Processing apparatus and processing method

Abstract

To prevent a passenger from impersonating a driver in detecting specific components in the breath of the driver.SOLUTION: A processing apparatus 17 that performs processing for detecting specific components in the breath of a driver 2 of a vehicle 1 includes: a first processing unit which performs detection processing for detecting the specific components; and a second processing unit which performs output processing for outputting a result detected by the detection processing. The second processing unit prohibits the output processing on the basis of breathing timing of a passenger 3 of the vehicle 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing apparatus and a processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to ensure safety when driving a vehicle, a technology has been proposed for detecting specific components such as alcohol in the breath of a vehicle driver. As such a technology, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a technology has been proposed for preventing a passenger from taking over the detection of specific components in the breath of the driver. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-201700 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, several techniques have been proposed for preventing a passenger from taking over the driver's breath in detecting a specific component in the driver's breath. However, a new proposal is needed for more effectively preventing a passenger from taking over the driver's breath in detecting a specific component in the driver's breath.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention has an object to provide a processing device and a processing method capable of preventing a passenger from taking over the driver's breath in detecting specific components in the driver's breath. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the processing device is a processing device that performs processing related to the detection of specific components in the breath of a vehicle driver, and is equipped with a first processing unit that performs a detection processing to detect the specific components, and a second processing unit that performs an output processing to output the detection results in the detection processing, and the second processing unit prohibits the output processing based on the breathing timing of a passenger in the vehicle.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the processing method is a processing method for performing processing related to the detection of specific components in the breath of a vehicle driver, in which a first processing unit of the processing device performs a detection process for detecting the specific components, and a second processing unit of the processing device performs an output process for outputting the detection results of the detection process, and the second processing unit prohibits the output process based on the breathing timing of a passenger in the vehicle. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a passenger from taking over the driver's breath in detecting a specific component in the driver's breath. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processing performed by the processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in the embodiment are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are given the same reference numerals to avoid repeated explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0011] <Vehicle configuration> The configuration of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a general configuration of a vehicle 1. Fig. 1 shows the interior of a passenger compartment 1a of the vehicle 1 as viewed from the front of the vehicle 1. A plurality of seats 11 are provided in the passenger compartment 1a. As shown in Fig. 1, the front row of seats 11 includes a driver's seat 11a and a passenger seat 11b. However, the vehicle 1 may be provided with a rear seat as the seat 11 other than the driver's seat 11a and the passenger seat 11b.

[0013] In the example of Fig. 1, a driver 2 sits in the driver's seat 11a, and a passenger 3 sits in the passenger seat 11b. The passenger 3 means any passenger aboard the vehicle 1 other than the driver 2. In the following, an example in which the passenger 3 sits in the passenger seat 11b will be mainly described. However, as described later, the passenger 3 may sit in the rear seat.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle 1 includes a steering wheel 12, a steering column 13, a breathalyzer 14, a display device 15, a vehicle interior sensor 16, and a processing device 17.

[0015] The steering wheel 12 is used for steering operation by the driver 2. The steering wheel 12 is provided in front of the driver's seat 11a. The steering wheel 12 is attached to the vehicle 1 via a steering column 13.

[0016] The breathalyzer 14 detects the concentration of alcohol in the breath. Specifically, the user of the breathalyzer 14 exhales into the breathalyzer 14. Then, the breathalyzer 14 detects the concentration of alcohol contained in the exhaled breath.

[0017] In the vehicle 1, before the driver 2 starts the vehicle 1, the alcohol in the breath of the driver 2 is detected. For example, if the concentration of alcohol in the breath of the driver 2 is higher than a specified value, the processing device 17 prohibits the vehicle 1 from starting. This prevents drunk driving. The breathalyzer 14 is used by the driver 2 in such alcohol detection. The breathalyzer 14 is movable, for example, within the vehicle compartment 1a, and is used while being held in the hand of the driver 2.

[0018] In the following, an example will be described in which alcohol is detected as the specific component in the breath of the driver 2. However, as will be described later, the specific component to be detected may be something other than alcohol.

