Drunkenness detection system and method for vehicle occupant

Abstract

To provide a system and method related to drunkenness detection of one or more vehicle occupants.SOLUTION: A system includes a plurality of sensor assemblies disposed in different places within a vehicle. The system further includes a controller configured to determine which occupant among the plurality of occupants in the vehicle is drunk, on the basis of analysis of sensor signals received from the sensor assemblies. The controller is further configured to output an alert based on a determination that the operator of the vehicle is drunk. Associated vehicles, controllers, and methods are also provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to driver safety, and more specifically to systems and methods relating to detecting intoxication in vehicle occupants. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional systems may use image sensors to identify intoxicated drivers. However, such systems may not adequately identify intoxicated drivers or may require expensive hardware to be installed in the vehicle. Thus, there is a need for improved vehicle occupant intoxication detection. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a system including a plurality of sensor assemblies disposed at different locations within a vehicle, the system further including a controller configured to determine which occupants among a plurality of occupants in the vehicle are intoxicated based on an analysis of sensor signals received from the plurality of sensor assemblies, the controller further configured to output an alert based on a determination that a driver of the vehicle is intoxicated.

[0004] Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a vehicle including a cabin, a plurality of sensor assemblies disposed at different locations within the cabin, and a controller, the controller configured to determine which occupants among a plurality of occupants in the cabin are intoxicated based on an analysis of sensor signals received from the plurality of sensor assemblies, the controller further configured to output an alert based on a determination that a driver of the vehicle is intoxicated.

[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a controller configured to determine which occupants of a plurality of occupants in a vehicle are intoxicated based on an analysis of sensor signals received from a plurality of sensor assemblies disposed at different locations within the vehicle, and the controller is further configured to output an alert based on a determination that a driver of the vehicle is intoxicated.

[0006] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated herein by reference. A more complete understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and a realization of further advantages thereof, will be afforded to those skilled in the art by consideration of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. Reference is made to the drawings in the attached sheets, which are first briefly described. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates various systems of a vehicle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an arrangement of a sensor assembly in a vehicle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram showing vehicle restriction levels for a vehicle, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates a sensor assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the sensor assembly of FIG. 4 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1A-1D illustrate front and rear perspective views of a sensor module of a sensor assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart of a method for detecting an intoxication level of one or more vehicle occupants in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary computing or processing system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9]FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 illustrates an example sensor reading of an intoxication sensor assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] The embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages are best understood by referring to the following detailed description. It should be noted that the sizes of, and distances between, the various components are not drawn to scale in the figures. It should be understood that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements shown in one or more of the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods relating to identifying an intoxicated driver using in-cabin sensors and adjusting vehicle performance and / or parameters based on detected intoxication. Once a driver is determined to be intoxicated, an alert or alarm may be generated and vehicle operation may be restricted based on the level of intoxication.

[0010] A number of sensor assemblies (e.g., an array of sensors) may be utilized to detect which of a number of vehicle occupants are intoxicated based on alcohol and / or carbon dioxide levels at different locations within the vehicle. When the sensor system determines that the driver is intoxicated, one or more alerts may be sounded or displayed and vehicle operation may be restricted, regardless of passenger intoxication. When the sensor system determines that the driver is not intoxicated, while one or more passengers are intoxicated, vehicle operation may remain normal.

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates various systems of a vehicle 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 1, the vehicle 100 may include a battery 110, a powertrain 114, an intoxication detection system 116, one or more sensors 118, a vehicle control unit 120, and other vehicle systems 124, among other systems and components. The vehicle 100 may be any type of vehicle, including, for example, a truck, a sports utility vehicle, a crossover utility vehicle, a van, a multipurpose vehicle, a sedan, a hatchback, a wagon, a coupe, a sports car, a convertible, or any other type of vehicle. As described in more detail below, the vehicle 100 may be an electric vehicle, or a vehicle having an internal combustion engine (e.g., a gasoline-powered vehicle, a diesel-powered vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, etc.). In an embodiment, the vehicle 100 is not limited to a passenger vehicle, but may include a recreational vehicle (RV), an off-highway vehicle (OHV), a side-by-side vehicle, or a golf cart, among other vehicles.

[0012] Battery 110 may be any device used as a power source, such as any device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. For example, battery 110 may include one or more electrochemical cells with external connections to power the electrical system of vehicle 100. Battery 110 may be rechargeable, such as by alternator 112, and may include many types or configurations, including lithium ion batteries, lead acid batteries, or wet cell batteries, among others.

