Method for monitoring the fitness to drive of an occupant of a motor vehicle, control device, and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for monitoring the fitness to drive of an occupant (14) of a motor vehicle (10), wherein a control device (16) receives image data (S1) from a sensor device (28) describing an image of a beverage container (32) stored in a predetermined position in the motor vehicle (10); recognizes a beverage in the beverage container (32) based on the image data (S2); determines an alcohol content of the recognized beverage (S3); predicts an alcohol level of the occupant (14) based on occupant weight data from a weight sensor (38) of a motor vehicle seat (12) and the determined alcohol content of the beverage (S8); checks (S10) whether the occupant (14) meets a predetermined fitness-to-drive criterion, which specifies a limit value for the alcohol level up to which the occupant (14) is still fit to drive with a predetermined minimum probability;Depending on a result of the test (S10), an output signal is generated (S11) which describes a note relating to the test result and its output (S13) and transmits it to an output device (46) (S12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for monitoring the fitness to drive of an occupant of a motor vehicle, a control device, and a motor vehicle.

[0002] Modern vehicles are equipped with holders for beverage containers, so-called "cupholders". The beverages placed in these containers can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic.

[0003] A current drawback is that the passenger may have an alcoholic beverage in the vehicle and wish to consume it. Unfortunately, this can impair the driver's fitness to drive. In Germany, the current legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 per mille.

[0004] DE 10 2021 005 093 A1 describes a method for determining whether a driver is unfit to drive, whereby a camera continuously records the driver's video signals. The method is designed to determine, based on the recorded video signals, the probability of whether a bottle held by the driver contains an alcoholic beverage and whether the driver is drinking from it; if the recorded video signals indicate that the driver is drinking from the bottle, the probability of a decrease in the fill level of the alcoholic beverage in the bottle is determined; the probability of a change in the driver's reaction time with respect to a driving task is determined; and the probability of a change in the driver's pupil reaction time is determined.and a probability of a change in the driver's speech behavior based on voice controls is recorded, the determined probabilities are entered into a network diagram, an area bounded by the probabilities is calculated, and a measure of driving impairment is determined based on the area, with a vehicle-side reaction being triggered depending on the measure of driving impairment.

[0005] WO 24 / 115835 A1 discloses a method for controlling and monitoring the food or medication intake of a driver of a motor vehicle. The publication also relates to a device for carrying out such a method and to a motor vehicle equipped with such a device.

[0006] DE 20 2006 018 180 U1 concerns an alcohol tester as an immobilizer, which is located in the vehicle dashboard and which has an automatically foldable, extended hose at head height and is coupled to the ignition power supply.

[0007] US 2025 / 0033646 A1 describes a system and method for preventing drunk driving that is capable of performing multi-stage driver identification during the measurement of the driver's blood alcohol level and simultaneously monitoring the condition of the driver and passengers during the measurement of the blood alcohol level, thereby facilitating driver identification and alcohol control and preventing accidents due to drunk driving by blocking the starting of the vehicle when the driver is in a drunken state.

[0008] From DE 10 2022 121 613 A1, a device for determining breathing air information relating to the breathing air of a specific occupant in the interior of a vehicle is known, wherein the interior of the vehicle has several occupant positions for several different occupants. The device is configured to acquire camera data relating to the occupant positions in the interior of the vehicle and / or relating to the specific occupant using at least one interior camera, and to determine air data relating to the air in the interior of the vehicle using an air sensor. The device is further configured to determine breathing air information relating to the breathing air of the specific occupant based on the camera data and the air data.

[0009] The present invention is based on the objective of providing an improved method for recognizing a situation in which an occupant of a motor vehicle, in particular a driver, should no longer drive after consuming alcohol.

[0010] The problem is solved by the subject matter and method of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments of the invention are described by the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0011] The invention is based on the idea that a motor vehicle should not only react after the user has already consumed alcohol, but should proactively predict the occupant's blood alcohol level and warn them accordingly. This is particularly important if the occupant is the driver. Such a preventive method involves not only detecting a beverage the occupant intends to drink and determining its alcohol content, but also predicting the occupant's blood alcohol level and thus their fitness to drive. For particularly precise prediction, a weight sensor in a vehicle seat is used to measure the occupant's weight and, based on this weight data, predict their blood alcohol level if they consume the detected beverage.Identifying the beverage in the beverage container is particularly beneficial for predicting fitness to drive, since fitness to drive ultimately depends on whether the beverage is alcoholic or not, and how much alcohol the beverage contains.

[0012] This not only offers added value for the user of the vehicle, i.e., the occupant, and a corresponding increase in comfort, but also significantly enhances safety when using the vehicle.