[0019] The display device 15 is a device that visually displays various information. An example of the display device 15 is a liquid crystal display.

[0020] The cabin sensor 16 detects the state inside the cabin 1a. An example of the cabin sensor 16 is a radar. In the following, an example in which the cabin sensor 16 is a radar will be described. However, as described later, the cabin sensor 16 may be a sensor other than a radar. The cabin sensor 16 is provided inside the cabin 1a. For example, the cabin sensor 16 is provided near the rearview mirror inside the cabin 1a and facing downward toward the rear. In particular, the cabin sensor 16 can detect the state of the passengers in the vehicle 1, including the driver 2 and the passenger 3.

[0021] The processing device 17 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) which is an arithmetic processing device, a ROM (Read Only Memory) which is a storage element for storing programs and arithmetic parameters used by the CPU, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) which is a storage element for temporarily storing parameters that change appropriately during execution of the CPU. The processing device 17 may be, for example, one unit, or may be divided into multiple units. When the processing device 17 is divided into multiple units, various functions described below may be shared among the multiple units.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the processing device 17. As shown in Fig. 2, the processing device 17 includes, for example, an acquisition unit 17a, a first processing unit 17b, a second processing unit 17c, and a control unit 17d.

[0023] The acquisition unit 17a acquires information from each device in the vehicle 1. For example, the acquisition unit 17a acquires information from the breathalyzer 14 and the vehicle interior sensor 16. Note that in this specification, the acquisition of information may include the extraction or generation (e.g., calculation) of information.

[0024] The first processing unit 17b and the second processing unit 17c perform various processes related to the detection of alcohol in the breath of the driver 2. In particular, the first processing unit 17b performs a detection process to detect alcohol in the breath of the driver 2. The second processing unit 17c performs an output process to output the detection result in the detection process. The first processing unit 17b and the second processing unit 17c can also control the operations of the breathalyzer 14 and the display device 15.

[0025] The control unit 17d controls the operation of each device in the vehicle 1. The control unit 17d controls, for example, the operation of a drive source of the vehicle 1 (for example, a driving motor or an engine).

[0026] <Operation of the processing device> The operation of the processing device 17 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0027] As described above, before the vehicle 1 starts, the processing device 17 performs processing related to detection of alcohol in the breath of the driver 2 in order to prevent drunk driving. Normally, alcohol detection is performed by the driver 2 exhaling into the breathalyzer 14. However, in a situation in which the driver 2 has drunk alcohol, contrary to what is originally assumed, it is possible that the passenger 3 may exhale into the breathalyzer 14 in place of the driver 2. In this embodiment, by implementing some improvements in the processing related to alcohol detection performed by the processing device 17, it is possible to prevent the passenger 3 from taking over the role of the driver 2 in detecting alcohol in the breath of the driver 2.

[0028] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the processing device 17. Step S101 in Fig. 3 corresponds to the start of the processing flow shown in Fig. 3. Step S112 in Fig. 3 corresponds to the end of the processing flow shown in Fig. 3. The processing flow shown in Fig. 3 is started before the vehicle 1 starts moving. For example, the processing flow shown in Fig. 3 is started when the power supply system of the vehicle 1 is started.

[0029] 3 is started, in step S102, the first processing unit 17b detects passengers. Specifically, the first processing unit 17b detects whether or not there is a driver 2 and whether or not there is a passenger 3 in the vehicle 1. For example, the first processing unit 17b detects which seats 11 are occupied by a person and which seats 11 are not occupied by a person in the vehicle 1.

[0030] In step S102, the first processing unit 17b can detect the presence or absence of the driver 2 and the presence or absence of the passenger 3 based on, for example, the detection result of a radar serving as the cabin sensor 16. For example, the cabin sensor 16 can detect the distance between an object in the cabin 1a and the cabin sensor 16. Therefore, when an occupant is present in the cabin 1a, the cabin sensor 16 can detect the contraction of the occupant's chest accompanying the breathing of the occupant. Therefore, the first processing unit 17b can detect an object experiencing such chest contraction as an occupant based on the detection result of the cabin sensor 16.

