Ignition Interlock Calibration via Dual Gas Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ignition interlock devices lack a reliable and automated method for calibration, which is crucial for ensuring accurate alcohol concentration measurements and preventing vehicle operation by intoxicated individuals.
Innovation Solution
An interlock data collection and calibration system that uses a device computer and a gas sample delivery system to provide two samples with different alcohol concentrations, automatically calibrating the ignition interlock device and verifying successful calibration through the correct determination of these samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration methods are used for ignition interlock devices, then calibration can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system performs self-calibration by automatically delivering known alcohol concentration samples to the ignition interlock device and comparing the device's readings against reference values. The system independently adjusts calibration parameters without requiring manual intervention, thereby eliminating human error and reducing calibration time while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration operations with an automated electronic system that uses a gas sample delivery system to provide precise alcohol vapor samples and a computer to control and record the calibration process. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming manual steps and human error associated with traditional mechanical calibration methods.
2Productivity
If automated calibration is implemented, then calibration time is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system is designed to be universally applicable to different ignition interlock devices through standardized interfaces and protocols. The gas sample delivery system can provide multiple alcohol concentration levels, and the computer can manage various calibration scenarios, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for device-specific calibration equipment, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer as an intermediary that manages the complex calibration process by coordinating the gas sample delivery system, controlling the ignition interlock device, and recording results. This intermediary handles the computational complexity, allowing the physical calibration system to remain relatively simple while achieving high automation and productivity.
3Reliability
If calibration verification is performed using multiple gas samples, then calibration accuracy is confirmed, but the calibration process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration verification process uses feedback by comparing the ignition interlock device's readings of known alcohol concentration samples against the reference values provided by the gas sample delivery system. The computer analyzes the differences and determines whether calibration is successful, providing automatic feedback that confirms calibration reliability without requiring complex manual verification procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration using multiple gas samples with different alcohol concentrations before final verification. This preliminary action ensures that the device is properly calibrated across the full range of expected measurements, and the computer automatically manages this multi-step process, reducing the perceived complexity for the user while ensuring high reliability.
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
The system provides a reliable, automated, and traceable method for calibrating ignition interlock devices, ensuring accurate alcohol concentration measurements and enhancing the effectiveness of preventing vehicle operation by intoxicated individuals.
Implementation Method 1
a gas sample delivery system for delivering a first gas sample and a second gas sample to the ignition interlock device
Implementation Method 2
IIDs typically include semiconductor sensors, commonly referred to as a Taguchi cell, and/or electrochemical cells, infrared sensors, or equivalent devices, to sense and quantify the amount of alcohol in a driver's breath
Data Source
AI summary
An interlock data collection and calibration system has a device computer, and a gas sample delivery system for delivering a first gas sample and a second gas sample to the ignition interlock device, the first and second gas samples having different predetermined concentrations of alcohol. The device computer includes a calibration program for calibrating the ignition interlock device using the first gas sample, and then delivering the second gas sample to the ignition interlock device to verify that the ignition interlock device correctly determines the second alcohol concentration of the second sample gas.