Alcohol detection system

Abstract

To provide an alcohol detection system capable of further suppressing the possibility of spoofing.SOLUTION: The alcohol detection system comprises an alcohol detector 10 and an image-capturing terminal. The alcohol detector 10 includes: an alcohol sensor 11; a pressure sensor 12; a pump 13 for performing pull-in operation to pull in breathing to the alcohol sensor 11 side; and a control unit 16. The control unit 16 is configured to: upon determining, on the basis of a signal from the pressure sensor 12, that pressure equivalent to blowing-in of breathing during a first prescribed time is being obtained, issue a pull-in instruction to the pump 13; upon issuing the pull-in indication, initiate processing for measuring an alcohol concentration in a breathing, and issue an image-capturing instruction to image-capturing terminal; and upon determining, on the basis of a signal from the pressure sensor 12 subsequently after the first prescribed time that pressure equivalent to blowing-in of breathing during a second prescribed time is being obtained, determine that the blowing-in of breathing by the subject is appropriate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an alcohol detection system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an alcohol detection system for checking whether or not a driver of a passenger vehicle, a freight vehicle, or the like, is under the influence of alcohol (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The alcohol detection system is configured to measure the alcohol concentration in the breath of the driver who has blown into the breath. Furthermore, the alcohol detection system is configured to capture an image of the person blowing into the breath using an imaging means in order to prevent impersonation in which a person other than the driver blows into the breath on behalf of the driver. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-20859 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, it is desirable for the alcohol detection system as described in Patent Document 1 to more reliably capture an image of a person blowing into the breath, thereby further preventing impersonation.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an alcohol detection system that can further reduce the possibility of impersonation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The alcohol detection system according to the present invention includes a flow path through which the breath of a subject passes, an alcohol sensor for measuring the concentration of alcohol contained in the breath flowing in the flow path, a pressure sensor for detecting pressure in the flow path, imaging means for imaging the face of the subject, pump means for performing a drawing operation for drawing the breath in the flow path to the alcohol sensor side, a first function for performing a measurement process of the alcohol concentration in the breath based on a signal from the alcohol sensor, a second function for issuing an instruction to the pump means to draw in the breath, a third function for issuing an instruction to the imaging means to capture an image, and a second function for detecting whether the breath is blown in. and a control means having a fourth function of judging whether the blowing of breath by the subject was appropriate, wherein when the control means judges based on a signal from the pressure sensor that a pressure equivalent to the blowing of breath for a first predetermined time is obtained, it issues the retraction instruction to the pump means, starts the measurement process of the alcohol concentration in the breath in response to the retraction instruction, and issues the image capture instruction to the imaging means, and then judges that the blowing of breath by the subject was appropriate if it is determined that a pressure equivalent to the blowing of breath for a second predetermined time is obtained based on the signal from the pressure sensor continuously for the first predetermined time. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an alcohol detection system that can further reduce the possibility of impersonation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an alcohol detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing details of the breathalyzer shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing details of the imaging terminal shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a first flowchart showing the processing contents of the breathalyzer showing the breathalyzer method according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5]5 is a second flowchart showing the processing contents of the breathalyzer showing the breathalyzer method according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the imaging terminal, illustrating the alcohol detection method according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The present invention will be described below along with preferred embodiments. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. In addition, in the embodiments shown below, some configurations are omitted from illustration and description, but it goes without saying that publicly known or well-known technologies are appropriately applied to the details of the omitted technologies within the scope of no contradiction with the contents described below.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an alcohol detection system according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the alcohol detection system 1 is for checking whether a subject T is under the influence of alcohol, and includes an alcohol detector 10 and an imaging terminal 20. The alcohol detection system 1 is also configured to be able to communicate with an external server (external device) 30.

[0011] In the alcohol detection system 1, when a subject T blows into an alcohol breathalyzer 10, the alcohol breathalyzer 10 measures the alcohol concentration in the breath. The alcohol detection system 1 also captures an image of the subject T blowing into the breath using an imaging terminal 20. Information on the measured alcohol concentration and information on the captured image are transmitted to an external server 30 and stored therein. The alcohol breathalyzer 10 and the imaging terminal 20 each have a display unit (display means) 10D, 20D, which are capable of transmitting various operational conditions during alcohol detection to the subject T and the like. Furthermore, these display units 10D, 20D have a function of displaying the measurement results of the measured alcohol concentration.