[0031] 3 is started, for example, when the power supply system of the vehicle 1 is started. Therefore, in step S102, the first processing unit 17b basically determines that the driver 2 is sitting in the driver's seat 11a. Therefore, in step S102, the first processing unit 17b mainly detects the presence or absence of passengers 3 and the number of passengers 3.

[0032] After step S102, in step S103, the first processing unit 17b determines whether or not a fellow passenger 3 is present. If it is determined that a fellow passenger 3 is not present (step S103 / NO), the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that a fellow passenger 3 is present (step S103 / YES), the process proceeds to step S106.

[0033] If the determination in step S103 is NO, the first processing unit 17b performs a detection process for detecting alcohol in the breath of the driver 2 in step S104.

[0034] In the detection process, for example, the first processing unit 17b first notifies the driver 2 of an instruction to prompt the driver 2 to exhale toward the breathalyzer 14. For example, the first processing unit 17b notifies the driver 2 of the instruction by causing the display device 15 to display the instruction.

[0035] However, the above notification is not limited to the example realized by using the display device 15. For example, the above notification may be realized by using a display device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc.) carried by the driver 2, without being mounted on the vehicle 1. Also, for example, the above notification may be realized by both a display and a sound, or may be realized by a sound instead of a display.

[0036] In the detection process, the first processing unit 17b then causes the breathalyzer 14 to detect the alcohol concentration in the breath, for example, for a predetermined period of time. Then, the first processing unit 17b determines whether the alcohol concentration in the breath of the driver 2 is higher than a specified value based on the detection result of the breathalyzer 14. However, the breathalyzer 14 may determine whether the alcohol concentration in the breath of the driver 2 is higher than a specified value and transmit the determination result to the processing device 17. In that case, the first processing unit 17b acquires the determination result by the breathalyzer 14 in the detection process.

[0037] After step S104, in step S105, the second processing unit 17c performs an output process to output the detection result in the detection process of step S104, and the process flow shown in FIG. 3 ends.

[0038] For example, in the output process, the second processing unit 17c notifies the driver 2 of the detection result in the detection process in step S104 by causing the display device 15 to display the detection result in the detection process.

[0039] However, the above notification is not limited to the example realized by using the display device 15. For example, the above notification may be realized by using a display device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc.) carried by the driver 2, without being mounted on the vehicle 1. Also, for example, the above notification may be realized by both a display and a sound, or may be realized by a sound instead of a display.

[0040] When it is determined in the detection process of step S104 that the alcohol concentration in the breath of the driver 2 is lower than the specified value, the second processing unit 17c notifies the driver 2 that the alcohol concentration in the breath of the driver 2 is lower than the specified value in the output process of step S105. In this case, the control unit 17d of the processing device 17 permits the vehicle 1 to start.

[0041] On the other hand, if it is determined in the detection process of step S104 that the alcohol concentration in the breath of the driver 2 is higher than the specified value, the second processing unit 17c notifies the driver 2 that the alcohol concentration in the breath of the driver 2 is higher than the specified value in the output process of step S105. In this case, the control unit 17d of the processing device 17 prohibits the starting of the vehicle 1. For example, the control unit 17d prevents the start of the drive source of the vehicle 1 (for example, the driving motor or engine). This prevents drunk driving.

[0042] If the determination in step S103 is NO, then there is no passenger 3 present, and therefore there is no possibility of the passenger 3 taking over the driver 2's breath alcohol detection. On the other hand, if the determination in step S103 is YES, then there is a passenger 3 present, and therefore there is a need to prevent the passenger 3 from taking over the driver 2's breath alcohol detection.

[0043] Hereinafter, a description will be given of the processing from step S106 onwards in the case where the determination in step S103 is YES and a passenger 3 is present. For ease of understanding, the following description will be given of a case where two people, a driver 2 sitting in the driver's seat 11a and a passenger 3 sitting in the passenger seat 11b, are aboard the vehicle 1. A case where multiple passengers 3 are present will be described later.

