IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE WITH ROLLING RETEST AND MOTION DETECTOR

• US 20130048403A1
• Filed: 08/22/2012
• Published: 02/28/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 08/24/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nicholas G. Doinoff, Walter B. Lotz Jr
• Original Assignee: Walter B. Lotz Jr
• Inventors: DOINOFF, Nicholas G., LOTZ, Walter B. Jr.
• Granted Patent: US 8,640,813 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 180/272
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2028/003 inhibiting the starter motor, e.g. by controlling ignition or park lock circuits
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 28/063 preventing starting of vehicles

Abstract

A breath alcohol ignition interlock device. The breath alcohol interlock device includes an ignition interlock system for use with a vehicle, the interlock system requiring a successful breathalyzer test to initiate operation of a motor of the vehicle, the interlock system including a CPU. A vehicle computer that controls functions of the vehicle related to motion receives a signal from the interlock system of a successful breathalyzer test to permit operation of the motor vehicle. A motion detection device associated with the vehicle determines when the vehicle is placed into motion. The motion detection device provides a signal to the CPU of the ignition interlock system when vehicle motion is detected. The CPU of the ignition interlock system initiates a breathalyzer retest algorithm upon receiving a signal from the motion detection device that the vehicle is placed in motion.

Claims

1. A breath alcohol ignition interlock device, comprising:

an ignition interlock system for use with a vehicle, the interlock system requiring a successful breathalyzer test to initiate operation of a motor of the vehicle, the interlock system including a CPU;

a vehicle computer in communication with the ignition interlock system, the vehicle computer controlling vehicle functions related to motion, the vehicle computer receiving a signal from the interlock system of a successful breathalyzer test to permit motion of the motor vehicle;

a motion detection device associated with the vehicle, the motion detection device determining when the vehicle is placed into motion, the motion detection device providing a signal to the CPU of the ignition interlock system when vehicle motion is detected; and

wherein the CPU of the ignition interlock system initiates a breathalyzer retest algorithm upon receiving a signal from the motion detection device that the vehicle is placed in motion.

2. The breath alcohol ignition interlock device of claim 1 further including a remote start system in communication with the vehicle starter that enables starting of the vehicle remotely.

3. The breath alcohol ignition interlock device of claim 1 wherein the motion detector device is an accelerometer.

4. The breath alcohol ignition interlock device of claim 1 wherein the motion detector device is a GPS.

5. The breath alcohol ignition interlock device of claim 1 wherein the ignition interlock system is in communication with the vehicle computer, and wherein vehicle motion is prevented by the vehicle computer unless a signal is received from the ignition interlock system of the successful breathalyzer test.

6. The breath alcohol ignition interlock device of claim 5 wherein vehicle motion is prevented by the vehicle computer preventing engagement of the transmission.

7. The breath alcohol ignition interlock device of claim 5 wherein vehicle motion is prevented by the vehicle computer restricting fuel flow.

8. The breath alcohol ignition interlock device of claim 5 wherein vehicle motion is prevented by the vehicle computer maintaining application of the parking brake.

9. A method for remotely starting a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device with rolling retest, comprising the steps of:

providing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle computer;

providing an ignition interlock system in communication with the vehicle computer, the ignition interlock system including a rolling retest algorithm;

providing a motion detection device in communication with the ignition interlock system;

starting the vehicle;

performing a breathalyzer test using the ignition interlock system;

providing a signal from the ignition interlock system to the vehicle computer of a successful breathalyzer test, the vehicle computer enabling vehicle motion;

providing a signal from the motion detection device to the ignition interlock system that vehicle motion is detected;

activating the rolling retest algorithm.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein providing the motion detection device includes providing an accelerometer.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein providing the motion detection device includes providing a GPS.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of starting the vehicle includes starting the vehicle remotely using a remote starting device in communication with the vehicle starter.

13. The method of claim 9 further including the additional steps of;

performing a breathalyzer test using the ignition interlock system prior to starting the vehicle;

providing a signal from the ignition interlock system to the vehicle computer of a successful breathalyzer test prior to starting the vehicle; and

,

after starting the vehicle, providing a signal from the ignition interlock system to the vehicle computer to prevent vehicle motion when a signal of vehicle motion is not detected by the motion detector and transmitted to the ignition interlock system within a predetermined time after starting the vehicle.

14. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of providing a signal to the vehicle computer enabling vehicle motion includes disengaging a transmission from PARK.

15. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of providing a signal to the vehicle computer enabling vehicle motion includes disengaging the parking brake.

16. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of providing a signal to the vehicle computer enabling vehicle motion includes activating sufficient flow of fuel from a fuel pump to the engine to enable motion.