[0012] Each part will be described in detail below. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the details of the breathalyzer 10 shown in Fig. 1. The breathalyzer 10 has a mouthpiece MP and a detector main body 10a. The mouthpiece MP is a member that is held in the mouth of the subject T (see Fig. 1) and has a conduit P into which the breath is blown. Note that a separate member such as a straw can be detachably attached to the mouthpiece MP, and the separate member may be held in the mouth of the subject T.

[0013] The detector body 10a has a flow path pipe (flow path portion) F inside the housing 10b. The mouthpiece MP is attached to the detector body 10a so as to be connected to one end of the flow path pipe F. When the mouthpiece MP is attached to the detector body 10a, the flow path pipe F communicates with the conduit P, and serves as a portion through which the breath of the subject T passes. The other end of the flow path pipe F serves as an outlet for the breath blown in through the mouthpiece MP.

[0014] Furthermore, the detector main body 10a includes an alcohol sensor 11, a pressure sensor 12, a pump (pump means) 13, a vibration section 14, a speaker 15, and a control section (control means) 16 within the housing 10b.

[0015] The alcohol sensor 11 is connected to the flow path tube F through an introduction tube I, and serves to measure the concentration of alcohol contained in the breath flowing through the flow path tube F. The alcohol sensor 11 outputs a signal to the control unit 16 in accordance with the alcohol concentration.

[0016] The pressure sensor 12 is connected to the flow path pipe F with the alcohol sensor 11 in between, for example, to detect the pressure in the flow path pipe F. The pressure sensor 12 outputs a signal corresponding to the pressure in the flow path pipe F to the control unit 16.

[0017] The pump 13 is connected to the flow path pipe F across the alcohol sensor 11 in a branching direction different from that of the pressure sensor 12, and performs a drawing operation to draw the exhaled air in the flow path pipe F into the alcohol sensor 11. The pump 13 is, for example, configured with a solenoid valve. In a non-energized, off state, the solenoid valve moves in the direction of arrow A1 shown in Fig. 2 to draw in the exhaled air. For this reason, when performing a drawing operation, the pump 13 is first energized to turn on and move in the direction of arrow A2, and then turns off and moves in the direction of arrow A1 to draw in the exhaled air.

[0018] The vibration unit 14 is composed of, for example, a vibrator, and vibrates the housing 10b of the breathalyzer 10. Information other than display and sound can be transmitted to the subject T by the vibration of the vibration unit 14. The vibration unit 14 is not limited to a vibrator, and may be a motor or the like.

[0019] The speaker 15 informs the subject T of various operational situations during alcohol detection and the next action to be taken by using sounds or voices. The speaker 15 may also have a function of reading out the measurement result of the measured alcohol concentration.

[0020] The control unit 16 controls the entire breathalyzer 10 and includes an alarm control unit 16a, a communication control unit 16b, a timer unit 16c, a first functional unit 16d, a second functional unit 16e, a third functional unit 16f, and a fourth functional unit 16g.

[0021] The notification control unit 16a controls the display unit 10D (see FIG. 1), the vibration unit 14, and the speaker 15 of the breathalyzer 10, and controls the display content of the display unit 10D, the vibration of the vibration unit 14, and the output of the speaker 15. The communication control unit 16b transmits necessary information to the imaging terminal 20 (see FIG. 1). The timer unit 16c measures time related to various controls.

[0022] The first functional unit 16d performs a process of measuring the alcohol concentration in the breath based on a signal from the alcohol sensor 11. The second functional unit 16e issues an instruction to the pump 13 to draw in the breath. The second functional unit 16e draws in the breath by first moving the solenoid valve in the direction of the arrow A2 by energizing the pump 13, which is composed of a solenoid valve, and then using the movement of the solenoid valve in the direction of the arrow A1 when the power supply is cut off. The third functional unit 16f issues an instruction to the imaging terminal 20 to perform imaging. The fourth functional unit 16g judges whether the subject T's blowing in of the breath was appropriate.

[0023] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing details of the imaging terminal 20 shown in Fig. 1. The imaging terminal 20 shown in Fig. 3 is configured by a terminal such as a smartphone into which a program (application) operable as part of the alcohol detection system 1 is installed. The imaging terminal 20 includes a camera (imaging means) 21, an antenna 22, a speaker 23, and a control unit (communication means) 24 in addition to the display unit 20D (see Fig. 1) described above.

