Driver intoxication test system and method

Abstract

A driver intoxication testing system for a vehicle is provided, the system comprising: a simplified intoxication pre-test subsystem for quickly determining whether there is a reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated; an intoxication verification test subsystem for determining whether the driver is intoxicated; and a controller configured to determine whether the simplified intoxication pre-test subsystem detects a reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated. When a reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated is detected, an intoxication verification test is performed, and it is determined whether the driver has passed the intoxication verification test. When a reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated is not detected, the controller does not instruct the intoxication verification test subsystem to perform the intoxication verification test.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to vehicle systems and methods, and more particularly to systems and methods for testing a driver for intoxication. Summary of the Invention

[0002] In one aspect of the invention, a driver intoxication testing system is provided for a vehicle, the system comprising: a sensor assembly configured for mounting within the vehicle to detect at least one intoxicating substance within the vehicle, an intoxication verification testing subsystem configured for mounting within the vehicle, the intoxication verification testing subsystem configured to determine whether the driver is intoxicated, and a controller in communication with the sensor assembly and the intoxication verification testing subsystem. The controller is configured to determine whether the sensor assembly detects an intoxicating substance, and when the sensor assembly detects an intoxicating substance, the controller instructs the intoxication state verification test subsystem to conduct an intoxication state verification test to determine whether the driver has passed the intoxication state verification test, and when the sensor assembly does not detect an intoxicating substance, the controller does not instruct the intoxication state verification test subsystem to conduct an intoxication state verification test.

[0003] In another aspect of the invention, a driver intoxication testing system is provided for a vehicle, the system comprising: a simplified intoxication pre-test subsystem for quickly determining whether there is reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated, an intoxication verification testing subsystem configured for mounting within the vehicle, the intoxication verification testing subsystem configured to determine whether the driver is intoxicated, and a controller in communication with the simplified intoxication pre-test subsystem and the intoxication verification testing subsystem. The controller is configured to determine whether the simple intoxication state preliminary test subsystem has detected a reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated, and when the simple intoxication state preliminary test subsystem has detected a reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated, the controller instructs the intoxication state verification test subsystem to conduct an intoxication state verification test to determine whether the driver has passed the intoxication state verification test, and when the simple intoxication state preliminary test subsystem has not detected a reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated, the controller does not instruct the intoxication state verification test subsystem to conduct an intoxication state verification test.

[0004] In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for testing whether a driver is intoxicated in a vehicle having a vehicle ignition lockout, the method including the steps of: conducting a simplified intoxication pre-test using a sensor subassembly to rapidly determine whether there is reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated; when the simplified intoxication pre-test detects reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated, conducting an intoxication verification test to determine whether the driver is intoxicated; and, when the intoxication verification test determines that the driver is intoxicated, locking out the vehicle ignition lockout. sending a signal to the vehicle ignition lockout to prevent the vehicle from starting when the intoxication verification test determines that the driver is not intoxicated; and sending a signal to the vehicle ignition lockout to allow the vehicle to be started without performing the intoxication verification test when the intoxication verification test determines that the driver is not intoxicated.

[0005] These and other features, advantages and objectives of the present apparatus will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art with reference to the following specification, claims, and accompanying drawings.

[0006] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the following drawings: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for testing driver intoxication for a vehicle.

[0008] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the system for testing driver intoxication shown in FIG.

[0009] [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for testing driver intoxication.

[0010] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a driving fitness testing system integrated into an inside rearview mirror assembly.

[0011] [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the display of the driving fitness testing system of FIGS. 1 and 2, including a moving target icon.

[0012] [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a detailed view of example image data showing sideways and upward gaze directions.

[0013] [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a detailed view of exemplary image data showing a forward gaze direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] For purposes of description herein, it is to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0015] The terms "including," "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements may include not only those elements, but other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises a..." does not preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises that element, without further constraints.

[0016] As used herein, the term "and / or" when used in a list of two or more items means that any one of the listed items may be used by itself or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0017] The following embodiments relate to systems and methods for conducting driver intoxication tests to determine whether a driver is fit to operate a vehicle. As part of a recently passed infrastructure bill, new cars must be equipped with anti-driving technology. However, current impairment tests are time consuming and difficult for automakers to implement. People want to start their cars as soon as they get in. Some driver intoxication tests can take anywhere from 30 seconds to several minutes or more.