[0013] Powertrain 114 is the assembly of all components operable to propel and move vehicle 100 (e.g., move vehicle 100 forward or reverse). For example, powertrain 114 may utilize power from a motor and / or engine to deliver power to one or more wheels of vehicle 100 via a drivetrain. Depending on the application, the drivetrain may include a transmission, a driveshaft, one or more axles, and a differential, or any combination thereof, among other drivetrain components.

[0014] As mentioned above, the powertrain 114 may include an electric motor operable to power one or more wheels of the vehicle 100. The motor, which may be referred to as a traction motor, may convert direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) electrical energy, such as electrical energy provided by the battery 110, into mechanical energy. For example, the motor 130 may include an output shaft that is driven to rotate by an induced magnetic field via a DC or AC current. Depending on the application, the vehicle 100 may include a single motor or multiple motors.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, powertrain 114 may include an engine, such as an internal combustion engine, although other configurations are contemplated. For example, the engine may be a heat engine in which combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer (e.g., air) in a combustion chamber. The expansion of high-pressure gases produced by the combustion exerts a force on any component of the engine (e.g., a piston, blades, rotor, nozzle, etc.) causing the component to move a distance, for example, to power one or more wheels of vehicle 100.

[0016] The intoxication detection system 116 may utilize various sensor inputs, algorithms, and decision structures to detect an intoxication level for one or more occupants of the vehicle 100. For example, the intoxication detection system 116 may include various sensors (e.g., sensor assemblies) and a controller configured to identify an intoxicated (e.g., drunk) driver and / or passenger. In an embodiment, the intoxication detection system 116 may monitor alcohol levels, carbon dioxide levels, or both inside the cabin of the vehicle 100 to determine the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of the driver and / or passenger. In some embodiments, the intoxication detection system 116 may also monitor air quality and / or detect one or more pathogens within the vehicle cabin, for example, as part of a smart HVAC system or a cabin cleanliness detection system.

[0017] The intoxication detection system 116 may be configured to determine which of the multiple occupants in the vehicle 100 are intoxicated, such as based on an analysis of sensor signals received from one or more (e.g., multiple) sensors / sensor assemblies. For example, the intoxication detection system 116 may determine whether the driver of the vehicle 100 is intoxicated and / or whether one or more passengers in the vehicle 100 are intoxicated. When the intoxication detection system 116 determines that the driver is intoxicated, the intoxication detection system 116 may output an alert and / or cause a change in vehicle performance. For example, when an intoxicated driver of the vehicle 100 is detected, the driver may be warned via a display of the vehicle 100, etc. On the other hand, when the intoxication detection system 116 determines that only the passengers of the vehicle 100 are intoxicated, no alert or vehicle change may occur.

[0018] In embodiments, the alerts and / or actions taken by the intoxication detection system 116 may be based on the driver's intoxication level. For example, as described below, the intoxication detection system 116 may output a first alert (e.g., a first warning symbol) based on the driver's first intoxication level and output a second alert (e.g., a second warning symbol different from the first warning symbol) based on the driver's second intoxication level. In embodiments, the intoxication detection system 116 may provide one or more alarms, affect vehicle performance, and / or perform one or more safety functions based on the detected intoxication level for the driver. For example, the intoxication detection system 116 may lock the operation of the vehicle 100 and provide other options to the driver, such as road assistance, ride sharing requests, etc. In some embodiments, the intoxication detection system 116 may prevent a shift out of park, provide one or more notifications to a mobile application and / or network, and / or enable one or more safety functions of the vehicle 100. For example, as described more fully below, the intoxication detection system 116 may, based on the driver's level of intoxication, reduce the volume of music, re-enable one or more vehicle safety features that were turned off (e.g., a lane departure warning system, a collision detection and avoidance system, etc.), reduce the top speed limiter, disable the vehicle ignition, or pull the vehicle over to the side of the road.

[0019] Sensors 118 may include any number and type of sensors supporting operation of vehicle 100 or any other operation described herein (e.g., intoxication detection and / or safety mitigation). For example, sensors 118 may include an accelerometer, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a vehicle speed sensor, an engine / motor sensor, a brake sensor, a steering sensor, or a camera, or any combination thereof, among other sensors.