[0024] The camera 21 is capable of capturing an image of the face of the subject T, and in this embodiment is provided on the same surface as the display unit 20D (an inner camera in a smartphone). Data of the captured image acquired by the camera 21 is transmitted to the control unit 24.

[0025] The antenna 22 serves as a communication unit between the breathalyzer 10 and the external server 30. The control unit 24 receives information from the breathalyzer 10 through the antenna 22, and also receives an image capture instruction from the breathalyzer 10. Furthermore, the control unit 24 transmits the captured image and information on the measurement results to the external server 30 through the antenna 22.

[0026] The speaker 23, like the speaker 15 of the breathalyzer 10, conveys various operational situations during alcohol detection and the next action to be taken, etc., to the subject T by sound or voice. The control unit 24 controls the entire imaging terminal 20, and is in charge of imaging, communication with the breathalyzer 10 and the external server 30, etc.

[0027] Next, an overview of the alcohol detection system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the control unit 16 of the breathalyzer 10 generally performs the following processes in this order: 1) confirming the start of breath blowing, 2) confirming whether a pressure equivalent to blowing is obtained continuously for a first predetermined time, and 3) issuing an instruction to draw in breath. The control unit 16 then performs the following processes in this order: 4) issuing an instruction to start measuring alcohol concentration and capture an image, and 5) confirming whether a pressure equivalent to blowing is obtained continuously for a second predetermined time.

[0028] First, regarding 1), the control unit 16 judges whether or not blowing of breath has started based on a signal from the pressure sensor 12. In this case, the control unit 16 detects the pressure multiple times at short time intervals, for example, and judges that blowing of breath has started when a representative value such as the average value or median value is equal to or greater than a first predetermined pressure.

[0029] Next, regarding 2), the control unit 16 judges whether a pressure equivalent to the blowing of the exhaled air is obtained based on a signal from the pressure sensor 12. At this time, the control unit 16 judges whether the blowing of the exhaled air continues for a first predetermined time by the timer unit 16c. Here, the pressure equivalent to the blowing of the exhaled air (prescribed pressure) is, for example, equal to or greater than a second predetermined pressure (which may be the same value as the first predetermined pressure) and less than a third predetermined pressure. The control unit 16 judges that the prescribed pressure has not continued during the first predetermined time when, for example, a pressure outside the range of equal to or greater than the second predetermined pressure and less than the third predetermined pressure is detected consecutively a predetermined number of times during the first predetermined time. On the other hand, the control unit 16 judges that the prescribed pressure has been continuously obtained for the first predetermined time when, for example, a pressure outside the range of equal to or greater than the second predetermined pressure and less than the third predetermined pressure is not detected consecutively a predetermined number of times during the first predetermined time.

[0030] Regarding 3), the second functional unit 16e of the control unit 16 issues a retraction command to the pump 13. As described above, the pump 13 is configured with a solenoid valve, and in this embodiment, the solenoid valve is in a non-energized state and has moved in the direction of the arrow A1 shown in Fig. 2. The second functional unit 16e issues a retraction command by energizing the pump 13 and then cutting off the power, and moves the solenoid valve in the direction of the arrow A2 and then in the direction of the arrow A1 to draw in the exhaled air.

[0031] Regarding 4), the third functional unit 16f of the control unit 16 issues an imaging instruction to the imaging terminal 20. Here, the third functional unit 16f issues an imaging instruction when a retraction instruction is issued. This prevents the imaging instruction from being issued prior to the retraction instruction, and imaging is performed immediately after the breath is retracted. Furthermore, the first functional unit 16d of the control unit 16 starts a measurement process based on a signal from the alcohol sensor 11. Here, the first functional unit 16d starts a measurement process of the alcohol concentration based on the breath retracted in response to the retraction instruction in 3).

[0032] Regarding 5), the fourth functional unit 16g of the control unit 16 judges whether a pressure (prescribed pressure) corresponding to the blowing of the exhaled air is obtained based on a signal from the pressure sensor 12. At this time, the control unit 16 judges whether the blowing of the exhaled air continues for a second predetermined time following the first predetermined time using the timer unit 16c. The prescribed pressure is equal to or greater than the second predetermined pressure and less than the third predetermined pressure, as in 2), but it may be different. The method of judging the prescribed pressure is also the same as in 2), but it may be different. Here, in 5), the fourth functional unit 16g of the control unit 16 judges whether a pressure corresponding to the drawing of the exhaled air is obtained for a second predetermined time following the first predetermined time. Therefore, the fourth functional unit 16g judges whether the prescribed pressure is obtained during the second predetermined time without any gap time between the end of the first predetermined time and the start of the second predetermined time.