[0018] 1 illustrates an example of a driver intoxication testing system 10 for a vehicle. The system 10 may include a simplified intoxication pre-test subsystem 20 for quickly determining whether there is reason to suspect that a driver may be intoxicated, an intoxication verification test subsystem 30 configured for installation in a vehicle and configured to determine whether a driver is intoxicated, and a controller 50 in communication with the simplified intoxication pre-test subsystem 20 and the intoxication verification test subsystem 30. The controller 50 is configured to determine whether the simple intoxication pre-test subsystem 20 detects reasons for suspecting that the driver may be intoxicated, and when the simple intoxication pre-test subsystem 20 detects reasons for suspecting that the driver may be intoxicated, the controller 50 instructs the intoxication verification test subsystem 30 to conduct an intoxication verification test and determines whether the driver has passed the intoxication verification test, and when the simple intoxication pre-test subsystem 20 does not detect reasons for suspecting that the driver may be intoxicated, the controller 50 does not instruct the intoxication verification test subsystem 30 to conduct an intoxication verification test.

[0019] The controller 50 may be coupled to a vehicle bus 40, which may further be coupled to a vehicle control module 45. The vehicle bus 40 may be a CAN bus, a LIN bus, or an Ethernet bus. The controller 50 may also be coupled to the vehicle control module 45 by wireless communication, a dedicated wired connection, or any other form of connection. The vehicle control module 45 may be coupled to a vehicle ignition lockout 47 to enable or disable the vehicle ignition. In this manner, the controller 50 may send a signal to the vehicle control module 45 to enable or disable the vehicle ignition based on whether the driver has passed the intoxication verification test. Thus, in this application, the controller 50 is further configured to send a signal to enable the vehicle ignition when the simplified intoxication pre-test subsystem 20 has not detected a reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated or when the controller 50 determines that the driver has passed the intoxication verification test.

[0020] By administering the simplified intoxication test first, the system 10 can determine within seconds whether there is reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated before initiating the more lengthy and accurate intoxication verification test. Thus, drivers who have no reason to suspect need not go through the entire, more lengthy test every time they take a ride.

[0021] 2, the simplified intoxication screening subsystem 20 may include a sensor subassembly 25 configured to detect at least one intoxicating substance within the vehicle. The sensor subassembly 25 may be mounted within a rearview mirror assembly.

[0022] The sensor subassembly 25 may include an image sensor 26 for capturing images of the vehicle interior to visually detect the presence of an intoxicating substance or for detecting driver movements that provide reason to suspect the driver is intoxicated. The controller 50 may employ artificial intelligence to analyze the images for suspicious behavior.

[0023] The sensor subassembly 25 may additionally or alternatively include a microphone 27 for capturing the driver's voice to detect whether the driver may be intoxicated. For example, the driver may be prompted to speak when entering the vehicle. The microphone 27 may then pick up such speech and the controller 50 may process the speech to detect any slurred speech or other factors that may be a reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated.

[0024] The simplified intoxication screening subsystem 20 may additionally or alternatively include a vapor sensor 28 for sensing vapors of an intoxicating substance within the vehicle. Such vapor sensor 28 may be of a type having a plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors, at least a plurality of nanofibers in at least one of the nanofiber chemical sensors being synthesized with specific functional groups to enable the nanofiber chemical sensor to detect specific substances, such as various drugs. The controller 50 may be configured to analyze signals from the nanofiber chemical sensors and to detect at least one specific substance based on the signals from the nanofiber chemical sensors.

[0025] The intoxication verification test subsystem 30 may include a display 32 and an image sensor 26 for capturing an image of the vehicle driver's eyes. A controller 50 analyzes the image to determine the driver's fitness to operate the vehicle, and thereby whether the driver has passed the intoxication verification test. An example of such a subsystem is disclosed below with reference to Figures 4-6B.

[0026] The intoxication verification test subsystem 30 may additionally or alternatively include a vapor sensor 34 for capturing vapor blown from the driver in the direction of the vapor sensor 34. The controller 50 analyzes the output from the vapor sensor 34 to determine whether the driver has passed the intoxication verification test. The vapor sensor 34 may be separate from the vapor sensor 28 or may be the same sensor.

[0027] The controller 50 may be integrated into the image sensor 26 or may be physically separate from the image sensor 26 .

