving according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for preventing drunk driving according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 An example of a lookup table referred to when determining to re-perform a second quick check is shown according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a method for preventing drunk driving according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention; and

[0032] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a timing diagram showing the operation of a processor based on whether to re - execute a quick check according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather present a somewhat simplified representation of the various features showing the basic principles of the present invention. Specific design features of the present invention included herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will be determined in part by the particular application and use environment of the specific design.

[0034] In the drawings, throughout the several views of the drawings, reference numerals refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0035] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention. Examples of various embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and described below. Although the present invention will be described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the present invention to those exemplary embodiments. On the other hand, the present invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalent forms, and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims.

[0036] Hereinafter, various exemplary 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, these same or equivalent components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Additionally, when determining that a related known configuration or function interferes with the understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description of the related known configuration or function will be omitted.

[0037] When describing components of exemplary embodiments in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish a component from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components is not limited by these terms. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should also be understood that terms defined in commonly used dictionaries, for example, should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be idealized or interpreted overly formally unless defined as such herein.

[0038] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a vehicle system for preventing drunk driving according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1 , the vehicle system may include: a door controller 100, a start button 200, a drunk driving prevention device 300, and a start controller 400. The door controller 100, the drunk driving prevention device 300, and the start controller 400 may be implemented as an electronic control unit (ECU), software, and / or a program.

[0040] The door controller 100 may control the doors (e.g., the driver's seat door, the passenger seat door, and / or the rear seat doors) in response to an instruction from a top-level controller (e.g., a vehicle control unit (VCU), etc.). For example, when receiving a door locking command from a user terminal (e.g., a smart phone, a smart key, etc.), the top-level controller may instruct the door controller 100 to switch the state of the doors to the locked state. The door controller 100 may switch the state of the doors to the locked state in response to an instruction from the top-level controller.

[0041] In addition, the door controller 100 may monitor the state of each door using door sensors provided on the vehicle. The door sensors may detect the state of the doors and, based on the detected door state, send a door locking signal, a door unlocking signal, a door opening signal, or a door closing signal to the door controller 100 and / or the drunk driving prevention device 300. In addition, the door controller 100 may send information related to the state of the doors (e.g., door state information) identified by the door sensors to the drunk driving prevention device 300. The door state information may include the locked state, the unlocked state, the opened state, or the closed state of the doors.

[0042] The start button 200 may be provided around the driver's seat. The start button 200, as an input device manipulated by a user (e.g., the driver), may send a start signal or a stop signal to the power control device in response to the user's manipulation. Additionally, the start button 200 may send the start signal or the stop signal to the drunk driving prevention device 300.

[0043] The drunk driving prevention device 300 may detect alcohol in the vehicle's interior air before and after the driver gets in the vehicle to determine whether there is a possibility of the driver being drunk. When there is a possibility of the driver being drunk, the drunk driving prevention device 300 may determine to perform a measurement of the driver's blood alcohol level. In other words, when the driver is suspected of being drunk (when it is not clear whether the driver is drunk), the drunk driving prevention device 300 may determine to perform a measurement of the driver's blood alcohol level. When there is no possibility of the driver being drunk, the drunk driving prevention device 300 may determine not to perform a measurement of the driver's blood alcohol level. In other words, when it is determined that the driver is not drunk, the drunk driving prevention device 300 may determine not to perform a measurement of the driver's blood alcohol level.

[0044] When there is a possibility of the driver being drunk, the drunk driving prevention device 300 may measure the level of alcohol contained in the driver's breath (exhalation). The drunk driving prevention device 300 may determine whether to start the vehicle based on the measured alcohol level.

[0045] The start controller 400 may restrict the starting of the vehicle or start the vehicle based on the determination of the drunk driving prevention device 300 as to whether to start the vehicle. When starting the vehicle, the start controller 400 may send a start signal to the engine management system (EMS) and / or the motor control unit (MCU).

[0046] Figure 2 A block diagram showing a drunk driving prevention device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3 An example of a lookup table referred to when it is determined to re - execute a second quick check according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] Referring to Figure 2 , the drunk driving prevention device 300 may include: a first measurement device 310, a second measurement device 320, a communication device 330, a memory 340, an output device 350, and a processor 360.

