Breath alcohol self-checking device

Abstract

The application provides a breath alcohol self-detection device. The breath alcohol self-detection device comprises a support, a control unit, a box body mounted on the support, a transmission mechanism mounted on the box body and electrically connected with the control unit, and an alcohol detector mounted on the transmission mechanism and electrically connected with the control unit. The alcohol detector can be extended out of the box body through the transmission mechanism and can be retracted and accommodated in the box body through the transmission mechanism. The breath alcohol self-detection device is simple to operate, convenient to use, and can be widely applied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of breath alcohol testing, and more particularly to a self-service breath alcohol testing device. Background Technology

[0002] Drunk driving is a persistent social problem. Daily enforcement against drunk driving is like a strong medicine, effective in the short term, but ultimately incurable due to limited resources. Therefore, the medical principle of "prevention is better than cure" can be applied to address this problem. Enforcing drunk driving laws is like treatment, only addressing the symptoms; preventing drunk driving is the key. Most drunk driving incidents occur after drinking in hotels, with a smaller proportion occurring at home. Therefore, preventing people from driving after drinking in hotels can prevent most drunk driving incidents. Currently, designated drivers are a good initiative, but they suffer from limited coverage, difficulty hailing a ride, and high costs. Many people lack awareness of the importance of using designated drivers after drinking, believing they can escape police detection. Therefore, the rate of designated drivers is low. In cities, hotels typically provide parking and have a responsibility to remind guests not to drive after drinking. Therefore, preventing intoxicated drivers from leaving hotels before they even set off can achieve the goal of prevention being better than cure.

[0003] Chinese patent application number 202110064937 discloses a facial recognition-based anti-drunk driving checkpoint in a parking lot. The device includes a main body with a rangefinder fixedly installed on the right wall. The rangefinder uses laser to determine the distance to parked vehicles. Above the rangefinder is a barrier cavity with two openings on the upper right. A motor with a forward-facing output shaft is fixedly installed on the rear wall of each barrier cavity. An extended shaft is fixedly installed at the end of the motor's output shaft, with the end of the shaft away from the motor passing through the barrier cavity and having a barrier fixedly installed on its outer surface. Facial recognition is used to confirm the driver's identity, preventing others from impersonating the driver for alcohol testing. This also facilitates subsequent camera detection of driver changes during the test. The driver's blood alcohol content is used to determine whether to allow passage, thus reducing the probability of drunk driving. Simultaneously, a mechanical gripper and pusher are used to replace the breathalyzer tube after each use, preventing cross-infection of diseases.

[0004] However, the above solutions are cumbersome to operate and inconvenient to use, making them difficult to promote and implement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a self-service breath alcohol testing device that is simple to operate, convenient to use, and widely applicable.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a breath alcohol self-testing device, comprising a support, a control unit, a housing mounted on the support, a transmission mechanism mounted on the housing and electrically connected to the control unit, and an alcohol detector mounted on the transmission mechanism and electrically connected to the control unit; the alcohol detector can extend out of the housing through the transmission mechanism and can retract into the housing through the transmission mechanism.

[0007] The self-service breath alcohol testing device also includes a disinfection component housed inside the casing, used to disinfect the air inlet of the breath alcohol detector housed inside the casing after the breath alcohol test is completed; the disinfection component is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0008] The self-service breath alcohol testing device also includes a vehicle distance detection module electrically connected to the control unit. This module detects the distance between itself and the side of the vehicle being driven by the driver and sends the distance to the control unit. Based on this distance, the control unit calculates the stroke that the transmission mechanism should take to deliver the breath alcohol detector to the driver. The control unit then activates the transmission mechanism to extend the housing according to the calculated stroke, delivering the breath alcohol detector for the driver to perform a self-service breath alcohol test.

[0009] The vehicle distance detection module includes a housing, a mounting component for mounting the housing to a support, a switching power supply installed inside the housing, a circuit board installed inside the housing and electrically connected to the switching power supply, a horn installed inside the housing and electrically connected to the circuit board, several vehicle position sensors electrically connected to the circuit board, several sensor protective sleeves respectively connected to the vehicle position sensors, indicator lights respectively installed on the housing and electrically connected to the circuit board corresponding to the vehicle position sensors, and a connector installed on the housing and electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0010] The housing includes an inner shell and an outer shell that are connected to each other. The outer shell has several openings corresponding to the horn. A waterproof and sound-permeable membrane is provided between the horn and the outer shell. The outer shell has several through holes corresponding to several vehicle position sensors.

[0011] The transmission mechanism includes a fixed frame mounted on the housing, a reducer mounted on the fixed frame, a motor mounted on the reducer, a gear mounted on the reducer, a mounting base mounted on the housing, a slide rail movably mounted on the mounting base, a rack fixedly connected to the slide rail and meshing with the gear, an alcohol meter bracket mounted on one end of the rack for placing the alcohol detector, a drag chain fixed at one end to the housing and the other end fixed to one end of the rack, and a motor driver fixed on the housing.

