DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETECTING AN ALCOHOL COMPONENT IN THE BREATH OF A VEHICLE OCCUPANT

Abstract

Device for detecting an alcohol component (100) in a driver's breath, the device comprising the following: an inlet (110) configured to absorb an exhalation from a driver or a passenger; a sensor (130) configured to detect an alcohol component in at least the exhalation of the driver and / or the exhalation of the passenger; a driver valve (121) that is controlled to be opened or closed to allow the driver's exhalation to be fed into the sensor (130), and a passenger valve (122) that is controlled to be opened or closed to allow the passenger's exhalation to be fed into the sensor (130); and a controller (160) configured to determine whether a passenger is on board a vehicle and to control the driver valve (121) and the passenger valve (122) to be opened or closed based on a determination result.

Description

BACKGROUND(a) Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device for detecting an alcohol component in the breath of a vehicle occupant and a method thereof. (b) Description of the related technique

[0002] A conventional alcohol detection device consists of a driver's seat in a vehicle equipped with an inlet to detect the alcohol component in the driver's breath in order to determine whether the driver is over the legal limit and therefore considered drunk. However, the inlet in the driver's seat detects not only the driver's breath but also the breath of any passenger sitting next to the driver, thus complicating the accurate determination of the driver's level of intoxication.

[0003] From US Patent 2006 / 0152740A1, a chemical vapor sensor is known that measures a chemical species of interest with high sensitivity and chemical specificity. In one embodiment, an ethanol vapor sensor is provided, sized for discreet installation in a vehicle, and featuring a passive measurement mode and an active alcohol detection mode to detect a driver exceeding a legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for use with vehicle safety systems. For the passive mode, a vapor concentrator is used to amplify a measured vapor concentration to a detectable level for use with an infrared detector (IR detector). In one embodiment, ethanol vapor in a vehicle interior is passively measured, and when a predetermined ethanol concentration is detected, a countermeasure is triggered to enhance safety.In one embodiment, an active breathalyzer is used as a countermeasure. The active breathalyzer can be mandated for a specific number of journeys or for a predetermined period.

[0004] CN 1 08 045 226 A discloses a multifunctional device and a method for monitoring driving under the influence. The multifunctional device for monitoring driving under the influence comprises two or more ethanol sensors positioned at the driver's and passenger's seats. The multiple signal inputs of a microprocessor unit are connected to the outputs of the ethanol sensors. The microprocessor unit determines the distribution of the ethanol concentration in the vehicle and treats the ethanol concentration ratios in the air at the driver's seat and in the vehicle's interior as fuzzy input values. The ethanol concentration of the driver and passengers is distinguished by a fuzzy algorithm. A human-body induction switch is installed in the vehicle and serves to detect whether the driver and / or passengers are present in the vehicle.Manual activation is not required, and the alcohol monitoring device starts automatically when someone is in the vehicle. Actively supplying air to the monitoring device is also unnecessary. The distribution of ethanol concentration within the vehicle can be determined via multiple ethanol sensors, accurately and efficiently differentiating the ethanol concentration of the driver and passengers. If driving under the influence is detected, the driver is prompted to stop the vehicle by an audible and visual warning module. OVERVIEW

[0005] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a device for detecting an alcohol component (also: alcohol content) that distinguishes the breath of a driver from the breath of a passenger in a vehicle in order to accurately determine the driver's state of intoxication, and a method for doing so.

[0006] The problem is solved by a device for detecting an alcohol component in a driver's breath with the features of claim 1 and a method for detecting an alcohol component in a driver's breath with the features of claim 11. Advantageous further developments are found in the dependent claims.