[0020] The vehicle control unit 120 may be any logic device, controller, processor, module, circuit, or device configured to perform one or more operations. The vehicle control unit 120, which may be referred to as a logic device, may be implemented as any suitable controller (e.g., a processing device, a microcontroller, an electronic control unit, a processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a memory storage device, a memory reader, or other device, or combination of devices) that may be configured to execute, store, and / or receive suitable instructions, such as software instructions, to control various operations of the vehicle 100, such as the intoxication detection system 116, the vehicle systems 124, and / or other elements of the vehicle 100. Such software instructions may also implement methods for processing sensor signals or data, determining sensor information, providing user feedback (e.g., through a user interface), interrogating a device for operating parameters, selecting operating parameters for a device, or performing any of the various operations described herein (e.g., operations performed by logic devices of various devices of the vehicle 100).

[0021] The vehicle control unit 120 may be communicatively connected to the intoxication detection system 116 and the vehicle system 124. The vehicle control unit 120 may be configured to receive data from at least one sensor 118 of the vehicle 100. Depending on the application, the vehicle control unit 120 may receive and transmit data via wired or wireless communication.

[0022] 1, vehicle 100 may include other components or systems. For example, vehicle systems 124 may include an on-board charger system, a power control unit, a suspension system, a GPS system, a vehicle dynamics system, a thermal system, a braking system, a steering system, and one or more safety systems. In an embodiment, vehicle systems 124 may include various interfaces, controllers, and / or user interfaces.

[0023] 2 is a diagram illustrating the placement of sensor assemblies in a vehicle 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 2, the intoxication detection system 116 may include multiple sensor assemblies 210 placed at different locations in the vehicle 100 (e.g., in a cabin 212 of the vehicle 100). For example, the intoxication detection system 116 may include one or more sensor assemblies 210 positioned to detect the intoxication level of a driver and one or more sensor assemblies 210 positioned to detect the intoxication level of a passenger. In this manner, the intoxication detection system 116 may determine which of the multiple occupants in the vehicle 100 is intoxicated based on the levels (e.g., alcohol level, carbon dioxide level, etc.) detected at the different locations.

[0024] 2, the array of sensor assemblies 210 may include a first sensor assembly 210A, a second sensor assembly 210B, and a third sensor assembly 210C. The first sensor assembly 210A may be located at a first location within the vehicle 100, such as a front driver area of ​​the vehicle 100. The second sensor assembly 210B may be located at a second location within the vehicle 100, such as a front passenger area of ​​the vehicle 100. The third sensor assembly 210C may be located at a third location within the vehicle 100, such as a rear passenger area of ​​the vehicle 100. As shown, a first sensor assembly 210A may be located on a driver kick panel of the vehicle 100, a second sensor assembly 210B may be located on a front passenger kick panel of the vehicle 100, and a third sensor assembly 210C may be located toward a rear passenger area of ​​the vehicle 100, in a center console of the vehicle 100, e.g., toward or rear of the center console.

[0025] Such a configuration is merely exemplary, and the sensor assembly 210 may be located elsewhere within the vehicle 100. For example, the sensor assembly 210 may be located anywhere suitable for detecting the intoxication level of the driver and passengers (e.g., front and rear passengers). Suitable locations include locations within the vehicle cabin that have low airflow turbulence regardless of windows and HVAC settings. In an embodiment, the intoxication detection system 116 may take into account whether one or more windows are open when determining the intoxication level of the driver and / or passengers of the vehicle 100.

[0026] 3 is a diagram illustrating vehicle restriction levels for a vehicle, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 3, the intoxication detection system 116 may receive distracted driving indicators determined for a driver of the vehicle 100. For example, one or more systems of the vehicle 100 may monitor the driver for one or more signs of distracted driving, such as swerving and / or lane departure, not maintaining a constant speed, sudden or frequent braking, hunched posture, etc. In such an embodiment, the intoxication detection system 116 may receive an indication that the driver is distracted and / or the level of the driver's inattention based on the detected driving behavior.

