Apparatus and method for prevention of driving of motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and prevention of vehicle theft

• US 6,748,301 B1
• Filed: 01/23/2002
• Issued: 06/08/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/24/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Jae-Chun Ryu
• Original Assignee: Jae-Chun Ryu
• Inventors: Ryu, Jae-Chun
• Primary Examiner(s): Chin, Gary
• Application Number:
  US10/031,707
• Time in Patent Office: 867 Days
• Field of Search: 701/1, 340/426.11, 340/426.12, 340/426.24, 340/426.25, 340/426.3, 340/575, 340/576
• US Class Current: 701/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 28/063 preventing starting of vehicles
• 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 25/257 Voice recognition

Abstract

In a voice recognition automobile vehicle capable of recognizing a human voice, an apparatus and method for prevention of driving of motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and prevention of vehicle theft, are provided in which a voice and a voice secret code of at least one authorized driver is stored through the voice recognition apparatus by learning and then only an authorized driver who is not determined to be legally drunk and possesses the same voice and voice secret code as the stored voice and voice secret code can be allowed to start to drive the vehicle. Only an authorized driver having the same voice and voice secret code and not determined to be legally drunk can start the engine of the vehicle.

Claims

1. An apparatus for prevention of driving of motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and prevention of vehicle theft, the apparatus comprising:

a vehicle key insertion discriminator for detecting whether a vehicle key is inserted into a key hole;

a microphone input unit for inputting a voice and a voice secret code of an intended driver;

a prompt storage unit containing prompts for voice prompt or voice guidance;

a blood alcohol level measuring unit for determining whether the intended driver is legally drunk;

a voice recognition processor for receiving the output of the microphone input unit, extracting a voice feature parameter therefrom and voice-synthesizing the prompts stored in the prompt storage unit to then output the synthesized result;

a parameter storage unit for storing the voice feature parameter of the voice and voice secret code processed in the voice recognition processor, for one or more authorized drivers;

a speaker for converting an electrical signal of the voice prompt or guidance which has been voice-synthesized in the voice recognition processor into a voice signal; and

a controller for comparing the input voice feature parameter with the stored voice feature parameter unless the driver is legally drunk as determined by the blood alcohol level measuring unit, and for controlling the ignition of the engine of the vehicle if it is determined that the drive is an authorized driver.

2. The DUI prevention and vehicle theft prevention apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

an initial voice secret code learning button for selecting an initial voice secret code learning mode or a mode for erasing a pre-learned voice secret code and resuming an initial voice secret code learning;

a voice secret code reset button for resetting a pre-set voice secret code; and

a voice strength discriminator for discriminating the intensity of the input voice,

wherein said controller performs the steps of;

(a) instructing the voice recognition processor to convert a current mode into said initial voice secret code learning mode by manipulation of the initial voice secret code learning button, simultaneously converting said current mode into a voice secret code learning mode in the case that a key insertion is detected by the vehicle key insertion discriminator, and instructing the voice recognition processor to read a corresponding prompt from the prompt storage unit and voice-synthesize and then output the read result for voice guidance;

(b) controlling the voice recognition processor to extract said voice feature parameter from the voice and the voice secret code of the driver having an intensity of a predetermined value or more input from the microphone input unit, storing the extracted voice feature parameter in the parameter storage unit, and converting the current mode into a normal mode;

(c) instructing the voice recognition processor to read a corresponding prompt from the prompt storage unit and voice-synthesize and then output the read result in order to ask the driver what the voice secret code is in the case that the driver intends to start the vehicle by inserting the vehicle key in the normal mode, that is, the key insertion discriminator judges that there has been a new key insertion;

(d) determining whether the intensity of the input voice is higher than the predetermined value through the voice strength discriminator if a voice is input;

(e) determining whether the driver is legally drunk via the blood alcohol level measuring unit if the voice is louder than the predetermined value in step (d);

(f) comparing the feature parameter stored in the parameter storage unit during the voice secret code learning with the feature parameter of the voice input via the microphone, if the driver is not determined to be legally drunk in step (e);

(g) outputting a control signal to drive said engine of the vehicle if it is judged as the same voice and voice secret code;

(h) identifying the voice secret code in order to identify whether the intended driver is an authorized driver in the case that said current mode is converted into said voice secret code learning mode by manipulation of the voice secret code reset button;

(i) outputting a voice prompt or guidance for resetting said voice secret code if the driver is an authorized driver; and

(j) extracting said voice feature parameter from the voice and the voice secret code of the driver input from the microphone input unit through the voice recognition processor and storing the extracted result in the parameter storage unit.