[0012] The breath alcohol self-testing device also includes an alcohol meter position sensor installed on the housing and electrically connected to the control unit.

[0013] The alcohol detector includes an obstacle detection sensor located at the end away from the transmission mechanism to detect whether there is an obstacle in front of the transmission mechanism during its extension.

[0014] The support includes a chassis, a column mounted on the chassis, and several wheels mounted under the chassis. The housing is mounted on the top of the column, and the vehicle distance detection module is mounted in the middle of the column near the chassis. The column is a hollow rod-shaped structure.

[0015] The breath alcohol self-testing device also includes a status light on the top surface of the housing that is electrically connected to the control unit, and an indicator light on the side of the housing facing the direction of the transmission mechanism that is electrically connected to the control unit. The indicator light is used to indicate whether the transmission mechanism is working.

[0016] The self-service breath alcohol testing device also includes a standby status detection module electrically connected to the control unit. This module detects the vehicle status and determines whether the driver is waiting to perform a breath alcohol test. If so, it sends a signal to the control unit to activate the transmission mechanism to extend the housing and deliver the breath alcohol detector for the driver to perform a self-service breath alcohol test.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The self-service breath alcohol testing device of this invention includes a support, a control unit, a housing mounted on the support, a transmission mechanism mounted on the housing and electrically connected to the control unit, and an alcohol detector mounted on the transmission mechanism and electrically connected to the control unit; the alcohol detector can extend out of the housing through the transmission mechanism and can also retract into the housing through the transmission mechanism. This self-service breath alcohol testing device is simple to operate, convenient to use, and widely applicable. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To further understand the features and technical content of the present invention, please refer to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are provided for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0019] In the attached diagram,

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the breath alcohol self-testing device of the present invention, wherein the transmission mechanism is housed inside the box;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the breath alcohol self-testing device of the present invention, wherein the transmission mechanism extends out of the housing;

[0022] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the breath alcohol self-testing device of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a side view of the breath alcohol self-testing device of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 4 AA section view;

[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 1 The main view;

[0026] Figure 7 for Figure 2 The main view;

[0027] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the vehicle distance detection module of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a partial exploded view of the breath alcohol self-testing device of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the breath alcohol self-testing device, vehicle, and road of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a top view of the breath alcohol self-testing device, vehicle, and road of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To further illustrate the technical means and effects of the present invention, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the preferred embodiments of the present invention and their accompanying drawings.

[0032] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 This invention provides a self-service breathalyzer testing device, including a support 1, a control unit 2, a housing 3 mounted on the support 1, a transmission mechanism 5 mounted on the housing 3 and electrically connected to the control unit 2, and an alcohol detector 6 mounted on the transmission mechanism 5 and electrically connected to the control unit 2. The alcohol detector 6 can extend out of the housing 3 via the transmission mechanism 5 and can also retract into the housing 3 via the transmission mechanism 5. Figure 7 As shown, when the breathalyzer 6 extends out of the housing 3, it allows the driver 13 to perform a self-administered breathalyzer test and transmits the test results to the control unit 2; Figure 6 As shown, when the alcohol detector 6 is placed inside the housing 3, the alcohol detector 6 can be disinfected and protected at the same time.

[0033] Considering hygiene requirements, the self-service breath alcohol testing device also includes a disinfection component 7 housed within the housing 3, used to disinfect the air inlet of the breath alcohol detector 6 contained within the housing 3 after the breath alcohol test is completed. The disinfection component 7 is electrically connected to the control unit 2.

[0034] The self-service breathalyzer also includes a vehicle distance detection module 8 electrically connected to the control unit 2. This module detects the distance between the vehicle distance detection module 8 and the side of the vehicle 9 driven by the driver 13 and sends this information to the control unit 2. Based on this distance, the control unit 2 calculates the stroke that the transmission mechanism 5 should take to deliver the breathalyzer 6 to the driver 13. The control unit 2 then activates the transmission mechanism 5 to extend it out of the housing 3 according to the calculated stroke, delivering the breathalyzer 6 for the driver 13 to perform a self-service breathalyzer test. In this embodiment, the vehicle distance detection module 8 is mounted on the support 1 and located below the housing 3. In other embodiments, it can be mounted in other locations as needed.

[0035] In this embodiment, the control unit 2 is installed inside the housing 3. In other embodiments, it can be installed in other locations as needed. The control unit 2 has various control circuits required by the present invention, which can be implemented using existing technology.