[0027] The intoxication detection system 116 may set a vehicle restriction level for the vehicle 100 based on the driver's distracted driving indicators and intoxication level (e.g., alcohol detection for the driver). The vehicle restriction level may define one or more alerts and / or actions to be taken to reduce the current driving behavior. For example, the intoxication detection system 116 may set the vehicle restriction level from a plurality of available restriction levels, each of which defines a different set of alerts and / or actions to be taken. As shown, the intoxication detection system 116 may select from a first restriction level 310 (e.g., Level 0), a second restriction level 320 (e.g., Level 1), a third restriction level 330 (e.g., Level 2), or a fourth restriction level 340 (e.g., Level 3). If the poor driving continues, the intoxication detection system 116 may increase the alerts and / or actions to reduce the current driving behavior. In an embodiment, the intoxication detection system 116 may increase the restriction level due to continued poor driving behavior.

[0028] A first restriction level 310 may be applied when the driver is inattentive but alcohol is not detected on the driver (e.g., in the driver's area), for example, when only a passenger is intoxicated. Once the first restriction level 310 is set for the vehicle 100, an HMI message or other indication (e.g., display icon) may be provided to keep the driver focused on the road and surrounding traffic.

[0029] When the driver is inattentive and a low alcohol level is detected for the driver (e.g., in the driver area), a second restriction level 320 may be applied. When the second restriction level 320 is set for the vehicle 100, an HMI message or other indication (e.g., display icon) may be provided to keep the driver focused on the road and surrounding traffic. The HMI message / icon may be the same as that provided in the first restriction level 310.

[0030] The third restriction level 330 may be applied when the driver is inattentive and a high alcohol level is detected for the driver (e.g., in the driver area) for a short period of time. Once the third restriction level 330 is set for the vehicle 100, a new HMI message or other indication (e.g., display icon) may be provided to, for example, alert the driver of the detected intoxication level and / or restriction level. Additionally or alternatively, the intoxication detection system 116 may, among other actions, reduce the music volume and / or re-enable any safety features that were turned off (e.g., lane departure warning, etc.), or any combination thereof.

[0031] A fourth restriction level 340 may be applied when the driver is inattentive and a high alcohol level is detected for the driver (e.g., in the driver's area) for an extended period of time. When the fourth restriction level 340 is set for the vehicle 100, a new HMI message or other indication (e.g., a display icon) may be provided to, for example, alert the driver of the detected intoxication level and / or restriction level. Additionally or alternatively, the intoxication detection system 116 may reduce the maximum speed limiter, disable the vehicle ignition, perform an emergency maneuver to pull over, and / or contact a safety network, or any combination thereof, among other actions.

[0032] 4-6 show various views of a sensor assembly 210, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a sensor assembly 210, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 4, the sensor assembly 210 includes a sensor module 410 housing one or more sensors, as described in more detail below. In an embodiment, the sensor assembly 210 may include a funnel element 416 connected (e.g., attached) to the sensor module 410, for example, at an end of the sensor module 410. As shown, the sensor module 410 may include one or more electrical connectors 422 (e.g., DB9 connectors or any other type of connector) for electrically connecting the sensor module 410 to the vehicle 100 (e.g., the intoxication detection system 116). As shown, the electrical connector 422 may be located at an end of the sensor module 410 opposite the funnel element 416, although other configurations are envisioned.

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the sensor assembly 210, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 5, the sensor module 410 may define a housing 512 through which air may pass (e.g., actively or passively). In such an embodiment, the funnel element 416 may be configured to direct a breath sample of an occupant in the vehicle 100 into the housing 512, e.g., to an inlet of the housing 512. As shown, the funnel element 416 may be a cone-shaped housing, although other shapes and configurations are envisioned. The funnel element 416 may interface with the interior of the vehicle 100. For example, the funnel element 416 may be unobtrusively attached to a headliner, a panel, a steering column, or a seat, among other portions of the vehicle 100.

[0034] In an embodiment, the sensor assembly 210 may include a fan 518 located at an inlet of the housing 512 to draw the breath sample into the housing 512. In an embodiment, the fan 518 may be located between the housing 512 and the funnel element 416. In an embodiment, the fan 518 may be housed (e.g., recessed) within the housing 512 and / or the funnel element 416.

[0035] 5, the sensor module 410 may house multiple sensors. For example, the sensor assembly 210 may include an alcohol sensor 528 and a carbon dioxide sensor 530 located within the housing 512. For example, the alcohol sensor 528 may be located at an end of the housing 512 and the carbon dioxide sensor 530 may be located on an adjacent sidewall of the housing 512. The alcohol sensor 528 may be a fuel cell type electrochemical ethanol sensor. The carbon dioxide sensor 530 may be an NDIR carbon dioxide sensor configured to calculate a dilution factor for the breath sample. Such embodiments are merely exemplary and the sensor assembly 210 may include other sensor arrangements and configurations.