[0048] The first measuring device 310 may be disposed in a vehicle to detect alcohol present in the indoor air. The first measuring device 310 may include a simplified alcohol sensor 311 to detect the presence or absence of an alcohol component in the indoor air of the vehicle. The simplified alcohol sensor 311 is only used to detect the presence or absence of an alcohol component in the driver's seat, but needs to be configured to detect the detection performance level of the presence or absence of a trace amount of alcohol component. Compared with the blood alcohol level measurement sensor applied to the second measuring device 320, the simplified alcohol sensor 311 can be implemented as a low-performance and low-cost sensor.

[0049] The first measuring device 310 may include an olfactory sensor 312 that detects odor molecules in the indoor air of the vehicle. The olfactory sensor 312 can detect perfume odor, air freshener odor, and / or alcohol odor. At least one of a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensor, a polymer sensor, a photoacoustic spectroscopy sensor, a surface plasmon resonance sensor, and a microcantilever sensor can be used as the olfactory sensor 312. The olfactory sensor 312 can be implemented as a separate board from the simplified alcohol sensor 311.

[0050] The second measuring device 320 may measure the alcohol level (e.g., the concentration of alcohol) contained in the breath (exhalation) of the driver. The second measuring device 320 may include: a blood alcohol level measurement sensor having a performance configured to accurately detect alcohol with a resolution of 0.01% blood alcohol concentration. Here, the resolution of 0.01% blood alcohol concentration can be converted into a resolution of 0.05 mg alcohol concentration per liter of air. A fuel cell sensor, a semiconductor sensor, and / or a spectrophotometer sensor can be used as the blood alcohol level measurement sensor. The second measuring device 320 may be manufactured on-board integrally with the first measuring device 310.

[0051] The communication device 330 may include a communication circuit that supports communication with the door controller 100 and the start controller 400. The communication circuit may use communication technologies such as Controller Area Network (CAN), Media Oriented System Transport (MOST) network, Local Interconnect Network (LIN), Ethernet, and / or Flexray.

[0052] The memory 340 may store instructions executed by the processor 360. The memory 340 may store various setting information and software and / or programs for performing a predetermined specific function. The memory 340 may also store data generated based on the operation of the processor 360. The memory 340 may store a look-up table (e.g., Figure 3(as shown in the table). The memory 340 can be implemented as at least one of non-transitory storage media such as flash memory, hard disk, Secure Digital card (SD card), Random Access Memory (RAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), registers, etc.

[0053] The output device 350 can output information in response to instructions from the processor 360. The output device 350 can include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a flexible display, a three-dimensional display (3D display), a transparent display, a head-up display (HUD), a touch screen, and an instrument cluster. The output device 350 can also include a sound output module, for example, a speaker configured to output audio data. The output device 350 can be implemented as a touch screen combined with a touch sensor, and thus can be used as an input device. A touch film, a touch pad, etc. can also be used as the touch sensor.

[0054] The processor 360 can include at least one of an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microcontroller, and a microprocessor. The processor 360 can perform operations or data processing associated with the control and / or communication of one or more other components of the anti-drunk driving device 300.

[0055] Before and after the driver gets in the vehicle, the processor 360 can use the first measurement device 310 to perform a first quick check and a second quick check for pre-detecting alcohol contained in the indoor air of the vehicle. The first quick check and the second quick check can use the simplified alcohol sensor 311 and the olfactory sensor 312 to detect alcohol in the indoor air of the vehicle.

[0056] When the driver's seat door of the vehicle is unlocked, the processor 360 performs the first quick check before the driver gets in the vehicle. The processor 360 can detect the state of the driver's seat door switching from the locked state to the unlocked state through the door controller 100. The processor 360 can detect the presence or absence of an alcohol component in the indoor air of the vehicle through the simplified alcohol sensor 311. The processor 360 can detect the smell of alcohol in the indoor air of the vehicle through the olfactory sensor 312.

[0057] The processor 360 may perform a second quick check when the driver's seat door is opened and then closed. Here, the processor 360 may additionally use sensors (such as weight sensors, etc.) provided on the driver's seat to determine whether the driver is sitting on the driver's seat. Detecting that the state of the driver's seat door has switched from the open state to the closed state, the processor 360 waits until the start button 200 is input. When the start button 200 is turned on, the processor 360 may detect the alcohol component and alcohol odor in the vehicle's interior air through the simplified alcohol sensor 311 and the olfactory sensor 312. While performing the first quick check and the second quick check, the processor 360 may output a message notifying that the quick check is in progress on the output device 350.