[0036] like Figure 9 As shown, the transmission mechanism 5 includes a fixed frame 50 mounted on the housing 3, a reducer 51 mounted on the fixed frame 50, a motor 52 mounted on the reducer 51, a gear 53 mounted on the reducer 51, a mounting base 54 mounted on the housing 3, a slide rail 55 movably mounted on the mounting base 54, a rack 56 fixedly connected to the slide rail 55 and meshing with the gear 53, an alcohol meter holder 57 mounted on one end of the rack 56 for placing the alcohol detector 6, a drag chain 58 fixed at one end to the housing 3 and the other end fixed to one end of the rack 56, and a motor driver 59 fixed on the housing 3. When the control unit 2 sends a signal to the motor driver 59 to start the motor 52, the motor 52 drives the reducer 51 to rotate the gear 53, and the gear 53 drives the rack 56 to move the slide rail 55 relative to the mounting base 54, thereby enabling the alcohol detector 6 to extend or retract relative to the housing 3 and be placed on the alcohol meter holder 57.

[0037] When the slide rail 55 and rack 56 extend out of the housing 3, the extended portions of the slide rail 55 and rack 56 are suspended in the air. The mounting base 54 provides a fixing force to the suspended slide rail 55 and rack 56, thereby preventing the slide rail 55 and rack 56 from deforming due to the force applied while suspended, ensuring the stability of movement, avoiding malfunctions, and extending service life. The cable chain 58 contains a cable connected to the alcohol detector 6. One end of the cable is connected to the alcohol detector 6, and the other end is connected to the control unit 2. Part of the cable is located inside the slide rail 55, and part of the cable is located inside the cable chain 58, allowing it to move with the slide rail 55.

[0038] A sensor (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the alcohol meter holder 57 to detect whether the alcohol meter 6 is located on the alcohol meter holder 57.

[0039] A spring wire 90 connects the alcohol meter holder 57 and the alcohol detector 6. The spring wire 90 contains a power supply line and an RS232 control line, enabling communication between the control unit 2 and the alcohol detector 6. The spring wire 90 extends towards the slide rail 55 and enters the slide rail 55 and the cable chain 58, connecting to the control unit 2.

[0040] In other embodiments, the motor driver 59 may be integrated into the control unit 2, and the control unit 2 may directly control the operation of the motor 52.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the breathalyzer self-testing device also includes an alcohol meter position sensor 92 mounted on the housing 3 and electrically connected to the control unit 2. The alcohol meter position sensor 92 is a photoelectric sensor, including a transmitter and a receiver. A baffle is provided on the alcohol meter holder 57. When the alcohol meter 6 retracts, this baffle is positioned between the transmitter and receiver of the photoelectric sensor, blocking the light. Therefore, the control unit 2 knows that the alcohol meter holder 57 has retracted into its correct position, thus knowing the position of the alcohol meter 6. When the control unit 2 receives a signal from the alcohol meter position sensor 92 that the alcohol meter 6 has retracted to a preset position, the control unit 2 sends a signal to the motor driver 59 to stop the motor 52 from operating.

[0042] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the vehicle distance detection module 8 includes a housing 80, a mounting component 81 for mounting the housing 80 to the support 1, a switching power supply 82 installed inside the housing 80, a circuit board 83 installed inside the housing 80 and electrically connected to the switching power supply 82, a horn 84 installed inside the housing 80 and electrically connected to the circuit board 83, several vehicle position sensors 85 electrically connected to the circuit board 83, several sensor protective sleeves 86 respectively connected to the vehicle position sensors 85, indicator lights 87 respectively corresponding to the vehicle position sensors 85 installed on the housing 80 and electrically connected to the circuit board 83, and a connector 88 installed on the housing 80 and electrically connected to the circuit board 83. The housing 80 includes an inner shell 801 and an outer shell 802 that are mated together. The outer shell 802 has several openings 803 corresponding to the horn 84. A waterproof and sound-permeable membrane 89 is provided between the horn 84 and the outer shell 802. The outer shell 802 has several through holes 805 respectively corresponding to the several vehicle position sensors 85. Figure 3As shown, the housing 802 has a side 807 extending towards the transmission mechanism 5, a side 808 facing the direction of travel of the vehicle 9 towards the breath alcohol self-testing device, and an oblique side 806 connected to both side 807 and side 808. The plane containing side 807 intersects perpendicularly with the plane containing side 808. The angle between the plane containing oblique side 806 and the plane containing side 807 is 45 degrees. Several vehicle position sensors 85 are distributed on oblique side 806 and side 807. The vehicle position sensor 85 on oblique side 806 can detect when the vehicle 9 approaches the breath alcohol self-testing device, and the vehicle position sensor 85 on side 807 can detect the distance between the vehicle distance detection module 8 and the side of the vehicle 9 driven by the driver 13. The vehicle position sensor 85 can be an ultrasonic distance sensor, or an infrared or laser distance sensor, with a detection distance of at least 1 meter.

