Vehicle occupant alcohol intoxication detection system and method

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to driver safety and, more particularly, to systems and methods related to detecting intoxication of vehicle occupants.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional systems can use image sensors to identify intoxicated drivers. However, such systems may not adequately identify intoxicated drivers or may require expensive hardware to be installed in the vehicle. Therefore, there is a need for improvement in detecting intoxication of vehicle occupants.

Summary of the Invention

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

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

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

[0006] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated herein by reference. A more complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention and recognition of their further advantages is provided to those skilled in the art by considering the following detailed descriptions of one or more embodiments. First, a brief reference is made to the drawings of the attached sheet. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows various vehicle systems according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows the arrangement of sensor assemblies within a vehicle according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows vehicle restriction levels for a vehicle according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows a sensor assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This figure shows a perspective view of the sensor assembly shown in Figure 4, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This figure shows front and rear perspective views of a sensor module of a sensor assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart of a method for detecting the level of intoxication of one or more vehicle occupants according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This figure shows an exemplary calculation or processing system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9]This figure shows an exemplary system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This figure shows exemplary sensor readings of an alcohol intoxication sensor assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] The embodiments of this disclosure and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description below. Note that the sizes of the various components and the distances between them are not depicted to scale in the figures. It should be understood that similar reference numbers are used to identify similar elements shown in one or more of the figures. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to systems and methods relating to using in-cabin sensors to identify a driver who is intoxicated and to adjusting vehicle performance and / or parameters based on the detected level of intoxication. When it is determined that the driver is intoxicated, an alert or alarm may be generated, and vehicle operation may be restricted based on the level of intoxication.

[0010] Multiple sensor assemblies (e.g., arrays of sensors) may be used to detect which of multiple vehicle occupants is intoxicated based on alcohol and / or carbon dioxide levels at different locations within the vehicle. If the sensor system determines that the driver is intoxicated, one or more alerts may sound or be displayed, and vehicle operation may be restricted, regardless of whether the passengers are intoxicated. If the sensor system determines that the driver is not intoxicated, but one or more passengers are, vehicle operation may remain normal.

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

[0012] The battery 110 may be any device used as a power source, for example, any device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. For example, the battery 110 may include one or more electrochemical batteries having an external connection to power the electrical system of the vehicle 100. The battery 110 may be rechargeable by an alternator 112, etc., and may include many types or configurations, in particular lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries, or wet cell batteries.

[0013] The powertrain 114 is an assembly of all components that are capable of propelling and moving the vehicle 100 (for example, moving the vehicle 100 forward or backward). For example, the powertrain 114 may utilize power from a motor and / or engine to deliver power to one or more wheels of the vehicle 100 via the drivetrain. Depending on the application, the drivetrain may include, in particular, a transmission, drive shafts, one or more axles, and a differential, or any combination thereof, among the drivetrain components.

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

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

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

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

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

[0019] Sensor 118 may include any number and type of sensors that support the operation of the vehicle 100 or any other operation described herein (e.g., drunk driving detection and / or safety mitigation). For example, sensor 118 may include, in particular, accelerometers, inertial measurement units (IMUs), vehicle speed sensors, engine / motor sensors, brake sensors, steering sensors, or cameras, or any combination thereof.

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

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

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

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of sensor assemblies within vehicle 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 2, drunkenness detection system 116 may include a plurality of sensor assemblies 210 disposed at different locations within vehicle 100 (e.g., within cabin 212 of vehicle 100). For example, drunkenness detection system 116 may include one or more sensor assemblies 210 arranged to detect the drunkenness level of the driver and one or more sensor assemblies 210 arranged to detect the drunkenness level of passengers. In this way, drunkenness detection system 116 may determine which of the multiple occupants in vehicle 100 is drunk based on the levels detected at different locations (e.g., alcohol level, carbon dioxide level, etc.).