[0007] The technical problems to be solved by the present inventive concept are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and any other technical problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by someone with skills in the technology to which the present disclosure belongs, based on the following description.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device for detecting an alcohol component includes an inlet that absorbs an exhalation of the driver or an exhalation of the passenger, a sensor that detects an alcohol component in at least the exhalation of the driver and / or the exhalation of the passenger, a driver valve that is controlled to be opened or closed to allow the driver's exhalation to be fed into the sensor, and a passenger valve that is controlled to be opened or closed to allow the passenger's exhalation to be fed into the sensor, and a control that determines whether a passenger is on board a vehicle (i.e., present in the same) and controls the driver valve and the passenger valve to be opened or closed based on a determination result.

[0009] The control unit can operate the driver's valve and the passenger's valve based on the determination result, to open or close them, in order to allow the driver's and passenger's exhalations to be fed alternately into the sensor when it is determined that the passenger is on board the vehicle.

[0010] The controller can control the driver's valve to open and the passenger's valve to close for a predetermined initial period to feed the driver's exhalation into the sensor when the passenger is on board the vehicle, and then the controller can control the driver's valve to close and the passenger's valve to open for the initial period to feed the passenger's exhalation into the sensor, thereby alternately feeding the driver's and passenger's exhalations into the sensor.

[0011] Based on the predetermined initial time, the control system can determine whether either the driver's or the passenger's exhalation flowed into the sensor.

[0012] Based on the determination result, the control unit can control the driver's valve to open and the passenger's valve to close, in order to supply the driver's exhalation to the sensor and not supply the passenger's exhalation to the sensor if it is determined that the passenger is not on board the vehicle.

[0013] Before starting the engine, the control unit can determine whether the alcohol component is detected in the exhalation of the driver and the exhalation of the passenger, which are alternately fed into the sensor, and the control unit can determine that the engine can be started if the alcohol component is not detected in the driver's exhalation.

[0014] After the engine is started, the control unit can determine whether the alcohol component is detected in the exhalation of the driver and the exhalation of the passenger, which are alternately fed into the sensor during the journey, and the control unit can determine that the journey will be continued if the alcohol component is not detected in the driver's exhalation.

[0015] The control unit can determine whether the alcohol component is detected in the passenger's exhalation if the alcohol component is detected in the driver's exhalation during the journey, and the control unit can issue a warning message and perform a control action to stop the journey if the alcohol component is not detected in the passenger's exhalation.

[0016] The control system can issue a message requesting ventilation of the vehicle interior and control a re-measurement of the alcohol content in the exhalation of the driver and the exhalation of the passenger if the alcohol content is detected in the exhalation of the passenger.

[0017] The driver's valve and the passenger's valve can each contain a solenoid valve.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for detecting an alcohol component includes determining whether a passenger is on board a vehicle (i.e., present in the same), controlling a driver valve and a passenger valve to be opened or closed based on a determination result regarding the passenger's entry, and detecting an alcohol component in at least one exhalation of the driver and / or an exhalation of the passenger, which is fed into the sensor in response to the opening or closing of the driver valve and the passenger valve.

[0019] The driver valve and the passenger valve can be controlled based on the determination result to be opened or closed when it is determined that the passenger is on board the vehicle, thereby enabling the driver's and passenger's exhalations to be alternately fed into the sensor.

[0020] The driver's valve can be controlled to open, and the passenger's valve can be controlled to close for a predetermined initial period when the passenger is on board the vehicle, thereby allowing the driver's exhalation to be fed into the sensor, and then the driver's valve can be controlled to close, and the passenger's valve can be controlled to open for the predetermined initial period, thereby allowing the passenger's exhalation to be fed into the sensor, thereby allowing the driver's and passenger's exhalations to be fed alternately into the sensor.

[0021] Based on the preset initial time, it can be determined whether either the driver's or the passenger's exhalation is fed into the sensor.

[0022] Based on the determination result, the driver's valve can be controlled to open, and the passenger's valve can be controlled to close when the passenger is not on board the vehicle, thereby allowing the driver's exhalation to be fed into the sensor, and preventing the passenger's exhalation from being fed into the sensor.