[0036] The intoxication detection system 116 may analyze one or more sensor signals from the alcohol sensor 528 and / or the carbon dioxide sensor 530 to calculate or otherwise estimate a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of one or more vehicle occupants. For example, the intoxication detection system 116 may calculate / estimate a BAC for each of the multiple occupants based on alcohol and carbon dioxide levels detected at different locations within the vehicle 100. In this manner, the intoxication detection system 116 may determine which occupants of the multiple occupants in the vehicle 100 are intoxicated.

[0037] 6 is a diagram illustrating front and rear perspective views of a sensor module 410 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 6, a fan 518 may be integrally formed (e.g., of one piece) with the housing 512, with one or more mounting tabs 608 located around the periphery of the fan 518 to connect the funnel element 416 to the sensor module 410. As shown, a carbon dioxide sensor 530 may be inserted and secured to a side of the housing 512. An alcohol sensor 528 may be inserted and secured to an end 614 of the housing 512, for example, behind the connector 422. Such an embodiment is merely exemplary, and the sensor module 410 may include other configurations.

[0038] 7 is a flow chart of a method 700 for detecting an intoxication level of one or more vehicle occupants, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of illustration, the method 700 is described herein with reference to Figures 1-6, but the method 700 is not limited to the embodiments shown in Figures 1-6. It should be noted that one or more of the operations in Figure 7 may be combined, omitted, and / or performed in a different order as desired.

[0039] At block 710, method 700 includes determining which occupants of a plurality of occupants in vehicle 100 are intoxicated based on an analysis of sensor signals received from a plurality of sensor assemblies disposed at different locations within vehicle 100. In an embodiment, block 710 includes calculating the BAC of the plurality of occupants based on alcohol and carbon dioxide levels detected at the different locations within vehicle 100, for example, as described above.

[0040] At block 720, the method 700 includes outputting an alert based on a determination that the driver of the vehicle 100 is intoxicated. Block 720 may include outputting a first alert based on a first level of intoxication of the driver and outputting a second alert based on a second level of intoxication of the driver, such as the alerts described above.

[0041] At block 730, the method 700 may include receiving distracted driving indicators determined for a driver of the vehicle 100. The distracted driving indicators may be determined based on detected signs of distracted driving including, for example, vehicle swerving and / or lane departure, failure to maintain a constant speed, sudden or frequent braking, hunched posture, etc. The distracted driving indicators may be determined by the intoxication detection system 116 or may be received by the intoxication detection system 116 from one or more systems of the vehicle 100 (e.g., vehicle system 124).

[0042] At block 740, the method 700 may include setting a vehicle restriction level for the vehicle 100 based on the driver's distracted driving indicator and intoxication level. For example, block 740 may include selecting a restriction level from among a plurality of restriction levels based on the driver's distracted driving indicator and intoxication level. The vehicle restriction level may be similar to those described above with reference to FIG.

[0043] At block 750, method 700 may include enabling one or more safety features of vehicle 100 based on the driver's intoxication level. For example, block 750 may include reducing the music volume, re-enabling one or more vehicle safety features, reducing the top speed limiter, disabling the vehicle ignition, or pulling vehicle 100 over, among other actions, based on the driver's intoxication level, as detailed above.

[0044] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary computing or processing system 800 on which an embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the intoxication detection system 116 described above may be implemented using the system 800. In some embodiments, the method 700 of FIG. 7 described above may be implemented using the system 800. The system 800 may be or include a computer, a phone, a PDA, a tablet, a server, a controller, or any other type of electronic device. Such electronic devices include various types of computer-readable media and interfaces for various other types of computer-readable media. As shown in FIG. 8, the system 800 includes a controller 802, a memory 804, an input interface 806, an output interface 808, and a communication module 810.

[0045] The controller 802 according to various embodiments includes one or more of a processor, microprocessor, central processing unit (CPU), electronic control unit, graphics processing unit (GPU), single-core processor, multi-core processor, microcontroller, programmable logic device (PLD) (e.g., field programmable gate array (FPGA)), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processing (DSP) device, or other logic device that may be configured to perform various operations described herein for embodiments of the present disclosure by hardwiring, execution of software instructions, or a combination of both. The controller 802 may be configured to interface and communicate with various other components of the system 800 to perform such operations. For example, the controller 802 may be configured to receive and process data received from a network and / or one or more sensors (e.g., sensor 118), store data in the memory 804, and / or retrieve stored data from the memory 804.