[0043] The support 1 includes a chassis 10, a column 12 mounted on the chassis 10, and several wheels 14 mounted under the chassis 10. The wheels 14 are omnidirectional wheels. The housing 3 is mounted on the top of the column 12. The location of the housing 3 is defined as the detection point for the breath alcohol self-test, serving as an identification point for the driver 13 when waiting for testing. Of course, those skilled in the art should know that the detection point for the breath alcohol self-test can also be other signs or markings, not necessarily the location of the housing 3; it's just that the housing 3 is more conspicuous and located next to the breathalyzer 6, making it easier for the driver 13 to identify. The vehicle distance detection module 8 is installed in the middle of the column 12 near the chassis 10. The column 12 is a hollow rod-like structure to allow power and control cables to pass through. When the breath alcohol self-test device is in fixed use, the wheels 14 do not need to be installed under the chassis 10 of the support 1.

[0044] The breath alcohol self-testing device also includes a status light 94 located on the top surface of the housing 3 and electrically connected to the control unit 2, which can display red or green light.

[0045] The breath alcohol self-testing device also includes an indicator light 96 electrically connected to the control unit 2 on the side of the housing 3 facing the direction of the transmission mechanism 5, which is used to indicate whether the transmission mechanism 5 is working.

[0046] In use, the transmission mechanism 5 can extend vertically to the road so that the driver 13 can pick up the alcohol detector 6 at one end. The extension length depends on the distance between the side of the vehicle 9 and the vehicle distance detection module 8 after the vehicle 9 stops.

[0047] The breathalyzer 6 includes an alcohol sensor, an air pump, and a pressure sensor. When the driver 13 picks up the breathalyzer 6 and blows into its air inlet, the pressure sensor located at the air inlet detects the blowing action, activates the air pump to draw a certain amount of gas into the alcohol sensor for analysis, and the breathalyzer 6 analyzes the alcohol content in the drawn breath and transmits the test result to the control unit 2. The alcohol sensor can be a fuel cell type, the air pump can be a piston type or a continuous air pump, and the pressure sensor can be any sensor capable of detecting pressure changes during exhalation. As a self-testing device, the breathalyzer 6 does not require a disposable mouthpiece. The structure, performance, and usage of the breathalyzer 6 are similar to the breathalyzers in the group standard T / GDCKCJH 036—2021 "Pre-employment Breathalyzer". The breathalyzer 6 may also include a UV (ultraviolet) disinfection LED light located at its air inlet to disinfect the air inlet after each breath alcohol test.

[0048] In use, the switching power supply 82 of the vehicle distance detection module 8 can be connected to 220V AC mains power and converted into 24V and 12V voltages for use by the breath alcohol self-testing device of this invention. AC mains power is introduced from the bottom of the column 12, converted, and then enters the housing 3 through the middle of the column 12. The horn 84 can be used to remind the driver 13 to stop at the testing point for breath alcohol testing while driving, and to play instructions and precautions. When the vehicle position sensor 85, located on the oblique side 806 of the housing 802, detects the approach of a vehicle 9, the indicator light 87 starts flashing. The vehicle position sensor 85, located on the side 807 of the housing 802, can detect the distance between the vehicle distance detection module 8 and the side of the vehicle 9.

[0049] The self-service breath alcohol detection device also includes a standby status detection module 4 electrically connected to the control unit 2. This module detects the status of the vehicle 9 and determines whether the driver 13 is in a state of waiting to perform a breath alcohol test. In other words, the self-service breath alcohol detection device detects and determines whether the driver 13 has parked the vehicle in a suitable position in front of the detection point so that he can directly reach out and use the breath alcohol detector 6 for self-service breath alcohol testing. If so, a signal is provided to the control unit 2 to activate the transmission mechanism 5 to extend the housing 3 and deliver the breath alcohol detector 6 for the driver 13 to perform a self-service breath alcohol test (i.e., start the self-service breath alcohol detection operation).

[0050] like Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, the housing 3 of the breath alcohol self-testing device and other related equipment are located on the roadbed on one side of road 15. Vehicles 9 are traveling on road 15 in the direction of the arrow. The driver 13 is sitting in the driver's seat, and the driver's arm 11 can extend out of the window to pick up the breath alcohol detector 6 outside the window for self-testing. The detection module 4 for the pending test status is located in front of the housing 3.