[0058] The processor 360 may determine the likelihood of the driver being drunk based on the results of performing the first quick check and the second quick check. When it is determined that the driver is not drunk, the processor 360 may determine that there is no likelihood of the driver being drunk. When it cannot be determined that the driver is not drunk (when it is unclear whether the driver is drunk), the processor 360 may determine that there is a likelihood of the driver being drunk.

[0059] When there is no likelihood of the driver being drunk, the processor 360 may allow the vehicle to start. For example, when no alcohol component and alcohol odor are detected in the first quick check, but an alcohol component is detected and no alcohol odor is detected in the second quick check, the processor 360 may refer to Figure 3 the table shown in

[0060] to determine that there is no likelihood of the driver being drunk and allow the vehicle to start.

[0061] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when there is a likelihood of the driver being drunk, the processor 360 may wait for a predetermined time (such as 5 seconds), and then re - perform the second quick check. The number of times of re - performing the second quick check may be preset. The processor 360 may determine the likelihood of the driver being drunk based on the results of the re - performed second quick check, and determine whether to perform an accurate measurement of the driver's blood alcohol level based on the determined results.

[0062] When it is determined to perform an accurate blood alcohol level measurement, the processor 360 may use the second measuring device 320 to measure the driver's blood alcohol concentration. The processor 360 may output information guiding the accurate blood alcohol level measurement procedure on the output device 350.

[0063] When the measured blood alcohol concentration is equal to or higher than the threshold value previously stored in the memory 340, the processor 360 may restrict the starting of the vehicle. The processor 360 may output a warning message on the output device 350 notifying that the vehicle cannot be started. The processor 360 may notify that the starting of the vehicle is restricted because the driver is drunk, while recommending other means of transportation (such as calling a designated driver, calling a taxi, etc.). When the measured blood alcohol concentration is lower than the threshold value, the processor 360 may allow the vehicle to start. The processor 360 may send information on whether to restrict the starting of the vehicle to the starting controller 400.

[0064] According to the above embodiment, when a non-drinking driver uses perfume, air freshener, and / or hand sanitizer containing alcohol components, accurate measurement of the blood alcohol level can be avoided.

[0065] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a method for preventing drunk driving according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0066] Referring to Figure 4 , the processor 360 may detect the unlocking of the driver's seat door (S100). The processor 360 may detect the state of the driver's seat door changing from the locked state to the unlocked state through the door controller 100 or a sensor.

[0067] When the driver's seat door is unlocked, the processor 360 performs a first quick check (S105) before the driver gets in the vehicle. The processor 360 may detect alcohol contained in the indoor air of the vehicle through the first quick check procedure (status). The processor 360 may use the simplified alcohol sensor 311 to determine whether there is an alcohol component in the air. The processor 360 may use the olfactory sensor 312 to determine whether there are alcohol odor molecules in the air. Based on the result of the first quick check, the processor 360 may pre-identify products containing alcohol components (such as air fresheners, etc.) present in the vehicle by referring to the look-up table stored in the memory 340.

[0068] The processor 360 may detect that the driver's seat door is opened and then closed (S110). The processor 360 may identify the state of the driver's seat door changing from the open state to the closed state through the door controller 100 or a sensor. The processor 360 detects the state of the driver's seat door changing from the open state to the closed state, thereby identifying that the driver has got in the vehicle. In this case, the processor 360 may additionally use a weight sensor provided on the driver's seat, an image sensor provided in front of the driver's seat, etc. to determine whether the driver has got in the vehicle.

[0069] The processor 360 can recognize that the start button 200 is turned on (S115). In response to an input from a user (e.g., a driver), the start button 200 can send a start signal (e.g., an ON signal) or a stop signal (e.g., an OFF signal) to the processor 360.

[0070] When it is recognized that the start button 200 is turned on, the processor 360 performs a second quick check (S120). The processor 360 can use the simplified alcohol sensor 311 and the olfactory sensor 312 to detect the alcohol component and the alcohol smell in the indoor air of the vehicle. When the start button 200 remains in the off state, the processor 360 keeps waiting.