[0028] The controller 50 may include one or more processors configured to selectively perform the aforementioned tasks, among others. It is therefore understood that the embodiments of the invention described herein may be comprised of one or more conventional processors and specific stored program instructions that control the one or more processors to implement some, most, or all of the functions of the system and / or inside rearview mirror assembly of the invention together with certain non-processor circuitry. The non-processor circuitry may include, but is not limited to, signal drivers, clock circuits, power supply circuits, and / or user input devices. As such, these functions may be interpreted as steps of a method used to utilize or build the classification system. Alternatively, some or all of the functions may be implemented by state machines that do not store program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) in which each function or some combination of certain functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches may also be used. Thus, methods and means of these functions are described herein. Moreover, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein, it is expected that those skilled in the art will be able to readily generate such software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation, despite potentially considerable effort and many design choices motivated, for example, by available time, current technology, and economic considerations.

[0029] Having described above the driver intoxication testing system, a method 100 for testing driver intoxication will now be described with reference to Figure 3. The method may be implemented by the execution of a computer algorithm by the controller 50.

[0030] A method 100 for testing whether a driver is intoxicated in a vehicle having a vehicle ignition lockout 47 typically begins when it is determined at step 102 that the driver has entered the vehicle. The method 100 begins with performing a quick intoxication pre-test using the sensor subassembly to quickly determine whether there is reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated (step 104). If the quick intoxication pre-test detects reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated, the method 100 includes performing an intoxication verification test to determine whether the driver is intoxicated (step 106). If the intoxication verification test determines that the driver is intoxicated, a signal is sent to the vehicle ignition lockout 47 to prevent the vehicle from starting (step 108). If the intoxication verification test determines that the driver is not intoxicated, a signal is sent to the vehicle ignition lockout 47 to allow the vehicle to be started (step 110). If the simplified intoxication pre-test does not detect any reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated (step 104), a signal is sent to the vehicle ignition lockout to allow the vehicle to be started (step 110) without performing an intoxication verification test.

[0031] 4 illustrates an example of an intoxication verification testing subsystem 30 for a vehicle that is mounted within the vehicle using a display 32 and an image sensor 26. This particular embodiment shows the display 32 and image sensor 26 mounted within the vehicle's interior rearview mirror assembly 60, although it will be appreciated that the display 32 and image sensor 26 may be mounted elsewhere in the vehicle.

[0032] The rearview mirror assembly 60 may have a display 32 that extends across substantially the entire length and height of the viewing area of ​​the rearview mirror assembly 60, or the display 32 may extend across only a portion thereof.

[0033] The image sensor 26 may be mounted anywhere in proximity to the display 32 and is shown in FIG. 4 mounted behind the front substrate 114 of the rearview mirror assembly 60. The image sensor 26 may also be mounted within the rearview mirror assembly 60 adjacent to the display 32. The image sensor 26 is mounted to have a field of view 130 that includes the interior space where the driver's 122 head is expected to be located. By mounting the display 32 and image sensor 26 within the vehicle, certain conditions (lighting, distance, background) can be achieved unlike conventional systems built into cell phones. The image sensor 26 may be configured to sense radiation within the NIR spectral range.

[0034] The intoxication verification check subsystem 30 may further include at least one light source 118 configured to output a light emission 120 toward the head of the driver 122. The light source 118 may correspond to one or more infrared emitters configured to output light in the near infrared (NIR) range to illuminate the driver 122 in low light conditions. The light source 118 may be mounted in the rearview mirror assembly 60 or elsewhere in the vehicle.

[0035] As described further below, the display 32 may initially display a preview window 126 showing the driver's eyes 115 so that the driver 122 can be assured that his or her head is correctly positioned to perform the intoxication verification test.

[0036] 2, the controller 50 may be configured to control the display 32 to display the moving marker 150 (FIG. 5) or one or more patterns, to process images captured by the eye 115 of the driver 122 while displaying the moving marker 150 or one or more patterns, and to analyze the images to determine the driver's fitness to operate the vehicle and thereby determine whether the driver 22 has passed the intoxication verification test. The controller 50 may be located anywhere within the vehicle, and in particular may be located within the rearview mirror assembly 60.

[0037] Another advantage of this embodiment is that the driver intoxication test system 10 can be implemented using the display 32 and image sensor 26 already used in the vehicle for the driver identification (DID) system. This would eliminate the need to provide a dedicated image sensor to perform the driver intoxication test. Furthermore, features of the DID system can be used to ensure that the person taking the driver intoxication test is the same person who actually remains in the driver's seat and starts the vehicle. In other words, the system 10 can authenticate the identity of the driver 122 using biometric or similar technology, administer the driver intoxication test to the driver 122, monitor the imaged scene, and detect whether the driver 122 who passed the test remains in the driver's seat or the driver 122 leaves and is then replaced by another person who did not take the intoxication test. Examples of DID systems are disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2019 / 0389485A1, 2020 / 0353868A1, and 2002 / 0186701A1.