[0051] The detection module 4 for the state to be tested uses a vehicle driving status detection sensor (not shown) for detection. This vehicle driving status detection sensor can be an ultrasonic distance sensor, or an infrared or laser distance sensor. Since the vehicle 9 is already very slow when it reaches the detection point for the breath alcohol self-test, and the distance from entering the detection point to stopping is usually no more than 5 meters, the vehicle driving status detection sensor is generally located to the left front of the vehicle 9's last stopping position (i.e., the detection point). It can detect distances within 5 meters in front, with a detection accuracy of at least 1 cm. It can also calculate the vehicle 9's speed (V = ΔS / ΔT) based on the relationship between the distance difference (ΔS) and the time interval (ΔT) between the vehicle 9 and the vehicle driving status detection sensor detected in two consecutive tests. When the detected vehicle speed is less than a certain value (e.g., less than 40 mm / s), it is determined that the vehicle 9 has stopped and is in a stationary state. It is then determined that the driver 13 has parked the vehicle 9 in a suitable position to wait for the breath alcohol self-test, and a signal is sent to the control unit 2 to start the breath alcohol self-test operation. The underlying logic of this determination is that after seeing the detection point, driver 13 will determine whether the position of vehicle 9 after stopping is in front of the detection point's container 3. If not, driver 13 should not stop vehicle 9 and will adjust the parking position of vehicle 9. Therefore, if it is recognized and determined that vehicle 9 has stopped and is stationary, it can be assumed that driver 13 has parked in a suitable position to wait for the breath alcohol self-test.

[0052] Table 1 shows the measurement data of the vehicle speed detected using a single ultrasonic distance sensor. The total measurement time for vehicle 9 from its initial entry into the detection point to its complete stop was 9 seconds. The ultrasonic distance sensor recorded the distance approximately once per second. The average speed of vehicle 9 was calculated based on the two distance readings, and this average speed was used to determine whether vehicle 9 had stopped. If the speed was less than 40 mm / s, it was considered to have stopped. As shown in Table 1, the vehicle 9's speed was between 200-356 mm / s when it approached the detection point, and immediately dropped to below 3 mm / s after stopping. Therefore, it is determined that vehicle 9 stopped at the 4th second.

[0053] Table 1. Measurement data of vehicle speed detected using a single ultrasonic distance sensor.

[0054]

[0055] Since the front of vehicle 9 typically features air intake louvers, the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic distance sensor may sometimes hit the louvered window and sometimes enter the gaps between them, causing the detected distance to fluctuate after the vehicle stops. This can lead to misjudgments of the vehicle 9's stopping status. To address this, two ultrasonic distance sensors are used for simultaneous detection. These two sensors are located on the detection module 4, positioned close together with slightly different directions pointing towards vehicle 9 to illuminate different areas in front of the vehicle. If either sensor detects that vehicle 9 has stopped, it is considered to have stopped. If both sensors detect that vehicle 9 has stopped, it is also considered to have stopped. If neither sensor detects that vehicle 9 has stopped, it is considered to have not stopped. This improves the detection success rate and reduces false alarms.

[0056] Table 2 shows the measurement data of vehicle speed detected using two ultrasonic distance sensors. The two ultrasonic distance sensors are labeled Sensor 1 and Sensor 2. The speed measured by Sensor 1 is unstable; only at the 6th second is the speed less than 40 mm / s, indicating the vehicle has stopped. At other times, the speed is greater than 40 mm / s. However, Sensor 2's speed is consistently less than 40 mm / s after the 4th second, also indicating the vehicle has stopped. Combining the vehicle speeds detected by the two ultrasonic distance sensors, it can be concluded that the distance detected by Sensor 1 after stopping may vary due to the different detection positions compared to Sensor 2, possibly caused by the uneven surface of the vehicle illuminated by Sensor 1. If two ultrasonic distance sensors are used, and their judgments are logically ORed, then as long as one sensor determines that vehicle 9 has stopped, it can be considered that vehicle 9 has ultimately stopped, thus increasing the success rate of the judgment.

[0057] Table 2. Measurement data of vehicle speed detected using dual-channel ultrasonic distance sensors

[0058]

[0059]

[0060] As an alternative implementation, the detection module 4 can also use a face detection and positioning method for detection. The face detection and positioning method determines whether the driver 13 has stopped in a suitable position to wait for the self-service breath alcohol test by directly judging whether the driver 13 is already in front of the box 3. If so, the detection module 4 sends a signal to the control unit 2 to start the self-service breath alcohol test.

[0061] Face detection localization refers to using a certain strategy to search for any given image to determine whether it contains a human face, and if so, returning the position, size, and pose of the face in the image.