3. The DUI prevention and vehicle theft prevention apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a communication line for transmitting and receiving instructions and information between the controller and the voice recognition processor;

and a voice existence discrimination signal line through which the voice recognition processor outputs a voice existence signal to the controller.

4. A method for prevention of driving of motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and prevention of vehicle theft, the method comprising the steps of:

(a1) detecting whether a vehicle key has been inserted into a key hole;

(b1) receiving a voice of an intended driver and extracting a voice feature parameter from the received voice and storing the extracted result;

(c1) storing prompts for voice prompt or voice guidance;

(d1) determining whether the intended driver is legally drunk from analysis of the breath of the driver;

(e1) extracting a voice feature parameter from the input voice and voice-synthesizing the prompts stored in the prompt storage unit to then output the synthesized result;

(f1) converting a voice prompt electrical signal of the voice prompt or guidance which has been voice-synthesized into a voice signal; and

(g1) comparing the input voice feature parameter with the stored voice feature parameter unless the driver is found to be legally drunk in step (d1), and controlling an engine of the vehicle to start if it is determined that the driver is an authorized driver.

5. The DUI prevention and vehicle theft prevention method according to claim 4, further comprising:

(h1) an initial voice secret code learning step for selecting an initial voice secret code learning mode or a mode for erasing a pre-learned voice secret code and resuming an initial voice secret code learning;

(i1) a voice secret code reset step for resetting a pre-set voice secret code;

(j1) a voice strength discrimination step for discriminating the intensity of the input voice;

(k1) converting a current mode into said initial voice secret code learning mode by the initial voice secret code learning step;

(l1) simultaneously converting said current mode into a voice secret code learning mode in the case that a key insertion is detected by the vehicle key insertion discrimination step; and

(m1) reading a corresponding prompt and voice-synthesizing and then outputting the read result for voice guidance, wherein the comparison and controlling step (g1) comprises the sub-steps of;

(g2) extracting said voice feature parameter from the input voice and voice secret code of the driver having an intensity of a predetermined value or higher, storing the extracted voice feature parameter, and converting the current mode into a normal mode;

(g3) reading a corresponding prompt and voice-synthesizing and then outputting the read result in order to ask the driver what the voice secret code is in the case that the driver intends to start the vehicle by inserting the vehicle key at the normal mode;

(g4) determining whether an intensity of the input voice is larger than the predetermined value through the voice strength discrimination step if a voice is input;

(g5) determining whether the driver is legally drunk if the voice is louder than the predetermined value;

(g6) comparing the feature parameter stored during the voice secret code learning step with the feature parameter of the input voice, if the driver is not determined to be legally drunk in step (g5);

(g7) outputting a control signal to start the engine of the vehicle if it is determined to be the same voice and voice secret code;

(g8) identifying the voice secret code in order to determine whether the intended driver is an authorized driver in the case that said current mode is converted into said voice secret code learning mode by the voice secret code reset step, and outputting a voice prompt or guidance for resetting said voice secret code if the driver is an authorized driver; and

(g9) extracting said voice feature parameter from the voice and the voice secret code of the driver and storing the extracted result.