[0044] When the determination in step S103 is YES, in step S106, first processing unit 17b notifies driver 2 of an instruction to prompt driver 2 to start breathing in. For example, first processing unit 17b notifies driver 2 of the instruction by causing display device 15 to display the instruction.

[0045] However, the above notification is not limited to the example realized by using the display device 15. For example, the above notification may be realized by using a display device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc.) carried by the driver 2, without being mounted on the vehicle 1. Also, for example, the above notification may be realized by both a display and a sound, or may be realized by a sound instead of a display.

[0046] After step S106, in step S107, first processing unit 17b determines whether the present is an appropriate timing for starting detection processing. Hereinafter, an appropriate timing for starting detection processing will also be simply referred to as an appropriate timing.

[0047] The first processing unit 17b determines whether the current timing is appropriate based on the breathing timing of the passenger 3. If the current timing is determined to be appropriate, a detection process is executed as described below. That is, the first processing unit 17b determines the start timing of the detection process based on the breathing timing of the passenger 3.

[0048] The processing device 17 can detect the breathing timing of the driver 2 and the breathing timing of the passenger 3, for example, based on the detection result of the cabin sensor 16. As described above, the radar as the cabin sensor 16 can detect the chest contraction of the passenger of the vehicle 1 accompanying the breathing of the passenger. Therefore, the processing device 17 can detect the breathing timing of the driver 2 based on the timing of the chest contraction of the driver 2 detected by the cabin sensor 16. The processing device 17 can also detect the breathing timing of the passenger 3 based on the timing of the chest contraction of the passenger 3 detected by the cabin sensor 16.

[0049] Here, in the breathing performed by the passenger 3, an inhalation phase and an exhalation phase are alternately and periodically repeated. The timing of the movement of the passenger 3 in such breathing corresponds to the breathing timing. The processing device 17 stores in advance a time generally assumed as the time of the inhalation phase and a time generally assumed as the time of the exhalation phase. The processing device 17 may store times predicted from the past breathing timing of the passenger 3 as the time of the inhalation phase and the time of the exhalation phase. The first processing device 17b then determines the start timing of the detection process so that the passenger 3 does not exhale during the execution of the detection process, or the time during which the passenger 3 exhales during the execution of the detection process is as short as possible.

[0050] For example, the first processing unit 17b may determine whether the present is an appropriate timing based on the elapsed time from the time when the passenger 3 started to exhale to the present time. For example, when the elapsed time from the time when the passenger 3 started to exhale to the present time exceeds the first reference time after the passenger 3 finishes inhaling, the first processing unit 17b determines that the present is an appropriate timing. The first reference time is set to a length of time that is expected to be the end of the exhale phase by the passenger 3 soon. For example, the first reference time may be set based on a time that is generally expected as the time of the exhale phase, or may be set based on a time predicted from the passenger 3's past breathing timing as the time of the exhale phase. In this way, by setting the time when the elapsed time from the time when the passenger 3 started to exhale to the present time exceeds the first reference time as the start timing of the detection process, the detection process can be performed during the period when the passenger 3 is inhaling after the end of the exhale phase by the passenger 3.

[0051] The first processing unit 17b may also determine whether the present is an appropriate timing based on, for example, a predicted time from the present time to the time when the passenger 3 starts to inhale next. For example, the first processing unit 17b predicts the time from the present time to the time when the passenger 3 starts to inhale next based on a time that is generally assumed as the time of the exhalation phase when the passenger 3 is exhaling. The first processing unit 17b may also predict the time from the present time to the time when the passenger 3 starts to inhale next based on a time that is predicted from the passenger 3's past breathing timing as the time of the exhalation phase when the passenger 3 is exhaling. Then, when the predicted time, which is the time predicted in this way, falls below the second reference time, the first processing unit 17b determines that the present is an appropriate timing. The second reference time is set to a time that is long enough that the passenger 3's exhalation phase is expected to end soon. In this way, by setting the start timing of the detection process as the time when the predicted time from the current time until the passenger 3 starts to inhale next falls below the second reference time, the detection process can be performed during the period when the passenger 3 is inhaling after the phase of exhaling by the passenger 3 has ended.