[0038] The display 32, image sensor 26 and controller 50 of the driver intoxication testing system 10 may also be used as a driver monitoring system (DMS) to detect when the driver 122 is drowsy or asleep while operating a vehicle. The DMS may also monitor for distraction and other driver conditions. Additionally, the DMS may monitor for driver presence / absence. If the DMS detects that the driver is no longer present, the system may reset the suitability verification. An example of a DMS is disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002 / 0186701 A1.

[0039] A driver's intoxication state may be assessed based on eye measurements in response to stimuli. In such a setup, the image sensor 26 captures images of the driver's eye 115 and, together with the controller 50, monitors the driver's eye responses. The responses may include any one or more of eye movement and target tracking accuracy, pupil dilation, saccadic eye movements, and eyelid movement (closure) frequency, rate, and velocity.

[0040] In the subcategory, eye parameters are measured in response to controlled stimuli, which may be presented on the display 32. In such a setting, the controller 50 controls the display 32 to show a moving marker 150 (FIG. 5), such as a cross mark, and the driver 122 is simply instructed to follow the marker 150 with his or her eye 115. Using the image sensor 26, the system tracks the driver's eye activity to assess the accuracy of the gaze tracking, which accurately estimates the intoxication score.

[0041] 6A and 6B, first image data 152a and second image data 152b are shown. In some implementations, the controller 50 may be configured to monitor the position and / or gaze direction of the driver's 122 eye 115. As depicted in FIG. 6A, the first image data 152a shows the eye 115 directed in a gaze direction 152 in a diagonal upward direction 152 indicated by an arrow. In contrast, FIG. 6B depicts the second image data 152b showing the eye 115 focused in a gaze direction generally directed forward. In the context of the operation of the driver intoxication testing system 10, the gaze direction 152 may correspond to the driver's 122 eye 115 aligned with or directed toward a portion of the display 32 that may depict a moving target 150. The controller 50 may therefore process the image data to determine the gaze direction 152 of the driver 122 relative to the display 32. The gaze direction may be estimated from the image of the eye in several ways. First, the image sensor may monitor the intensity of the retroreflection of illumination from the retina, which varies with the angle of the eye and thus affects the brightness of the observed pupil (similar to the red-eye effect that sometimes occurs when taking pictures with a flash). Second, the system may measure the offset between the pupil and the glint point, which is the reflection of the illuminator from the cornea. Third, the system may measure the offset of the pupil from the estimated center of the observed eye.

[0042] As previously mentioned, the display 32 may show a moving marker 150 and / or one or more patterns. The moving marker 150 may monitor the delay in eye 115 movement while tracking the moving marker 150. The pattern or patterns may measure pupil constriction in response to a bright light flicker. This means that the projected image may be a fixed or alternating pattern.

[0043] To prevent the driver from being replaced after the test, the system 10 may track the driver's head while the driver is in the vehicle, either independently or as part of the operation of the DMS. The system 10 may be configured to require a new intoxication test whenever the vehicle is stopped and the driver's head is out of the field of view of the image sensor 26 for more than a certain period of time. Alternatively, when the intoxication test system 10 is combined with a DID system, the system 10 may be configured to require a driver intoxication test when it detects a change in the identity of the driver after the vehicle is stopped. On the other hand, when the system 10 detects that the driver who just got into the vehicle is the same driver who got out a first period of time (e.g., 2 minutes) ago and was verified at the start of the drive a second period of time (e.g., 20 minutes) ago, the system 10 may accept the driver as verified and not require a new test.

[0044] Another way the driver intoxication testing system 10 may determine that the driver has changed after an intoxication test has been performed is if an existing seat occupancy detector used to issue a seat belt warning or activate an airbag indicates that the driver is no longer seated in the driver's seat for a period of time after the first detection. Another way is to sense whether the driver's door is open, which may require a retest. Additionally, any sensor capable of detecting a person, such as a motion detection system, may be used to look for significant changes that may indicate a driver has changed.

[0045] Preventing driver turnover can also be a useful feature for long-haul trucks: for example, there are problems with professional drivers "selling" driving duties by replacing themselves with unauthorized substitutes, resulting in insurance and liability issues for the company.

