Vehicle ignition interlock systems with retesting frequency control

• US 20060237253A1
• Filed: 04/25/2005
• Published: 10/26/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/25/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Monitech, LLC (LMG Holdings, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Monitech, LLC (LMG Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Lewis, James R., McMillin, Brian, Edwards, Jimmy H., Mobley, Larry J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,481,292 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 180/272
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 28/063 preventing starting of vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/105 Radio frequency identification data [RFID]
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/25 using biometry
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/252 Fingerprint recognition
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/257 Voice recognition
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2540/043 Identity of occupants
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/4972 Determining alcohol content for vehicle safety devices B60K28/06

Abstract

A vehicle ignition interlock system includes a breath analyzer and a controller operably connected to the breath analyzer and to an ignition system of the vehicle. The controller compares detected breath alcohol levels of the vehicle operator with a threshold value, and is configured to prevent vehicle ignition if a breath alcohol level detected by the breath analyzer is greater than or equal to a threshold value. The controller also requires the vehicle operator to periodically take breath analyzer retests after vehicle ignition in order to allow vehicle operation to continue. The controller can reduce the frequency of periodic retests in response to one or more retests when the breath alcohol level of the vehicle operator is below a threshold value. The system may include a transdermal alcohol sensor, a mouth contamination sensor, a mouth contamination sensor, and redundant alcohol sensors.

Claims

1. A vehicle ignition interlock system, comprising:

a breath analyzer located within a vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect breath alcohol levels of an operator of the vehicle; and

a controller operably connected to the breath analyzer and to an ignition system of the vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to compare detected breath alcohol levels of the vehicle operator with a threshold value, wherein the controller is configured to prevent vehicle ignition if a breath alcohol level detected by the breath analyzer is greater than or equal to the threshold value, wherein the controller is configured to require periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer, and wherein the controller is configured to reduce the frequency of the periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer in response to one or more breath alcohol tests via the breath analyzer indicating that the breath alcohol level of the vehicle operator is below a threshold value.

2. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to increase the frequency of the periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer in response to a breath alcohol test via the breath analyzer that indicates the presence of alcohol in the breath of the vehicle operator.

3. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to require a breath alcohol test of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer when the vehicle arrives at a destination.

4. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 1, further comprising an operator identification device operably connected to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to verify the identity of the vehicle operator via the operator identification device.

5. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 4, wherein the operator identification device comprises a fingerprint identification device.

6. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface operably connected to the controller, wherein the controller displays operational messages via the user interface.

7. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface operably connected to the controller, wherein the controller provides audible operational messages and prompts via the user interface.

8. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 7, wherein the controller provides voice messages in one or more languages via the user interface.

9. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 1, further comprising a user selectable option that allows an individual to perform a breath alcohol test via the breath analyzer without enabling the vehicle ignition system.

10. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 1, further comprising a transdermal alcohol sensor configured to be worn by the vehicle operator, wherein the transdermal alcohol sensor is configured to detect alcohol through the skin of the vehicle operator, and wherein the controller is operably connected to the transdermal alcohol sensor.

11. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to trigger a breath alcohol test of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer if alcohol is detected through the skin of the operator by the transdermal alcohol sensor.

12. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 10, further comprising a proximity sensor that detects proximity of the transdermal alcohol sensor relative to a vehicle operator area.

13. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 12, wherein the proximity sensor detects nearness to a magnetic field generated by a magnet located in the vehicle operator area.

14. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 10, wherein the transdermal alcohol sensor is attached to a bracelet configured to be worn by the vehicle operator.

15. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 10, further comprising a wireless transmitter operably connected to the transdermal alcohol sensor, and wherein the controller is operably connected to the transdermal alcohol sensor via the wireless transmitter.

16. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to require periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer, and wherein the controller can override one or more required periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer if alcohol is not detected through the skin of the operator by the transdermal alcohol sensor.

17. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to require periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer, and wherein the controller is configured to increase the frequency of the periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer in response to the transdermal alcohol sensor detecting alcohol through the skin of the operator.

18. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 10, further comprising a sensor associated with the transdermal alcohol sensor that measures skin temperature and/or skin conductivity of an individual wearing the transdermal alcohol sensor.

19. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 10, further comprising a sensor associated with the transdermal alcohol sensor that measures pressure of the bracelet on an individual wearing the transdermal alcohol sensor.

20. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 1, wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect the presence of alcohol within the vehicle.

21. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 20, wherein the controller is configured to trigger a breath alcohol test of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer in response to detecting the presence of alcohol within the vehicle.

22. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 20, wherein the controller is configured to require periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer, and wherein the controller is configured to increase the frequency of the periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer in response to detecting the presence of alcohol within the vehicle.

23. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 1, wherein the breath analyzer comprises a mouth contamination sensor that is configured to distinguish between contaminants in the mouth of a vehicle operator and alcohol contained within a deep lung breath sample, wherein the controller is operably connected to the mouth contamination sensor, and wherein the controller is configured to trigger a breath alcohol test of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer in response to detecting the presence of a contaminant within the mouth of the vehicle operator.

24. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 23, wherein the mouth contamination sensor comprises a metal oxide semiconductor sensor.

25. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 24, wherein the mouth contamination sensor comprises a Taguchi sensor.

26. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 23, wherein the mouth contamination sensor comprises an infrared sensor.

27. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 23, wherein the controller is configured to require periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer, and wherein the controller is configured to increase the frequency of the periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer in response to detecting the presence of a contaminant within the mouth of the vehicle operator.

28. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 1, wherein the breath analyzer comprises first and second alcohol sensors, each configured to detect breath alcohol levels of an operator of the vehicle, wherein the second alcohol sensor is a backup for the first alcohol sensor and becomes operational if the first alcohol sensor malfunctions.

29. The vehicle ignition interlock system of claim 28, wherein the first and second alcohol sensors are selected from the group consisting of fuel cell sensors, infrared sensors, and metal oxide semiconductor sensors.

30. A vehicle ignition interlock system, comprising:

a breath analyzer located within a vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect breath alcohol levels of an operator of the vehicle, and wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect the presence of alcohol within the vehicle;

a transdermal alcohol sensor configured to be worn by the vehicle operator, wherein the transdermal alcohol sensor is configured to detect alcohol through the skin of the vehicle operator

a controller operably connected to the breath analyzer, to the transdermal alcohol sensor, and to an ignition system of the vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to compare detected breath alcohol levels of the vehicle operator with a threshold value, wherein the controller is configured to prevent vehicle ignition if a breath alcohol level detected by the breath analyzer is greater than or equal to a threshold value, wherein the controller is configured to require periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer, and wherein the controller is configured to reduce the frequency of the periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer in response to one or more breath alcohol tests via the breath analyzer indicating that the breath alcohol level of the vehicle operator is below a threshold value.

31. A vehicle ignition interlock system, comprising:

a breath analyzer located within a vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect breath alcohol levels of an operator of the vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect the presence of alcohol within the vehicle, and wherein the breath analyzer comprises a mouth contamination sensor that is configured to distinguish between contaminants in the mouth of a vehicle operator and alcohol contained within a deep lung breath sample;

a transdermal alcohol sensor configured to be worn by the vehicle operator, wherein the transdermal alcohol sensor is configured to detect alcohol through the skin of the vehicle operator; and

a controller operably connected to the breath analyzer, to the transdermal alcohol sensor, to the mouth contamination sensor, and to an ignition system of the vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to compare detected breath alcohol levels of the vehicle operator with a threshold value, wherein the controller is configured to prevent vehicle ignition if a breath alcohol level detected by the breath analyzer is greater than or equal to the threshold value, wherein the controller is configured to require periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer, wherein the controller is configured to reduce the frequency of the periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer in response to one or more breath alcohol tests via the breath analyzer indicating that the breath alcohol level of the vehicle operator is below a threshold value, and wherein the controller is configured to trigger a breath alcohol test of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer in response to detecting the presence of a contaminant within the mouth of the vehicle operator.