[0013] These advantages are particularly important in scenarios where the occupant exceeds a driving ability limit, for example, a legally prescribed limit. The method can also be adapted in one embodiment to account for situations where the occupant is already intoxicated before consuming the detected beverage.

[0014] The inventive method for monitoring the fitness to drive of a motor vehicle occupant, optionally a driver, is carried out by a control device. A control device is understood to be a device, a device component, or a group of devices that is configured and designed to receive signals, evaluate them, generate control signals, and transmit the generated control signals to other devices or device components. For this purpose, the control device can, for example, be designed as a control unit or a control chip and optionally include a conventional transmitter and receiver module, as well as one or more microprocessors.

[0015] The control device receives image data from a sensor unit, optionally a sensor unit of the vehicle, describing a beverage container stored in a predetermined position within the vehicle. The image data from the sensor unit thus depicts an image or video of the beverage container containing the liquid, for example, a bottle placed in the cupholder. A sensor unit is defined as a device, device component, or device group that includes at least one sensor for detecting, for example, a physical, optical, or chemical property of the environment. The sensor unit can, for example, comprise a device group with an optional processor and at least one sensor. The beverage container is preferably stored in a so-called "cupholder," i.e., a holder or bracket for a beverage container.The cupholder can, for example, be located in the center console of the vehicle.

[0016] To generate and transmit image data, the sensor device can, for example, include one or more interior cameras, one of which can be a camera aimed at the cupholder.

[0017] Based on the received image data, the control device identifies a beverage located in the beverage container. For example, the received image data can describe a label on the sample bottle, a printed alcohol content, or a QR code on the label, which the control device can use to retrieve information about the beverage via an internet query. To identify the beverage, for example, text or a beverage brand can be recognized. Optionally, the sensor device can include a QR scanner to capture a QR code.

[0018] The control device then determines the alcohol content of the detected beverage. For example, if the control device identifies a cola as the beverage, it can store in a database that cola has zero percent alcohol by volume (“Vol.%”). If the control device identifies, for example, a beer brand and / or an alcohol content indication on the label, it can deduce the alcohol content from this data or read it directly.

[0019] Based on occupant weight data from a vehicle seat weight sensor, which describes the occupant's weight, and based on the specified alcohol content of the beverage, the control device predicts the occupant's blood alcohol level, i.e., the blood alcohol level the occupant is expected to have if they drink the beverage.

[0020] In other words, the occupant weight described by the occupant weight data is the weight measured by the weight sensor in the seat. The occupant's actual weight may not always match the measured weight, as in a seated position, the legs are usually not resting on the seat but on the floor. Therefore, the control unit may optionally be designed to account for this discrepancy.

[0021] The subsequent fitness-to-drive test is therefore carried out proactively and even before the occupant has consumed the drink.

[0022] For the fitness-to-drive test, the control device uses the predicted blood alcohol level to check whether it meets a predefined fitness-to-drive criterion. This criterion specifies a limit for the blood alcohol level below which the occupant is still considered fit to drive with a predetermined minimum probability. In other words, a positive test result means that the predicted blood alcohol level is below the limit and the occupant is likely still fit to drive despite consuming the detected beverage. A negative test result means that the predicted blood alcohol level exceeds the limit and the occupant is very likely no longer fit to drive.

[0023] Depending on the test result, the control unit generates an output signal that describes a message relating to the test result and the output of this message by a device in the vehicle. The control unit then transmits the generated output signal to the output device.

[0024] The advantages described above result.

[0025] An output device is understood to be a device, device component, or group of devices designed to output visual and / or acoustic information and / or light patterns. Accordingly, the output device may, for example, include a screen and / or a loudspeaker. If the output device includes a screen, it may also be referred to as a display device. The generated output signal could, for example, describe a voice message to be played, indicating potential unfitness to drive, or a corresponding screen display.

[0026] If the output device is designed to emit light signals or patterns and thereby control the vehicle's lighting, for example, interior lighting, the output device can also be referred to as a lighting device or lighting system, which includes one or more lights arranged in the vehicle. The indication of the roadworthiness test result can be, for example, by outputting a light pattern or lighting scheme.

[0027] Optionally, the control device can receive alcohol content data from an alcoholmeter, describing the current alcohol content of the occupant's breath as determined by the alcoholmeter. This alcohol content data can also be referred to, for example, as breath alcohol content data.

[0028] An alcoholometer device is understood to be a device for determining the ethanol content of a water-ethanol mixture, i.e., a breathalyzer. The alcoholometer device can optionally be designed as a standard breathalyzer for testing the alcohol content in a person's breath and, for example, be removable from a center console in a motor vehicle.