[0033] As described above, when the alcohol detection system 1 according to this embodiment confirms the specified pressure during the first predetermined time, it draws the breath into the alcohol sensor 11 and issues an image capture command as a trigger. Therefore, the breath is drawn in when the image is captured, and even if someone tries to commit fraud, such as by switching the person who blows immediately after the image is captured, the breath blown in after the switch will not be used in principle to measure the alcohol concentration.

[0034] Furthermore, the alcohol detection system 1 determines that the subject T's blowing of breath was appropriate when the fourth functional unit 16g confirms the specified pressure for the second predetermined time consecutively at the first predetermined time after the imaging. Therefore, the pressure is monitored before and after imaging, and the system determines that the blowing of breath was appropriate when a continuous blowing of breath is confirmed, not when the blowing of breath is interrupted as if the subject T were replaced by another person only at the moment of imaging. On the other hand, if the fourth functional unit 16g determines that the blowing of breath was inappropriate, the control unit 16 determines that the measurement has failed because there is a possibility of fraud in the measurement of the alcohol concentration.

[0035] As described above, the alcohol detection system 1 according to this embodiment can further reduce the possibility of spoofing.

[0036] Next, the processing contents of the alcohol detection system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figures 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the processing contents of the breathalyzer 10 showing the alcohol detection method according to this embodiment. It should be noted that, prior to the start of the processing in Figures 4 and 5, it is assumed that the breathalyzer 10 is powered on and is connected for communication with the imaging terminal 20.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, first, the control unit 16 of the breathalyzer 10 starts warming up the alcohol sensor 11 and boosts the power supply voltage for operating the solenoid valve, which is the pump 13 (S1).

[0038] Next, the control unit 16 judges whether the time measured by the timer unit 16c has exceeded a specified time (S2). If the measured time has not exceeded the specified time (S2: NO), this process is repeated until the measured time exceeds the specified time.

[0039] On the other hand, if the measurement time has passed the specified time (S2: YES), the control unit 16 determines that the warm-up of the alcohol sensor 11 has been completed. As a result, the control unit 16 determines that the preparation of the breathalyzer 10 has been completed, and the notification control unit 16a operates the vibration unit 14 to vibrate the housing 10b and displays a display indicating that the device is in a state of waiting for the start of blowing breath (S3). In addition, the communication control unit 16b transmits information to that effect to the imaging terminal 20 as one process of display control (S3). As a result, the imaging terminal 20 also displays a display of waiting for blowing on the display unit 20D. Note that in step S3, the housing 10b is vibrated, so that the device can be informed of the state of waiting for blowing by the vibration.

[0040] Next, the control unit 16 judges whether or not the blowing of breath has started based on the signal from the pressure sensor 12 (S4). Here, if the control unit 16 detects an abnormal pressure (e.g., a third predetermined pressure or more) exceeding the pressure corresponding to the blowing of breath based on the signal from the pressure sensor 12, the control unit 16 judges that the blowing of breath has not started (S4: NO). That is, the control unit 16 judges that the blowing of breath has not started because there is a possibility that the blowing of breath is not the blowing of breath but the blowing of gas using a machine or device.

[0041] Furthermore, when a pressure equivalent to the blowing of breath for a third predetermined time or longer is not detected based on the signal from the pressure sensor 12, the control unit 16 also determines that the blowing of breath has not started (S4: NO). In this case, it is determined that the blowing of breath has not started simply because there has been no blowing of breath for a long period of time.

[0042] If the blowing of breath does not start (S4: NO), the process proceeds to step S7. In the process of step S4, the control unit 16 may also determine that the blowing of breath has not started (S4: NO) if the signal voltage from the pressure sensor 12 indicates a specific voltage (an example of a voltage indicating a circuit abnormality) near the operating voltage of the microcomputer, since there is a possibility of a circuit abnormality.

[0043] In this way, the alcohol detection system 1 of this embodiment will determine that the blowing of breath did not begin due to fraud, malfunction, etc. when abnormal pressure is detected, when breath is not blown in for a long period of time, or when a circuit abnormality is detected.