[0023] Before starting the engine, it can be determined whether the alcohol component is detected in the exhalation of the driver and the exhalation of the passenger, which are alternately fed into the sensor, and it can be determined that the engine can be started if the alcohol component is not detected in the driver's exhalation.

[0024] After the engine is started, it can be determined whether the alcohol component is detected in the exhalation of the driver and the exhalation of the passenger, which are alternately fed into the sensor during the journey, and a control can be taken to maintain the journey if the alcohol component is not detected in the driver's exhalation.

[0025] It can be determined whether the alcohol component is detected in the passenger's exhalation; if the alcohol component is detected in the driver's exhalation during the journey, a warning message can be issued and a control can be initiated to stop the journey if the alcohol component is not detected in the passenger's exhalation.

[0026] A message requesting ventilation of the vehicle interior can be issued, and control can be initiated to re-detect the alcohol content in the exhalation of the driver and the exhalation of the passenger if the alcohol content is detected in the exhalation of the passenger.

[0027] The driver's valve and the passenger's valve can each contain a solenoid valve. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The aforementioned and other tasks, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a representation illustrating a configuration of a device for detecting an alcohol component in the breath of a vehicle occupant according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 a view illustrating a state in which a valve of a driver's seat is open, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 a view illustrating a state in which a valve of a passenger seat is open, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 is a view which schematically illustrates a device for detecting an alcohol component, which is mounted in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 5 is a view illustrating a method for detecting an alcohol component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 6 is a view illustrating a method for detecting an alcohol component according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 7 is a representation illustrating a configuration of a computing system performing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] It is clear that the term "vehicle" or "vehicle-" or any other similar term used herein includes motor vehicles in general, such as passenger cars, including all-terrain vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft, including a variety of boats and ships, aircraft and the like, and hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and vehicles using other alternative fuels (e.g., fuels derived from raw materials other than petroleum). As defined herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that has two or more power sources, such as both gasoline-powered and electric-powered vehicles.

[0030] The terminology used herein serves only to describe certain embodiments and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "the" shall also include the plural forms unless the context otherwise makes clear. It shall also be clear that the expressions "indicates" and / or "indicating," when used in this description, specify the presence of the aforementioned features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the expression "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated, listed elements.Unless otherwise specified, the word "include" and variations such as "indicates" or "indicating" throughout this description shall be understood to imply the inclusion of the elements mentioned, but not the exclusion of any other elements. Furthermore, the terms "-unit," "-er" or "-device," "-or" or "-device," and "-module" used in this description denote units for processing at least one function and operation, and these may be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

[0031] Furthermore, the control logic of the present disclosure can be executed as non-transitory computer-readable media on a computer-readable storage medium containing executable program instructions that are executed by a processor, controller, or the like. Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), compact disc ROMs (CD-ROMs), magnetic tapes, floppy disks, flash drives, smart cards, and optical data storage devices. The computer-readable medium can also be distributed in networked computer systems, such that the computer-readable medium is stored and executed in a distributed manner, e.g., by a telematics server or a controller area network (CAN).

[0032] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the exemplary drawings. When adding reference numbers to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the identical or equivalent component is designated by the same number, even if the same components are shown in other drawings. Furthermore, when describing the embodiment of the present disclosure, a detailed description of generally known features or functions will be excluded or omitted in order not to unnecessarily obscure the main point of the present disclosure.

[0033] In describing the components of the embodiment according to the present disclosure, expressions such as first / first / first, second / second / second, "A", "B", (a), (b), and the like may be used. These expressions are intended only to distinguish one component from another and do not restrict the nature, sequence, or order of the components. Unless otherwise defined, all expressions used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meanings as those generally understood by someone with expertise in the technology to which the present disclosure belongs.Such expressions as those defined in a generally used dictionary are to be interpreted as having meanings equal to the contextual meanings in the relevant field of technology, and not as having ideal or overly formal meanings, unless they are clearly defined as having such meanings in the present application.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1 is a representation illustrating a configuration of a device for detecting an alcohol component in the breath of a vehicle occupant according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, a device for detecting an alcohol component 100 may include an inlet 110, a valve 120, a sensor 130, a dispensing device 140 and a starting device 150.