[0046] Controller 802 may include a combination of hardware and software processing capabilities and may be provided with / within and / or communicatively attached to other components to execute appropriate instructions, such as software instructions and / or processing parameters stored in memory 804. In various embodiments, controller 802 may be configured to execute software instructions stored in memory 804 to perform various methods, processes, or operations as described herein.

[0047] In one embodiment, the memory 804 includes one or more memory devices configured to store data and information, including magnetic flux data and position information. The memory 804 may include one or more of various types of memory devices, including volatile and non-volatile memory devices, such as random access memory (RAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, hard disk drive, and / or other types of memory. As described above, the controller 802 may be configured to execute software instructions stored in the memory 804 to perform and process steps and / or operations of the method 700. The controller 802 may be configured to store data in the memory 804.

[0048] In one embodiment, the input interface 806 includes user input and / or interface devices, such as one or more controls, knobs, buttons, slide bars, keyboards, sensors, cameras, and / or other devices configured to generate input control signals. The controller 802 may be configured to detect input control signals from the input interface 806 and respond to any detected input control signals received therefrom. As will generally be understood by those skilled in the art, the controller 802 may be configured to interpret such input control signals as values. In one embodiment, the input interface 806 may include a control unit (e.g., a wired or wireless handheld control unit) having push buttons configured to interface with a user and receive user input control values. In one implementation, the push buttons of the control unit may be used to control various system functions.

[0049] The output interface 808 may, for example, enable the output of data or other information. The output interface 808 may include, for example, one or more display devices, such as a monitor or other visual display (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a head-up display (HUD), or other type of display). Some implementations include devices such as a touch screen that function as both an input and output component. The controller 802 may be configured to render data and information on the output interface 808. For example, the controller 802 may be configured to render data, such as data stored in the memory 804, on the output interface 808.

[0050] In some embodiments, various components of system 800 may be distributed and in communication with one another in a network. In this regard, communications module 810 may be configured to facilitate wired and / or wireless communications between various system components in the network. Such networks may include, for example, a local area network ("LAN"), such as an intranet, or a wide area network ("WAN"), such as the Internet.

[0051] In an embodiment, the various components of the system 800 may be communicatively coupled via a system communication bus 820. The bus 820 collectively represents all system, peripheral, and chipset buses that communicatively connect the various devices of the system 800. For example, the bus 820 may communicatively couple the controller 802, the memory 804, the input interface 806, the output interface 808, the communication module 810, the powertrain torque control system 116, or any combination thereof, to each other.

[0052] 9 is a diagram illustrating an example system 900 in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the intoxication detection system 116, the system 800, and / or the method 700 described above may be implemented using the system 900. With reference to FIG. 9, the system 900 includes a sensor assembly 210, a processing board 910, and a controller 914. In an embodiment, the system 900 may include a display 920, a buzzer 926, and a camera 932, or any combination thereof.

[0053] Processing board 910 may include a combination of hardware and software processing capabilities and may be provided with / within and / or communicatively attached to other components to execute appropriate instructions, such as software instructions and / or processing parameters stored in memory. In various embodiments, processing board 910 may be configured to execute software instructions stored in memory to perform various methods, processes, or operations as described herein.

[0054] The processing board 910 may be connected to the sensor assembly 210 to control the operation of the fan 518 and / or receive signals from the alcohol sensor 528 and the carbon dioxide sensor 530 (e.g., via connector 422). For example, the processing board 910 may be connected to the fan 518 via a PWM connection, e.g., through a negative-positive-negative (NPN) transistor, although other configurations are envisioned. As shown, the processing board 910 may be connected to the alcohol sensor 528 via a serial peripheral interface (SPI) and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), although other configurations are envisioned. The processing board 910 may be connected to the carbon dioxide sensor 530 using an I2C communication protocol, although other configurations are envisioned.