[0024] Continuing with reference to Figure 2, the array of sensor assembly 210 may include a first sensor assembly 210A, a second sensor assembly 210B, and a third sensor assembly 210C. The first sensor assembly 210A may be located in a first location within the vehicle 100, for example, in the front driver area of ​​the vehicle 100. The second sensor assembly 210B may be located in a second location within the vehicle 100, for example, in the front passenger area of ​​the vehicle 100. The third sensor assembly 210C may be located in a third location within the vehicle 100, for example, in the rear passenger area of ​​the vehicle 100. As shown, the first sensor assembly 210A may be located on the driver's kick panel of the vehicle 100, the second sensor assembly 210B may be located on the front passenger kick panel of the vehicle 100, and the third sensor assembly 210C may be facing the rear passenger area of ​​the vehicle 100 and located on or behind the center console of the vehicle 100, for example, behind the center console.

[0025] Such a configuration is merely illustrative, and the sensor assembly 210 may be located elsewhere within the vehicle 100. For example, the sensor assembly 210 may be located in any suitable location for detecting the intoxication levels of the driver and passengers (e.g., front and rear passengers). Suitable locations include locations within the vehicle cabin where airflow turbulence is minimal, regardless of windows and HVAC settings. In embodiments, the intoxication detection system 116 may consider whether one or more windows are open when determining the intoxication levels of the driver and / or passengers of the vehicle 100.

[0026] Figure 3 shows vehicle restriction levels for a vehicle according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 3, the drunk driving detection system 116 may receive inattentive driving indicators determined for the driver of vehicle 100. For example, one or more systems in vehicle 100 may monitor the driver for one or more signs of inattentive driving, such as vehicle swaying and / or lane departure, failure to maintain a constant speed, sudden or frequent use of the brakes, or a hunched posture. In such embodiments, the drunk driving detection system 116 may receive an indication that the driver is inattentive and / or a level of driver inattentiveness based on the detected driving behavior.

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

[0028] The first restriction level 310 may apply when the driver is inattentive but no alcohol is detected in relation to the driver (e.g., in the driver area), for example, when only the passengers are intoxicated. When the first restriction level 310 is set for vehicle 100, HMI messages or other indicators (e.g., display icons) may be provided to help the driver concentrate on the road and surrounding traffic.

[0029] A second limit level 320 may be applied when the driver is inattentive and a low alcohol level is detected in relation to the driver (e.g., in the driver area). When the second limit level 320 is set for vehicle 100, HMI messages or other indicators (e.g., display icons) may be provided to help the driver focus on the road and surrounding traffic. The HMI messages / icons may be the same as those provided in the first limit level 310.

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

[0031] A fourth limit level 340 may be applied when the driver is negligent and a high alcohol level is detected for an extended period with respect to the driver (e.g., in the driver area). When the fourth limit level 340 is set for vehicle 100, a new HMI message or other indication (e.g., a display icon) may be provided to warn the driver, for example, about the detected level of intoxication and / or limit level. Furthermore or alternatively, the intoxication detection system 116 may, among other actions, reduce the top speed limiter, disable vehicle ignition, perform emergency maneuvers to pull over to the shoulder, and / or contact a safety network, or any combination thereof.

[0032] Figures 4 to 6 show various diagrams of a sensor assembly 210 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a diagram showing a sensor assembly 210 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 4, the sensor assembly 210 includes a sensor module 410 housing one or more sensors, as detailed below. In embodiments, the sensor assembly 210 may include a funnel element 416 connected to (e.g., mounted) the end of the sensor module 410, for example. As shown, the sensor module 410 may include one or more electrical connectors 422 (e.g., DB9 connectors or any other type of connector) for electrically connecting the sensor module 410 to a vehicle 100 (e.g., a drunk driving detection system 116). As shown, the electrical connectors 422 may be located at the end of the sensor module 410 opposite the funnel element 416, but other configurations are envisioned.

[0033] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a sensor assembly 210 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 5, the sensor module 410 may define a housing 512 through which air can pass (e.g., actively or passively). In such embodiments, the funnel element 416 may be configured to direct an occupant breath sample in the vehicle 100 into the housing 512, for example, to the inlet of the housing 512. As shown, the funnel element 416 may be a conical housing, but other shapes and configurations are conceivable. The funnel element 416 may interface with the interior of the vehicle 100. For example, the funnel element 416 may be discreetly mounted to a part of the vehicle 100, particularly a headliner, panel, steering column, or seat.

