Drunk driving prevention device

Abstract

To provide a drunk driving preventing device capable of suitably preventing drunk driving by an occupantSOLUTION: A drunk driving preventing device 1 includes: a first measuring sensor 10 which is attached to a vehicular seat S and measures an alcohol concentration in air within a vehicle; a second measuring sensor 20 which is attached to the vehicle and measures an alcohol concentration in breath of an occupant; and a control controller 30 having a drinking determination unit which determines the occurrence of drinking of the occupant based on measurement results of the first measuring sensor 10 and the second measuring sensor 20. The drinking determination unit has a first determination unit which determines whether or not the alcohol concentration in air is at least a first reference value and a second determination unit which determines whether the alcohol concentration in breath is a second reference value which is the first reference value or more when the alcohol concentration in air is at least a first reference value and, when the alcohol concentration in breath is the second reference value or more, determines that the passenger is drunk.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drunk driving prevention device, and more particularly to a drunk driving prevention device that is provided in a vehicle to prevent occupants from drinking and driving. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, from the perspective of safe driving, an interlock system has become known in which an alcohol detector is installed near the driver's seat to measure the alcohol concentration in the driver's breath and determine whether the driver has drunk alcohol based on the measurement results, and the vehicle engine is started only if it is determined that the driver has not drunk alcohol (is not in a drunk state). The main types of such systems known are one that measures the alcohol concentration in the driver's breath by having the driver blow into an alcohol detector as described above, and determines whether the driver has drunk alcohol, and another type that measures the alcohol concentration in the air inside the vehicle (more precisely, around the driver's seat inside the vehicle) and determines whether the driver has drunk alcohol (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-202656 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the case of a type in which the driver blows into a breathalyzer, the driver must blow into the breathalyzer every time, which is a nuisance for drivers who never drink alcohol, for example. On the other hand, in the case of a type that measures the alcohol concentration in the air inside the vehicle, although there is no nuisance for the driver, there is a need for some ingenuity to determine as accurately as possible whether the driver has been drinking. For example, in the drunk driving determination device described in Patent Document 1, multiple alcohol detection sensors are installed to accurately measure the alcohol concentration in the air inside the vehicle, and a relatively complicated determination control is performed. This may increase costs and complicate the determination control due to the installation of multiple alcohol detection sensors. In view of the above, there has been a demand for a drunk driving prevention device that reduces the burdensome work for the driver and is capable of accurately determining whether the driver has drunk alcohol with a simple configuration.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a new drunk driving prevention device that can be installed in a vehicle and can effectively prevent occupants from drinking and driving. Another object of the present invention is to provide a drunk driving prevention device that reduces the burdensome work for occupants and is capable of accurately determining whether or not an occupant has drunk alcohol with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above problem is solved by the drunk driving prevention device of the present invention, which is provided in a vehicle and prevents a passenger from drinking and driving, and includes a first measurement sensor attached to a vehicle seat on which the passenger sits or to a vehicle component located around the vehicle seat, and measuring an alcohol concentration in the air inside the vehicle, a second measurement sensor attached to the vehicle and measuring an alcohol concentration in the breath of the passenger, and a control controller having an alcohol drinking judgment unit that judges whether the passenger has drunk alcohol based on the measurement results of the first measurement sensor and the second measurement sensor. The alcohol drinking judgment unit has a first judgment unit that acquires the measurement result of the first measurement sensor and judges whether the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or greater than a first reference value, and a second judgment unit that acquires the measurement result of the second measurement sensor and judges whether the alcohol concentration in the breath is equal to or greater than a second reference value that is higher than the first reference value, and judges that the passenger has drunk alcohol when the alcohol concentration in the breath is equal to or greater than the second reference value. The drinking judgment unit judges that the occupant has drunk alcohol when the alcohol concentration in the breath is lower than the alcohol concentration in the air.This problem is solved by: With the above configuration, it is possible to realize a drunk driving prevention device that reduces the burdensome work for the occupant (driver) and is capable of accurately determining whether the occupant has drunk alcohol with a simple configuration. In detail, the drunk driving prevention device first measures the alcohol concentration in the air around the vehicle seat in the vehicle, and makes a primary determination as to whether or not the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or greater than a first reference value. This primary determination makes it possible to determine whether or not the occupant has drunk alcohol, without the occupant having to take the trouble of blowing into the vehicle. Then, if the primary determination determines that the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or greater than the first reference value, the device requests the occupant to blow into the vehicle, for example, and makes a secondary determination as to whether or not the alcohol concentration in the breath is equal to or greater than a second reference value. This simple configuration of the primary and secondary determinations makes it possible to accurately determine whether or not the occupant has drunk alcohol. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the first reference value is set to a value lower than the second reference value. Therefore, if the alcohol concentration in the air is even slightly high, the occupant is requested to breathe out (requesting a secondary judgment), and an accurate judgment is made based on the measurement result of the alcohol concentration in the breath. This makes it possible to suppress missed detections and false detections when the occupant is actually drunk.

