Driver intoxication state inspection 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 present 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 intoxicant 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 present 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 and determines 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 present invention, a method for testing whether a driver is intoxicated in a vehicle having a vehicle ignition lockout is provided, the method including the steps of: conducting a simple intoxication preliminary test using a sensor subassembly to quickly determine whether there is reason to suspect the driver may be intoxicated; when the simple intoxication preliminary test detects reason to suspect 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, sending a signal to the vehicle ignition lockout to allow the vehicle to be started; and when the preliminary intoxication test does not detect reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated, sending a signal to the vehicle ignition lockout to allow the vehicle to be started without conducting the intoxication verification test.

[0005] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention 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 explanation of the drawings]

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

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

[0009] [Figure 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 incorporated into an inside rearview mirror assembly.

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

[0012] [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a detailed view of exemplary 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 INVENTION

[0014] For purposes of description herein, it is to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings, 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 related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered 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 comprising a list of elements may include not only those elements, but also 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 a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises that element, without further constraints.

[0016] As used herein, the term "and / or" when used in connection with 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-drunk 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 longer.

[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 within the vehicle and configured to determine whether the 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 state preliminary test subsystem 20 has detected reasons to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated, and when the simple intoxication state preliminary test subsystem 20 has detected reasons to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated, the controller 50 instructs the intoxication state verification test subsystem 30 to conduct an intoxication state verification test and determines whether the driver has passed the intoxication state verification test, and when the simple intoxication state preliminary test subsystem 20 has not detected reasons to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated, the controller 50 does not instruct the intoxication state verification test subsystem 30 to conduct an intoxication state verification test.

[0019] The controller 50 may be coupled to the vehicle bus 40, which may be further coupled to the 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 via 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. Therefore, in the present application, the controller 50 is further configured to send a signal to enable the vehicle ignition when the simplified intoxication pre-screening subsystem 20 does not detect 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 get in the car.

[0021] 2, the simplified intoxication screening subsystem 20 may include a sensor subassembly 25 configured to detect at least one intoxicant 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 interior of the vehicle to visually detect the presence of intoxicating substances or for detecting driver movements that provide reason to suspect the driver is intoxicated. The controller 50 may utilize artificial intelligence to analyze the images for suspicious behavior.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, the sensor subassembly 25 may 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 getting into 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 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 detecting vapors of an intoxicating substance within the vehicle. Such vapor sensor 28 may be of a type having multiple nanofiber chemical sensors, with at least multiple nanofibers in at least one of the nanofiber chemical sensors synthesized with specific functional groups to enable the nanofiber chemical sensor to detect specific substances, such as various pharmaceuticals. 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 determines 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 by 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, among other things, one or more processors configured to selectively perform the aforementioned tasks. It is therefore understood that the embodiments of the present invention described herein may be configured with 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 present invention in conjunction with specific 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 construct 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 specific functions is implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches may also be used. Therefore, methods and means for these functions are described herein. Furthermore, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein, it is expected that one of ordinary skill 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 the driver intoxication testing system above, 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 for driver intoxication in a vehicle having a vehicle ignition lockout 47 typically begins when a driver is determined to have entered the vehicle in step 102. Method 100 begins with conducting a simplified intoxication pre-test using a sensor subassembly to quickly determine whether there is reason to suspect the driver may be intoxicated (step 104). If the simplified intoxication pre-test detects reason to suspect the driver may be intoxicated, method 100 includes conducting 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, allowing the vehicle to be started (step 110). If the simplified intoxication pre-test does not detect reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated (step 104), a signal is sent to the vehicle ignition lockout, allowing the vehicle to be started (step 110) without conducting an intoxication verification test.

[0031] 4 illustrates an example of an intoxication verification test subsystem 30 for a vehicle 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 should 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 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 a vehicle, certain conditions (lighting, distance, background) can be achieved, unlike conventional systems integrated into mobile phones. The image sensor 26 may be configured to sense radiation in 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 within 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 their head is correctly positioned to perform the intoxication verification test.