[0044] On the other hand, if blowing of breath has started (S4: YES), the notification control unit 16a causes the speaker 15 to ring to output sound, and displays a display indicating that blowing of breath is in progress (S5). The communication control unit 16b also transmits information to that effect to the imaging terminal 20 as one process of display control (S5). As a result, the imaging terminal 20 also displays on the display unit 20D that blowing is in progress. Next, the control unit 16 and the timer unit 16c determine whether the specified pressure has continued for a first predetermined time based on a signal from the pressure sensor 12 (S6).

[0045] When a pressure outside the specified pressure is detected a predetermined number of times consecutively within the first predetermined time, the control unit 16 determines that the specified pressure has not continued for the first predetermined time (S6: NO). If the specified pressure has not continued for the first predetermined time (S6: NO), the notification control unit 16a displays a blowing failure on the display unit 10D, and the communication control unit 16b transmits information to that effect to the imaging terminal 20 (S7). As a result, the imaging terminal 20 also displays a blowing failure on the display unit 20D. Thereafter, the processing shown in Figs. 4 and 5 ends.

[0046] On the other hand, if the specified pressure continues for the first predetermined time (S6: YES), the control unit 16 judges whether the power supply voltage is less than the first voltage (S8). If the power supply voltage is less than the first voltage (S8: YES), the power supply voltage is not boosted sufficiently, so the process proceeds to step S13, and the control unit 16 judges that the pump 13 is broken (S13). On the other hand, if the power supply voltage is not less than the first voltage (S8: NO), it can be said that the power supply voltage is boosted sufficiently. Thereafter, the second function unit 16e drives the pump 13 to draw in the exhaled air (S9). In addition, the process of step S9 is a trigger for the first function unit 16d to start the alcohol concentration measurement process (S10), and the third function unit 16f issues an image capture instruction to the imaging terminal 20 (S11). The process of step S11 causes the imaging terminal 20 to capture an image of the face of the subject T.

[0047] Next, the control unit 16 judges whether the power supply voltage of the pump 13 exceeds a second voltage lower than the first voltage (S12). Here, the power supply voltage is boosted in order for the pump 13 to operate, but the power supply voltage should decrease due to the pump operation.

[0048] Therefore, when the power supply voltage exceeds the second voltage (S12: YES), the power supply voltage of the pump 13 has not dropped and the pump 13 can be said not to be operating, so the control unit 16 determines that the pump 13 has broken down (S13). Then, the notification control unit 16a displays a message to the display unit 10D indicating that the pump has broken down, and the communication control unit 16b transmits information to that effect to the imaging terminal 20 (S14). As a result, the imaging terminal 20 also displays a message to the display unit 20D indicating that the pump has broken down. Thereafter, the processing shown in Figs. 4 and 5 ends.

[0049] On the other hand, if the power supply voltage does not exceed the second voltage (S12: NO), it can be said that the power supply voltage of the pump 13 has dropped and the pump 13 has operated normally. Then, the control unit 16 and the timer unit 16c judge whether the specified pressure has continued during the second predetermined time following the first predetermined time based on the signal from the pressure sensor 12 (FIG. 5: S15). That is, the control unit 16 etc. judge whether the specified pressure has been obtained during the second predetermined time without interruption since the lapse of the first predetermined time.

[0050] If the specified pressure continues during the second predetermined time (S15: YES), the fourth function unit 16g determines that the blowing of the breath was appropriate. Then, the notification control unit 16a displays on the display unit 10D that the blowing has ended (concentration analysis is in progress) and operates the vibration unit 14 to vibrate the housing 10b (S16). In addition, the communication control unit 16b transmits information to that effect to the imaging terminal 20 (S16). As a result, the imaging terminal 20 also displays that the blowing has ended (concentration analysis is in progress).

[0051] Next, the first functional unit 16d judges whether the measurement (analysis) of the alcohol concentration is completed (S17). If the measurement of the alcohol concentration is not completed (S17: NO), this process is repeated until it is determined that the measurement is completed.