[0007] The above-mentioned problem is solved by the drunk driving prevention device of the present invention, which is provided in a vehicle and prevents a passenger from drinking and driving, and includes a first measurement sensor attached to a vehicle seat on which the passenger sits or to a vehicle component located around the vehicle seat and measuring an alcohol concentration in the air inside the vehicle, a second measurement sensor attached to the vehicle and measuring an alcohol concentration in the breath of the passenger, and a control controller having a drinking judgment unit that judges whether the passenger has drunk alcohol based on measurement results of the first measurement sensor and the second measurement sensor, and the drinking judgment unit includes a first judgment unit that acquires the measurement result of the first measurement sensor and judges whether the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or higher than a first reference value, and a second judgment unit that acquires the measurement result of the second measurement sensor and judges whether the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or higher than the first reference value, and a control controller that acquires the measurement result of the second measurement sensor and judges whether the passenger has drunk alcohol based on measurement results of the first measurement sensor and a control controller that detects whether the passenger has drunk alcohol based on measurement results of the first measurement sensor and a control controller that detects whether the passenger has drunk alcohol based on measurement results of the second measurement sensor and a control controller that detects whether the passenger has drunk alcohol based on measurement results of the first ... The vehicle has a second judgment unit that judges whether the alcohol concentration in the breath is equal to or higher than a second reference value higher than the first reference value, and when the alcohol concentration in the breath is equal to or higher than the second reference value, judges that the occupant has been drinking, and is equipped with a personal authentication device that is attached to the vehicle and performs personal authentication of the occupant, the controller has a memory unit that stores the first reference value set for each occupant, and a reference value update unit that updates the first reference value stored by the memory unit, and when the drinking judgment unit judges that the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or higher than the first reference value and the alcohol concentration in the breath is equal to or lower than the second reference value N consecutive times (N is a natural number equal to or greater than 2), the reference value update unit updates the first reference value to be higher within a range not exceeding the second reference value. In general, it is expected that the accuracy of alcohol consumption judgment based on the measurement result of the alcohol concentration in the air varies depending on the occupant's body type (for example, the position of the occupant's face when seated). Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to prevent frequent discrepancies between the measurement result of the alcohol concentration in the air and the measurement result of the alcohol concentration in the breath. In other words, by setting and updating the first reference value for each occupant, the drinking judgment process can be customized for each occupant. Also, the second reference value is prevented from being too low, which causes frequent requests for measurement by the first sensor. In this case, the control controller sets the initial setting value of the first reference value, which is set for each occupant, to be the detection limit value of the first measurement sensor, and the reference value update unit updates the first reference value to be higher within a range not exceeding the second reference value. As described above, by setting the initial setting value of the first reference value to the detection limit value, it is possible to more accurately detect if the occupant has drunk alcohol.

[0008] In this case, it is preferable that the first measurement sensor is attached to a seat back of the vehicle seat. With the above configuration, it is possible to measure the alcohol concentration in the air around the occupant (the occupant's face) seated in the vehicle seat, and it is possible to more accurately determine whether the occupant has drunk alcohol. Also, it is possible to minimize erroneous measurement of the alcohol concentration in the air caused by factors other than the occupant.

[0009] At this time, the drinking determination unit may determine that the occupant has been drinking if the alcohol concentration in the breath is lower than the alcohol concentration in the air. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent an occupant other than the driver (a occupant who has not consumed alcohol) from impersonating the driver and blowing air into the vehicle to start the engine of the vehicle. In more detail, in cases where the breath alcohol concentration measured by blowing is lower than the air alcohol concentration measured, it is highly likely that a passenger other than the driver is engaging in the above-mentioned impersonation, which will help prevent such impersonation.

[0010] In this case, if the drinking judgment unit is unable to obtain the measurement result of the first measurement sensor within a predetermined time after the drunk driving prevention device begins operating, it acquires the measurement result of the second measurement sensor and judges whether the occupant has drunk alcohol or not based on the measurement result of the second measurement sensor. With the above configuration, even if the first measurement sensor does not work due to a malfunction or the like, it is possible to determine whether the occupant has drunk alcohol, and the vehicle engine can be started if the occupant has not drunk alcohol.

[0011] In this case, the vehicle seat is provided with a seating sensor that is attached to the vehicle seat and outputs a detection signal when it detects that the occupant is seated, and when the drinking alcohol determination unit receives the detection signal from the seating sensor, it acquires the measurement result of the first measurement sensor and determines whether the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or higher than a first standard value, and when the detection signal from the seating sensor is not received within a predetermined time after the drunk driving prevention device begins to operate, it acquires the measurement result of the second measurement sensor and determines whether the occupant has drunk alcohol based on the measurement result of the second measurement sensor. With the above-described configuration, when the seat sensor detects that an occupant is seated, it is possible to efficiently determine whether the occupant has drunk alcohol. In addition, even if it is not detected that the occupant is seated, the occupant is required to blow into the vehicle and the determination is made based on the measurement result of the alcohol concentration in the breath. This makes it possible to prevent the occupant from starting the engine without being seated in order to avoid the determination of whether or not they have drunk alcohol.

[0012] In this case, a door sensor is provided which is attached to the vehicle and outputs a detection signal when it detects that the vehicle door is open, and the control controller controls the first measurement sensor to start operation when it receives the detection signal from the door sensor. With the above-mentioned configuration, as soon as the occupant gets into the vehicle, it is possible to quickly determine whether or not the occupant has consumed alcohol, and the occupant can efficiently start the engine.

[0013] In this case, the vehicle is provided with a remote control device for remotely starting and stopping the engine of the vehicle, and a door sensor that is attached to the vehicle and outputs a detection signal when it detects that the vehicle door is open, and when the control controller receives a detection signal from the door sensor after the engine has been started by the remote control device, it controls the engine to return from an operating state to a stopped state, and when the drinking judgment unit determines that the occupant has drunk alcohol, it keeps the engine in the stopped state, and when the drinking judgment unit determines that the occupant has not drunk alcohol, it controls the engine to return from the stopped state to an operating state. With the above configuration, for example, when a passenger uses a remote control device (e.g., a remote starter), the engine can be forcibly stopped until it is determined that the passenger has not drunk alcohol. This makes it possible to prevent the passenger from starting the engine using the remote control device while avoiding the determination of whether the passenger has drunk alcohol.