[0055] The controller 914 and / or the processing board 910 may include one or more of a processor, microprocessor, central processing unit (CPU), electronic control unit, graphics processing unit (GPU), single-core processor, multi-core processor, microcontroller, programmable logic device (PLD) (e.g., field programmable gate array (FPGA)), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processing (DSP) device, or other logic device that may be configured to perform various operations described herein for embodiments of the present disclosure by hardwiring, execution of software instructions, or a combination of both. The controller 914 may be configured to interface and communicate with various other components of the system 900 to perform such operations. For example, the controller 914 may be configured to receive and process data received from a network and / or one or more sensors (e.g., the sensor assembly 210), store the data in memory, and / or retrieve stored data from memory. In an embodiment, the controller 914 may include a communications module configured to facilitate wired and / or wireless communications between various system components in a network (e.g., via a local area network ("LAN") such as an intranet or a wide area network ("WAN") such as the Internet), e.g., an external device 940.

[0056] As shown, the controller 914 may be connected to the processing board 910 via a general purpose input / output (GPIO), such as a neutral digital signal pin on an integrated circuit or electronic circuit board controllable by the controller 914, although other configurations are envisioned. In an embodiment, the controller 914 may be connected to the host PC 950, such as via a USB connection.

[0057] The display 920 may be connected to the processing board 910 (e.g., via a digital serial interface) and may include one or more display elements or user interfaces. For example, the display 920 may be a touch screen that includes a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables touch-controlled operation of the system 900 (or various components of the system 900) via the display 920.

[0058] The buzzer 926 may be connected to the processing board 910 (e.g., via an NPN transistor) to provide an audible alarm. For example, detection of an intoxicated driver in the vehicle 100 may trigger the buzzer 926 to sound an alarm to alert the driver and other occupants of the vehicle 100 of the detected intoxication. The alarm provided by the buzzer 926 may vary based on the detected level of intoxication for the driver and / or passengers.

[0059] The camera 932 may be connected to the processing board 910 to provide one or more images of occupants of the vehicle 100. For example, one or more images of the driver may be captured by the camera 932 to facilitate determining distracted driving indicators for the driver, as described above. In an embodiment, the images captured by the camera 932 may be used to determine or assist in determining that the driver or passenger is intoxicated.

[0060] 10 is a diagram illustrating example sensor readings of the sensor assembly 210, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 10, a controller or logic device (e.g., the intoxication detection system 116, the controller 802, the processing board 910, and / or the controller 914, etc.) may receive one or more sensor signals from the sensor assembly 210, such as alcohol readings 1010 and / or carbon dioxide readings 1020. The alcohol readings 1010 may be taken at a first sample rate, and the carbon dioxide readings 1020 may be taken at a second sample rate. Depending on the application, the first and second sample rates may be similar or different. When similar, the spikes in the detection of alcohol and carbon dioxide may line up in the graph. When samples are taken at different rates, the spikes in the detection of alcohol and carbon dioxide may be offset, such as the spikes shown in FIG. 10. In either case, an increased alcohol (eg, ethanol) reading and / or an increased carbon dioxide reading may indicate that the occupant is intoxicated, based on the values ​​detected.

[0061] Where applicable, various embodiments provided by the present disclosure may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Also, where applicable, various hardware and / or software components described herein may be combined into composite components comprising software, hardware, and / or both without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Where applicable, various hardware and / or software components described herein may be separated into sub-components comprising software, hardware, or both without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Additionally, where applicable, it is contemplated that software components may be implemented as hardware components and vice versa.

[0062] Software according to the present disclosure, such as non-transitory instructions, program code, and / or data, may be stored on one or more non-transitory machine-readable media. It is also contemplated that the software identified herein may be implemented using one or more general purpose or special purpose computers and / or computer systems, networks, and / or others. Where applicable, the order of the various steps described herein may be changed, combined into composite steps, and / or separated into sub-steps to provide the functions described herein.

[0063] While certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of the broad invention and do not limit the invention, since various other modifications may occur to those skilled in the art, and that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described. The invention encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims.

[0064] For example, elements and teachings of various embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the embodiments. Additionally, one or more of the elements and teachings of various embodiments may be at least partially omitted and / or at least partially combined with one or more of the other elements and teachings of various embodiments. Additionally, although various steps, processes, and procedures are described as occurring as separate acts, one or more of the steps, one or more of the processes, and / or one or more of the procedures may also occur in various orders, simultaneously, and / or sequentially. In some embodiments, steps, processes, and / or procedures may be combined into one or more steps, processes, and / or procedures. In some embodiments, one or more of the operational steps of each embodiment may be omitted.