6. An apparatus for prevention of driving of motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and prevention of vehicle theft, the apparatus comprising:

a microphone input unit for converting a voice of an intended driver into an electrical signal;

a prompt storage unit containing prompts for voice prompt or voice guidance;

a voice strength discriminator for discriminating the intensity of the input voice;

a blood alcohol level measuring unit for determining whether the intended driver is legally drunk;

a voice recognition processor for receiving the output of the microphone input unit, extracting a voice feature parameter therefrom and voice-synthesizing the prompts stored in the prompt storage unit to then output the synthesized result;

a parameter storage unit for storing the voice feature parameter of the voice and voice secret code processed in the voice recognition processor, for one or more authorized drivers;

a speaker for converting an electrical signal of the voice prompt or guidance which has been voice-synthesized in the voice recognition processor into a voice signal;

a vehicle key input unit for receiving a vehicle key;

a vehicle key discriminator for discriminating whether the key inserted into the vehicle key input unit is a corresponding key of the vehicle;

an initial voice secret code learning button for selecting an initial voice secret code learning mode or a mode for erasing a pre-learned voice secret code and resuming an initial voice secret code learning;

a voice secret code reset button for resetting a pre-set voice secret code; and

a controller for performing the steps of;

(a) instructing the voice recognition processor to convert a current mode into said initial voice secret code learning mode by manipulation of the initial voice secret code learning button, simultaneously converting said current mode into a voice secret code learning mode in the case that a key insertion is detected by the vehicle key insertion discriminator, and instructing the voice recognition processor to read a corresponding prompt from the prompt storage unit and voice-synthesize and then output the read result for voice guidance;

(b) controlling the voice recognition processor to extract said voice feature parameter from the voice and the voice secret code of the driver having an intensity of a predetermined value or higher input from the microphone input unit, storing the extracted voice feature parameter in the parameter storage unit, and converting the current mode into a normal mode;

(c) instructing the voice recognition processor to read a corresponding prompt from the prompt storage unit and voice-synthesizing and then outputting the read result in order to ask the driver what the voice secret code is in the case that the driver intends to start the vehicle by inserting the vehicle key at the normal mode, that is, the key insertion discriminator determines that there has been a new key insertion;

(d) determining whether the intensity of the input voice is higher than the predetermined value through the voice strength discriminator if a voice is input;

(e) determining whether the driver is legally drunk via the blood alcohol level measuring unlit if the voice is louder than the predetermined value in step (d);

(f) comparing the feature parameter stored in the parameter storage 15 unit;

during the voice secret code learning with the feature parameter of the voice via the microphone, if the driver is not determined to be drunk in step (e);

(g) outputting a control signal to drive an engine of the vehicle if it is judged as the same voice and voice secret code;

(h) identifying the voice secret code in order to identify whether the intended driver is an authorized driver in the case that said current mode is converted into said voice secret code learning mode by manipulation of the voice secret code reset button;

(i) outputting a voice prompt or guidance for resetting said voice secret code if the driver is an authorized driver; and

(j) extracting said voice feature parameter from the voice and the voice secret code of the driver input from the microphone input unit through the voice recognition processor and storing the extracted result in the parameter storage unit.

7. The DUI prevention and vehicle theft prevention apparatus according to claim 6, wherein one of the voice prompts during the voice secret code learning mode is a prompt <

Please say your desired password>

.

8. The DUI prevention and vehicle theft prevention apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said prompt for asking the driver of a voice secret code during the voice secret code learn mode is a prompt <

Please say password>

.

9. The DUI prevention and vehicle theft prevention apparatus according to claim 8, wherein in the case that the driver is determined to be legally drunk by said blood alcohol level measuring unit, a prompt <

Your blood alcohol level is above the legal limit, Please drive after you have sobered up>

is output.

10. The DUI prevention and vehicle theft prevention apparatus according to claim 9, herein in the case that it is judged in said voice strength discriminator that the intensity of the input voice is lower than a reference value, a prompt <

Please say in a louder voice>

is output.