[0052] On the other hand, when the alcohol concentration measurement process is completed (S17: YES), the communication control unit 16b transmits information on the alcohol concentration measurement result to the imaging terminal 20 (S18). After that, the control unit 16 executes a cleaning process (S19). Here, when the alcohol concentration measurement is performed, alcohol components may be attached to the alcohol sensor 11, and if a remeasurement is performed immediately, the possibility of obtaining an erroneous measurement result increases. Therefore, cleaning is necessary. Here, the cleaning process depends on the type of alcohol sensor 11, but for a type of sensor that loses the effect of alcohol components when left alone, it is a measurement process of the left-alone time. That is, the control unit 16 calculates the left-alone time according to the measured alcohol concentration, prohibits remeasurement for this calculated time, or displays the countdown of the left-alone time on the display unit 10D. In addition, cleaning is not limited to leaving it alone, but may be heating for a time according to the alcohol concentration or heating to a temperature according to the alcohol concentration, depending on the type of sensor. In this way, the alcohol detection system 1 of this embodiment executes a cleaning process according to the current alcohol concentration measurement result in order to perform the next measurement. After the cleaning process is completed, the process shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is terminated. After the transmission of step S18, the notification control unit 16a may display the measurement result of the alcohol concentration on the display unit 10D. In particular, it is preferable that the notification control unit 16a displays the measurement result after step S37 shown in Fig. 6 described later, for example, at approximately the same timing as step S38.

[0053] On the other hand, if the specified pressure does not continue during the second predetermined time (S15: NO), the fourth function unit 16g determines that the blowing of the breath was not appropriate. Then, the notification control unit 16a displays a blowing failure on the display unit 10D, and the communication control unit 16b transmits information to that effect to the imaging terminal 20 (S20). As a result, the imaging terminal 20 also displays a blowing failure on the display unit 20D.

[0054] Next, the first functional unit 16d determines whether the measurement (analysis) of the alcohol concentration is completed (S21). If the measurement of the alcohol concentration is not completed (S21: NO), this process is repeated until it is determined that the measurement is completed.

[0055] On the other hand, if the alcohol concentration measurement is completed (S21: YES), the control unit 16 executes a cleaning process (S22). This cleaning process is the same as the process in step S19, and the alcohol detection system 1 executes a cleaning process according to the current alcohol concentration measurement result in order to perform the next measurement. After the cleaning process is completed, the process shown in Figs. 4 and 5 ends.

[0056] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the imaging terminal 20 showing the alcohol detection method according to the present embodiment. It is assumed that, prior to the start of the processing in Fig. 6, the imaging terminal 20 is turned on and is connected for communication with the breathalyzer 10. The processing shown in Fig. 6 is repeatedly executed until the imaging terminal 20 is turned off.

[0057] First, the control unit 24 of the imaging terminal 20 judges whether or not information related to display has been received from the breathalyzer 10 (S31). If information related to display has been received (S31: YES), the control unit 24 performs display according to the received information on the display unit 20D (S32). Then, the process shown in FIG. 6 ends.

[0058] On the other hand, if no information regarding display has been received (S31: NO), the control unit 24 judges whether an image capture instruction has been received (S33). If an image capture instruction has been received (S33: YES), the control unit 24 captures an image (S34). Then, the control unit 24 transmits information about the captured image to the external server 30 (S35). In this way, the alcohol detection system 1 according to this embodiment transmits information about the captured image to the external server 30 after capturing an image and before the alcohol concentration measurement result is obtained and displayed (before step S38). Then, the process shown in FIG. 6 ends.

[0059] If the image capture instruction is not received (S33: NO), the control unit 24 judges whether or not information on the alcohol concentration measurement result is received (S36). If the information on the measurement result is not received (S36: NO), the process proceeds to step S31.

[0060] On the other hand, if the measurement result information has been received (S36: YES), first the control unit 24 transmits the measurement result information to the external server 30 (S37). Next, the control unit 24 causes the display unit 20D to display the received measurement result information (S38). In this way, the alcohol detection system 1 according to this embodiment transmits the measurement result information to the external server 30 before the measurement result is displayed. After that, the process shown in FIG. 6 ends.

[0061] In this way, according to the alcohol detection system 1 of this embodiment, when a specified pressure is confirmed during the first predetermined time, the breath is drawn into the alcohol sensor 11, and imaging is performed using this as a trigger. Therefore, the breath is drawn in when imaging is performed, and even if someone tries to commit fraud, such as by switching the person who blows immediately after imaging, the breath blown in after the switch will not be used to measure the alcohol concentration.