[0014] In this case, the drinking determination unit may obtain the measurement result of the first measurement sensor at predetermined time intervals and determine whether or not the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or higher than a first reference value. With the above-described configuration, it is possible to further reduce missed detections and erroneous detections when the occupant is in a drunk state. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, a drunk driving prevention device can be realized that reduces the burden on the occupant (driver) and can accurately determine whether the occupant has drunk alcohol with a simple configuration. In addition, if the alcohol concentration in the air is even slightly high, the occupant is required to breathe in, and an accurate determination is made based on the measurement result of the alcohol concentration in the breath. This makes it possible to suppress missed detections and false detections when the occupant has actually been drinking. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the alcohol concentration in the air around an occupant seated in a vehicle seat can be measured, and it can be determined with greater accuracy whether the occupant has drunk alcohol. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a passenger other than the driver from impersonating the driver and blowing into the vehicle to start the engine. Furthermore, according to the present invention, even if the first measurement sensor is not activated, it is possible to determine whether the occupant has drunk alcohol. According to the present invention, when the seating sensor detects that the occupant is seated, it is possible to efficiently determine whether the occupant has drunk alcohol. It is also possible to prevent an attempt to avoid determining whether the occupant has drunk alcohol by starting the engine of the vehicle when the occupant is not seated. Furthermore, according to the present invention, as soon as the occupant gets into the vehicle, it is possible to quickly determine whether or not the occupant has consumed alcohol, and the occupant can efficiently start the engine. Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the occupant uses the remote control device, the engine can be forcibly kept in a stopped state until it is determined that the occupant has not consumed alcohol. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent frequent discrepancies between the measurement results of the alcohol concentration in the air and the measurement results of the alcohol concentration in the breath, i.e., it is possible to customize the process of determining whether the driver is drunk or not for each occupant. Furthermore, according to the present invention, by setting the initial setting value of the first reference value to the detection limit value, it is possible to more accurately detect if the occupant has drunk alcohol. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a drunk driving prevention device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the vehicle seat, showing the arrangement of a first measurement sensor and a seating sensor. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware and software configurations of the drunk driving prevention device; [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a drunk driving prevention process. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a drinking determination process. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a drunk driving prevention process according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, the drunk driving prevention device of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. This embodiment relates to an invention of a drunk driving prevention device that is installed in a vehicle and prevents occupants from drinking and driving, and is mainly characterized by having a first measurement sensor that measures the alcohol concentration in the air inside the vehicle, a second measurement sensor that measures the alcohol concentration in the occupant's breath, and a control controller having a drinking judgment unit that judges whether the occupant has drunk alcohol based on the measurement results of the first measurement sensor and the second measurement sensor. The "front side of the vehicle" means the side of the vehicle seat (driver's seat) on which a passenger (driver) sits relative to the seat back.

[0020] The drunk driving prevention device 1 of this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle V as shown in FIG. 1, and is a device for preventing the occupant (driver) from drinking and driving, and is capable of accurately determining whether the occupant has drunk alcohol while minimizing the bothersome task of blowing into the vehicle. Specifically, the drunk driving prevention device 1 first measures the alcohol concentration in the air inside the vehicle, and makes a "primary determination" as to whether or not the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or greater than a first reference value. This primary determination makes it possible to easily determine whether or not the occupant has drunk alcohol. If the result of the primary determination indicates that the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or greater than the first reference value, the device requests the occupant to blow into the air, and makes a "secondary determination" as to whether or not the alcohol concentration in the breath is equal to or greater than a second reference value. This simple configuration of the primary and secondary determinations makes it possible to accurately determine whether or not the occupant has drunk alcohol.

[0021] <Hardware configuration of the drunk driving prevention device> The drunk driving prevention device 1 comprises a first measurement sensor 10 attached to a vehicle seat S for measuring the alcohol concentration in the air, a second measurement sensor 20 attached to a dashboard V1 for measuring the alcohol concentration in the occupant's breath, a control controller 30 attached to the vehicle V for determining whether the occupant has drunk alcohol based on the measurement results of the first measurement sensor 10 and the second measurement sensor 20, an interlock device 40 controlled by the control controller 30 for switching the engine V2 between a startable state and an unstartable state, and an in-vehicle monitor 50 and an in-vehicle speaker 60 for notifying the user of the content based on the determination result of the control controller 30. The drunk driving prevention device 1 also includes a seating sensor 70 attached to the vehicle seat S for detecting whether an occupant is seated, a door sensor 80 attached to the door V3 for detecting whether the door V3 is open, a remote control device 90 for remotely starting and stopping the engine V2, and a personal authentication device 100 attached to the dashboard V1 for personal authentication of the occupant.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first measurement sensor 10 is a gas measurement sensor that measures the alcohol concentration in the air, and is, for example, a small-sized olfactory sensor (membrane surface stress sensor (MSS)). The first measurement sensor 10 is attached to the seat back S1 of the vehicle seat S. More specifically, the first measurement sensor 10 is attached to an upper end portion of the seat back S1 and disposed between left and right headrest pillars S3a that support the headrest S3. Therefore, the first measurement sensor 10 can measure the alcohol concentration in the air around the occupant (the occupant's face) seated in the vehicle seat S. In other words, it is possible to avoid erroneous measurement of the alcohol concentration in the air caused by factors other than the occupant as much as possible.

[0023] The vehicle seat S includes a seat back S1, a seat cushion S2, and a headrest S3. The seat back S1 is a backrest portion that supports the back of an occupant from behind, and is configured by placing a cushion material S1a on a back frame (not shown) that serves as a skeleton, and covering the cushion material S1a with a skin material S1b. The seat cushion S2 is a seating portion that supports an occupant from below, and is configured by placing a cushion material S2a on a cushion frame (not shown) that serves as a skeleton, and covering the cushion material S2a with a skin material S2b. The headrest S3 supports the head of an occupant from behind, and is configured by placing a cushion material S3b on a headrest pillar S3a serving as a core material, and covering it with a skin material S3c. In the above-described configuration, the first measurement sensor 10 is disposed between the cushion material S1a and the cover material S1b in the seat back S1, and is stored in a storage recess (not shown) formed in the cushion material S1a.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the second measurement sensor 20 is an alcohol checker that measures the alcohol concentration in the occupant's breath, and has an inlet 21 through which the occupant blows his breath, and a gas measurement sensor 22 that measures the alcohol concentration in the occupant's breath blown into the inlet 21. The second measurement sensor 20 is mounted on the dashboard V1 and positioned adjacent to the steering wheel V4.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the control controller 30 is a control device that performs overall electrical control of the drunk driving prevention device 1, and is connected to the first measurement sensor 10, the second measurement sensor 20, the interlock device 40, the in-vehicle monitor 50, the in-vehicle speaker 60, the seat sensor 70, the door sensor 80, the remote control device 90, and the personal authentication device 100 via an in-vehicle network. Specifically, it is a computer equipped with a CPU as a data arithmetic and control processing device, ROM and RAM as storage devices, and a communication interface for sending and receiving information data via an in-vehicle network.