[0062] Many time attendance machines and mobile phones already use face recognition for identity verification. The basic principle is to identify individuals by identifying facial feature points in a photograph. However, face detection and localization are often required before face recognition, detecting the presence of a face in the image and marking its coordinates. This is typically done by marking the face with a bounding box and displaying it on a screen. This algorithm is generally used as a preprocessing step in face recognition, rarely used alone, and usually involves detecting and localizing frontal faces. In this embodiment, since the driver's window and the vehicle body 3 are at a 90-degree angle, face localization is essentially done by observing the side of the face. Furthermore, because the driver 13 is in the driver's seat, part of the face may be obscured by the window and A-pillars or B-pillars after the window is rolled down, preventing a complete face from being displayed during detection. Therefore, technicians typically wouldn't consider using face detection and localization for the detection module 4. However, the inventors have verified through testing that face detection and localization is feasible. Compared to detecting whether vehicle 9 has stopped through vehicle driving status detection sensors, the face detection and positioning method is more direct. If the face of driver 13 can be detected in the camera installed at the detection point, it means that driver 13 has parked vehicle 9 in a proper position. However, if the ultrasonic distance sensor detects that vehicle 9 has stopped, it does not necessarily mean that vehicle 9 has parked in a proper position. It is possible that vehicle 9 has stopped, but driver 13 may have parked the car too far forward or too far back, and the position of vehicle 9 still needs to be adjusted.

[0063] The inventors conducted actual tests for this purpose.

[0064] Table 3 shows the face detection and positioning measurement results conducted on a 7-seater Buick minivan (SGM6531UBAI). The detection distance refers to the distance between the face and the mobile phone camera, categorized into three cases: 1 meter, 1.5 meters, and 1.8 meters. The detection angle refers to the angle between the frontal direction of the face and the optical axis of the mobile phone camera. 45 degrees means the face is half-turned, looking towards the left front of the left window; 90 degrees means the face is facing directly towards the windshield of vehicle 9, meaning the mobile phone camera cannot see the driver's (13) frontal face but only the side of the face. The measurement was conducted between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM in December, with the mobile phone mounted on a tripod, the driver (13) sitting in the driver's seat, and the window rolled down. First, install the face recognition software SDK (Software Development Kit) of Beijing Megvii Technology Co., Ltd. on a mobile phone, and then develop a mobile APP that calls the face recognition software SDK, but only uses the face detection and localization function and not the face recognition function. When the mobile APP locates a face, it will prompt on the screen. When the face just enters the camera's field of view, a designated person starts timing with a stopwatch. The timing stops when the face localization prompt appears on the screen. This time length is the face detection and localization detection time, in milliseconds. Two drivers (Mr. Qiu and Mr. Teng, male, around 30 years old) wore black bucket hats and blue surgical masks to simulate a situation where their faces were obscured. Each case was measured 3 times, and the average value was taken as the detection time. "None" in the table indicates that no face was detected and located.

[0065] Table 3. Face detection and positioning measurement results conducted in a 7-seater Buick minivan.

[0066]

[0067]

[0068] Table 4 shows the results of face detection and localization measurements on a Honda Civic DHW7180B. Compared with the test conditions in Table 3, only the two people were changed (Mr. Liao and Mr. Yuan, male, around 30 years old).

[0069] Table 4. Face detection and localization measurement results performed on a Honda Civic DHW7180B vehicle.

[0070]

[0071] The test data above shows that a face can be identified within 3 seconds at a detection distance of 1.0 meter. Detection time increases with obstructions, and detection is faster at shorter distances. Detection time is not significantly affected by the person or vehicle type. The detection angle affects detection time; a 45-degree angle is better than a 90-degree angle. Low light at night has little impact on detection results, but detection may fail at greater distances. In summary, if the camera is installed at the inspection point, if the face of driver 13 is detected when vehicle 9 stops at the inspection point, it can be considered that vehicle 9 has stopped properly, and the self-service breathalyzer test can be initiated.

[0072] To achieve better recognition results, the extension direction of the camera and transmission mechanism can be set at a certain angle to the vehicle's direction of travel, such as 45 degrees. In this way, when the driver looks at the camera, the front of their face will be at a 45-degree angle to the vehicle's direction of travel. Since the camera's optical axis is also at a 45-degree angle to the vehicle's direction of travel, the angle between the front of the face and the camera is 0 degrees. This is equivalent to the camera directly facing the front of the face for detection and positioning, resulting in the best detection effect. The drawback is that the transmission mechanism needs to travel a longer distance when it extends.

[0073] As an alternative implementation, the detection module 4 for the state to be tested can also use video detection to perform the detection. The video detection method can determine whether the vehicle 9 is stationary, and then determine whether the driver 13 has parked the vehicle 9 in a suitable position to wait for the breath alcohol self-test. If so, a signal is sent to the control unit 2 to start the breath alcohol test operation.

[0074] The camera continuously captures photos of the side of the vehicle as it approaches the detection point. While the vehicle 9 is parked, photos are taken continuously, for example, 13 photos per second. The similarity between two consecutive photos is compared. If the similarity exceeds a certain value (e.g., 98%), the vehicle 9 is considered stationary; otherwise, it is considered to be in motion. If the vehicle 9 is determined to be stationary for a certain period (e.g., 1 second), it is determined that the driver 13 has stopped in a suitable position to undergo a self-service breathalyzer test. The detection module 4 then sends a signal to the control unit 2 to initiate the breathalyzer test.