[0052] Note that first processing unit 17b may determine whether the present is an appropriate timing based on, for example, both the elapsed time from the time when passenger 3 started to exhale to the present time and the predicted time from the present time to the time when passenger 3 will start to inhale next. For example, first processing unit 17b may determine that the present is an appropriate timing when the elapsed time from the time when passenger 3 started to exhale to the present time exceeds a first reference time and the predicted time from the present time to the time when passenger 3 will start to inhale next falls short of a second reference time.

[0053] If it is determined that the current timing is not appropriate to start the detection process (step S107 / NO), step S107 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current timing is appropriate to start the detection process (step S107 / YES), the process proceeds to step S108.

[0054] If the determination in step S107 is YES, in step S108, the first processing unit 17b performs a detection process to detect alcohol in the breath of the driver 2. The detection process in step S108 is similar to the detection process in step S104 described above.

[0055] After step S108, in step S109, the second processing unit 17c determines whether or not the detection result of the detection process in step S108 is valid.

[0056] The second processing unit 17c determines whether or not the detection result of the detection process of step S108 is valid, based on the breathing timing of the passenger 3. If it is determined that the detection result of the detection process of step S108 is valid, an output process is executed, as described below. On the other hand, if it is determined that the detection result of the detection process of step S108 is not valid, the output process is prohibited, as described below. That is, the second processing unit 17c prohibits the output process, based on the breathing timing of the passenger 3.

[0057] Here, in the detection process, the driver 2 is supposed to exhale into the breathalyzer 14, and alcohol in the breath of the driver 2 is detected. Therefore, if the passenger 3 exhales into the breathalyzer 14 on behalf of the driver 2 in the detection process, the validity of the detection result of the detection process is lost. Therefore, if it is determined that the passenger 3 may be exhaling into the breathalyzer 14 on behalf of the driver 2, the second processing unit 17c determines that the detection result of the detection process in step S108 is invalid.

[0058] The second processing unit 17c judges whether or not the detection result of the detection process in step S108 is valid based on, for example, the time during which the passenger 3 exhales during the execution of the detection process. For example, if the time during which the passenger 3 exhales during the execution of the detection process is longer than a third reference time, the second processing unit 17c judges that the detection result of the detection process in step S108 is invalid. The third reference time is set to a length of time that is expected when the passenger 3 exhales into the breathalyzer 14 in place of the driver 2.

[0059] More specifically, the second processing unit 17c may determine whether or not the detection result of the detection process in step S108 is valid based on, for example, the time during which the passenger 3 exhales during the execution of the detection process overlaps with the time during which the driver 2 exhales. For example, when the time during which the passenger 3 exhales during the execution of the detection process overlaps with the time during which the driver 2 exhales is longer than a third reference time, the second processing unit 17c determines that the detection result of the detection process in step S108 is invalid.

[0060] During execution of the detection process, if the passenger 3 exhales for a long period of time overlapping with the time when the driver 2 exhales, it is assumed that the passenger 3 is exhaling into the breathalyzer 14 on behalf of the driver 2, pretending that the driver 2 is exhaling into the breathalyzer 14. Therefore, by focusing on the time during which the passenger 3 exhales during execution of the detection process that overlaps with the time when the driver 2 exhales, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the detection result of the detection process in step S108 is valid.

[0061] If it is determined that the detection result of the detection process in step S108 is valid (step S109 / YES), the process proceeds to step S105. Then, in step S105, the second processing unit 17c performs an output process for outputting the detection result of the detection process in step S108, and the process flow shown in FIG. 3 ends.

[0062] On the other hand, if it is determined that the detection result of the detection process in step S108 is not valid (step S109 / NO), the process proceeds to step S110 without proceeding to step S105. In this way, if it is determined as NO in step S109, the output process of outputting the detection result in the detection process in step S108 is prohibited.

[0063] If the result of the determination in step S109 is NO, in step S110, the second processing unit 17c determines whether or not the detection process has been performed a predetermined number of times.