[0046] Using the above-described structure of the system 30, various intoxication verification tests can be performed. A method for performing an intoxication verification test can be performed by the controller 50. In this method, the driver 122, using the display 32 as a reference, can adjust the position of the inside rearview mirror assembly 60 so that the image appearing on the display 32 is properly aimed and focused on the eye 115. The driver 122 is then instructed by an audible voice prompt and / or a text message displayed on the display 32 to follow a moving marker 150 displayed on the display 32. The controller 50 then displays the moving marker 150, which can move in a selected pattern. Such a moving pattern can be, for example, horizontal and / or vertical, or can follow a circle or a sine wave. The speed of movement can also be varied. At the same time, the controller 50 receives image data from the image sensor 26 and determines if there is a delay in the movement of the driver's eye 115 relative to the movement of the marker 150. The greater the delay in shifting the driver's gaze, the lower the intoxication score. The controller 50 may then use a look-up table or formula to determine the level of intoxication as a function of the delay. The controller 50 may optionally perform other or additional tests that may determine target tracking accuracy, pupil dilation, saccadic eye movements, and frequency, rate and speed of eyelid movement (closure). The controller 50 may take all of these tests into account to determine a single intoxication score, or a failing score may be given if any one test is failed.

[0047] The above-described driver intoxication testing system 10 offers several advantages over prior art systems, including (1) allowing the driver intoxication testing system 10 to be installed within a vehicle, (2) utilizing existing driver monitoring cameras and existing vehicle displays, (3) integrating at least a portion of the system into the rearview mirror assembly 60 that includes both the image sensor 26 and the display 32, (4) naturally preventing driver turnover after taking an intoxication test, and (5) allowing the intoxication test to be conducted in a more controlled environment (subject, posture, distance, lighting), thereby improving test accuracy.

[0048] Although demonstrated as being incorporated into the rearview mirror assembly 60, it will be understood that one or more components of the driver intoxication testing system 10 may be incorporated into other portions of the vehicle (e.g., an infotainment display, panel, overhead console, visor, center console, steering wheel, etc.).

[0049] Additionally, in some embodiments, the light source 118 may be positioned separate from the rearview mirror assembly 60 (e.g., in an overhead console, vehicle pillar, etc.) while still providing illumination to the field of view of the driver intoxication testing system 10.

[0050] Display 32 may be configured as an LCD, LED, OLED, plasma, DLP, or other display type. Examples of displays that may be utilized are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,572,233 entitled "Rearview Display Mirror," U.S. Patent No. 8,237,909 entitled "Vehicle Rearview Mirror Assembly including Integrated Backlighting for a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)," U.S. Patent No. 8,411,245 entitled "Multi-Display Mirror System and Method for Expanded View around a Vehicle," and U.S. Patent No. 8,339,526 entitled "Vehicle Rearview Mirror Assembly Including a High Intensity Display."

[0051] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the construction of the described invention and other components is not limited to any particular materials. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, except as otherwise noted herein.

[0052] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all of its forms, such as couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) to one another, whether directly or indirectly. Such joining may be static in nature or mobile in nature. Such joining may be accomplished with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and an additional intermediate member that is integrally molded with one another or with the two components as a single unit. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature, unless otherwise specified.

[0053] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments of the invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily recognize that many modifications are possible (e.g., sizes, dimensions, configurations, shapes and proportions of the various elements, parameter values, attachment methods, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the recited subject matter. For example, an element shown as integrally molded may be comprised of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally molded, operation of interfaces may be reversed or otherwise changed, the structure and / or length or width of members or connectors or other elements of the system may be changed, and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between elements may be changed. The elements and / or assemblies of the system may be comprised of any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Consequently, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of other exemplary embodiments as desired without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0054] It will be understood that any described process or step within a described process may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present apparatus. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustration purposes and should not be construed as limiting.

[0055] It should also be understood that variations and modifications can be made in the structures and methods described above without departing from the concepts of the present apparatus, and further, that such concepts are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims unless the claims expressly state otherwise in their words.

[0056] The foregoing description is to be considered as a description of the illustrated embodiments. Modifications of the device will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the device. Accordingly, the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the device. The scope of the present invention is defined by the following claims, which are to be construed in accordance with the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A driver intoxication state testing system for a vehicle, comprising: a sensor assembly configured for mounting within the vehicle to detect at least one intoxicating substance within the vehicle; an intoxication verification check subsystem configured for mounting within the vehicle, the intoxication verification check subsystem configured to determine whether the driver is in an intoxicated state; a controller in communication with the sensor assembly and the intoxication verification test subsystem; Equipped with the controller is configured to determine whether the sensor assembly detects an intoxicating substance; when the sensor assembly detects an intoxicating substance, the controller instructs the intoxication verification test subsystem to perform an intoxication verification test to determine whether the driver has passed the intoxication verification test; When the sensor assembly does not detect an intoxicating substance, the controller does not instruct the intoxication verification test subsystem to perform an intoxication verification test. A system characterized by:

2. The controller is further configured to send a signal to enable a vehicle ignition when the sensor assembly does not detect an intoxicating substance or when the controller determines that the driver has passed the intoxication verification test.