[0075] Because vehicles vary in size and shape, other vehicles or people may pass by in the background of the photos, affecting the similarity assessment. Therefore, when analyzing photos taken after each shot, only a portion of the lower half of the photo is extracted for similarity assessment. Since vehicle photos reflect the shape of the vehicle's side profile, the lower half of the photo contains features such as windows, doors, body patterns, and vehicle lines. If vehicle 9 is moving, there should be a noticeable difference between two photos taken within 0.1 seconds of each other, and the similarity cannot be very high. Therefore, it is reasonable and feasible to determine whether vehicle 9 is stationary through similarity.

[0076] Many algorithms exist for similarity analysis, and some commercial software is available for reference; for example, MATLAB can calculate the similarity between two images. Face recognition is also one such algorithm, but in this implementation, a car body photo is compared instead of a face photo. Traditional similarity calculation methods determine similarity based on grayscale histograms generated from images, but feature point matching algorithms can also be used to achieve better results.

[0077] In use, when vehicle 9 approaches the detection point, the vehicle position sensor 85 of the vehicle distance detection module 8 detects the approach of vehicle 9, the indicator light 87 flashes, and vehicle 9 slowly stops in front of the breathalyzer self-testing device of this invention. When vehicle 9 stops just in front of the breathalyzer self-testing device at the driver's window, the vehicle position sensor 85 can detect the distance between the left side of vehicle 9 and the vehicle position sensor 85. This distance determines the stroke of the transmission mechanism 5 extending the breathalyzer 6 towards vehicle 9. For example, when the distance between the left side of vehicle 9 and the vehicle position sensor 85 is 1 meter, the transmission mechanism 5 extends forward by 80 cm. With the driver's arm 11 being at least 50 cm long, the driver 13 can easily pick up the breathalyzer 6 hanging on the breathalyzer holder 57 after opening the window. For another example, when the distance between the left side of vehicle 9 and the vehicle position sensor 85 is 50 cm, the transmission mechanism 5 extends forward by 20 cm, and the driver 13 can also easily pick up the breathalyzer 6. After driver 13 picks up breathalyzer 6, they blow into the nozzle. After a certain time, the air pump extracts and analyzes the exhaled breath to determine the presence and amount of alcohol. If alcohol is detected in the breath or the alcohol content exceeds a certain threshold, horn 84 announces "Please do not drink and drive," and status light 94 flashes red, triggering an audible and visual alarm, preventing vehicle 9 from passing. If no alcohol is detected or the alcohol content is below a certain threshold, horn 84 announces "Thank you for your cooperation," and status light 94 flashes green, allowing vehicle 9 to pass.

[0078] The disinfection component 7 consists of several UV disinfection LEDs 72, which are installed around the perimeter of the housing 3 corresponding to the retracted position of the alcohol analyzer bracket 57. When the breath alcohol test is completed and the alcohol analyzer 6 retracts into the housing 3, the UV disinfection LEDs 72 on the four walls of the housing 3 will light up and maintain disinfection for a certain period of time, such as one minute, to ensure hygiene and safety during use. In addition, there are also two UV disinfection LEDs (not shown) at the breath port of the alcohol analyzer, which will light up for disinfection after each exhalation. A UV disinfection LED (not shown) electrically connected to the control unit 2 is also provided on the bottom surface of the alcohol analyzer bracket 57 at the position corresponding to the breath port of the alcohol analyzer 6 for disinfection.

[0079] During the extension of the alcohol detector 6, it may encounter obstacles, such as the rearview mirror in front of the driver's window. Therefore, the alcohol detector 6 also includes an obstacle detection sensor 62 located at the end away from the transmission mechanism 5. The obstacle detection sensor 62 is an infrared distance sensor used to detect whether there is an obstacle in front of the transmission mechanism 5 during its extension. The obstacle detection sensor 62 is mounted on the handle of the alcohol detector 6 and can detect whether there is an obstacle in front during the extension process. If there is, it stops moving forward and reverses; if not, it continues to move forward to the set length. The obstacle detection sensor 62 can detect obstacles within 50cm in front and stops moving forward when the distance between the obstacle and the handle is less than 10cm.

[0080] In summary, the breath alcohol self-testing device provided by this invention includes a support, a control unit, a housing mounted on the support, a transmission mechanism mounted on the housing and electrically connected to the control unit, and an alcohol detector mounted on the transmission mechanism and electrically connected to the control unit. The alcohol detector can extend out of the housing through the transmission mechanism and retract into the housing through the transmission mechanism. It is simple to operate, convenient to use, and widely applicable.