[0036] The inlet 110 can absorb the exhalation of a driver or a passenger. For this purpose, the inlet 110 can be positioned in a location capable of easily absorbing the driver's exhalation, e.g., on the side of a steering wheel, and in a location capable of easily absorbing the passenger's exhalation, e.g., on the side of the passenger seat's dashboard.

[0037] Valve 120 can include a driver's valve, controlled to open or close to allow the driver's exhalation to flow into sensor 130, and a passenger's valve, also controlled to open or close to allow the passenger's exhalation to flow into sensor 130. Here, both the driver's and passenger's valves can include a solenoid valve controlled by a controller 160. Valve 120 can be positioned at the intersection of a snorkel (driver's exhalation passage) connected to the inlet 110, which receives the driver's exhalation, and a snorkel (passenger's exhalation passage) connected to the inlet 110, which receives the passenger's exhalation.

[0038] Sensor 130 can detect alcohol in at least the breath of the driver or the passenger. In this case, Sensor 130 may contain an alcohol sensor. The alcohol component detected may be present at a concentration above a threshold defined as intoxication, but is not limited to this; it may also be present at a concentration below this threshold.

[0039] Furthermore, sensor 130 can be installed in the driver's seat and the front passenger's seat to detect when the driver and front passenger enter the vehicle. In this case, sensor 130 can be implemented as a seat sensor.

[0040] The output device 140 can output a result determined by the controller 160. For this purpose, the output device 140 can include a device group display device and an audio-video navigation display device (AVN display device) capable of outputting an image, and a loudspeaker capable of outputting sound.

[0041] The starting device 150 can refer to a device for starting the engine of a vehicle and, based on the determination result of the control unit 160, can cause the engine to be started or stopped. According to one embodiment, if the determination result of the control unit 160 determines that the alcohol component is not detected in the driver's exhalation, the engine can be started by determining that it can start, and if it determines that the alcohol component is detected in the driver's exhalation, the engine can be prevented from starting.

[0042] The controller 160 can be implemented by various processing devices, such as a microprocessor equipped with a semiconductor chip capable of performing calculations or executing various instructions. The controller 160 can control the actuation of the alcohol detection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the controller 160 can determine whether a passenger is on board a vehicle and, based on the determination result, control the driver's valve and the passenger's valve to be opened or closed.

[0043] In particular, when determining that a passenger is present in the vehicle, control unit 160 can open or close the driver's and passenger's valves, allowing the driver's and passenger's exhalations to flow alternately into the sensor. A detailed description will be provided in relation to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.

[0044] Fig. Figure 2 is a view illustrating a state in which a valve of a driver's seat is open, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. Figure 3 is a view illustrating a state in which a valve of a passenger seat is open, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, the controller 160 can control a driver valve 121 to open for an initial period after an exhalation “a” from the driver is absorbed through the inlet 110, and control a passenger valve 122 to close, thereby allowing the driver’s exhalation “a” to be fed into the sensor 130. Here, the initial period can range from 2 seconds to 5 seconds, depending on the embodiment.

[0046] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the control unit 160 also controls the driver valve 121 to be closed for the first time after the driver's exhalation "a" flows in for the first time, and can control the passenger valve 122 to be opened, thereby allowing the passenger's exhalation "b" to be fed into the sensor 130.

[0047] Since the driver's exhalation "a" and the passenger's exhalation "b" can be alternately supplied within an interval of the first time, the controller 160 can therefore determine, based on the first time, whether the exhalation sampled by sensor 130 for a specific time is the driver's or the passenger's exhalation. Here, it is preferred that the specific time be understood as the time in which information is obtained that is sufficient to distinguish the driver's exhalation from the passenger's.