[0064] When it is determined that the detection result of the detection process is not valid and the output process is prohibited, the first processing unit 17b performs the detection process again, as described later. While the output process is prohibited, the detection process is permitted to be performed a predetermined number of times. The predetermined number of times may be set appropriately, and is, for example, about several times.

[0065] If it is determined that the detection process has not been performed the predetermined number of times (step S110 / NO), the process returns to step S106. In this case, the detection process is performed again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the detection process has been performed the predetermined number of times (step S110 / YES), the process proceeds to step S111.

[0066] When the determination in step S110 is YES, in step S111, the second processing unit 17c notifies the driver 2 that the detection process was not performed normally, and the processing flow shown in Fig. 3 ends. For example, the second processing unit 17c notifies the driver 2 that the detection process was not performed normally by causing the display device 15 to display that the detection process was not performed normally.

[0067] However, the above notification is not limited to the example realized by using the display device 15. For example, the above notification may be realized by using a display device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc.) carried by the driver 2, without being mounted on the vehicle 1. Also, for example, the above notification may be realized by both a display and a sound, or may be realized by a sound instead of a display.

[0068] As described above, in the processing device 17, the first processing unit 17b performs a detection process to detect a specific component, and the second processing unit 17c performs an output process to output the detection result in the detection process. The second processing unit 17c prohibits the output process based on the breathing timing of the passenger 3 of the vehicle 1. This makes it possible to suppress the detection result in the detection process from being output when it is determined that the passenger 3 may be exhaling into the breathalyzer 14 in place of the driver 2. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the passenger 3 from taking over the driver 2 in the detection of alcohol in the breath of the driver 2.

[0069] An example of the process performed by the processing device 17 has been described above with reference to Fig. 3. However, the process performed by the processing device 17 is not limited to the above example, and may be, for example, a process obtained by appropriately modifying the above example.

[0070] 3, step S107 is repeated while it continues to be determined in step S107 that the current timing is not an appropriate timing to start the detection process (i.e., while it continues to be determined as NO in step S107). However, if the state in which it continues to be determined as NO in step S107 continues for a predetermined time, for example, the process proceeds to step S111, where the second processing unit 17c may notify the driver 2 that the detection process was not performed normally.

[0071] Also, for example, in the above description, an example has been described in which the passenger 3 is seated in the passenger seat 11b. However, the position of the passenger 3 is not limited to this example. For example, the passenger 3 may be seated in the back seat. Even in this case, the processing device 17 can prevent the passenger 3 seated in the back seat from taking the place of the driver 2 in the detection of alcohol in the breath of the driver 2.

[0072] Also, for example, in the above description, an example in which the number of passengers 3 is one has been described. However, multiple passengers 3 may be present in the vehicle compartment 1a. In this case, in step S107, the first processing unit 17b determines whether the current timing is appropriate as a timing to start the detection process, for example, based on the breathing timing of each of the multiple passengers 3. For example, when the first processing unit 17b determines that the current timing is appropriate for the breathing timings of all passengers 3, the result of the determination in step S107 is YES. In addition, in step S109, the second processing unit 17c determines whether the detection result of the detection process in step S108 is appropriate, for example, based on the breathing timing of the passenger 3 who, among the multiple passengers 3, begins to exhale closest to the timing at which the driver 2 begins to exhale.

[0073] Also, for example, in the above, an example in which the vehicle interior sensor 16 is a radar has been described. However, the vehicle interior sensor 16 may be a sensor other than a radar. For example, the vehicle interior sensor 16 may be a camera that captures the interior of the vehicle interior 1a. In this case, in step S102, the first processing unit 17b can recognize the face or body of a person sitting in the seat 11, for example, by performing image processing on an image captured by a camera serving as the vehicle interior sensor 16. Therefore, the first processing unit 17b can detect the presence or absence of the driver 2 and the presence or absence of the passenger 3 based on an image captured by a camera serving as the vehicle interior sensor 16. Note that the first processing unit 17b may detect the presence or absence of the driver 2 and the presence or absence of the passenger 3, for example, based on a detection result of a seating sensor provided in each seat 11. Also, the processing device 17 can detect the breathing timing of the driver 2 and the breathing timing of the passenger 3, for example, by performing image processing on an image captured by a camera serving as the vehicle interior sensor 16.