[0036] 2, controller 50 may be configured to control display 32 to display moving marker 150 (FIG. 5) or one or more patterns, to process images captured by eye 115 of driver 122 while displaying 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 driver 22 has passed the intoxication verification test. Controller 50 may be located anywhere within the vehicle, and in particular may be located within 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 for administering 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, and monitor the captured scene to detect whether the driver 122 who passed the test remains in the driver's seat or whether the driver 122 leaves and is subsequently replaced by someone who did not take the intoxication test. Examples of DID systems are disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Publications 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 if the driver 122 is drowsy or asleep while operating a vehicle. The DMS may also monitor for distractions 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 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 state of intoxication may be assessed based on measurements of the driver's eyes in response to stimuli. In such a configuration, the image sensor 26 captures images of the driver's eyes 115 and, in conjunction 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 the frequency, rate, and velocity of eyelid movement (closure).

[0040] In a 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 their eye 115. Using the image sensor 26, the system tracks the driver's eye activity to assess the accuracy of 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's eye 115. As depicted in FIG. 6A, the first image data 152a shows the eye 115 directed in a gaze direction 152 diagonally upward, as indicated by the arrow. In contrast, FIG. 6B depicts the second image data 152b, which shows the eye 115 focused in a gaze direction directed generally forward. In the context of operation of the driver intoxication testing system 10, the gaze direction 152 may correspond to the driver's 122's eye 115 being aligned with or directed toward a portion of the display 32 that may depict a moving target 150. Accordingly, the controller 50 may process the image data to determine the driver's 122's gaze direction 152 relative to the display 32. The gaze direction may be estimated from the eye image in several ways. First, the image sensor can monitor the intensity of the retroreflection of illumination from the retina. This reflection intensity varies with the angle of the eye, thus affecting the brightness of the observed pupil (similar to the red-eye effect that sometimes occurs when taking photos with a flash). Second, the system can measure the offset between the pupil and the glint point, which is the reflection of the illuminator from the cornea. Third, the system can 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 one or more patterns may measure pupil constriction in response to bright flickering light. This means that the projected image may be a fixed or alternating pattern.

[0043] To prevent driver substitution after a test, the system 10, either independently or as part of the operation of a DMS, may track the driver's head while the driver is in the vehicle. 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 upon detecting a change in the driver's identity after the vehicle is stopped. On the other hand, if the system 10 detects that the driver who just got into the vehicle is the same driver who exited a first period (e.g., two minutes) earlier and was verified at the start of the drive a second period (e.g., 20 minutes) earlier, 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 administered is if an existing seat occupancy detector used to issue a seat belt warning or deploy 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 change.

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

[0046] Using the above-described structure of system 30, various intoxication verification tests can be performed. A method for performing an intoxication verification test can be implemented by controller 50. In this method, driver 122, using display 32 as a reference, can adjust the position of interior rearview mirror assembly 60 so that the image appearing on display 32 is properly aimed and focused on eye 115. Driver 122 is then instructed by audible voice prompts and / or text messages displayed on display 32 to follow a moving marker 150 displayed on display 32. Controller 50 then displays moving marker 150, which can move in a selected pattern. Such a movement 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. Simultaneously, controller 50 receives image data from image sensor 26 and determines whether there is a delay in the movement of driver's eye 115 relative to the movement of marker 150. The greater the delay in shifting the driver's gaze, the lower the intoxication score. Controller 50 may then use a look-up table or formula to determine the level of intoxication as a function of delay. Controller 50 may optionally perform other or additional tests that may determine target tracking accuracy, pupil dilation, saccadic eye movements, and the frequency, rate, and speed of eyelid movement (closure). 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 a 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 intoxication tests to be conducted in a more controlled environment (object, 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 parts 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 inventions and other components is not limited to any particular materials. Other exemplary embodiments of the inventions 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 its forms, including couple, coupling, and coupled) generally refers to the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) to one another, whether directly or indirectly. Such joining may be essentially static or essentially movable. Such joining may also be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and an additional intermediate member integrally molded with one another or with the two components as a single unit. Such joining may be permanent in nature, or may be detachable 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. While 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., the size, dimensions, configuration, shape and proportions of the various elements, parameter values, attachment methods, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) without departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the enumerated subject matter. For example, an element shown as being integrally molded may be comprised of multiple parts or elements where multiple parts are shown as being integrally molded, the operation of interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, 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 altered. 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 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 illustrative 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 terms.

