Optical Impairment Detection Using Reference Reflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Impairment detection systems face challenges with large and expensive multi-spectral sensors that experience sensitivity drift over time, requiring complex setups with multiple sensors to accurately determine chemical levels, such as alcohol, which increases system size, cost, and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a single multi-spectral sensor and a reference reflector to normalize outputs, using a single light source and beam selectors to minimize components and size, while maintaining accuracy through a control module that accounts for drift and temperature changes, allowing for efficient detection of impairment levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple multi-spectral sensors are used to accurately determine chemical levels, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a single multi-spectral sensor by integrating a reference channel and measurement channel into one device. The single sensor captures both reference light signals (from the reference reflector) and measurement light signals (from the person's skin) simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors while maintaining measurement accuracy through internal reference comparison
Solution Approach 2:
The single multi-spectral sensor performs multiple functions: it acts as both the measurement sensor for detecting alcohol levels and the reference sensor for normalization. The sensor processes both the light signal reflected from the person's skin and the reference light signal from the reference reflector, making it a universal component that replaces what would traditionally require separate specialized sensors
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to compensate for sensitivity drift, then reliability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference reflector as an intermediary element that provides a stable reference light signal. This reference signal serves as a mediator for comparing and normalizing the measurement signal, allowing the system to compensate for sensor sensitivity drift without requiring additional sensors. The reference reflector creates a baseline that the control module uses to correct measurements in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the control module continuously compares the measurement light signal from the person's skin with the reference light signal from the reference reflector. Based on this comparison, the control module normalizes the measurement data to compensate for any sensitivity drift in the single sensor, creating a self-correcting system that maintains reliability over time
3Device complexity
If a single multi-spectral sensor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light signal processing into distinct channels within the single sensor: a reference channel that captures light reflected from the reference reflector and a measurement channel that captures light reflected from the person's skin. This segmentation allows the single sensor to function as if it were multiple sensors, maintaining measurement precision by separately processing reference and measurement signals before combining them for analysis
4Reliability
If reference reflector and beam selectors are added, then sensor drift compensation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference reflector creates an optical copy or replica of the light source characteristics. By reflecting the light signal back through the optical system, the reference reflector provides a copied version of the original light signal that can be used for comparison and normalization, enabling drift compensation without requiring additional light sources or complex calibration equipment
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 configuration reduces system complexity and cost, enhances reliability, and compensates for sensor drift and environmental variations, providing effective impairment detection with a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The light source emits a light signal having frequencies to excite alcohol molecules in a bloodstream of the person being tested
Implementation Method 2
The touch probe emits the first light signal as a laser beam, which is directed at a finger of the person. The laser beam excites alcohol molecules in the finger of the person and is reflected back as a reflected light signal to the touch probe
Implementation Method 3
The light signal is directed to the touch probe and the reference sensor via the first beam splitter and corresponding fiber optic cables
Data Source
AI summary
An impairment detection system is provided and includes an emitter, first and second beam selectors, a reference reflector, a sensor and a control module. The emitter is configured to emitter a first light signal. The first beam selector is configured to forward the first light signal to a touch probe. The reference reflector is configured to reflect the first light signal received from the first beam selector to generate a second reflected signal. The second beam selector is configured to receive (i) a first reflected signal from the touch probe based on reflection of the first light signal on an area of a person, and (ii) the second reflected signal. The sensor is configured to receive from the second beam selector the first reflected signal and the second reflected signal. The control module is configured to determine an impairment level of the person based on an output of the sensor.