Claims

1. 1. A system comprising: a plurality of sensor assemblies disposed at different locations within the vehicle; A controller; The controller comprises: determining which occupants of a plurality of occupants in the vehicle are intoxicated based on an analysis of sensor signals received from the plurality of sensor assemblies; The system is configured to output an alert based on a determination that a driver of the vehicle is intoxicated.

2. The controller: outputting a first alert based on a first drunkenness level of the driver; The system of claim 1 , configured to output a second alert based on a second intoxication level of the driver.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to enable one or more safety features of the vehicle based on the driver's level of intoxication.

4. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to reduce music volume, re-enable one or more vehicle safety features, reduce a top speed limiter, disable vehicle ignition, or pull the vehicle over to the side of a road based on the driver's level of intoxication.

5. The controller: receiving a distracted driving indicator determined for the driver of the vehicle; The system of claim 1 , configured to set a vehicle restriction level for the vehicle based on the driver's distracted driving indicators and intoxication level, the vehicle restriction level defining one or more alerts and / or actions to be taken to reduce current driving behavior.

6. each sensor assembly of the plurality of sensor assemblies includes an alcohol sensor and a carbon dioxide sensor; The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to calculate blood alcohol concentrations of the multiple occupants based on alcohol and carbon dioxide levels detected at the different locations.

7. At least one sensor assembly of the plurality of sensor assemblies comprises: A housing and a funnel element configured to direct a breath sample of an occupant in the vehicle toward the housing; a fan operable to draw the breath sample into the housing; The system of claim 1 , comprising:

8. A vehicle, The cabin and a plurality of sensor assemblies positioned at different locations within the cabin; A controller; The controller comprises: determining which occupants of a plurality of occupants in the cabin are intoxicated based on an analysis of sensor signals received from the plurality of sensor assemblies; A vehicle configured to output an alert based on a determination that a driver of the vehicle is intoxicated.

9. The controller: outputting a first alert based on a first drunkenness level of the driver; The vehicle of claim 8 , configured to output a second alert based on a second intoxication level of the driver.

10. The vehicle of claim 8 , wherein the controller is configured to enable one or more safety features of the vehicle based on the driver's level of intoxication.

11. 11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to reduce music volume, re-enable one or more vehicle safety features, reduce a top speed limiter, disable a vehicle ignition, or pull the vehicle over to the side of a road based on the driver's level of intoxication.

12. The controller: receiving a distracted driving indicator determined for the driver of the vehicle; The vehicle of claim 8, further configured to set a vehicle restriction level for the vehicle based on the distracted driving indicators and drunkenness level of the driver, the vehicle restriction level defining one or more alerts and / or actions to be taken to reduce a current driving behavior.

13. each sensor assembly of the plurality of sensor assemblies includes an alcohol sensor and a carbon dioxide sensor; The vehicle of claim 8 , wherein the controller is configured to calculate blood alcohol concentrations of the occupants based on alcohol and carbon dioxide levels detected at the different locations.

14. At least one sensor assembly of the plurality of sensor assemblies comprises: A housing and a funnel element configured to direct a breath sample of an occupant in the vehicle toward the housing, the funnel element interfacing with a portion of the cabin; a fan operable to draw the breath sample into the housing; The vehicle of claim 8 .

15. determining which occupants of a plurality of occupants in a vehicle are intoxicated based on an analysis of sensor signals received from a plurality of sensor assemblies disposed at different locations within the vehicle; A controller configured to output an alert based on a determination that a driver of the vehicle is intoxicated.

16. The controller: outputting a first alert based on a first drunkenness level of the driver; The controller of claim 15 , configured to output a second alert based on a second intoxication level of the driver.

17. The controller of claim 15 , wherein the controller is configured to enable one or more safety features of the vehicle based on the driver's level of intoxication.

18. 18. The controller of claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to reduce music volume, re-enable one or more vehicle safety features, reduce a top speed limiter, disable a vehicle ignition, or pull the vehicle over to the side of a road based on the driver's level of intoxication.

19. The controller: receiving a distracted driving indicator determined for the driver of the vehicle; The controller of claim 15, configured to set a vehicle restriction level for the vehicle based on the distracted driving indicators and intoxication level of the driver, the vehicle restriction level defining one or more alerts and / or actions to be taken to reduce a current driving behavior.

20. The controller of claim 15 , wherein the controller is configured to calculate blood alcohol concentrations of the multiple occupants based on alcohol and carbon dioxide levels detected at the different locations.

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