[0048] Consequently, the sensor 130 can distinguish between the driver's and passenger's exhalations and detect the alcohol content of each exhalation, enabling the controller 160 to accurately detect the alcohol content in the driver's exhalation. The controller 160 can also output the determination result via the output device 140 or control the starting device 150 based on the determination result.

[0049] Meanwhile, if it is determined that the passenger is not on board the vehicle (i.e., present in it), the control unit 160 can control the driver's valve 121 to open and the passenger's valve 122 to close, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 illustrates how to allow the driver's exhalation to be fed into sensor 130 and to prevent the passenger's exhalation from being fed into sensor 130. Therefore, if the passenger is not in the vehicle, control unit 160 can block the passenger's exhalation to ensure that the alcohol content in the driver's exhalation is accurately detected.

[0050] Before starting the engine, the control unit 160 can determine whether the alcohol component is detected in the exhalation of the driver and the exhalation of the passenger, which are alternately fed into the sensor 130.

[0051] If the alcohol component is not detected in the driver's exhalation, control unit 160 can determine that the engine can be started. Conversely, if the alcohol component is detected in the driver's exhalation, control unit 160 may not start the engine, but may allow the driver's and passenger's exhalation to be sampled again.

[0052] If it is determined that the engine can be started, control unit 160 can supply the driver's and passenger's exhalations in the driving condition after the engine has started. Control unit 160 can determine whether to detect the alcohol component in the driver's and passenger's exhalations absorbed during the journey.

[0053] If, during the driving process, the alcohol component is not detected in the driver's exhalation, control unit 160 can maintain the vehicle's movement. However, if the alcohol component is detected in the driver's exhalation, control unit 160 can determine whether the alcohol component is detected in the passenger's exhalation.

[0054] If it is determined that the alcohol component is not detected in the passenger's exhalation, the control unit 160 can issue a warning message and initiate a control action to stop the journey. Conversely, if it is determined that the alcohol component is detected in the passenger's exhalation, the control unit 160 can issue a guidance message requesting interior ventilation of the vehicle and initiate a control action to re-absorb the driver's and passenger's exhalations while the vehicle is in motion.

[0055] Fig. Figure 4 is a view that schematically illustrates a device for detecting an alcohol component, which is mounted in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the device 100 for capturing the alcohol component of the present disclosure may include the inlet 110, which absorbs the exhalation of the driver and is provided on one side of the steering wheel, and the inlet 110, which absorbs the exhalation of the passenger and is provided on one side of the dashboard.

[0057] Furthermore, the valve 120 can be provided at a position where a snorkel (driver's exhalation passage) to which the inlet 110 is connected, which absorbs the driver's exhalation, and a snorkel (passenger's exhalation passage) to which the inlet 110 is connected, which absorbs the passenger's exhalation, intersect, the same being controlled to be opened or closed based on the control of the control 160.

[0058] The Sensor 130 can detect the alcohol content in the exhalation of the driver and the passenger and detect whether the passenger is on board the vehicle.

[0059] The output device 140 can output the result determined by the controller 160. For this purpose, the output device 140 can include a device group display device and an AVN display device capable of outputting an image, and a loudspeaker capable of outputting a sound.

[0060] Fig. Figure 5 is a view illustrating a method for detecting an alcohol component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, at S110, the controller 160 determines whether the passenger is on board the vehicle, based on the information acquired by the sensor 130. At S110, when it is determined that the passenger is on board the vehicle “J”, the controller 160 can control the driver valve and the passenger valve to be opened or closed, to allow the driver's and passenger's exhalations to be alternately fed into the sensor.

[0062] After the driver's exhalation is absorbed through the inlet 110, the controller 160 in S120 can, in particular, control the driver's valve 121 to open and the passenger's valve 122 to close for the initial period, thereby allowing the driver's exhalation "a" to be fed into the sensor 130. In S120, the initial period can be from 2 seconds to 5 seconds, according to one embodiment.