[0029] In this embodiment of the inventive method, the prediction of the occupant's blood alcohol level is additionally based on the current breath alcohol content described by the received alcohol content data. This makes the prediction of the occupant's blood alcohol level much more precise.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the control device can receive alcohol content data from an alcoholmeter device, which can describe the current alcohol content of the air exiting the beverage container as determined by the alcoholmeter device. This alcohol content data can, for example, also be referred to as beverage alcohol content data. In this embodiment, the determination of the alcohol content of the detected beverage can additionally be made based on the current alcohol content of the beverage as described by the received alcohol content data. For example, a fan can be arranged on the cupholder, which can blow air from the bottle opening to a sensor of the alcoholmeter device. This embodiment of the method according to the invention makes the determination of the alcohol content of the beverage more precise and thus improves the test result in the fitness-to-drive test.

[0031] Optionally, the control device can receive container weight data from a weight sensor located beneath the beverage container and use this data to determine the beverage level in the container. Thus, if the weight of the example bottle, as measured by the weight sensor, decreases over a predetermined period, the control device can deduce or estimate how much liquid, and therefore how much alcohol, the occupant has consumed. For the same purpose, the control device can additionally or alternatively determine the beverage level in the container using the received image data.

[0032] In both variants, which can optionally be combined, the control device can additionally determine the alcohol content of the detected beverage based on the measured fill level. This makes the prediction of the occupant's blood alcohol level more accurate, and the method can also derive or estimate the occupant's current blood alcohol level.

[0033] If the control device for beverage recognition first defines a beverage category, this can be done, for example, based on the received image data. The image data can describe, for example, a label on the beverage container and / or a code, such as a QR code or barcode, on the beverage container, and / or an alcohol content indication and / or text on the beverage container. The control device can then additionally determine the alcohol content of the recognized beverage based on the defined beverage category. When a QR code or barcode is recognized, the control device can, for example, read the code via an internet connection and infer the beverage category. In another example, a conclusion can be drawn by recognizing a brand or text on the label. This allows for more precise beverage recognition and determination of its alcohol content.

[0034] The generated output signal can, for example, describe a text message, a voice message, an image, or a light pattern to be output by the output device. If the control device determines, for example, that the occupant is currently or after consuming the beverage unfit to drive, an interior light can be switched to red. If, in another example, the fitness-to-drive test is successful, the interior light can be switched to green.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the control device can receive location data from the motor vehicle, describing its geographical position, i.e., its current location. This location data can be, for example, GPS data. If the predicted blood alcohol level does not meet the predetermined fitness-to-drive criterion, the control device can determine the location of a parking space within a predetermined radius of the motor vehicle's geographical position, calculate a route from the vehicle's geographical position to the parking space, and generate a navigation signal that describes the calculated route. The control device can then transmit the generated navigation signal to a navigation system and / or a driver assistance system of the motor vehicle for fully autonomous driving.The inventive method ensures that the occupant can be instructed, for example, to drive to a parking lot and park the vehicle there. Optionally, an additional instruction can be given that the driver should only consume the beverage in the parking lot and after the vehicle has been parked. Optionally, the instruction can also include a recommendation to use public transportation after consuming the alcoholic beverage. This significantly increases safety when using the vehicle.

[0036] If the control unit transmits the generated navigation signal to a driver assistance system in the vehicle, the vehicle can, for example, drive itself to the parking space in a fully autonomous mode. This also increases safety.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the control device can receive the aforementioned location data of the motor vehicle and generate a media output signal that can describe text and / or image information about the geographical position and, optionally, about the detected beverage. The media output signal can, for example, describe a photograph of the detected beverage and an image of a map indicating the current location of the motor vehicle. The control device then transmits the generated media output signal to an external data server for displaying the text and / or image information on a social media platform and / or for transmission to a specified mobile device. In this way, the occupant, particularly in conjunction with the embodiment in which the motor vehicle is parked before consuming the beverage, can inform another person where they can be picked up and then driven home.This also significantly increases safety when using the motor vehicle. This design is particularly advantageous if the result of the fitness-to-drive test is negative.

[0038] Preferably, the control device can transmit the received image data and the received occupant weight data to a deep learning engine and thereby make them available to the deep learning engine.

[0039] A deep learning engine is a device, device component, or program that can apply deep learning (also known as machine learning) to a large amount of data. In other words, a deep learning engine is a sophisticated device for performing deep learning, i.e., an implementation of artificial intelligence. Thus, both artificial intelligence (as machine learning) and deep learning are achievable using a deep learning engine. The deep learning engine can, for example, be designed and / or implemented as a deep artificial neural network.In other words, the deep learning engine can be configured to evaluate a large number of experience values ​​and / or training data, also known as a training dataset, using a machine learning method. Alternatively, it can evaluate a dataset according to a predetermined algorithm and based on the already stored multitude of experience values, for example, through embedded logic such as correlation. This also allows for the creation of further logical connections within the deep learning engine.