[0074] In the above, for example, an example was described in which alcohol detection is performed as the detection of a specific component in the breath of the driver 2. However, the specific component to be detected may be other than alcohol. For example, the specific component to be detected may be a component contained in food or drink or a specific drug that is prohibited from driving when taken.

[0075] <Effects of the treatment device> The effects of the processing device 17 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0076] The processing device 17 includes a first processing unit 17b that performs a detection process to detect a specific component (alcohol in the above example), and a second processing unit 17c that performs an output process to output a detection result in the detection process. The second processing unit 17c prohibits the output process based on the breathing timing of the passenger 3 of the vehicle 1. This makes it possible to suppress the detection result in the detection process from being output when it is determined that the passenger 3 may be exhaling into a detector for a specific component (the breathalyzer 14 in the above example) in place of the driver 2. This makes it possible to suppress the passenger 3 from taking over the driver 2 in detecting a specific component in the breath.

[0077] Preferably, in the processing device 17, the second processing unit 17c prohibits the output process based on the time during which the passenger 3 exhales during the execution of the detection process. This appropriately suppresses the detection result from the detection process from being output when it is determined that the passenger 3 may be exhaling into the detector for the specific component in place of the driver 2. Therefore, it is appropriately suppressed that the passenger 3 takes over the driver 2 in the detection of the specific component in the breath of the driver 2.

[0078] Preferably, in the processing device 17, the second processing unit 17c prohibits the output process based on the time during which the passenger 3 exhales during the execution of the detection process that overlaps with the time during which the driver 2 exhales. This more appropriately suppresses the detection result in the detection process from being output when it is determined that the passenger 3 may be exhaling into the detector for the specific component on behalf of the driver 2. Therefore, it is more appropriately suppresses the passenger 3 from taking over the driver 2 in the detection of the specific component in the breath of the driver 2.

[0079] Preferably, in the processing device 17, the first processing unit 17b determines the start timing of the detection process based on the breathing timing of the passenger 3. This allows the start timing of the detection process to be optimized by taking into account the breathing timing of the passenger 3. For example, the start timing of the detection process can be determined so that the passenger 3 does not exhale during the execution of the detection process, or the time during which the passenger 3 exhales during the execution of the detection process is as short as possible. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the passenger 3 from taking over the driver 2 in the detection of a specific component in the breath of the driver 2.

[0080] Preferably, in the processing device 17, the first processing unit 17b determines the start timing of the detection process based on the elapsed time from when the passenger 3 started to exhale to the current time. This appropriately realizes the optimization of the start timing of the detection process by taking into account the breathing timing of the passenger 3. For example, it is appropriately realized to determine the start timing of the detection process so that the passenger 3 does not exhale during the execution of the detection process, or the time during which the passenger 3 exhales during the execution of the detection process is as short as possible. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress the passenger 3 from taking over the driver 2 in the detection of a specific component in the exhaled breath.

[0081] Preferably, in the processing device 17, the first processing unit 17b determines the start timing of the detection process based on a predicted time from the current time to the time when the passenger 3 starts to inhale next. This appropriately realizes the optimization of the start timing of the detection process by taking into account the breathing timing of the passenger 3. For example, it is appropriately realized to determine the start timing of the detection process so that the passenger 3 does not exhale during the execution of the detection process, or the time during which the passenger 3 exhales during the execution of the detection process is as short as possible. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress the passenger 3 from taking over the driver 2 in the detection of a specific component in the breath of the driver 2.

[0082] Preferably, in the processing device 17, the first processing unit 17b issues an instruction to the driver 2 to prompt him / her to start breathing in before determining the start timing of the detection process. This allows the driver 2 to prepare to breathe out, and then the start timing of the detection process can be determined and the detection process can be started. Therefore, the difference between the start timing of the detection process and the timing when the driver 2 starts breathing out can be reduced, and the validity of the detection result of the detection process can be improved.