2. The system of claim 1 .

3. The sensor assembly is mounted within a rearview mirror assembly.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The sensor assembly includes an image sensor for capturing images of the interior of the vehicle to visually detect the presence of an intoxicating substance.

4. The system according to claim 1, 2 or 3.

5. The sensor assembly includes a microphone for capturing the driver's voice and detecting whether the driver may be intoxicated.

5. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The sensor assembly includes a vapor sensor for sensing vapors of an intoxicating substance within the vehicle.

6. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the intoxication state verification test subsystem includes a display and an image sensor for capturing an image of the eyes of the driver of the vehicle; The controller analyzes the images to determine the driver's fitness to operate the vehicle, thereby determining whether the driver has passed an intoxication verification test.

7. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The controller is integrated into the image sensor.

8. The system of claim 7.

9. The controller is physically separate from the image sensor.

8. The system of claim 7.

10. The intoxication state verification check subsystem has a vapor sensor for capturing vapor blown from the driver in a direction toward the vapor sensor; The controller analyzes the output from the vapor sensor to determine whether the driver has passed an intoxication verification test.

10. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second sensors are connected to a first power supply.

11. A driver intoxication state testing system for a vehicle, comprising: a rapid intoxication pre-screening subsystem for quickly determining whether there is reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated; and an intoxication verification check subsystem configured for mounting within the vehicle, the intoxication verification check subsystem configured to determine whether the driver is in an intoxicated state; a controller in communication with the simplified intoxication preliminary test subsystem and the intoxication verification test subsystem; Equipped with the controller is configured to determine whether the simplified intoxication pre-screening subsystem detects a reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated; when the simplified intoxication pre-test subsystem detects a reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated, the controller instructs the intoxication verification test subsystem to conduct an intoxication verification test to determine whether the driver passes the intoxication verification test; When the simplified intoxication preliminary test subsystem does not detect a reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated, the controller does not instruct the intoxication verification test subsystem to perform an intoxication verification test. A system characterized by:

12. The simplified intoxication screening subsystem includes a sensor assembly configured to detect at least one intoxicant within the vehicle. The system of claim 11 .

13. The controller is further configured to send a signal to enable a vehicle ignition when the simplified intoxication pre-test subsystem does not detect a reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated or when the controller determines that the driver has passed the intoxication verification test.

13. The system according to claim 11 or 12.

14. The sensor assembly is mounted within a rearview mirror assembly.

14. The system according to claim 12 or 13.

15. The sensor assembly includes an image sensor for capturing images of the interior of the vehicle to visually detect the presence of the intoxicating substance.

15. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

16. The sensor assembly includes a microphone for capturing the driver's voice and detecting whether the driver may be intoxicated.

16. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

17. The simplified intoxication state preliminary test subsystem includes a vapor sensor for detecting vapors of an intoxicating substance within the vehicle.

17. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 16.

18. the intoxication state verification test subsystem includes a display and an image sensor for capturing an image of the eyes of the driver of the vehicle; The controller analyzes the images to determine the driver's fitness to operate the vehicle, thereby determining whether the driver has passed an intoxication verification test.

18. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 17.

19. The intoxication state verification check subsystem has a vapor sensor for capturing vapor blown from the driver in a direction toward the vapor sensor; The controller analyzes the output from the vapor sensor to determine whether the driver has passed an intoxication verification test.

18. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 17.

20. 1. A method for testing for driver intoxication in a vehicle having a vehicle ignition lockout, comprising: conducting a rapid intoxication pre-test using the sensor subassembly to quickly determine whether there is reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated; conducting an intoxication verification test to determine whether the driver is intoxicated when the simplified intoxication preliminary test detects reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated; sending a signal to the vehicle ignition lockout to prevent the vehicle from starting when the intoxication verification test determines that the driver is intoxicated; sending a signal to the vehicle ignition lockout to allow the vehicle to be started when the intoxication verification test determines that the driver is not intoxicated; sending a signal to the vehicle ignition lockout to allow the vehicle to be started without conducting the intoxication verification test when the simplified intoxication preliminary test does not detect reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated; A method comprising:

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