[0040] For example, empirical data or training data can be statistically summarized using a variety of image data and occupant weight data, different alcohol contents and / or predicted alcohol levels.

[0041] In this embodiment of the method according to the invention, the control device can operate the deep learning engine so that values ​​of alcohol content and / or alcohol levels are statistically summarized by the deep learning engine from a multitude of image data and occupant weight data.

[0042] The control device can further operate the deep learning engine to process the alcohol content and / or blood alcohol levels described by the provided image data and occupant weight data, and thereby determine a driving ability prediction. This driving ability prediction includes the probability that the occupant will still be fit to drive after consuming the detected beverage.

[0043] Depending on whether the probability of being fit to drive falls below or exceeds a predefined threshold, the control device uses the deep learning engine to determine, or rather, preferably predict, the fitness to drive and thus provide the corresponding indication. In other words, the deep learning engine uses the fitness-to-drive prediction to determine the probability with which the limit specified by the predefined fitness-to-drive criterion will be undershot, reached, or exceeded, thus assessing the fitness to drive. The output signal provided can then describe the result of the deep learning engine.

[0044] This embodiment of the method according to the invention significantly improves the accuracy of the forecast. The advantages mentioned above are thus synergistically enhanced.

[0045] Optionally, the control device can, in a further training, transmit additional data to the deep learning engine as input for processing, including: the current alcohol content of the occupant's breath; the current alcohol content of the air exiting the beverage container; and / or container weight data. The advantages of including this data have already been discussed above.

[0046] The invention also includes the control device for the motor vehicle. The control device can comprise a data processing device or a processor circuit configured to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the processor circuit can comprise at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). In particular, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) can be used as the microprocessor. Furthermore, the processor circuit can comprise program code configured to carry out the embodiment of the method according to the invention when executed by the processor circuit.The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor device. The processor device can be based, for example, on at least one circuit board and / or on at least one SoC (System on Chip).

[0047] The invention also relates to a fitness-to-drive monitoring device, which includes an embodiment of the control device according to the invention and sensors for acquiring image data and occupant weight data, optionally also container weight data. Optionally, the fitness-to-drive monitoring device can include the alcoholmeter device and / or a cupholder, i.e., a holder for a beverage container.

[0048] The problem stated above is also solved by a motor vehicle that has an embodiment of the control device according to the invention. The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

[0049] Optionally, the motor vehicle can additionally have an embodiment of the driving ability monitoring device according to the invention, and / or a cupholder. The driving ability monitoring device and / or the cupholder can then, for example, be installed in a center console of a motor vehicle. This results in the advantages described above.

[0050] As a further solution, the invention also includes a computer-readable storage medium comprising program code which, when executed by a computer or a computer network, causes it to execute an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The storage medium can be provided at least partially as a non-volatile data storage medium (e.g., as flash memory and / or as an SSD - solid state drive) and / or at least partially as a volatile data storage medium (e.g., as RAM - random access memory). The storage medium can be located within the computer or computer network. However, the storage medium can also be operated, for example, as an app store server and / or cloud server on the internet. The computer or computer network can provide a processor circuit with, for example, at least one microprocessor.The program code can be provided as binary code, assembly code, source code in a programming language (e.g., C), or a program script (e.g., Python). Alternatively, the computer-readable storage medium can be implemented as a signal containing computer-readable data, such as a time-varying voltage signal or a radio signal.

[0051] The invention also includes further developments of the control device, the roadworthiness monitoring system, the motor vehicle, and the storage medium according to the invention, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the method according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the control device, the roadworthiness monitoring system, the motor vehicle, and the storage medium according to the invention are not described again here.

[0052] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0053] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the devices and method according to the invention; and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the fitness-to-drive monitoring arrangement according to the invention.

[0054] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0055] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0056] The Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the devices and method according to the invention. For this purpose, the Fig. 1 a motor vehicle 10, which may, for example, be designed as a passenger car. In the example of the Fig. Figure 1 shows the method according to the invention for occupants 14 seated in a motor vehicle seat 12. The occupant 14 can preferably be the driver. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the sensor system and the method could be configured for an occupant 14 in a different seat, or for several occupants 14.

[0057] In the example of the motor vehicle 10, Fig. 1. A control device 16, which may be designed, for example, as a control chip or control unit. The control device 16 may optionally include a storage medium 18, for example a hard disk or a memory chip, and / or one or more microprocessors 20.

