Ignition Interlock Calibration via Automated Gas Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ignition interlock devices lack a reliable and automated system for calibration and data collection, which can lead to inaccurate BAC readings and failure to prevent operation of vehicles by intoxicated individuals, necessitating a solution for ensuring accurate calibration and secure data management.
Innovation Solution
An interlock data collection and calibration system comprising a device computer with a processor and memory, a gas delivery system for calibration, a data port for transmitting data, a calibration program for automatic calibration, and a local database for storing and encrypting confirmation data, ensuring accurate calibration and secure data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration and data collection methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of BAC readings deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-calibration using a gas delivery system that introduces known concentrations of alcohol vapor to the sensor. The calibration program autonomously compares sensor readings against reference values and adjusts calibration parameters without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving measurement precision while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration procedures with an automated electronic system. A microprocessor-controlled gas delivery system electronically introduces calibration gases, and a software calibration program automatically processes data and adjusts sensor parameters, substituting manual operations with electronic automation to improve precision.
2Reliability
If automated calibration systems are implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device computer serves multiple functions: it controls the gas delivery system, executes the calibration program, stores calibration data in memory, and manages data collection from the sensor. This multi-functionality consolidates complex operations into a single integrated unit, improving reliability while containing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs calibration actions in advance before actual BAC measurements are taken. The calibration program pre-establishes accurate sensor readings by comparing against known reference concentrations, ensuring reliability of subsequent measurements without requiring complex real-time adjustments during operation.
3Loss of information
If data is stored locally without encryption, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information security increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces encryption as an intermediary layer between data storage and data access. Data is encrypted before being stored in the device computer's memory, and decryption keys are managed by the system. This intermediary security mechanism protects against data theft or tampering while maintaining ease of operation for authorized users through automated authentication and decryption processes.
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 method for automatic calibration and secure data storage, preventing vehicle operation if the IID fails calibration, and offering an accurate and manageable data delivery and reporting system, enhancing safety by ensuring accurate BAC readings.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell sensor is an electrochemical device in which alcohol undergoes a chemical oxidation reaction at a catalytic electrode surface (platinum) to generate an electric current
Data Source
AI summary
An interlock data collection and calibration system has a device computer, a gas delivery system, and a data port. The device computer has a computer processor and a computer memory. The gas delivery system delivers a gas sample to an ignition interlock device. The data port is operably connected with the device computer for enabling sample data from the ignition interlock device to be transmitted to the device computer. A calibration program operably installed on the computer memory receives the sample data, calibrates the ignition interlock device, and generates confirmation data, which is stored in a local database.