[0026] In addition to a main program that performs the necessary functions of a computer, the memory device of the control controller 30 also stores a drunk driving prevention program, and the functions of the drunk driving prevention device 1 are performed by executing these programs by the CPU. The remote control device 90 and the personal authentication device 100 are also equipped with computers having similar hardware configurations.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the interlock device 40 is a locking device that switches between a "startable state" in which the engine V2 can be started and a "non-startable state" in which the engine V2 cannot be started, and is installed inside the vehicle V. For example, when it is determined that the occupant has not consumed alcohol, the interlock device 40 receives a predetermined control signal from the controller 30 and can switch from the "unstartable state" to the "startable state."

[0028] The in-vehicle monitor 50 and the in-vehicle speaker 60 are a display monitor (display unit) and a speaker (sound transmission unit) for notifying the user of the content based on the result of the drinking alcohol determination by the controller 30, and are respectively attached to the dashboard V1. For example, when it is determined that the occupant has not drunk alcohol, the in-vehicle monitor 50 can receive a control signal from the controller 30 and display a guide such as "Please start the engine" on the monitor screen. In addition, when it is determined that the occupant has drunk alcohol, the in-vehicle speaker 60 can receive a control signal from the controller 30 and emit a guidance voice such as "The engine cannot be started."

[0029] As shown in Figures 1-3, the seating sensor 70 is a pressure sensor that outputs a detection signal to the control controller 30 when it detects that an occupant is seated, and is attached to the surface of the seat cushion S2 of the vehicle seat S. More specifically, the seating sensor 70 is disposed between the cushion material S2a and the cover material S2b in the seat cushion S2, and is housed in a housing recess (not shown) formed in the cushion material S2a. The door sensor 80 is a door opening / closing sensor that outputs a detection signal to the controller 30 when it detects that the vehicle door V3 is open, and is attached inside the door V3.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the remote control device 90 is a device that allows a passenger to remotely start and stop the engine V2, and is, for example, a remote engine starter. In detail, the remote control device 90 is mounted inside the vehicle V and has a starter main body (device main body) that performs starting and stopping operations of the engine V2, and a remote control that accepts specified user operation inputs and outputs specified input signals to the starter main body. When the remote control device 90 is in the “unstartable state” due to the interlock device 40, for example, the remote control device 90 cannot start the engine V2 even if it receives an input to start the engine V2 by a user operation.

[0031] As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the personal authentication device 100 is a device for performing personal authentication of an occupant seated in a vehicle seat S, and is, for example, a face authentication device. In detail, the personal authentication device 100 has a photographing camera 110 attached to the dashboard V1, which acquires "photographic data" of the occupant's face in real time, compares it with "occupant identification data (e.g., facial image data)" of the occupant pre-registered in a database, and identifies the occupant based on the comparison result. The personal authentication device 100 operates, for example, when the seating sensor 70 detects that an occupant is seated, performs personal authentication of the occupant, and transmits identification information (occupant identification data) of the identified occupant to the control controller 30. <Functions of the drunk driving prevention device> As shown in FIG. 3, from a functional standpoint, the control controller 30 mainly comprises a memory unit 31 for storing various programs and various data, a reference value setting unit 32, a reference value updating unit 33, a communication unit 34 for transmitting and receiving various data, a drinking judgment unit 35, and an output unit 36 ​​(control execution unit). These are composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, a communication interface, and various programs.

[0032] Describing the remote control device 90 from a functional standpoint, its main components are a memory unit 91 that stores various programs and various data, a communication unit 92 that transmits and receives various data to and from the control controller 30, an operation data creation unit 93 that receives user operation input and creates "operation data," and an operation execution unit 94 that executes operation processing based on the "operation data." For example, the operation data creation unit 93 receives an input of a user operation for starting the engine by the occupant and creates "operation data." The operation execution unit 94 acquires the "operation data" and executes the start of the engine V2.

[0033] Regarding the personal authentication device 100, from the functional aspect, it comprises, as main components, a database 101, a communication unit 102, and an occupant identification unit 103 that performs personal authentication of an occupant. The database 101 stores a plurality of "occupant identification data (face image data)" indicating the identification details of the occupant who drives the vehicle V. The occupant identification unit 103 acquires "photographed data" of the occupant (occupant's face) through the photographing camera 110, compares the "photographed data" with "occupant identification data" stored in advance in the database 101, and identifies the occupant based on the comparison result.

[0034] The functions of the controller 30 will be described in detail below. The storage unit 31 stores "reference value data." The "reference value data" is table data indicating the correspondence between the occupants (occupant attributes) registered in the personal authentication device 100 (database 101) and the first and second reference values, and is updated as needed and stored in a centralized manner. By referring to the reference value data, the controller 30 can execute a drinking judgment process suited to each individual occupant.

[0035] The reference value setting unit 32 initially sets a "first reference value" and a "second reference value" that are reference values ​​for drunk driving for each occupant. The "first reference value" is a reference value for the alcohol concentration in the air inside a vehicle, and the "second reference value" is a reference value for the alcohol concentration in the breath of an occupant. More specifically, the reference value setting unit 32 initially sets the "first reference value" to be lower than the "second reference value." In other words, when performing the alcohol drinking judgment, if the alcohol concentration in the air is even slightly high, the occupant is required to breathe in, and an accurate judgment is made based on the measurement result of the alcohol concentration in the breath. This makes it possible to prevent missed detections and false detections when the occupant is actually drunk.