[0058] In the Fig. Figure 1 also shows the optional variant in which the control device 16 can have a deep learning engine 22. However, the method according to the invention can optionally also be carried out using a neural network. In another variant, which is also shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 1, an optional deep learning engine 22 can be a component of a vehicle-external data server 24, which can be designed, for example, as a conventional data server, such as a data cloud or a physical data server. Fig. Figure 1 also shows the variant in which the control device 16 can optionally be a component of a vehicle-external data server 24. If the method according to the invention is carried out using a neural network, the control device 16 can communicate with it via a data communication link 26. The data communication link 26 can, for example, be a wired or wireless data communication link 26, such as an internet connection.

[0059] In the example of the Fig. Figure 1 shows a deep learning engine 22 as a component of the control device 16. Alternatively, the deep learning engine 22 can be a component of, for example, the data server 26 shown and preferably communicate wirelessly with the control device 16.

[0060] Training data or empirical values ​​with which such a deep learning engine 22 may have been trained can preferably be aggregated as an artificial neural network and, for example, originate from a database. Preferably, such data relating to image data and occupant weight data and associated alcohol concentrations and / or blood alcohol levels, in a number >1000, particularly >10000, can be used / have been used to train the deep learning engine 22, wherein the training data were preferably collected over a predetermined observation period. Such a dataset can be referred to as a big data dataset.

[0061] Each empirical value can, for example, be a combination of blood alcohol content, occupant weight, and blood alcohol level, and optionally a value indicating the probability of fitness to drive. An empirical value is therefore understood as a value or statement that, based on empirical measurements or studies, makes a statement about whether, for example, occupant 14 is still fit to drive.

[0062] An empirical value can therefore be, for example, a numerical value or a corresponding value. An empirical value can also be understood as a functional dependency or a functional relationship that makes a statement about whether, and at what blood alcohol content and / or blood alcohol level, driving ability still exists. In other words, an empirical value can also be understood as a rule for classification based on numerical values.

[0063] In the example of the sensor device 28, a sensor device 28 comprises Fig. 1. An interior camera 30, which is directed at a beverage container 32, where the beverage container 32 can be, for example, a bottle, a cup, or a glass. In the example of the Fig. 1. The beverage container 32 can be a bottle containing a beverage. In the example of the Fig. Figure 1 shows that the beverage container 32 is stored in a holder 34, a so-called "cupholder". The holder 34 can be located, for example, in a center console 36 in the motor vehicle 10, or, for example, on an armrest or on a dashboard. The beverage in the beverage container 32 can be, for example, a beer.

[0064] The sensor system 28 includes a weight sensor 38, which is located on or in the seat surface of the vehicle seat 12 to measure the weight of the occupant 14. An additional optional weight sensor 40 can also be part of the sensor system 28. This optional weight sensor 40 can be located in the holder 34 for the beverage container 32 and measure the weight of the beverage container 32. Communication between the sensor system 28 and the control device 16 takes place via data communication links 42, which can be designed, for example, as vehicle data buses. Alternatively, these data communication links 42 can also include, for example, wireless data communication links, such as a WLAN or Bluetooth connection.

[0065] The example of Fig. Figure 1 also shows an optional alcoholometer device 44, which can be designed, for example, as a standard breathalyzer. In the example of the Fig. Figure 1 shows an arrangement of the alcoholometer device 44 on a control panel of the motor vehicle 10, such that an opening for the air to be tested is aligned with an opening of the beverage container 32. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor device 28 can also include an alcoholometer device 44, which can be arranged, for example, on an A-pillar of the motor vehicle 10, so that the occupant 14 can measure the alcohol level of their breath.

[0066] An output device 46 of the motor vehicle 10 can, for example, have a display 48 and / or one or more lights 50 for interior lighting of the motor vehicle 10. Additionally or optionally, the output device 46 can have a loudspeaker (in the Fig. (1 not shown) if the output device 46 is designed to provide acoustic cues.

[0067] Optionally, sensors from the sensor unit 28, for example the interior camera 30 and an optional alcoholometer device 44, can be installed in a fitness-to-drive monitoring system 52, which can be installed as a compact device, for example, in the center console 36 of the motor vehicle 10 (in the Fig. (1 not shown). The holder 34 for the beverage container 32 can optionally also be a component of the fitness-to-drive monitoring device 52. An example of the fitness-to-drive monitoring device 52 is shown in the Fig. 2 shown. In the Fig. Figure 2 shows the fitness-to-drive monitoring device 52 schematically to illustrate that the sensor and the holder 34 are components of this device. This means that the sensor and / or the holder 34 do not need to be enclosed by a housing.

[0068] The control device 16 receives image data from the camera 30 in S1, where the image data describes the beverage container 32, for example, the exemplary bottle itself, an optional label on the beverage container 32, and / or the fill level of a liquid within the beverage container 32. Optionally, this image data can also describe, for example, a QR code or barcode printed on the label, and / or, for example, text or an image on the label for identifying the beverage in S2, for example, via a database query of a recognized text on the label or a recognized trademark. For scanning a QR code or a barcode, the sensor can include a standard QR code scanner and / or a standard barcode scanner.