32. A vehicle ignition interlock system, comprising:

a breath analyzer located within a vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect breath alcohol levels of an operator of the vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer comprises a mouth contamination sensor that is configured to distinguish between contaminants in the mouth of a vehicle operator and alcohol contained within a deep lung breath sample;

a transdermal alcohol sensor configured to be worn by the vehicle operator, wherein the transdermal alcohol sensor is configured to detect alcohol through the skin of the vehicle operator; and

a controller operably connected to the breath analyzer, to the transdermal alcohol sensor, to the mouth contamination sensor, and to an ignition system of the vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to compare detected breath alcohol levels of the vehicle operator with a threshold value, wherein the controller is configured to prevent vehicle ignition if a breath alcohol level detected by the breath analyzer is greater than or equal to the threshold value, wherein the controller is configured to require periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer, wherein the controller is configured to reduce the frequency of the periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer in response to one or more breath alcohol tests via the breath analyzer indicating that the breath alcohol level of the vehicle operator is below a threshold value, and wherein the controller is configured to trigger a breath alcohol test of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer in response to detecting the presence of a contaminant within the mouth of the vehicle operator.

33. A vehicle ignition interlock system, comprising:

a breath analyzer located within a vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect breath alcohol levels of an operator of the vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer comprises first and second alcohol sensors, each configured to detect breath alcohol levels of an operator of the vehicle, wherein the second alcohol sensor is a backup for the first alcohol sensor and becomes operational if the first alcohol sensor malfunctions;

a transdermal alcohol sensor configured to be worn by the vehicle operator, wherein the transdermal alcohol sensor is configured to detect alcohol through the skin of the vehicle operator;

a controller operably connected to the breath analyzer, to the transdermal alcohol sensor, and to an ignition system of the vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to compare detected breath alcohol levels of the vehicle operator with a threshold value, wherein the controller is configured to prevent vehicle ignition if a breath alcohol level detected by the breath analyzer is greater than or equal to the threshold value, wherein the controller is configured to require periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer, and wherein the controller is configured to reduce the frequency of the periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer in response to one or more breath alcohol tests via the breath analyzer indicating that the breath alcohol level of the vehicle operator is below a threshold value.

34. A vehicle ignition interlock system, comprising:

a breath analyzer located within a vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect breath alcohol levels of an operator of the vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect the presence of alcohol within the vehicle, and wherein the breath analyzer comprises a mouth contamination sensor that is configured to distinguish between contaminants in the mouth of a vehicle operator and alcohol contained within a deep lung breath sample; and

a controller operably connected to the breath analyzer, to the mouth contamination sensor, and to an ignition system of the vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to compare detected breath alcohol levels of the vehicle operator with a threshold value, wherein the controller is configured to prevent vehicle ignition if a breath alcohol level detected by the breath analyzer is greater than or equal to the threshold value, wherein the controller is configured to require periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer, and wherein the controller is configured to reduce the frequency of the periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer in response to one or more breath alcohol tests via the breath analyzer indicating that the breath alcohol level of the vehicle operator is below a threshold value, and wherein the controller is configured to trigger a breath alcohol test of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer in response to detecting the presence of a contaminant within the mouth of the vehicle operator.

35. A vehicle ignition interlock system, comprising:

a breath analyzer located within a vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect breath alcohol levels of an operator of the vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect the presence of alcohol within the vehicle, and wherein the breath analyzer comprises first and second alcohol sensors, wherein the second alcohol sensor is a backup for the first alcohol sensor and becomes operational if the first alcohol sensor malfunctions; and

a controller operably connected to the breath analyzer and to an ignition system of the vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to compare detected breath alcohol levels of the vehicle operator with a threshold value, wherein the controller is configured to prevent vehicle ignition if a breath alcohol level detected by the breath analyzer is greater than or equal to the threshold value, wherein the controller is configured to require periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer, and wherein the controller is configured to reduce the frequency of the periodic breath alcohol tests of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer in response to one or more breath alcohol tests via the breath analyzer indicating that the breath alcohol level of the vehicle operator is below a threshold value.

36. A vehicle ignition interlock system, comprising:

a breath analyzer located within a vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect breath alcohol levels of an operator of the vehicle, and wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect the presence of alcohol within the vehicle;

a transdermal alcohol sensor configured to be worn by the vehicle operator, wherein the transdermal alcohol sensor is configured to detect alcohol through the skin of the vehicle operator; and

a controller operably connected to the breath analyzer, to the transdermal alcohol sensor, and to an ignition system of the vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to compare detected breath alcohol levels of the vehicle operator with a threshold value, and wherein the controller is configured to prevent vehicle ignition if a breath alcohol level detected by the breath analyzer is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