[0036] Specifically, the standard value setting unit 32 initially sets the "first standard value" to 0.10 mg / L, which is a standard value lower than the legal standard, and initially sets the "second standard value" to 0.15 mg / L, which is a standard value based on the legal standard. That is, the "first standard value" is set to a standard value stricter than the "second standard value." Also, the "first standard value" is set uniformly regardless of the occupant. The initial setting value of the "first reference value" is not particularly limited and can be changed. For example, the reference value setting unit 32 may initially set the "first reference value" to be the detection limit value of the first measurement sensor 10 (for example, 0.01 mg / L).

[0037] The reference value update unit 33 updates the "first reference value" for each occupant. In detail, when the drinking judgment unit 35 judges that the air alcohol concentration of a given occupant is equal to or higher than the "first reference value" and the breath alcohol concentration is equal to or lower than the "second reference value" N consecutive times (N is a natural number equal to or greater than 2), the reference value update unit 33 updates the "first reference value" to be higher within a range not exceeding the "second reference value." For example, when the "first reference value" for a specific occupant is initially set to 0.01 mg / L, the reference value update unit 33 can update the "first reference value" to 0.05 mg / L if the above condition is satisfied. The reference value update unit 33 may update the "first reference value" to a lower value when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Also, the reference value update unit 33 may update the "second reference value" when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0038] The communication unit 34 transmits and receives data between the control controller 30 and the first measurement sensor 10, the second measurement sensor 20, the interlock device 40, the in-vehicle monitor 50, the in-vehicle speaker 60, the seat sensor 70, the door sensor 80, the remote control device 90 and the personal authentication device 100 via the in-vehicle network. For example, the communication unit 34 receives measurement results (measurement result data) from the first measurement sensor 10 and the second measurement sensor 20. Then, when it is determined that the occupant has not consumed alcohol, it transmits control data (control signal) to the interlock device 40 to switch from the "unstartable state" to the "startable state."

[0039] The drinking alcohol determination unit 35 determines whether the occupant has drunk alcohol based on the measurement results of the first measurement sensor 10 and the second measurement sensor 20. More specifically, the drinking determination section 35 has a first determination section 35a, a second determination request section 35b, and a second determination section 35c.

[0040] The first determination unit 35a acquires the measurement result data from the first measurement sensor 10, and determines whether or not the alcohol concentration in the air around the occupant (the occupant's face) is equal to or higher than a "first reference value." The second judgment request unit 35b requests the occupant to blow breath toward the second measurement sensor 20 (blow inlet 21) when the first judgment unit 35a judges that the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or higher than the "first standard value." Specifically, the second judgment request unit 35b notifies the occupant via the in-vehicle monitor 50 and the in-vehicle speaker 60, for example, to "blow into the vehicle," to inform the occupant that a more accurate drinking judgment needs to be made. The second determination unit 35c acquires the measurement result data from the second measurement sensor 20, and determines whether the alcohol concentration in the breath of the occupant is equal to or higher than the "second reference value."

[0041] The drinking determination unit 35 determines that the occupant has been drinking alcohol when the second determination unit 35c determines that the breath alcohol concentration is equal to or higher than the "second reference value." On the other hand, if the first judgment unit 35a judges that the alcohol concentration in the air is less than the "first standard value", or if the second judgment unit 35c judges that the alcohol concentration in the breath is less than the "second standard value", it is judged that the occupant has not consumed alcohol.

[0042] In addition, the drinking determination unit 35 may determine that the occupant has been drinking if the alcohol concentration in the occupant's breath is lower than the alcohol concentration in the air. This makes it possible to prevent a passenger other than the driver (a passenger who has not consumed alcohol) from impersonating the driver and blowing air into the vehicle to start the engine V2.

[0043] In addition, if the drinking judgment unit 35 is unable to obtain measurement result data from the first measurement sensor 10 within a predetermined time after the drunk driving prevention device 1 begins operating, it obtains measurement result data from the second measurement sensor 20 and judges whether the occupant has drunk alcohol or not based on the measurement result of the second measurement sensor 20. By doing so, even if the first measurement sensor 10 does not work due to a malfunction, it is possible to determine whether the occupant has drunk alcohol, and if the occupant has not drunk alcohol, the engine V2 can be started.

[0044] In addition, when the drinking alcohol determination unit 35 receives a detection signal from the seat sensor 70, it may acquire measurement result data from the first measurement sensor 10 and determine whether the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or higher than the "first standard value." In this case, if a detection signal from the seat sensor 70 is not received within a predetermined time after the drunk driving prevention device 1 begins operating, measurement result data is obtained from the second measurement sensor 20, and whether or not the occupant has drunk alcohol is determined based on the measurement results of the second measurement sensor 20. This makes it possible to efficiently determine whether an occupant who is actually seated is drunk. Even if the occupant is not detected as being seated, the occupant is requested to blow into the vehicle, which prevents the occupant from starting the engine V2 without the occupant seated, thereby avoiding the drunk judgment.

[0045] In addition, the drinking determination unit 35 may obtain measurement result data from the first measurement sensor 10 at predetermined time intervals and determine whether or not the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or higher than the "first reference value." This can further reduce missed detections and false detections when the occupant has drunk alcohol.

[0046] The output unit 36 ​​outputs predetermined control data (control signals) to the interlock device 40, the in-vehicle monitor 50, the in-vehicle speaker 60, etc. via the in-vehicle network, and controls the interlock device 40, the in-vehicle monitor 50, and the in-vehicle speaker 60 to perform predetermined operations. In detail, when the drinking judgment unit 35 judges that the occupant has not drunk alcohol, the output unit 36 ​​transmits control data to the interlock device 40 and controls the interlock device 40 to switch from a "non-startable state" to a "startable state." In addition, when the drinking judgment unit 35 judges that the occupant has drunk alcohol, the output unit 36 ​​controls the output unit 36 ​​to transmit control data to the in-vehicle monitor 50 (in-vehicle speaker 60) and display a guide (guidance voice) such as "The engine cannot be started" to notify the occupant as a user.