[0071] The processor 360 can determine whether there is a possibility of the driver being drunk based on the results of the first quick check and the second quick check (S125). When determining whether there is a possibility of the driver being drunk, the processor 360 can refer to a query table stored in the memory 340. Regardless of the result of the first quick check, when no alcohol component and alcohol smell are detected in the second quick check, the processor 360 can determine that the driver has not drunk alcohol, and thus determine not to perform an accurate blood alcohol level measurement. Regardless of the result of the first quick check, when an alcohol component and an alcohol smell are detected in the second quick check, the processor 360 can determine that the driver is suspected of being drunk (or it is not clear whether the driver is drunk) to determine to perform an accurate blood alcohol level measurement. In addition, when no alcohol component is detected in the first quick check, but an alcohol component is detected in the second quick check, the processor 360 can determine that the driver is suspected of being drunk or it is not clear whether the driver is drunk, thereby determining to perform an accurate blood alcohol level measurement.

[0072] The processor 360 can be implemented to re - perform the second quick check when it is not clear whether the driver is drunk. For example, when no alcohol component and alcohol smell are detected in the first quick check, but an alcohol component and an alcohol smell are detected in the second quick check, the processor 360 can wait for a period of time (e.g., 5 seconds) until the alcohol component and the alcohol smell volatilize to remove the influence of the driver using products containing alcohol components (e.g., perfume and / or hand sanitizer), and then return to S120 to re - perform the second quick check.

[0073] When it is determined in S125 that there is a possibility of the driver being drunk, the processor 360 performs an accurate blood alcohol level measurement (S130). The processor 360 can use a blood alcohol level measurement sensor to measure the concentration of alcohol contained in the driver's breath (exhaled air).

[0074] The processor 360 determines whether the alcohol concentration measured by the precise breathalyzer is equal to or higher than a threshold value (S135). In the current situation, the threshold value, which is used as a criterion for determining whether to allow (permit) the vehicle to start, can be preset by the system designer based on laws and regulations.

[0075] When the alcohol concentration is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the processor 360 can restrict the starting of the vehicle (S140). The processor 360 can send data (information) notifying that starting is not allowed to the starting controller 400. Additionally, the processor 360 can output a message notifying that starting is not allowed to the output device 350.

[0076] When the alcohol concentration is lower than the threshold value, the processor 360 can start the vehicle (S145). The processor 360 can send information notifying that starting is allowed to the starting controller 400. When receiving the starting permission from the processor 360, the starting controller 400 can drive the power generation device.

[0077] Figure 5A and Figure 5B FIG. shows a timing diagram of the operation of the processor based on whether to re - execute the quick check according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0078] When starting the second quick check, the processor 360 can detect the alcohol component and / or alcohol odor through the first measuring device 310 within a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second). The processor 360 can output a guiding message such as "Vehicle air analysis in progress" on the output device 350. In the current situation, the processor 360 can output the guiding message within a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds). When it is necessary to output a priority message, the processor 360 can stop outputting the guiding message.

[0079] When outputting the result of the second quick check while outputting the guiding message, the processor 360 can allow or restrict the starting of the vehicle based on the output result. Referring to Figure 5A , when allowing the vehicle to start, the processor 360 can not re - execute the second quick check. Referring to Figure 5B , when the starting of the vehicle is restricted, the processor 360 can re - execute the second quick check within the time (e.g., 5 seconds) of outputting the guiding message.

[0080] The above description only illustrates the technical idea of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes without departing from the basic features of the present invention. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments included in various exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but to explain the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by the embodiments. The scope of the present invention can be interpreted as being covered by the scope of the appended claims, and all technical ideas falling within the scope of the claims can be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0081] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, since the alcohol in the vehicle's interior air is pre-detected and the blood alcohol level of the driver is measured only when the driver is suspected of being drunk based on the detection result, the inconvenience caused by the sober driver having to perform the blood alcohol level measurement is alleviated.

[0082] For the convenience of the interpretation and accurate definition of the appended claims, the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "front", "rear", "back", "inner side", "outer side", "inward", "outward", "interior", "exterior", "internal", "external", "inner", "outer", "forward", "backward" are used to describe the features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of the features shown in the figures. It should also be understood that the term "connected" or its derivatives refer to both direct connection and indirect connection.