[0069] For example, if the word "beer" is printed on the label, the control device 16 in S2 can recognize a beer as a beverage.

[0070] To determine the alcohol content S3 of the detected beer, the control device 16 can, for example, query a database on the storage medium 18 or via an internet query. If the control device 16 recognizes not only a beverage category in S1, but, for example, a specific type of beer, such as a strong beer, the determination of the alcohol content S3 can be carried out even more precisely.

[0071] Optionally or additionally, the alcohol content of the beverage S3 can be determined even more precisely if the control device 16 in S4 receives alcohol content data from the exemplary alcoholometer device 44, which is directed towards the beverage container 32. This data describes the alcohol content of the air exiting the beverage container 32. This can optionally be simplified by using a fan device (in the Fig. (1 not shown) for example includes a small fan which, when in operation, is directed towards the bottle opening and draws air out of the example bottle. Fig. 1 blows towards a test opening of the alcoholometer device 44.

[0072] Further precision in determining the alcohol content S3 of the beverage can be achieved if the control device 16 additionally determines the fill level of the beverage in the beverage container 32 (S5). For this purpose, for example, the image data from the camera 30 can additionally describe a fill level within the example bottle. Alternatively or additionally, the optional weight sensor 40 in the holder 34 can measure the bottle weight. In S6, the control device 16 then receives the corresponding container weight data, from which the fill level or a change in the fill level can be derived.

[0073] For the fitness-to-drive analysis, the predicted blood alcohol level of occupant 14 is relevant, with the control device 16 predicting whether the occupant's fitness to drive might still be present after consuming the beverage. To make a particularly precise assessment, the weight of occupant 14 is also taken into account in addition to the alcohol content of the detected beverage. The occupant weight data received by the control device 16 in S7 describes the weight measured by the weight sensor 38. Any potential inaccuracy is taken into account by assuming that the occupant's feet are likely resting on the floor of the vehicle 10.

[0074] Optionally, the control device 16 can have a legally prescribed blood alcohol limit for driving a motor vehicle 10 stored in the storage medium 18, or retrieve this limit, for example, from the internet. For instance, it can be stored that the limit for losing a driver's license is 0.5 per mille. Alternatively, if the motor vehicle 10 is, for example, a vehicle belonging to a young adult who still has a probationary driver's license, a limit of 0.0 per mille can be stored and specified for the fitness-to-drive analysis. In the example of the Fig. However, if the occupant is 14, he may be an adult and the blood alcohol limit set is 0.5 per mille.

[0075] To predict the blood alcohol level of occupant 14 (S8), a calculation model can, for example, be stored in the storage medium 18 that can take into account the measured weight of occupant 14 and the alcohol content of the beverage specified in S3. If, in another example, the control device 16 in S2 recognizes a cola as the beverage, this can result in a predicted blood alcohol level of 0.0 per mille for occupant 14. If, in the example of the Fig. If, for example, a beer is consumed as a beverage in S2, the occupant 14 may have a slightly intoxicated blood alcohol level; if the beer in question is a strong beer, the occupant 14 may have a blood alcohol level that exceeds the specified blood alcohol limit.

[0076] Optionally, the prediction of the alcohol level of occupant 14 (S8) can also take into account an existing alcohol level reading of occupant 14. For this purpose, the control device 16 in S9 can receive corresponding alcohol content data from an alcoholmeter device 44, with which occupant 14 has measured their alcohol level, and consider this data. If the detected beverage is a beer and occupant 14 is already intoxicated, the control device 16 in S8 can determine a correspondingly higher alcohol level, which may exceed the permitted limit.

[0077] The check of the specified fitness-to-drive criterion, which can describe the stored blood alcohol limit, takes place in S10. If occupant 14 is already intoxicated and the beverage in beverage container 32 is a beer, the S10 check may, for example, be negative, meaning that the fitness-to-drive criterion cannot be met, which means that occupant 14 is likely, or with a specified minimum probability, unfit to drive. If occupant 14 is not yet intoxicated, but the detected beverage is a strong beer, the control device 16 in S10 may arrive at the same negative result. However, if the control device 16 predicts (S8) that occupant 14 can drink the beverage and still be highly likely to be fit to drive afterward, then the check result is positive.

[0078] Depending on the result of test S10, the control device 16 generates an output signal in S11 that provides information regarding the test result. The control device 16 transmits this signal in S12 to the output device 46, which then outputs the signal in S13.

[0079] In the event of a positive test result, i.e., a presumed fitness to drive, the output signal can, for example, display text and / or a voice message that can inform the occupant 14 that they can safely consume the beverage. Alternatively or additionally, the display 48 can, for example, show a corresponding image, such as a green checkmark. If the output device 46 has one or more lights 50, for example, LEDs arranged in the headliner, these can, for example, light up green in the event of a positive test result.