[0047] In addition, when the output unit 36 ​​receives a detection signal from the door sensor 80 after the engine V2 has been started by the remote control device 90, it is preferable that the output unit 36 ​​controls the engine V2 to return from the "operating state" to the "stopped state." Then, when the drinking determination unit 35 determines that the occupant has drunk alcohol, the output unit 36 ​​may control the engine V2 to remain in the "stopped state", or when the drinking determination unit 35 determines that the occupant has not drunk alcohol, the output unit 36 ​​may control the engine V2 to return from the "stopped state" to the "operating state". In this way, for example, when a passenger uses the remote control device 90, the engine V2 can be forcibly stopped until it is determined that the passenger has not drunk alcohol. In other words, it is possible to prevent the passenger from starting the engine V2 using the remote control device 90 while avoiding the drunk alcohol determination.

[0048] The functions of the drunk driving prevention device 1 described above make it possible to appropriately prevent the occupant (driver) from drinking and driving. In other words, it is possible to reduce the burden on the occupant and accurately determine whether the occupant has drunk alcohol with a simple configuration.

[0049] <How to prevent drinking and driving> Next, the processing of the drunk driving prevention program (drunk driving prevention method) executed by the drunk driving prevention device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The above-mentioned program in this embodiment is a program for realizing the above-mentioned memory unit 31, reference value setting unit 32, reference value update unit 33, communication unit 34, drinking judgment unit 35, and output unit 36 ​​as functional components of a control controller 30 having a memory unit 31, and the CPU of the control controller 30 executes this drunk driving prevention program. The program is executed, for example, when a user (passenger) opens the door V3 (see the flow in FIG. 4), or when a user operates the remote control device 90 (see the flow in FIG. 6). In the flow of FIG. 4, initially, the interlock device 40 is in the "unstartable state", and the engine V2 cannot be started even if the occupant uses the driving key of the vehicle V.

[0050] The drunk driving prevention process flow shown in FIG. 4 starts with step S1 in which the controller 30 receives a detection signal from the door sensor 80 and detects that the door V3 has been opened. When the controller 30 (output unit 36) detects that the door V3 is opened, it controls the first measurement sensor 10, the second measurement sensor 20, etc. to start operating.

[0051] Then, in step S2, the controller 30 receives a detection signal from the seating sensor 70 and detects that an occupant is seated in the vehicle seat S. When the seating sensor 70 is in a state where it is transmitting a detection signal (turned on), it is understood that an occupant is seated in the vehicle seat S.

[0052] Then, in step S3, the controller 30 acquires the "occupant identification data" of the occupant seated in the vehicle seat S from the personal authentication device 100, and identifies the occupant. More specifically, the personal authentication device 100 acquires "photographed data" of the face of the occupant through the photographing camera 110, compares the "photographed data" with "occupant identification data" stored in advance in the database 101, and identifies the occupant based on the comparison result. Then, the personal authentication device 100 transmits the "occupant identification data" of the identified occupant to the controller 30. The controller 30 acquires the "occupant identification data" of the identified occupant.

[0053] Then, in step S4, the controller 30 (the drinking alcohol determination section 35) determines whether the identified occupant has drunk alcohol, and the output section 36 executes a predetermined control based on the determination result. In detail, when the drinking judgment unit 35 judges that the occupant has drunk alcohol, the output unit 36 ​​controls the interlock device 40 to keep it in the "unstartable state" and controls the vehicle monitor 50 (vehicle speaker 60) to notify the occupant of the user. In addition, if it is determined that the occupant has not consumed alcohol, the output unit 36 ​​transmits control data to the interlock device 40, and controls the interlock device 40 to switch from a "non-startable state" to a "startable state." After passing through steps S1 to S4, the process of FIG. 4 ends.

[0054] Next, the "drinking determination process" in step S4 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The drinking alcohol determination process flow shown in FIG. 5 starts with step S4-1 in which the drinking alcohol determination unit 35 acquires “measurement result data” from the first measurement sensor 10. More specifically, the first measurement sensor 10 measures the alcohol concentration in the air around the vehicle seat S, and transmits "measurement result data" to the controller 30. Then, the drinking determination unit 35 acquires the "measurement result data."

[0055] Then, in step S4-2, the first determination unit 35a determines whether or not the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or higher than the "first reference value" based on the "measurement result data". More specifically, the first determination unit 35a determines a "first reference value" set for each occupant by referring to the "reference value data" stored in the storage unit 31. Note that the occupant has already been identified by the "occupant identification process" in step S3. Then, the first determination unit 35a determines whether or not the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or greater than a "first reference value" set for each occupant.

[0056] If it is determined that the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or greater than the "first reference value" (step S4-2: Yes), the process proceeds to step S4-3. In step S4-3, the second determination request unit 35b requests the occupant to blow breath toward the second measurement sensor 20 (blow inlet 21). Specifically, a user notification such as "Please blow breath" is given to the occupant. On the other hand, if it is determined that the alcohol concentration in the air is less than the "first reference value" (step S4-2: No), the process proceeds to step S4-7.

[0057] Then, the drinking alcohol determination unit 35 acquires the “measurement result data” from the second measurement sensor 20 in step S4-4. More specifically, the second measurement sensor 20 measures the alcohol concentration in the breath of the occupant, and transmits "measurement result data" to the controller 30. Then, the drinking alcohol determination unit 35 acquires the "measurement result data."

[0058] Then, in step S4-5, the second determination unit 35c determines whether or not the breath alcohol concentration is equal to or higher than the "second reference value" based on the "measurement result data". If it is determined that the breath alcohol concentration is equal to or greater than the "second reference value" (step S4-5: Yes), the process proceeds to step S4-6. On the other hand, if it is determined that the breath alcohol concentration is less than the "second reference value" (step S4-5: No), the process proceeds to step S4-7.