[0063] After the driver's exhalation has flowed for the first time, the control unit 160 at S140 can control the driver valve 121 to be closed for the first time and control the passenger valve 122 to be opened, thereby allowing the passenger's exhalation to flow into the sensor 130.

[0064] At S150, the control unit 160 determines whether the driver's and passenger's exhalations are to be supplied for a specific time. This specific time can be the period during which information is obtained sufficient to differentiate the driver's and passenger's exhalations. If the control unit 160 determines that the driver's and passenger's exhalations are to be supplied for the specific time "J", it can determine, based on the initial time, whether the exhalation sampled by sensor 130 is the driver's or the passenger's. At S160, the control unit 160 detects the alcohol content in the exhalations (driver's and passenger's exhalations) that are supplied alternately during the initial time interval.

[0065] This means that the control unit 160 can enable the sensor 130 to distinguish the driver's exhalation from the passenger's exhalation and to detect the alcohol content of each exhalation, thereby accurately measuring the alcohol content in the driver's exhalation. Furthermore, the control unit 160 can output the result via the output device 140 or control the starting device 150 based on the result.

[0066] If, however, control unit 160 determines at S110 that the passenger is not on board the vehicle “N”, control unit 160 can, at S170, control the driver valve 121 to open and control the passenger valve 122 to close, so that only the driver's exhalation is fed into sensor 130 and not the passenger's exhalation. Subsequently, at S160, the alcohol content in the exhalation (driver's exhalation) is detected by sensor 130. Therefore, if the passenger is not on board the vehicle, control unit 160 can block the passenger's exhalation entirely to allow for the accurate detection of the alcohol content in the driver's exhalation.

[0067] Fig. Figure 6 is a view illustrating a method for detecting an alcohol component according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 6, control unit 160 determines whether the passenger is on board the vehicle, based on the information sampled by sensor 130. If the passenger is on board, the driver's and passenger's exhalations are fed into S210. A more detailed description of S210 is given in relation to S120 to S150 in Figure 6. Fig. 5 will follow.

[0069] Before starting the engine, the control unit 160 in S220 can determine whether no alcohol component is detected in the exhalation of the driver and the exhalation of the passenger, which are alternately fed into the sensor 130.

[0070] If the alcohol component is not detected in the driver's exhalation at S220 ("J"), control unit 160 can determine at S230 that the engine can be started. However, if the alcohol component is detected in the driver's exhalation at S220 ("N"), control unit 160 can again feed the driver's and passenger's exhalations at S210, while the engine is not started.

[0071] If it is determined that the engine will be started, control unit 160 at S240 can allow the driver's and passenger's exhalations to be recorded in the driving condition after the engine has started. Control unit 160 at S250 can determine whether the alcohol component in the driver's and passenger's exhalations, absorbed during the journey, is detected.

[0072] If no alcohol component is detected in the driver's exhalation during driving mode "J" (S250), control unit 160 can control the continuation of the journey during driving mode S260. However, if alcohol is detected in the driver's exhalation during driving mode S250, control unit 160 can determine during driving mode S270 whether no alcohol component is detected in the passenger's exhalation.

[0073] If the control unit 160 determines at S270 that no alcohol component is detected in the passenger's exhalation "J", the control unit 160 can issue a warning message at S280 and initiate a stop of the vehicle. Conversely, if at S270 it is determined that the alcohol component is detected in the passenger's exhalation "J", the control unit 160 can issue a guidance message at S290 requesting interior ventilation of the vehicle and, at S240, initiate a control action so that the driver's and passenger's exhalations are reabsorbed while the vehicle is in motion.

[0074] Fig. Figure 7 is a representation illustrating a configuration of a computing system that performs a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] In relation to Fig. 7. A computing system 1000 can contain at least one processor 1100, one memory 1300, one user interface input device 1400, one user interface output device 1500, one memory 1600 and one network interface 1700, which are connected to each other via a bus 1200.