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

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

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

[0037] Figure 6 shows front and rear perspective views of a sensor module 410 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 6, the fan 518 may be formed integrally with the housing 512 (e.g., in a single unit), and one or more mounting tabs 608 are positioned around the fan 518 to connect the funnel element 416 to the sensor module 410. As shown, the carbon dioxide sensor 530 may be inserted and secured to the side of the housing 512. The alcohol sensor 528 may be inserted and secured to the end 614 of the housing 512, for example, behind the connector 422. Such embodiments are merely illustrative, and the sensor module 410 may include other configurations.

[0038] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a method 700 for detecting the level of intoxication of one or more vehicle occupants according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. For illustrative purposes, the method 700 is described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 6, but the method 700 is not limited to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6. Note that one or more operations in Figure 7 may be combined, omitted, and / or performed in different orders as desired.

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

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

[0041] In block 730, method 700 may include receiving an inattentive driving index determined for the driver of vehicle 100. The inattentive driving index may be determined based on detected signs relating to inattentive driving, including, for example, vehicle swaying and / or lane departure, failure to maintain a constant speed, sudden or frequent use of the brakes, and a hunched posture. The inattentive driving index may be determined by the drunk driving detection system 116 or received by the drunk driving detection system 116 from one or more systems of vehicle 100 (e.g., vehicle system 124).

[0042] In block 740, method 700 may include setting a vehicle restriction level for vehicle 100 based on the driver's inattention index and level of intoxication. For example, block 740 may include selecting a restriction level from among several restriction levels based on the driver's inattention index and level of intoxication. The vehicle restriction level may be similar to those described above with reference to Figure 3.

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

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

[0045] Controllers 802 in various embodiments may include one or more processors, microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), electronic control units, image processing units (GPUs), single-core processors, multi-core processors, microcontrollers, programmable logic devices (PLDs) (e.g., field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processing (DSP) devices, or other logic devices, which may be configured to perform various operations described herein in relation to embodiments of the present disclosure by hardwiring, execution of software instructions, or a combination of both. Controllers 802 may be configured to interface and communicate with various other components of the system 800 to perform such operations. For example, controllers 802 may be configured to receive and process data received from a network and / or one or more sensors (e.g., sensor 118), store the data in memory 804, and / or retrieve the stored data from memory 804.

[0046] The controller 802 may include a combination of hardware and software processing functions and may be provided in and / or mounted in a manner communicative to other components to execute appropriate instructions, such as software instructions and / or processing parameters, stored in memory 804. In various embodiments, the controller 802 may be configured to execute software instructions stored in memory 804 to perform various methods, processes, or operations as described herein.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0053] The processing board 910 may include a combination of hardware and software processing functions and may be provided together with and / or mounted in a manner communicative to other components to execute appropriate instructions, such as software instructions and / or processing parameters, stored in memory. In various embodiments, the processing board 910 may be configured to execute software instructions stored in memory to perform various methods, processes, or operations as described herein.

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

[0055] The controller 914 and / or the processing board 910 may include one or more processors, microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), electronic control units, image processing units (GPUs), single-core processors, multi-core processors, microcontrollers, programmable logic devices (PLDs) (e.g., field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processing (DSP) devices, or other logic devices, which may be configured to perform various operations described herein in relation to embodiments of the present disclosure by hardwiring, execution of software instructions, or a combination of both. The controller 914 may be configured to interface and communicate with various other components of the system 900 to perform such operations. For example, the controller 914 may be configured to receive and process data received from a network and / or one or more sensors (e.g., a sensor assembly 210), store the data in memory, and / or retrieve the stored data from memory. In this embodiment, the controller 914 may include a communication module configured to facilitate wired and / or wireless communication between various system components in a network (for example, via a local area network ("LAN") such as an intranet or a wide area network ("WAN") such as the Internet, e.g., external devices 940.

[0056] As shown, the controller 914 may be connected to the processing board 910 via general-purpose inputs / outputs (GPIOs), such as neutral digital signal pins, on an integrated circuit or electronic circuit board controllable by the controller 914, although other configurations are conceivable. In one embodiment, the controller 914 may be connected to the host PC 950 via a USB connection or the like.