37. A vehicle ignition interlock system, comprising:

a breath analyzer located within a vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect breath alcohol levels of an operator of the vehicle, and wherein the breath analyzer comprises a mouth contamination sensor that is configured to distinguish between contaminants in the mouth of a vehicle operator and alcohol contained within a deep lung breath sample;

a transdermal alcohol sensor configured to be worn by the vehicle operator, wherein the transdermal alcohol sensor is configured to detect alcohol through the skin of the vehicle operator; and

a controller operably connected to the breath analyzer, to the transdermal alcohol sensor, and to an ignition system of the vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to compare detected breath alcohol levels of the vehicle operator with a threshold value, and wherein the controller is configured to prevent vehicle ignition if a breath alcohol level detected by the breath analyzer is greater than or equal to the threshold value, and wherein the controller is configured to trigger a breath alcohol test of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer in response to detecting the presence of a contaminant within the mouth of the vehicle operator.

38. A vehicle ignition interlock system, comprising:

a breath analyzer located within a vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect breath alcohol levels of an operator of the vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer comprises first and second alcohol sensors, each configured to detect breath alcohol levels of an operator of the vehicle, wherein the second alcohol sensor is a backup for the first alcohol sensor and becomes operational if the first alcohol sensor malfunctions;

a transdermal alcohol sensor configured to be worn by the vehicle operator, wherein the transdermal alcohol sensor is configured to detect alcohol through the skin of the vehicle operator; and

a controller operably connected to the breath analyzer, to the transdermal alcohol sensor, and to an ignition system of the vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to compare detected breath alcohol levels of the vehicle operator with a threshold value, and wherein the controller is configured to prevent vehicle ignition if a breath alcohol level detected by the breath analyzer is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

39. A vehicle ignition interlock system, comprising:

a breath analyzer located within a vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect breath alcohol levels of an operator of the vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect the presence of alcohol within the vehicle, and wherein the breath analyzer comprises first and second alcohol sensors, wherein the second alcohol sensor is a backup for the first alcohol sensor and becomes operational if the first alcohol sensor malfunctions;

a transdermal alcohol sensor configured to be worn by the vehicle operator, wherein the transdermal alcohol sensor is configured to detect alcohol through the skin of the vehicle operator; and

a controller operably connected to the breath analyzer, to the transdermal alcohol sensor, and to an ignition system of the vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to compare detected breath alcohol levels of the vehicle operator with a threshold value, and wherein the controller is configured to prevent vehicle ignition if a breath alcohol level detected by the breath analyzer is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

40. A vehicle ignition interlock system, comprising:

a breath analyzer located within a vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect breath alcohol levels of an operator of the vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect the presence of alcohol within the vehicle, and wherein the breath analyzer comprises a mouth contamination sensor that is configured to distinguish between contaminants in the mouth of a vehicle operator and alcohol contained within a deep lung breath sample; and

a controller operably connected to the breath analyzer and to an ignition system of the vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to compare detected breath alcohol levels of the vehicle operator with a threshold value, wherein the controller is configured to prevent vehicle ignition if a breath alcohol level detected by the breath analyzer is greater than or equal to the threshold value, and wherein the controller is configured to trigger a breath alcohol test of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer in response to detecting the presence of a contaminant within the mouth of the vehicle operator.

41. A vehicle ignition interlock system, comprising:

a breath analyzer located within a vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect breath alcohol levels of an operator of the vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect the presence of alcohol within the vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer comprises first and second alcohol sensors, and wherein the second alcohol sensor is a backup for the first alcohol sensor and becomes operational if the first alcohol sensor malfunctions; and

a controller operably connected to the breath analyzer and to an ignition system of the vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to compare detected breath alcohol levels of the vehicle operator with a threshold value, and wherein the controller is configured to prevent vehicle ignition if a breath alcohol level detected by the breath analyzer is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

42. A vehicle ignition interlock system, comprising:

a breath analyzer located within a vehicle, wherein the breath analyzer is configured to detect breath alcohol levels of an operator of the vehicle; and

a controller operably connected to the breath analyzer and to an ignition system of the vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to compare detected breath alcohol levels of the vehicle operator with a threshold value, wherein the controller is configured to prevent vehicle ignition if a breath alcohol level detected by the breath analyzer is greater than or equal to the threshold value, and wherein the controller is configured to require a breath alcohol test of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer when the vehicle arrives at a destination.