[0076] The processor 1100 can be a central processing unit (CPU) or a semiconductor device that processes instructions stored in memory 1300 and / or memory 1600. Memory 1300 and memory 1600 can contain various types of volatile or non-volatile storage media. For example, memory 1300 can contain ROM (Read Only Memory) 1310 and RAM (Random Access Memory) 1320.

[0077] Consequently, the operations of the method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented directly in hardware, in a software module executed by the processor 1100, or in a combination thereof. The software module can reside on a storage medium (i.e., the memory 1300 and / or the memory 1600), such as RAM, flash memory, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, a register, a hard disk, a removable disk, or a CD-ROM. The exemplary storage medium can be coupled to the processor 1100, and the processor 1100 can read information from and write information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium can be integrated with the processor 1100. The processor 1100 and the storage medium can be integrated in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).The application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) may be located within a user terminal device. Alternatively, the 1100 processor and the storage medium may be separate components within the user terminal device.

[0078] In the device for detecting the alcohol component and the method thereof according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the breath of the driver is distinguished from the breath of the passenger and the influence of the passenger is eliminated in order to detect the alcohol component in the breath of the driver, thereby accurately determining the state of intoxication of the driver.

[0079] Although the present disclosure has been described above with regard to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but can be modified and altered in various ways by someone with skills in the technology to which the present disclosure belongs, without deviating from the essence and scope of the present disclosure as claimed in the following claims.

[0080] Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to illustrate the nature and scope of the present disclosure, but not to limit them, so that the nature and scope of the present disclosure are not limited by the exemplary embodiments. <bezugszeichenliste> Fig. 1 110 ADMISSION 120 VALVE 130 SENSOR 140 DISPENSING DEVICE 150 EVENTS DEVICE 160 CONTROL Fig. 7 1000 COMPUTING SYSTEM 1100 PROCESSOR 1300 STORAGE 1400 USER SURFACE INPUT DEVICE 1500 USER SURFACE DISPENSING DEVICE 1600 STORAGE 1700 NETWORK INTERFACE< / bezugszeichenliste>