[0081] As described above, those skilled in the art can make various other corresponding changes and modifications based on the technical solutions and concepts of this invention, and all such changes and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims of this invention.

Claims

1. A self-service breath alcohol testing device, characterized in that, The device includes a support (1), a control unit (2), a housing (3) mounted on the support (1), a transmission mechanism (5) mounted on the housing (3) and electrically connected to the control unit (2), and an alcohol detector (6) mounted on the transmission mechanism (5) and electrically connected to the control unit (2); the alcohol detector (6) can extend out of the housing (3) through the transmission mechanism (5) and can retract into the housing (3) through the transmission mechanism (5); It also includes a test status detection module (4) electrically connected to the control unit (2). The test status detection module (4) includes a camera. The test status detection module (4) is used to detect and determine from the side window whether the driver (13) has parked the vehicle (9) at a suitable position in front of the detection point so that the driver can directly reach out and take the alcohol detector (6) in the vehicle (9) for self-testing. If so, it provides a signal to the control unit (2) to activate the transmission mechanism (5) to extend the housing (3) and send out the alcohol detector (6) for the driver (13) to conduct self-testing.

2. The breath alcohol self-testing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a disinfection component (7) installed in the housing (3) to disinfect the air inlet of the breath alcohol detector (6) housed in the housing (3) after the breath alcohol test is completed; the disinfection component (7) is electrically connected to the control unit (2).

3. The breath alcohol self-testing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a vehicle distance detection module (8) electrically connected to the control unit (2), which is used to detect the distance between the vehicle distance detection module (8) and the side of the vehicle (9) driven by the driver (13) and send it to the control unit (2). The control unit (2) calculates the stroke of the transmission mechanism (5) to send the alcohol detector (6) to the driver (13) based on the distance. The control unit (2) starts the transmission mechanism (5) to extend out of the housing (3) according to the calculated stroke and sends out the alcohol detector (6) for the driver (13) to perform a self-administered breath alcohol test.

4. The breath alcohol self-testing device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The vehicle distance detection module (8) includes a housing (80), a mounting component (81) for mounting the housing (80) on a support (1), a switching power supply (82) installed in the housing (80), a circuit board (83) installed in the housing (80) and electrically connected to the switching power supply (82), a horn (84) installed in the housing (80) and electrically connected to the circuit board (83), several vehicle position sensors (85) electrically connected to the circuit board (83), several sensor protective sleeves (86) respectively connected to the vehicle position sensors (85), indicator lights (87) respectively installed on the housing (80) and electrically connected to the circuit board (83) corresponding to the vehicle position sensors (85), and a connector (88) installed on the housing (80) and electrically connected to the circuit board (83).

5. The breath alcohol self-testing device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The housing (80) includes an inner shell (801) and an outer shell (802) that are connected to each other. The outer shell (802) is provided with several openings (803) corresponding to the horn (84). A waterproof and sound-permeable membrane (89) is provided between the horn (84) and the outer shell (802). The outer shell (802) is provided with several through holes (805) corresponding to several vehicle position sensors (85).

6. The breath alcohol self-testing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism (5) includes a fixed frame (50) mounted on the housing (3), a reducer (51) mounted on the fixed frame (50), a motor (52) mounted on the reducer (51), a gear (53) mounted on the reducer (51), a mounting base (54) mounted on the housing (3), a slide rail (55) movably mounted on the mounting base (54), a rack (56) fixedly connected to the slide rail (55) and meshing with the gear (53), an alcohol meter bracket (57) mounted on one end of the rack (56) for placing the alcohol detector (6), a drag chain (58) fixed at one end on the housing (3) and the other end fixed to one end of the rack (56), and a motor driver (59) fixed on the housing (3).

7. The breath alcohol self-testing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an alcohol meter position sensor (92) mounted on the housing (3) and electrically connected to the control unit (2).

8. The breath alcohol self-testing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The alcohol detector (6) includes an obstacle detection sensor (62) located at the end away from the transmission mechanism (5) to detect whether there is an obstacle in front of the transmission mechanism (5) during its extension.

9. The breath alcohol self-testing device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The support (1) includes a chassis (10), a column (12) mounted on the chassis (10), and several wheels (14) mounted under the chassis (10). The housing (3) is mounted on the top of the column (12). The vehicle distance detection module (8) is mounted in the middle of the column (12) near the chassis (10). The column (12) is a hollow rod-shaped structure. The breath alcohol self-testing device also includes a status light (94) electrically connected to the control unit (2) on the top surface of the housing (3) and an indicator light (96) electrically connected to the control unit (2) on the side of the housing (3) facing the direction of the transmission mechanism (5). The indicator light (96) is used to indicate whether the transmission mechanism (5) is working.

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