[0059] Next, in step S4-6, the output unit 36 ​​controls the interlock device 40 to keep the vehicle in the "unstartable state" and issues a user notification to the occupants via the in-vehicle monitor 50 (in-vehicle speaker 60) to notify them not to drink and drive. In detail, when the output unit 36 ​​determines that the occupant has drunk alcohol, it transmits control data to the in-vehicle monitor 50 (in-vehicle speaker 60) and controls the display of a guide (guidance voice) such as "The engine cannot be started" to notify the occupant as a user. On the other hand, in step S4-7, the output unit 36 ​​controls the interlock device 40 to switch from the "unstartable state" to the "startable state", and notifies the occupant through the in-vehicle monitor 50 (in-vehicle speaker 60) that the vehicle can be driven. In detail, when the output unit 36 ​​determines that the occupant has not consumed alcohol, it transmits control data to the in-vehicle monitor 50 (in-vehicle speaker 60) and controls the display of a guide (guidance voice) such as "Please start the engine" to notify the occupant as a user.

[0060] After going through steps S4-1 to S4-6 (or step S4-7) above, the process of FIG. 5 ends. The above-described configuration of the drunk driving prevention program reduces the burdensome work for the driver and enables a simple configuration to accurately determine whether the driver has drunk alcohol.

[0061] Next, a case where the drunk driving prevention program of the second embodiment is executed in response to a user's operation of the remote control device 90 will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, the interlock device 40 is initially in a "startable state", which means that the occupant can use the remote control device 90 to start the engine V2.

[0062] The drunk driving prevention process flow shown in FIG. 6 starts with step S101 in which an occupant operates the remote control device 90 from outside the vehicle V, causing the remote control device 90 to start the engine V2.

[0063] Then, in step S102, the controller 30 receives a detection signal from the door sensor 80 and detects that the door V3 has been opened. Then, in step S103, the controller 30 (the output unit 36) controls the engine V2 to switch from the "operating state" to the "stopped state". This is to forcibly keep the engine V2 in a stopped state until it is determined that the occupant has not drunk alcohol when using the remote control device 90. This makes it possible to prevent the act of starting the engine V2 by using the remote control device 90 while avoiding the drinking alcohol determination process.

[0064] Then, in step S104, the controller 30 receives a detection signal from the seating sensor 70 and detects that an occupant is seated in the vehicle seat S. Then, in step S105, the controller 30 acquires the "occupant identification data" of the occupant seated in the vehicle seat S from the personal authentication device 100, and identifies the occupant.

[0065] Then, in step S106, the controller 30 (the drinking alcohol determination section 35) determines whether the identified occupant has drunk alcohol, and the output section 36 executes a predetermined control based on the determination result. More specifically, if it is determined that the occupant has consumed alcohol, the output unit 36 ​​controls the engine V2 to remain in a "stopped state." Moreover, if it is determined that the occupant has not consumed alcohol, the output unit 36 ​​controls the engine V2 to return from the "stopped state" to the "operating state." Details of the "drinking determination process" in step S106 are similar to those in step S4.

[0066] After passing through steps S101 to S106, the process of FIG. 4 ends. With the above-described configuration of the drunk driving prevention program, even if the occupant starts the engine V2 using the remote control device 90, the occupant cannot avoid the drinking judgment process when driving the vehicle V. In addition, with a simple configuration, it is possible to accurately judge whether the driver has drunk alcohol.

[0067] <Other embodiments> In the above embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the first measurement sensor 10 is attached to the seat back S1 of the vehicle seat S, but this is not particularly limited and can be modified. For example, the first measurement sensor 10 may be attached to the seat cushion S2 or the headrest S3. Alternatively, the first measurement sensor 10 may be attached to a vehicle component located around the vehicle seat S. The "vehicle component" may be, for example, a seat belt device (webbing) or comfort, or may be a dashboard, a ceiling panel, a steering wheel, or the like.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the output unit 36 ​​controls switching of the interlock device 40 and controls the in-vehicle monitor 50 (in-vehicle speaker 60) to issue a specified user notification based on the judgment result of the drinking judgment unit 35, but the control content by the output unit 36 ​​may be changed as appropriate. That is, when it is determined that the occupant has drunk alcohol, the output unit 36 ​​may control the vehicle V so that the occupant cannot drive the vehicle V. For example, the output unit 36 ​​may control the vehicle V so that the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal do not function, or the occupant cannot change gears. The output unit 36 ​​may control the vehicle V so that the drive key insertion hole is blocked.

[0069] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the personal authentication device 100 performs personal authentication of the occupant by photographing the face of the occupant, but a personal authentication technique other than face authentication may be used. For example, a body pressure sensor may be mounted inside the vehicle seat S, and the skeletal structure of the occupant may be measured based on the body pressure sensor, thereby performing personal authentication of the occupant. Also, for example, personal authentication of the occupant may be performed by data communication with a smartphone (mobile terminal) used by the occupant.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the control controller 30 controls the timing at which the first measurement sensor 10 starts measuring, for example, controlling it so that measurement starts a predetermined time after the occupant sits in the seat, but the timing at which measurement starts may be changed as appropriate. For example, the first measurement sensor 10 may start measurement when the occupant operates a measurement start button (not shown). Alternatively, the first measurement sensor 10 may start measurement when the occupant inserts the driving key of the vehicle V.

[0071] In the above embodiment, a drunk driving prevention program is stored in a recording medium readable by the drunk driving prevention device 1 (controller 30), and processing is performed by the control controller 30 reading and executing the program. Here, the recording medium readable by the control controller 30 refers to a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, etc.