[0062] Furthermore, the alcohol detection system 1 performs a measurement process of the alcohol concentration in the breath when the specified pressure is confirmed for a second predetermined time consecutively to the first predetermined time after the imaging. Therefore, the pressure is monitored before and after imaging, and the measurement process is performed by continuous breathing, not when the subject T is replaced by another person only at the moment of imaging, where the breathing is interrupted.

[0063] As a result, it is possible to provide an alcohol detection system 1 that can further reduce the possibility of spoofing.

[0064] Furthermore, before the alcohol concentration measurement result is displayed, the alcohol detection system 1 transmits the captured image and information on the alcohol concentration measurement result to the external server 30. Therefore, even if the subject T attempts to commit fraud such as turning off the power after referring to the measurement result, the captured image and information on the measurement result have already been transmitted, making it difficult to commit fraud.

[0065] Furthermore, the alcohol detection system 1 measures the alcohol concentration even if the specified pressure is not obtained during the second predetermined time after the pump 13 draws in the breath, and executes a cleaning process according to the measurement result of the alcohol concentration. For this reason, the alcohol detection system 1 can prohibit the measurement process for a cleaning time according to the measured alcohol concentration, or display a message to wait for the cleaning time, for example. This prevents remeasurement from being performed immediately without detecting an appropriate breath blowing, and contributes to more accurate measurement of the alcohol concentration when remeasurement is performed.

[0066] Furthermore, the alcohol detection system 1 notifies the failure when abnormal pressure or circuit abnormality is detected prior to checking the specified pressure during the first predetermined time, or pressure equivalent to the blowing of breath for a third predetermined time or more is not detected. This makes it possible to prevent, for example, blowing of gas using a machine or tool other than that of the subject T.

[0067] Furthermore, the alcohol detection system 1 determines that the pump 13 has failed when the power supply voltage operating the solenoid valve which is the pump 13 is less than the first voltage after the power supply voltage boost time (prescribed time) has elapsed and prior to a retraction command. Therefore, the alcohol detection system 1 determines that the pump 13 has failed when the power supply voltage is not strong enough to operate the solenoid valve. This can reduce the possibility that the alcohol concentration cannot be measured due to a failure.

[0068] Furthermore, the alcohol detection system 1 determines that the pump 13 is broken when the power supply voltage exceeds the second voltage after issuing an instruction to draw in breath. Therefore, if the alcohol detection system 1 cannot detect a voltage drop caused by operating the solenoid valve, it is doubtful whether the solenoid valve has operated and determines that there is a breakdown. This can lead to the discovery of inaccurate alcohol concentration measurements due to a breakdown.

[0069] Furthermore, the alcohol detection system 1 vibrates the housing 10b when the warm-up of the alcohol sensor 11 is completed and when it is determined that a specified pressure is obtained during the second predetermined time. Therefore, when the warm-up completion display is overlooked or when the display content is difficult to see, such as during breath blowing, it is possible to easily inform the subject T of these by vibrating the housing 10b.

[0070] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the embodiments may be appropriately combined with each other or with other well-known or publicly known technologies to the extent possible. Furthermore, publicly known or publicly known technologies may be combined to the extent possible.

[0071] For example, in the above steps S3, S7, S14, S16, and S20, the alcohol detection system 1 performs display and vibration, but may also output sounds such as buzzers using the speakers 15 and 23, or output voices according to each display state. Furthermore, the display is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and may be a lit or blinking LED.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above, the pump 13 is a solenoid valve, but it is not limited to a solenoid valve, and may be another pump means such as a motor as long as it is capable of drawing in exhaled air.

[0073] In addition, in the above embodiment, the alcohol detection system 1 captures images using the imaging terminal 20, but video capture may be performed as long as the capture time is not too long. Also, the image capture is not limited to one time, and may be performed multiple times, such as continuous capture.

[0074] Furthermore, in the alcohol detection system 1 according to this embodiment, the housing 10b houses the alcohol sensor 11, the pressure sensor 12, the pump 13, and the control unit 16. However, this is not particularly limited, and the housing 10b may house at least one of these, or may house the camera 21.

[0075] In addition, in the alcohol detection system 1 according to the present embodiment, the breathalyzer 10 and the imaging terminal 20 are separate, but this is not particularly limited and they may be integrated. Furthermore, the alcohol detection system 1 is not limited to being composed of just the breathalyzer 10 and the imaging terminal 20, but may be composed of three or more, for example, including an in-vehicle device.