[0083] Preferably, in the processing device 17, the first processing unit 17b performs the detection process again when the output process is prohibited. Thereby, when the output process is erroneously prohibited (for example, when there is an error in the judgment in the above step S109, etc.), the detection process is performed again, so that the specific component in the breath of the driver 2 can be appropriately detected. Even if the passenger 3 takes over in the detection of the specific component in the breath of the driver 2, if the passenger 3 does not take over in the next detection process, the specific component in the breath of the driver 2 can be appropriately detected.

[0084] Preferably, in the processing device 17, when the detection process is performed a predetermined number of times and output processing is prohibited for any of the detection processes, the second processing unit 17c notifies the driver 2 that the detection process was not performed normally. Thereby, for example, when the passenger 3 takes over in the detection of a specific component in the breath of the driver 2 in each of the detection processes performed a predetermined number of times, the driver 2 can be made to recognize that the detection process was not performed normally.

[0085] Preferably, in the processing device 17, the specific component is alcohol. Thereby, when it is determined that there is a possibility that the passenger 3 is exhaling into the breathalyzer 14 in place of the driver 2, it is possible to suppress the detection result in the detection process from being output. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the passenger 3 from taking over the driver 2 in the detection of alcohol in the breath of the driver 2. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately suppress drunk driving.

[0086] The above describes a preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modified or altered examples within the scope of the claims also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0087] For example, the processes described herein using flowcharts do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown in the flowcharts, some process steps may be performed in parallel, additional process steps may be employed, and some process steps may be omitted.

[0088] Also, for example, the series of processes by the processing device 17 described above may be realized using any of software, hardware, and a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are stored in advance in, for example, a storage medium provided inside or outside the information processing device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1 vehicle 1a Cabin 2. Driver 3. Passengers 11 seats 11a Driver's seat 11b Passenger seat 12 Steering wheel 13 Steering column 14 Breathalyzer 15 Display device 16 Vehicle Interior Sensor 17 Processing Equipment 17a Acquisition Department 17b First Processing Section 17c Second Processing Section 17d Control section

Claims

1. A processing device (17) for performing processing related to detection of a specific component in the breath of a driver (2) of a vehicle (1), A first processing unit (17b) that performs a detection process to detect the specific component; A second processing unit (17c) that performs an output process to output a detection result in the detection process; Equipped with The second processing unit (17c) prohibits the output process based on a breathing timing of a passenger (3) of the vehicle (1). Processing unit.

2. The second processing unit (17c) prohibits the output process based on a time period during which the passenger (3) is exhaling during execution of the detection process. The processing device of claim 1 .

3. The second processing unit (17c) prohibits the output process based on a time period during which the passenger (3) is exhaling overlaps with a time period during which the driver (2) is exhaling while the detection process is being performed. The processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The first processing unit (17b) determines a start timing of the detection process based on a breathing timing of the passenger (3). The processing device of claim 1 .

5. The first processing unit (17b) determines a start timing of the detection process based on an elapsed time from when the passenger (3) started to exhale to a current time. The processing device according to claim 4 .

6. The first processing unit (17b) determines a start timing of the detection process based on a predicted time from a current time until the passenger (3) starts to inhale next. The processing device according to claim 4 .

7. The first processing unit (17b) notifies the driver (2) of an instruction to prompt the driver (2) to start inhaling before determining a start timing of the detection process. The processing device according to claim 4 .

8. When the output process is prohibited, the first processing unit (17b) performs the detection process again. The processing device of claim 1 .

9. When the detection process is performed a predetermined number of times and the output process is prohibited for any of the detection processes, the second processing unit notifies the driver that the detection process was not performed normally. The processing device of claim 8.

10. The specific component is an alcohol. The processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A processing method for detecting a specific component in the breath of a driver (2) of a vehicle (1), comprising: a first processing unit (17b) of the processing device (17) performs a detection process to detect the specific component; a second processing unit (17c) of the processing device (17) performs an output process for outputting a detection result in the detection process; The second processing unit (17c) prohibits the output process based on a breathing timing of a passenger (3) of the vehicle (1). Processing methods.

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