[0072] In the above embodiment, a drunk driving prevention device used in an automobile was described as a specific example, but without being limited thereto, the drunk driving prevention device can also be used in vehicles such as trains, buses, as well as airplanes, ships, etc.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the drunk driving prevention device according to the present invention has been mainly described. However, the above embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] V Vehicles V1 Dashboard V2 Engine V3 Door (vehicle door) V4 Handle S Vehicle seat S1 Seat Back S1a, S2a, S3b cushioning material S1b, S2b, S3c skin material S2 Seat Cushion S3 Headrest S3a Headrest pillar 1. Drunk driving prevention device 10 First measurement sensor 20 Second measurement sensor 21 Air inlet 22 Gas measurement sensor 30 Controller 31 Storage section 32 Reference value setting section 33 Reference value update section 34 Communications Department 35 Drinking Determination Department 35a 1st judgment part 35b Second judgment request section 35c 2nd judgment part 36 Output section 40 Interlocking Device 50 In-vehicle monitor 60 Car Speaker 70 Seat Sensor 80 Door Sensor 90 Remote Control Device 91 Storage section 92 Communications Department 93 Operation Data Creation Department 94 Operation Execution Unit 100 Personal authentication device 101 Database 102 Communications Department 103 Crew Identification Department 110 Photo camera

Claims

1. A drunk driving prevention device provided in a vehicle for preventing a driver from drinking and driving, A first measurement sensor that is attached to a vehicle seat on which an occupant sits or to a vehicle component located around the vehicle seat and that measures an alcohol concentration in the air within the vehicle; a second measurement sensor attached to the vehicle for measuring an alcohol concentration in the breath of the occupant; a controller having a drinking determination unit that determines whether the occupant has drunk alcohol based on the measurement results of the first measurement sensor and the second measurement sensor; The drinking determination unit is a first determination unit that acquires a measurement result of the first measurement sensor and determines whether or not the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or greater than a first reference value; a second determination unit that, when the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or greater than the first reference value, acquires a measurement result from the second measurement sensor and determines whether or not the alcohol concentration in the breath is equal to or greater than a second reference value that is higher than the first reference value; If the alcohol concentration in the breath is equal to or greater than the second reference value, it is determined that the occupant has been drinking alcohol; The drinking-driving prevention device is characterized in that the drinking determination unit determines that the occupant has been drinking if the alcohol concentration in the breath is lower than the alcohol concentration in the air.

2. A drunk driving prevention device provided in a vehicle for preventing a driver from drinking and driving, A first measurement sensor that is attached to a vehicle seat on which an occupant sits or to a vehicle component located around the vehicle seat and that measures an alcohol concentration in the air within the vehicle; a second measurement sensor attached to the vehicle for measuring an alcohol concentration in the breath of the occupant; a controller having a drinking determination unit that determines whether the occupant has drunk alcohol based on the measurement results of the first measurement sensor and the second measurement sensor; The drinking determination unit is a first determination unit that acquires a measurement result of the first measurement sensor and determines whether or not the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or greater than a first reference value; a second determination unit that, when the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or greater than the first reference value, acquires a measurement result from the second measurement sensor and determines whether or not the alcohol concentration in the breath is equal to or greater than a second reference value that is higher than the first reference value; If the alcohol concentration in the breath is equal to or greater than the second reference value, it is determined that the occupant has been drinking alcohol; a personal authentication device attached to the vehicle for performing personal authentication of the occupant; The controller includes: a storage unit that stores the first reference value set for each occupant; a reference value update unit that updates the first reference value stored in the storage unit, The reference value update unit, When the alcohol consumption determination unit determines that the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or higher than the first reference value and that the alcohol concentration in the breath is equal to or lower than the second reference value N times in a row (N is a natural number equal to or greater than 2), A drunk driving prevention device, characterized in that the first reference value is updated so as to be higher within a range not exceeding the second reference value.

3. the controller sets an initial setting value of the first reference value, which is set for each occupant, to be a detection limit value of the first measurement sensor; 3. The drunk driving prevention device according to claim 2, wherein the reference value update unit updates the first reference value so as to be higher within a range not exceeding the second reference value.

4. 4. The drunk driving prevention device according to claim 1, wherein the first measurement sensor is attached to a seat back of the vehicle seat.

5. The drinking determination unit is If the measurement result of the first measurement sensor cannot be obtained within a predetermined time after the operation of the drunk driving prevention device is started, 5. The drunk driving prevention device according to claim 1, further comprising: acquiring a measurement result of the second measurement sensor; and determining whether the occupant has drunk alcohol based on the measurement result of the second measurement sensor.

6. a seating sensor attached to the vehicle seat and outputting a detection signal when it detects that the occupant is seated; The drinking determination unit is When receiving a detection signal from the seat sensor, a measurement result from the first measurement sensor is acquired, and it is determined whether or not the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or greater than a first reference value; A drunk driving prevention device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that if a detection signal from the seat sensor is not received within a predetermined time after the drunk driving prevention device begins to operate, the measurement result of the second measurement sensor is obtained, and whether or not the occupant has drunk alcohol is determined based on the measurement result of the second measurement sensor.

7. a door sensor attached to the vehicle and configured to output a detection signal when detecting that a vehicle door is open; 7. The drunk driving prevention device according to claim 1, wherein the controller controls the first measurement sensor to start operation when the controller receives a detection signal from the door sensor.

8. a remote control device for remotely starting and stopping the engine of the vehicle; a door sensor attached to the vehicle and outputting a detection signal when detecting that a vehicle door is open; The controller includes: When a detection signal from the door sensor is received after the engine is started by the remote control device, the engine is controlled to be switched from an operating state to a stopped state; 8. The drunk driving prevention device according to claim 1, wherein when the drinking judgment unit determines that the occupant has drunk alcohol, the engine is continued in a stopped state, and when the drinking judgment unit determines that the occupant has not drunk alcohol, the engine is controlled to return from the stopped state to an operating state.

9. 9. The drunk driving prevention device according to claim 1, wherein the drinking judgment unit acquires the measurement result of the first measurement sensor at predetermined time intervals and judges whether the alcohol concentration in the air is equal to or higher than a first standard value.

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