[0056] The foregoing description is considered to be a description of exemplary embodiments. Modifications to 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 for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the device. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A driver intoxication 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 intoxicated; a driver detection subsystem that determines whether the driver has swapped positions in the driver's seat; a controller in communication with the sensor assembly, the driver detection subsystem, and the intoxication verification check 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 passes 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; When the driver detection subsystem determines that the driver has swapped positions in the driver's seat with another person, the controller instructs the intoxication verification test subsystem to conduct an intoxication verification test to determine whether the other person has passed the 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.

2. The system of claim 1.

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, wherein the first and second inputs are connected to a first input port.

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

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second inputs are connected to a first input port.

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

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second inputs are connected to a first input port.

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 drive the vehicle, thereby determining whether the driver passed an intoxication verification test.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second inputs are connected to a first input port.

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.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second inputs are connected to a first input port.

11. A driver intoxication 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; an intoxication verification check subsystem configured for mounting within the vehicle, the intoxication verification check subsystem configured to determine whether the driver is intoxicated; a driver detection subsystem that determines whether the driver has swapped positions in the driver's seat; a controller communicating with the simplified intoxication state preliminary test subsystem, the driver detection subsystem, and the intoxication state verification test subsystem; Equipped with the controller is configured to determine whether the simplified intoxication screening subsystem detects reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated; when the simplified intoxication pre-test subsystem detects reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated, the controller instructs the intoxication verification test subsystem to conduct an intoxication verification test and determines whether the driver passes the intoxication verification test; When the simplified intoxication pre-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 conduct an intoxication verification test; When the driver detection subsystem determines that the driver has swapped positions in the driver's seat with another person, the controller instructs the intoxication verification test subsystem to conduct an intoxication verification test to determine whether the other person has passed the 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 reason to suspect the driver may be intoxicated or when the controller determines that the driver has passed the intoxication verification test.

13. The system of claim 12.

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

13. The system of claim 12.

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 to detect whether the driver may be intoxicated.

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

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

15. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

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 drive the vehicle, thereby determining whether the driver passed an intoxication verification test.

15. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

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.

15. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

20. 1. A method for testing for driver intoxication in a vehicle having a vehicle ignition lockout, comprising: conducting a quick intoxication pre-test using the sensor subassembly to quickly determine whether there is reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated; when the preliminary intoxication test detects reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated, administering an intoxication verification test to determine whether the driver is intoxicated; monitoring the driver's seat to determine whether the driver who has taken the intoxication state verification test has switched positions with another person, and requesting a re-test to determine whether the driver has switched positions with another person; 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 pre-test does not detect reason to suspect that the driver may be intoxicated; A method comprising:

21. The driver detection subsystem is a driver identification subsystem for determining the identity of the driver who has taken the intoxication verification test and for determining when another person is present in the driver's seat.

2. The system of claim 1.

22. The driver detection subsystem is a driver monitoring subsystem for tracking the head of the driver who has undergone the intoxication verification test and determining whether the driver's head has been out of view for more than a specified period of time.

2. The system of claim 1.

23. The driver detection subsystem includes a driver's seat occupancy detector that detects when the driver is seated in the driver's seat and when the driver is away from the driver's seat for more than a specified period of time.

2. The system of claim 1.

24. The driver detection subsystem is a driver identification subsystem for determining the identity of the driver who has taken the intoxication verification test and for determining when another person is present in the driver's seat. The system of claim 11 .

25. The driver detection subsystem is a driver monitoring subsystem for tracking the head of the driver who has undergone the intoxication verification test and determining whether the driver's head has been out of view for more than a specified period of time. The system of claim 11 .

26. The driver detection subsystem includes a driver's seat occupancy detector that detects when the driver is seated in the driver's seat and when the driver is away from the driver's seat for more than a specified period of time. The system of claim 11 .

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