Distributed Sobriety Testing System for Fleet Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breath alcohol ignition interlock systems operate independently, leading to logistical challenges when multiple vehicles are involved, such as delays and inefficiencies, especially in managing large fleets or traffic situations, as each vehicle has a standalone system that can malfunction or be affected by a single driver's sobriety status.
Innovation Solution
A distributed system for access control and sobriety testing, where an authorization control and sobriety testing station issues temporary authorization information to users, which is then verified by a separate access control unit, allowing for centralized management and reducing the impact of individual system failures, with units located at different sites and communicating wirelessly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stand-alone breath alcohol ignition interlock system is implemented in each vehicle, then the system can independently control access to that specific vehicle, but it creates logistical problems when multiple vehicles are involved and one driver's failure to start a vehicle negatively influences other drivers due to queue formation
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent access control units, each equipped with a breath alcohol ignition interlock system. Each unit operates autonomously to control access to its specific vehicle, while the central control unit coordinates overall system management. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation across multiple vehicles without queue formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The access control units are designed with universal functionality to handle both vehicle access control and sobriety testing. The system can serve multiple vehicles and drivers through a centralized management architecture that maintains independent operation of each access control unit while enabling coordinated fleet management.
2Ease of operation
If a stand-alone breath alcohol ignition interlock system is implemented in each vehicle, then the system operates without interaction with other systems, but it creates challenges for managing large fleets where vehicles and drivers are interconnected and interdependent
Solution Approach 1:
The system architecture segments functionality into independent access control units for ease of operation, while a central control unit provides fleet-wide coordination. Each access control unit maintains operational independence for vehicle access and sobriety testing, reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The central control unit acts as an intermediary between multiple independent access control units, enabling fleet management without requiring direct interaction between each vehicle's system. This mediator coordinates resource allocation, monitors system status, and manages driver-vehicle assignments across the entire fleet.
3Reliability
If a breath alcohol ignition interlock system is implemented as an individually operating system in a specific vehicle, then the system provides localized access control, but there is always an imminent risk that one vehicle cannot be started due to system malfunction or driver sobriety status
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs sobriety testing and access control verification before vehicle start-up, preventing the problem of non-sober drivers attempting to start vehicles. The central control unit proactively manages driver assignments and monitors system status to prevent start failures before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The central control unit receives feedback from multiple access control units regarding system status, driver availability, and vehicle start conditions. This feedback mechanism enables real-time coordination to handle failures and optimize fleet utilization, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions across the entire fleet.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system ensures efficient access control and sobriety testing across multiple vehicles, minimizing delays and improving resource utilization by allowing for seamless operation even if communication between units is lost, and reducing the risk of traffic congestion and legal issues related to non-sober drivers.
Implementation Method 1
the breath analyzer analyses the breath sample for presence of alcohol or other substances
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a distributed system (1; 11; 21) for access control and sobriety testing comprising an authorization control and sobriety testing station (2; 12; 22; 32), which obtains authorization data and a bodily signature sample from an individual seeking access, a central control unit (3; 13; 23; 33), which, if there is a positive verification of the authorization data and no detection of alcohol in the bodily signature sample, issues temporary authorization information, and at least one access control unit (4; 14; 24), which obtains the temporary authorization information and, upon a positive verification of the temporary authorization information, grants access to the individual who is seeking such access.