[0057] The display 920 may be connected to the processing board 910 (for example, via a digital serial interface) and may include one or more display elements or user interfaces. For example, the display 920 may be a touchscreen including a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables touch control operations of the system 900 (or various components of the system 900) via the display 920.

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

[0059] Camera 932 is connected to processing board 910 and may provide one or more images of the occupants of vehicle 100. For example, one or more images of the driver may be captured by camera 932 to facilitate the determination of inattentive driving indicators relating to the driver, as described above. In embodiments, images captured by camera 932 may be used to determine or assist in determining whether the driver or passenger is intoxicated.

[0060] Figure 10 shows exemplary sensor readings of a sensor assembly 210 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 10, a controller or logic device (e.g., a drunkness detection system 116, controller 802, processing board 910, and / or controller 914) may receive one or more sensor signals from the sensor assembly 210, such as an alcohol reading 1010 and / or a carbon dioxide reading 1020. The alcohol reading 1010 may be acquired at a first sample rate, and the carbon dioxide reading 1020 may be acquired at a second sample rate. Depending on the application, the first and second sample rates may be the same or different. When they are the same, the spikes in alcohol and carbon dioxide detection may be aligned in the graph. When samples are acquired at different rates, the spikes in alcohol and carbon dioxide detection may be offset, as shown in Figure 10. In either case, increased alcohol (e.g., ethanol) readings and / or increased carbon dioxide readings may indicate, based on the detected values, that the occupant is intoxicated.

[0061] Where applicable, the various embodiments provided herein may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Where applicable, the various hardware and / or software components described herein may be combined into composite components comprising software, hardware, and / or both, without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Where applicable, the various hardware and / or software components described herein may be separated into subcomponents comprising software, hardware, or both, without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. In addition, where applicable, it is assumed that software components may be implemented as hardware components, and vice versa.

[0062] The software described herein, including non-temporary instructions, program code, and / or data, may be stored on one or more non-temporary machine-readable media. The software identified herein may also be implemented using one or more general-purpose or dedicated computers and / or computer systems, networks, and / or other devices. Where applicable, the order of the various steps described herein may be modified, combined into compound steps, and / or separated into substeps in order to provide the functionality described herein.

[0063] While certain preferred embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art may conceive of various other modifications. Therefore, it should be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of the broader invention and do not limit it, and that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific structures and arrangements shown and described. The present invention encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the claims.