[0080] In the event of a negative test result, the exemplary lights 50 can, for example, illuminate red. As an indication, a corresponding warning message can be displayed on a display 48 in the event of a negative test result, i.e., loss of driving ability due to consumption of the beverage, and / or a voice message can be emitted via a corresponding speaker, and / or a corresponding image, for example a red stop sign, can be displayed.

[0081] Optionally, the control device 16 can ensure that the occupant 14 consumes the beverage only in a parking lot and / or that the vehicle 10 is parked in a parking lot. The control device 16 can then receive corresponding location data, for example GPS data that can describe the current position of the vehicle 10 as a geoposition, in S14, for example from a navigation device in the vehicle 10 and / or from the vehicle-external data server 24. To determine S15 the corresponding location data of a suitable parking lot, the control device 16 can receive corresponding data from, for example, the navigation device in the vehicle 10, just as it can to determine S16 a route to the parking lot.A corresponding navigation signal generated in S17, which can be transmitted in S18 to the navigation system and / or a driver assistance system of the motor vehicle 10, then ensures that the route is displayed to the occupant 14, or, if the motor vehicle 10 is a fully autonomous vehicle, that the driver assistance system drives the motor vehicle 10 to this parking space fully autonomously.

[0082] If the control device 16 in S19 generates a media output signal that can describe the location data and information about the detected beverage and / or the geographical position of the vehicle 10, the control device 16 can transmit this signal in S20, for example, to the vehicle-external data server 24 and / or, for example, to a mobile device with a stored number. In this way, for example, a friend or relative of the occupant 14 can be informed that the occupant 14 has parked the vehicle 10 in a parking lot, and the friend or relative knows where to pick up the occupant 14.

[0083] If the control device uses an optional deep learning engine 22, the control device 16 can transfer the input data in S21 to the deep learning engine 22. The control device can then operate the deep learning engine 22 in S22 to process the input data in S23.

[0084] Overall, the examples show how a technical possibility for detecting the alcohol content of a beverage, preferably in a cupholder, and for deriving use cases, can be provided in a motor vehicle 10.

[0085] The core idea is that the motor vehicle 10 includes a device or arrangement that can detect the alcohol content of a beverage, preferably in a cupholder. In conjunction with a weight sensor 38 in the motor vehicle seat 12 and an optional breathalyzer in the motor vehicle 10, it can then be determined whether the occupant 14 can consume an alcoholic beverage or not.

[0086] It is advantageous if the motor vehicle 10 is equipped with a cupholder and / or a corresponding container tray for the detection of alcoholic beverages.

[0087] The following sensor(s) are also preferred in one embodiment: - QR code scanner on the cupholder; and / or - Interior camera 30 for beverage detection; and / or - Camera 30 on the cupholder; and / or - Sensors in the interior; and / or - Checking the alcohol content of exhaled breath; and / or - Weight sensor 40 in the motor vehicle seat 12.

[0088] For example, a calculation model using the input parameters mentioned above can then be used to generate a prediction. This prediction can then include information on how much alcohol the occupant 14 is permitted to consume, up to the legal limit. This allows their fitness to drive to be monitored. If a legal limit is exceeded, a warning can be issued and / or driving privileges can be revoked. This device or arrangement can be designed differently for autonomous vehicles 10 than for non-autonomous vehicles 10.

[0089] Optionally, the location can also be saved and / or displayed via navigation.

[0090] The device or arrangement can preferably be mounted on or in the control panel. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided, for example, in the center console 36, in the seat area, or in the door trim.

[0091] This device or arrangement can be installed for one and / or more seats in the motor vehicle 10. This device or arrangement can optionally be used in combination with other interior features. Communication can take place, for example, via a human-machine interface (“HMI”) and / or voice control. Integration with appropriate artificial intelligence is optionally possible.

[0092] The advantages described above result. This device or arrangement offers the user added value, and the user of motor vehicle 10 thereby experiences increased comfort in their motor vehicle 10.

[0093] An optional technical implementation, which can optionally be combined with one or more of the embodiments described above, may include: Motor vehicle 10 with cupholder and device or fitness-to-drive monitoring device 52 for detecting alcoholic beverages; and / or motor vehicle 10 vehicle with devices or fitness-to-drive monitoring device 52 as described above; and / or a control unit, optionally with software, for the function and for example an HMI.

