Interactive Alcometry Using Infrared Spectroscopy for Breath Dilution Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current alcohol concentration measurement technologies face challenges with accuracy, response time, reliability, cost, and practical limitations, particularly in catalytic sensors which require frequent calibration and are prone to manipulation, and IR-based instruments are expensive and require expert knowledge.
Innovation Solution
A novel method and apparatus that measures alcohol concentration in expired air without physical contact, using sensors for temperature, water vapor, and carbon dioxide to compensate for dilution, allowing for real-time adaptation of accuracy and time, reducing maintenance and cost, and enabling non-contact measurements up to 30 cm distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If catalytic sensors are used for alcohol measurement, then device simplicity and low cost are improved, but reliability and measurement precision deteriorate due to frequent calibration needs and susceptibility to manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the catalytic chemical sensing mechanism with an optical measurement system using infrared spectroscopy. This substitution eliminates the catalyst-related reliability issues while maintaining ease of manufacture through the use of standard optical components and detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses infrared absorption spectroscopy to create an optical signature or 'fingerprint' of alcohol molecules in breath samples. This copying approach measures the unique vibrational modes of alcohol molecules without requiring physical contact or catalyst interaction, thereby improving reliability.
2Measurement precision
If IR-based instruments are used for alcohol measurement, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the infrared spectrum into specific wavelength bands corresponding to alcohol absorption peaks. By focusing only on these relevant spectral regions rather than analyzing the entire spectrum, the system achieves high precision while reducing computational complexity and processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from broad spectral analysis to specific wavelength detection at alcohol absorption peaks. This parameter optimization allows simpler detector design and lower cost while maintaining high measurement precision through targeted spectral measurement.
3Ease of operation
If non-contact measurement is implemented, then ease of operation and hygiene are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to dilution effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the dilution factor through detection of breath flow characteristics and ambient air mixing. This feedback information is used to compensate for dilution effects in the calculation, allowing accurate alcohol concentration determination even in non-contact measurement mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses infrared absorption as an intermediary measurement mechanism that can detect alcohol molecules through the breath plume without requiring direct contact. The infrared radiation acts as a mediator that penetrates the diluted breath sample and provides accurate concentration information despite the non-contact sampling approach.
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 method achieves high reliability, reduced costs, and improved accessibility by minimizing systematic errors and the need for calibration, allowing for precise alcohol concentration determination with reduced measurement time and cost, suitable for various applications including traffic safety and event sobriety testing.
Implementation Method 1
Infrared (IR) spectroscopy represents a physical method of measurement which is not afflicted with the problems mentioned above. This method makes use of the specific 'finger print' that gas-phase alcohol produces when illuminated by infrared light. The absorption spectre is due to resonant molecular vibrations, which are specific to the atomic bonds within the molecule.
Implementation Method 2
A novel method and apparatus that measures alcohol concentration in expired air without physical contact, using sensors for temperature, water vapor, and carbon dioxide to compensate for dilution
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to method and apparatus for the determination of alcohol concentration of expired air. By visualising current or accumulated measuring value and error in real time during ongoing measurement, interactive control of alcohol determination is enabled with respect to accuracy and time lapse. Preferably the measurement is performed without contact with compensation for the dilution of the breath sample, which is performed by simultaneous measurement of temperature, concentration of water vapour or carbon dioxide. The method is divided into a stepwise procedure based on the dependence of the measuring error on the dilution of the expired air, and accumulated time, both being possible to influence by the test person or operator. Special advantages are being obtained at measurements relative to a concentration limit. The alcohol determination is preferably performed by means of absorption spectroscopy within the infrared wavelength range. The apparatus according to the invention includes sensors for the abovementioned entities, an electronic unit for signal and data processing, a presentation unit, and is embedded in a compact housing for handheld use or integration. The response time of the sensors should not exceed 0,5 seconds in order to fulfil the requirement of real time operation. The housing is controllably openable at measurement, and includes a measuring cell illuminated with collimated infrared radiation and means for active air flow.