[0064] For example, elements and teachings of various embodiments may be combined whole or in part in some or all of the embodiments. In addition, one or more elements and teachings of various embodiments may be omitted at least partially and / or combined at least partially with one or more other elements and teachings of various embodiments. In addition, although various steps, processes, and procedures are described as occurring as separate acts, one or more steps, one or more processes, and / or one or more procedures may also occur in various orders, simultaneously, and / or sequentially. In some embodiments, steps, processes, and / or procedures may be combined into one or more steps, processes, and / or procedures. In some embodiments, one or more operating steps of each embodiment may be omitted. The inventions disclosed herein include the following embodiments: [Aspect 1] It is a system, Multiple sensor assemblies located in different locations within the vehicle, Controller and The controller is equipped with, Based on an analysis of the sensor signals received from the plurality of sensor assemblies, it is determined which of the multiple occupants in the vehicle is intoxicated. A system configured to output an alert based on the determination that the driver of the vehicle is intoxicated. [Aspect 2] The aforementioned controller, Based on the driver's first level of intoxication, a first alert is issued. The system according to embodiment 1, configured to output a second alert based on a second level of intoxication of the driver. [Aspect 3] The system according to embodiment 1, wherein the controller is configured to activate one or more safety features of the vehicle based on the driver's level of intoxication. [Aspect 4] The system according to embodiment 3, wherein the controller is configured to reduce the volume of music, re-enable one or more vehicle safety features, reduce the top speed limiter, disable vehicle ignition, or pull the vehicle to the side of the road, based on the driver's level of intoxication. [Aspect 5] The aforementioned controller, The driver of the vehicle receives an inattentive driving index determined for that vehicle. The system according to Embodiment 1, configured to set a vehicle restriction level for the vehicle based on the driver's inattentive driving index and level of intoxication, wherein the vehicle restriction level defines one or more alerts and / or actions to be taken to reduce the current driving behavior. [Aspect 6] Each of the aforementioned plurality of sensor assemblies comprises an alcohol sensor and a carbon dioxide sensor. The system according to embodiment 1, wherein the controller is configured to calculate the blood alcohol concentration of the multiple occupants based on the alcohol and carbon dioxide levels detected at the different locations. [Aspect 7] At least one of the plurality of sensor assemblies is The casing and A funnel element configured to direct a breath sample from an occupant in the vehicle towards the housing, A fan capable of drawing the exhaled sample into the housing, The system according to embodiment 1, comprising: [Aspect 8] It is a vehicle, The cabin and Multiple sensor assemblies arranged in different locations within the cabin, Controller and The controller is equipped with, Based on an analysis of the sensor signals received from the plurality of sensor assemblies, it is determined which of the plurality of occupants in the cabin is intoxicated. A vehicle configured to output an alert based on the determination that the driver of the vehicle is intoxicated. [Aspect 9] The aforementioned controller, Based on the driver's first level of intoxication, a first alert is issued. The vehicle according to embodiment 8, configured to output a second alert based on the driver's second level of intoxication. [Aspect 10] The vehicle according to embodiment 8, wherein the controller is configured to activate one or more safety features of the vehicle based on the driver's level of intoxication. [Aspect 11] The vehicle according to embodiment 10, wherein the controller is configured to reduce the volume of music, re-enable one or more vehicle safety features, reduce the top speed limiter, disable vehicle ignition, or pull the vehicle over to the side of the road, based on the driver's level of intoxication. [Aspect 12] The aforementioned controller, The driver of the vehicle receives an inattentive driving index determined for that vehicle. The vehicle according to embodiment 8, configured to set a vehicle restriction level for the vehicle based on the driver's inattentive driving index and level of intoxication, wherein the vehicle restriction level defines one or more alerts and / or actions to be taken to reduce the current driving behavior. [Aspect 13] Each of the aforementioned plurality of sensor assemblies comprises an alcohol sensor and a carbon dioxide sensor. The vehicle according to embodiment 8, wherein the controller is configured to calculate the blood alcohol concentration of the multiple occupants based on the alcohol and carbon dioxide levels detected at the different locations. [Aspect 14] At least one of the plurality of sensor assemblies is The casing and A funnel element configured to direct a breath sample of an occupant in the vehicle toward the housing, wherein the funnel element interfaces with a part of the cabin, A fan capable of drawing the exhaled sample into the housing, A vehicle according to embodiment 8, comprising the features described above. [Aspect 15] The determination of which of the multiple occupants in a vehicle is intoxicated is made based on an analysis of sensor signals received from multiple sensor assemblies located in different places within the vehicle. A controller configured to output an alert based on the determination that the driver of the vehicle is intoxicated. [Aspect 16] The aforementioned controller, Based on the driver's first level of intoxication, a first alert is issued. The controller according to embodiment 15, configured to output a second alert based on the driver's second level of intoxication. [Aspect 17] The controller according to embodiment 15, wherein the controller is configured to enable one or more safety features of the vehicle based on the driver's level of intoxication. [Aspect 18] The controller according to embodiment 17, wherein the controller is configured to reduce the volume of music, re-enable one or more vehicle safety features, reduce the top speed limiter, disable vehicle ignition, or pull the vehicle to the side of the road, based on the driver's level of intoxication. [Aspect 19] The aforementioned controller, The driver of the vehicle receives an inattentive driving index determined for that vehicle. A controller according to embodiment 15, configured to set a vehicle restriction level for the vehicle based on the driver's inattentive driving index and level of intoxication, wherein the vehicle restriction level defines one or more alerts and / or actions to be taken to reduce the current driving behavior. [Aspect 20] The controller according to embodiment 15, wherein the controller is configured to calculate the blood alcohol concentration of the multiple occupants based on the alcohol and carbon dioxide levels detected at the different locations.