[0083] Specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above for purposes of illustration and description. These embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise embodiments disclosed, and obviously several modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments are selected and described to explain certain principles of the present invention and its practical applications so that other skilled persons in the art can make and utilize the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as well as various alternatives and modifications. The scope of the present invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and the like.

Claims

1. A device for preventing drunk driving, the device comprising: a first measuring device configured to detect alcohol in the indoor air of a vehicle; and a processor connected to the first measuring device, wherein the processor is configured to: perform a first check to check for the presence or absence of alcohol in the indoor air through the first measuring device before the driver gets into the vehicle; perform a second check to check for the presence or absence of alcohol in the indoor air through the first measuring device after the driver gets into the vehicle; and determine the possibility of the driver being drunk based on the results of performing the first check and the second check.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first measuring device comprises: a simplified alcohol sensor for detecting alcohol components in the indoor air; and an olfactory sensor for detecting the smell of alcohol in the indoor air.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to: determine the possibility of the driver being drunk based on whether alcohol components and the smell of alcohol are detected in the first check and the second check.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the processor is configured to: when it is determined that there is a possibility of the driver being drunk, the processor waits for a predetermined time and then re - performs the second check.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined time is defined as the time required for alcohol to volatilize and disappear.

6. The device according to claim 3, further comprising: a second measuring device connected to the processor and configured to measure the alcohol level of the driver, wherein the processor is configured to: when it is determined that there is a possibility of the driver being drunk, use the second measuring device to measure the blood alcohol concentration in the driver's breath.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the processor is configured to: when it is determined that the blood alcohol concentration is equal to or higher than a threshold, restrict the vehicle from starting; when it is determined that the blood alcohol concentration is lower than the threshold, allow the vehicle to start.

8. The device according to claim 3, wherein the processor is configured to: when it is determined that there is no possibility of the driver being drunk, the processor allows the vehicle to start.

9. The device according to claim 6, wherein the first measuring device and the second measuring device are formed as a single module.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to: output a guiding message indicating that the second check is being performed on an output device connected to the processor.

11. A method for preventing drunk driving, the method comprising the following steps: performing, by a processor, a first check to check for the presence or absence of alcohol in the indoor air of a vehicle before the driver gets into the vehicle; performing, by the processor, a second check to check for the presence or absence of alcohol in the indoor air after the driver gets into the vehicle; determining, by the processor, the possibility of the driver being drunk based on the results of performing the first check and the second check; When it is determined that there is a possibility of the driver being drunk, the processor performs a measurement of the driver's blood alcohol level; and Based on the result of the blood alcohol level measurement, the processor restricts the starting of the vehicle.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The step of performing the first check includes: Detecting that the driver's seat door of the vehicle is unlocked; and Using a simplified alcohol sensor and an olfactory sensor placed in the vehicle to detect the alcohol component and alcohol odor in the indoor air.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The step of performing the second check includes: Detecting that the state of the driver's seat door of the vehicle has switched from the open state to the closed state; Receiving a command to start the vehicle; and Using a simplified alcohol sensor and an olfactory sensor placed in the vehicle to detect the alcohol component and alcohol odor in the indoor air.

14. The method according to claim 11, further comprises the following steps: When it is determined that there is a possibility of the driver being drunk, the processor measures the blood alcohol concentration in the driver's breath using a blood alcohol level measurement sensor.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprises the following steps: When it is determined that the measured blood alcohol concentration is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the processor determines that the vehicle cannot be started.

16. The method according to claim 14, further comprises the following steps: When it is determined that the measured blood alcohol concentration is lower than a predetermined threshold, the processor allows the vehicle to start.

17. The method according to claim 11, further comprises the following steps: When it is determined that there is no possibility of the driver being drunk, the processor allows the vehicle to start.

18. The method according to claim 11, further comprises the following steps: When it is determined that there is a possibility of the driver being drunk, the processor waits for a predetermined time and then re - performs the second check.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The predetermined time is defined as the time required for alcohol to volatilize and disappear.

20. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The step of performing the second check includes: By the processor, on an output device connected to the processor, outputting a guiding message indicating the presence or absence of alcohol in the indoor air.

Images