[0076] Furthermore, the alcohol detection system 1 according to this embodiment vibrates the housing 10b both when the warm-up of the alcohol sensor 11 is completed and when it is determined that the specified pressure is obtained for the second predetermined time. However, this is not limited thereto, and the alcohol detection system 1 may vibrate the housing 10b only in either one of the cases.

[0077] In addition, in this embodiment, the pressure sensor 12 is connected to the flow path pipe F with the alcohol sensor 11 sandwiched between them, but the pressure sensor 12 and the flow path pipe F may be connected by a separate inlet pipe for the pressure sensor 12 without sandwiching the alcohol sensor 11 between them. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1: Alcohol detection system 10: Breathalyzer 10b: Housing 10D:Display section (display means) 11: Alcohol sensor 12: Pressure sensor 13: Pump (pump means) 14: Vibration section 16: Control section (control means) 16a: Notification control unit 16b: Communication control section 16c: Timer section 16d: 1st functional part 16e: 2nd functional section 16f: 3rd functional section 16g: 4th functional part 20: Imaging terminal 20D:Display section (display means) 21: Camera (imaging means) 22: Antenna 24: Control unit (communication means) 30: External server (external device) F: Flow path pipe (flow path section) T: Subject

Claims

1. a flow path through which the subject's breath passes; an alcohol sensor for measuring the concentration of alcohol contained in the breath flowing through the flow path; a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure in the flow path; An imaging means capable of imaging the face of a subject; a pump means for performing a drawing operation to draw the breath in the flow path portion into the alcohol sensor; a control means having a first function of performing a process for measuring an alcohol concentration in breath based on a signal from the alcohol sensor, a second function of issuing an instruction to the pump means to draw in breath, a third function of issuing an instruction to the imaging means to capture an image, and a fourth function of determining whether the blowing of breath was appropriate, When the control means determines based on the signal from the pressure sensor that a pressure equivalent to the blowing of breath during a first predetermined time has been obtained, it issues the retraction instruction to the pump means, and in response to the retraction instruction, starts the measurement process of the alcohol concentration in the breath, and issues the image capture instruction to the image capture means. If it subsequently determines based on the signal from the pressure sensor that a pressure equivalent to the blowing of breath during a second predetermined time has been obtained continuously during the first predetermined time, it determines that the subject's blowing of breath was appropriate. An alcohol detection system comprising:

2. A display means for displaying the measurement result of the alcohol concentration obtained by the measurement process; A communication means capable of communicating with an external device, The communication means transmits an image captured by the imaging means and information on the alcohol concentration measurement result to the external device before the alcohol concentration measurement result is displayed on the display means.

2. The alcohol detection system according to claim 1 .

3. When a pressure corresponding to the blowing of breath is not obtained during the second predetermined time, the control means determines that the blowing of breath by the subject was inappropriate, while continuing the measurement process of the alcohol concentration in the breath based on the signal from the alcohol sensor, and executes a cleaning process according to the measurement result of the alcohol concentration obtained by the measurement process.

2. The alcohol detection system according to claim 1 .

4. The control means determines whether or not the blowing of breath has started based on a signal from the pressure sensor prior to checking the pressure equivalent to the blowing of breath during the first predetermined time, and issues a notice of failure if, in a blowing-waiting state waiting for the start of the blowing of breath, an abnormal pressure exceeding the pressure equivalent to the blowing of breath is detected, if the signal voltage indicated by the pressure sensor is a specific voltage preset as indicating a circuit abnormality, or if a pressure equivalent to the blowing of breath for a third predetermined time or longer is not detected.

2. The alcohol detection system according to claim 1 .

5. The pump means is a solenoid valve, The control means determines that the pump means has failed when a power supply voltage for operating the solenoid valve is less than a first voltage prior to issuing the retract command.

2. The alcohol detection system according to claim 1 .

6. The control means determines that the pump means has failed when the power supply voltage exceeds a second voltage lower than the first voltage after the retract command is issued.

6. The alcohol detection system according to claim 5,

7. a housing that houses at least one of the flow path portion, the alcohol sensor, the pressure sensor, the imaging means, the pump means, and the control means; a vibration unit that is housed in the housing and vibrates the housing, The control means vibrates the housing by the vibration unit at least one of when the warm-up of the alcohol sensor is completed after the power is turned on and when it is determined that a pressure equivalent to the blowing of breath is obtained during the second predetermined time.

2. The alcohol detection system according to claim 1 .

Images