Claims

1. It is a system, Multiple sensor assemblies located in different locations within the vehicle, Controller and The controller is equipped with, Based on an analysis of the sensor signals received from the plurality of sensor assemblies, it is determined which of the multiple occupants in the vehicle is intoxicated. The system is configured to output an alert based on the determination that the driver of the vehicle is intoxicated. The controller further, The driver of the vehicle receives an inattentive driving index determined for that vehicle. Based on the driver's inattentive driving index, the driver's level of intoxication, and the duration for which the level of intoxication was detected, the system is configured to set a vehicle restriction level from four available vehicle restriction levels, each available vehicle restriction level defining a different set of alerts and / or actions taken to mitigate the current driving behavior. system.

2. The aforementioned controller, Based on the driver's first level of intoxication, a first alert is issued. The system according to claim 1, further configured to output a second alert based on a second level of intoxication of the driver.

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

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to reduce the volume of music, re-enable one or more vehicle safety features that have been turned off, reduce the maximum speed limiter, or pull the vehicle to the side of the road, based on the driver's level of intoxication.

5. Each of the aforementioned plurality of sensor assemblies comprises an alcohol sensor and a carbon dioxide sensor. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to calculate the blood alcohol concentration of the multiple occupants based on the alcohol and carbon dioxide levels detected at the different locations.

6. At least one of the plurality of sensor assemblies is The casing and A funnel element configured to direct a breath sample from an occupant in the vehicle towards the housing, A fan capable of drawing the exhaled sample into the housing, The system according to claim 1, comprising:

7. It is a vehicle, The cabin and Multiple sensor assemblies arranged in different locations within the cabin, Controller and The controller is equipped with, Based on an analysis of the sensor signals received from the plurality of sensor assemblies, it is determined which of the multiple occupants in the cabin is intoxicated. The system is configured to output an alert based on the determination that the driver of the vehicle is intoxicated. The controller further, The driver of the vehicle receives an inattentive driving index determined for that vehicle. Based on the driver's inattentive driving index, the driver's level of intoxication, and the duration for which the level of intoxication was detected, the system is configured to set a vehicle restriction level from four available vehicle restriction levels for the vehicle, each vehicle restriction level defining a different set of alerts and / or actions taken to mitigate the current driving behavior. vehicle.

8. The aforementioned controller, Based on the driver's first level of intoxication, a first alert is issued. The vehicle according to claim 7, configured to output a second alert based on the driver's second level of intoxication.

9. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to activate one or more safety functions of the vehicle based on the driver's level of intoxication.

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to reduce the volume of music, re-enable one or more deactivated vehicle safety features, reduce the maximum speed limiter, or pull the vehicle over to the side of the road, based on the driver's level of intoxication.

11. Each of the aforementioned plurality of sensor assemblies comprises an alcohol sensor and a carbon dioxide sensor. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to calculate the blood alcohol concentration of the plurality of occupants based on the alcohol and carbon dioxide levels detected at the different locations.

12. At least one of the plurality of sensor assemblies is The casing and A funnel element configured to direct a breath sample of an occupant in the vehicle toward the housing, wherein the funnel element interfaces with a part of the cabin, A fan capable of drawing the exhaled sample into the housing, The vehicle according to claim 7, comprising:

13. The determination of which of the multiple occupants in a vehicle is intoxicated is made based on an analysis of sensor signals received from multiple sensor assemblies located in different places within the vehicle. A controller configured to output an alert based on the determination that the driver of the vehicle is intoxicated, The controller further, The driver of the vehicle receives an inattentive driving index determined for that vehicle. The controller is configured to set a vehicle restriction level from four available vehicle restriction levels for the vehicle based on the driver's inattentive driving index, the driver's level of intoxication, and the duration for which the level of intoxication has been detected, each of which defines a different set of alerts and / or actions taken to mitigate the current driving behavior.

14. The aforementioned controller, Based on the driver's first level of intoxication, a first alert is issued. The controller according to claim 13, configured to output a second alert based on the driver's second level of intoxication.

15. The controller according to claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to activate one or more safety functions of the vehicle based on the driver's level of intoxication.

16. The controller according to claim 15, wherein the controller is configured to reduce the volume of music, re-enable one or more disabled vehicle safety features, reduce the maximum speed limiter, or pull the vehicle to the side of the road based on the driver's level of intoxication.

17. The controller according to claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to calculate the blood alcohol concentration of the plurality of occupants based on the alcohol and carbon dioxide levels detected at the different locations.

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