Claims

[1] Device for detecting an alcohol component (100) in a driver's breath, the device comprising: an inlet (110) configured to absorb an exhalation from a driver or a passenger; a sensor (130) configured to detect an alcohol component in at least the exhalation of the driver and / or the exhalation of the passenger; a driver valve (121) that is controlled to be opened or closed to allow the driver's exhalation to be fed into the sensor (130), and a passenger valve (122) that is controlled to be opened or closed to allow the passenger's exhalation to be fed into the sensor (130); and a controller (160) configured to determine whether a passenger is on board a vehicle and to control the driver valve (121) and the passenger valve (122) to be opened or closed based on a determination result. [2] Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the controller (160) controls the driver valve (121) and the passenger valve (122) based on the determination result to be opened or closed in order to allow the driver's exhalation and the passenger's exhalation to be alternately fed into the sensor (130) when it is determined that the passenger is on board the vehicle. [3] Device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the controller (160) controls the driver valve (121) to be opened and the passenger valve (122) to be closed for a predetermined time in order to supply the driver's exhalation to the sensor (130) when the passenger is on board the vehicle, and the controller (160) then controls the driver valve (121) to be closed and the passenger valve (122) to be opened for the first time in order to supply the passenger's exhalation to the sensor (130), thereby supplying the driver's exhalation and the passenger's exhalation alternately to the sensor (130). [4] Device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the control (160) determines, based on the predetermined first time, whether either the exhalation of the driver or the exhalation of the passenger flowed into the sensor (130). [5] Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control (160) controls the driver valve (121) to be opened and the passenger valve (122) to be closed, based on the determination result, to supply the driver's exhalation to the sensor (130) and not to supply the passenger's exhalation to the sensor (130) when it is determined that the passenger is not on board the vehicle. [6] Device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the control unit (160) determines, prior to starting the engine, whether the alcohol component is detected in the exhalation of the driver and the exhalation of the passenger, which are alternately supplied to the sensor (130), and the control unit (160) determines that the engine can be started if the alcohol component is not detected in the exhalation of the driver. [7] Device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the control unit (160) determines, after the engine has been started, whether the alcohol component is detected in the exhalation of the driver and the exhalation of the passenger, which are alternately supplied to the sensor (130) during the journey, and the control unit (160) determines whether the journey should continue if the alcohol component is not detected in the exhalation of the driver. [8] Device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the control unit (160) determines whether the alcohol component is detected in the passenger's exhalation if the alcohol component is detected in the driver's exhalation during the journey, and the control unit (160) issues a warning message and performs a control action to stop the journey if the alcohol component is not detected in the passenger's exhalation. [9] Device (100) according to claim 8, wherein the control unit (160) issues a message to request ventilation of a vehicle interior and controls a renewed detection of the alcohol component in the exhalation of the driver and the exhalation of the passenger when the alcohol component is detected in the exhalation of the passenger. [10] Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the driver valve (121) and the passenger valve (122) each contain a solenoid valve. [11] Method for detecting an alcohol component in a driver's breath, the method comprising: Determine whether a passenger is on board a vehicle; Control of a driver valve (121) and a passenger valve (122) based on a determination result about the passenger entering the vehicle, to be opened or closed; and Detecting an alcohol component in at least one exhalation of a driver and / or one exhalation of a passenger, which are fed into the sensor (130) in response to the opening or closing of the driver valve (121) and the passenger valve (122). [12] Method according to claim 11, wherein the driver valve (121) and the passenger valve (122) are controlled based on the determination result to be opened or closed when it is determined that the passenger is on board the vehicle, thereby enabling the exhalation of the driver and the exhalation of the passenger to be alternately fed into the sensor (130). [13] Method according to claim 12, wherein the driver valve (121) is controlled to be opened and the passenger valve (122) is controlled to be closed for a predetermined first time when the passenger is on board the vehicle, thereby enabling the driver's exhalation to be fed into the sensor (130), and the driver valve (121) is then controlled to be closed, and the passenger valve (122) is controlled to be opened for the predetermined first time, thereby enabling the passenger's exhalation to be fed into the sensor (130), thereby enabling the driver's exhalation and the passenger's exhalation to be fed alternately into the sensor (130). [14] Method according to claim 13, wherein, based on the preset first time, it is determined whether the exhalation of the driver or the exhalation of the passenger is fed into the sensor (130). [15] Method according to claim 11, wherein, based on the determination result, the driver valve (121) is controlled to be opened and the passenger valve (122) is controlled to be closed when the passenger is not on board the vehicle, thereby enabling the driver's exhalation to be fed into the sensor (130) and enabling the passenger's exhalation not to be fed into the sensor (130). [16] Method according to claim 13, wherein, prior to starting the engine, it is determined whether the alcohol component is detected in the exhalation of the driver and the exhalation of the passenger, which are alternately supplied to the sensor (130), and it is determined that the engine can be started if the alcohol component is not detected in the exhalation of the driver. [17] Method according to claim 16, wherein, after starting the engine, it is determined whether the alcohol component is detected in the exhalation of the driver and the exhalation of the passenger, which are alternately supplied to the sensor (130) during the journey, and a control is provided to maintain the journey if the alcohol component is not detected in the exhalation of the driver. [18] Method according to claim 16, wherein it is determined whether the alcohol component is detected in the exhalation of the passenger if the alcohol component is detected in the exhalation of the driver during the journey, and a warning message is issued and a control is taken to stop the journey if the alcohol component is not detected in the exhalation of the passenger. [19] Method according to claim 18, wherein a message is issued to request ventilation of the vehicle interior and a control is provided to re-detect the alcohol component in the exhalation of the driver and the exhalation of the passenger when the alcohol component is detected in the exhalation of the passenger. [20] Method according to claim 11, wherein the driver valve (121) and the passenger valve (122) each contain a solenoid valve.

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