Claims

[1] Method for monitoring the fitness to drive of an occupant (14) of a motor vehicle (10) wherein a control device (16): - receives image data (S1) from a sensor device (28) that describes an image of a beverage container (32) stored in a specified storage position in the motor vehicle (10), - recognizes a beverage located in the beverage container (32) based on the received image data (S2), - determines the alcohol content of the identified beverage (S3), - based on occupant weight data from a weight sensor (38) of a motor vehicle seat (12) that describes a weight of the occupant (14), and based on the specified alcohol content of the beverage, predicts an alcohol level of the occupant (14) of the detected beverage (S8), - based on the predicted alcohol level, checks (S10) whether this meets a predetermined fitness-to-drive criterion, which specifies a limit value of the alcohol level up to which the occupant's fitness to drive (14) is still present with a predetermined minimum probability, - depending on a result of the test (S10), an output signal (S11) is generated, which describes a note relating to the test result and its output (S13) by an output device (46) of the motor vehicle (10), and - transmits the generated output signal to the output device (46) (S12). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the control device (16): - receives alcohol content data (S9) from an alcoholometer device (44) which describes a current alcohol content of the breath of the occupant (14) as determined by the alcoholometer device (44), wherein the prediction of the alcohol level of the occupant (14) (S8) is additionally carried out on the basis of the current alcohol content of the breath described by the received alcohol content data. [3] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (16): - receives alcohol content data (S4) from an alcoholometer device (44), which describes a current alcohol content of the air exiting the beverage container (32) as determined by the alcoholometer device (44), wherein the determination of the alcohol content of the detected beverage (S3) is additionally carried out on the basis of the current alcohol content of the beverage described by the received alcohol content data. [4] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (16): - receives container weight data from a weight sensor (40) of the sensor device (28) arranged under the beverage container (32) (S6) and determines a fill level of the beverage in the beverage container (32) based on the received container weight data (S5); and / or - the fill level of the beverage in the beverage container (32) is determined based on the received image data (S5); wherein the control device (16) additionally determines the alcohol content of the detected beverage based on the determined fill level (S3). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (16) determines a beverage category of the beverage based on the image data describing a label of the beverage container (32) and / or a code on the beverage container (32) and / or an alcohol indication and / or text on the beverage container (32), and additionally determines the alcohol content of the detected beverage based on the determined beverage category (S3). [6] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the generated output signal describes - a text message, and / or - a voice message, and / or - a picture, and / or - a light pattern to be output by the output device (46). [7] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (16): - Location data of the motor vehicle (10) is received (S14), which describes a geographical position of the motor vehicle (10), - if the predicted alcohol level does not meet the specified fitness-to-drive criterion: determines location data of a parking space within a specified radius around the geographical position of the motor vehicle (10) (S15), determines a travel route from the geographical position of the motor vehicle (10) to the parking space (S16), and generates a navigation signal (S17) that describes the determined travel route, and transmits the generated navigation signal to a navigation system and / or a driver assistance system of the motor vehicle (10) (S18). [8] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (16): - Location data of the motor vehicle (10) is received (S14), which describes a geographical position of the motor vehicle (10), - generates a media output signal (S19) that describes text and / or image information about the geographical position and optionally about the detected beverage, and - transmits the generated media output signal to a vehicle-external data server (24) for outputting the text and / or image information on a social media platform (S20), and / or for transmission to a specified mobile device. [9] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (16): - transmits the received image data and the received occupant weight data to a deep learning engine (22) (S21) and thereby makes it available; - the deep learning engine (22) operates (S22) so that values ​​of alcohol content and / or alcohol levels are statistically summarized by the deep learning engine (22) for a large number of image data and occupant weight data; - the deep learning engine (22) operates (S22) to process (S23) the alcohol content and / or alcohol levels described by the provided image data and occupant weight data, and thereby determine a driving ability prediction, wherein the driving ability prediction includes a probability with which the occupant (14) is still fit to drive after consuming the detected beverage; and - depending on whether the probability of fitness to drive falls below or exceeds a predetermined threshold: the deep learning engine (22) operates to determine fitness to drive based on the fitness-to-drive prognosis and thereby provide the relevant warning. [10] Method according to claim 9, wherein the control device (16) additionally receives the following input data: - determined alcohol content of the breath of the occupant (14) describing alcohol content data, and / or - determined alcohol content data describing the current alcohol content of the air exiting the beverage container (32), and / or - transmits container weight data to the deep learning engine (22) (S21). [11] Control device (16) configured to perform a method according to any of the preceding claims. [12] Fitness-to-drive monitoring arrangement (52) comprising a control device (16) according to claim 11 and a sensor system of the sensor device (28) for capturing image data and occupant weight data, optionally container weight data; optionally additionally an alcoholometer device (44) and / or a holder (34) for a beverage container (32). [13] Motor vehicle (10) comprising a control device (16) according to claim 11 and / or a fitness-to-drive monitoring device (52) according to claim 12.

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