11. An apparatus for prevention of driving of a motor vehicle and prevention of vehicle theft, the apparatus comprising:

a microphone input unit for converting a voice of an intended driver into an electrical signal;

a prompt storage unit containing prompts for voice prompt or voice guidance;

a blood alcohol level measuring unit for determining whether the intended driver is legally drunk;

a voice recognition processor for receiving the output of the microphone input unit, extracting a voice feature parameter therefrom and voice-synthesizing the prompts stored in the prompt storage unit to then output the synthesized result;

a parameter storage unit for storing the voice feature parameter for the voice and voice secret code processed in the voice recognition processor, for one or more authorized drivers;

a speaker for converting an electrical signal of the voice prompt or guidance which has been voice-synthesized in the voice recognition processor into a voice signal;

an ignition drive for starting an engine of the vehicle;

a vehicle key input unit for receiving a vehicle key;

a vehicle key insertion discriminator for detecting whether the vehicle key inserted into a key hole is a corresponding vehicle key;

an initial voice secret code learning button for selecting an initial voice secret code learning mode or a mode for erasing a pre-learned voice secret code and resuming an initial voice secret code learning;

a voice secret code reset button for resetting a pre-set voice secret code; and

a controller for performing the steps of;

(a) instructing the voice recognition processor to convert a current mode into said initial voice secret code learning mode by manipulation of the initial voice secret code learning button, simultaneously converting said current mode into a voice secret code learning mode in the case that a key insertion is detected by the vehicle key insertion discriminator, and instructing the voice recognition processor to read a corresponding prompt from the prompt storage unit and voice-synthesize and then output the read result for voice guidance;

(b) controlling the voice recognition processor to extract said voice feature parameter from the voice and the voice secret code of the driver having an intensity of a predetermined value or higher input from the microphone input unit, storing the extracted voice feature parameter in the parameter storage unit, and converting the current mode into a normal mode;

(c) instructing the voice recognition processor to read a corresponding prompt from the prompt storage unit and voice-synthesizing and then outputting the read result in order to ask the driver what the voice secret code is in the case that the driver intends to start the vehicle by inserting the vehicle key in the normal mode, that is, the key insertion discriminator determines that there has been a new key insertion;

(d) determining whether the intensity of the input voice is higher than the predetermined value through the voice strength discriminator if a voice is input;

(e) determining whether the driver is legally drink via the blood alcohol level measuring unit if the voice is louder than the predetermined value in step (d);

(f) comparing the feature parameter stored in the parameter storage unit during the voice secret code learning with the feature parameter of the voice via the microphone, if the driver is not determined to be legally drunk in step (e);

(g) outputting a control signal to drive said engine of the vehicle if it is judged as the same voice and voice secret code;

(h) identifying the voice secret code in order to identify whether the intended driver is an authorized driver in the case that said current mode is converted into said voice secret code learning mode by manipulation of the voice secret code rest button;

(i) outputting a voice prompt or guidance for resetting said voice secret code if the driver is an authorized driver; and

(j) extracting said voice feature parameter from the voice and the voice secret code of the driver input from the microphone input unit through the voice recognition processor and storing the extracted result in the parameter storage unit.

12. An apparatus for prevention of driving of motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and prevention of vehicle theft, the apparatus comprising:

a microphone input unit for converting a voice of an intended driver into an electrical signal;

a prompt storage unit containing prompts for voice prompt or voice guidance;

a blood alcohol level measuring unit for determining whether the intended driver is legally drunk;

a voice recognition processor for receiving the output of the microphone input unit, extracting a voice feature parameter therefrom and voice-synthesizing the prompts stored in the prompt storage unit to then output the synthesized result;

a parameter storage unit for storing the voice feature parameter for the voice and voice secret code processed in the voice recognition processor, for one or more authorized drivers;

a speaker for converting an electrical signal of the voice prompt or guidance which has been voice-synthesized in the voice recognition processor into a voice signal;

an ignition drive for starting an engine of the vehicle;

a vehicle key, input unit for receiving a vehicle key; and

a controller for performing the steps of;

(a) instructing the voice recognition processor to read a corresponding prompt from the prompt storage unit and voice-synthesize and then output the read result for voice guidance in order to perform a voice secret code leaning;

(b) controlling the voice recognition processor to extract said voice feature parameter from the voice and the voice secret code of the driver having an intensity of a predetermined value or higher input from the microphone input unit, storing the extracted voice feature parameter in the parameter storage unit, and converting the current mode into a normal mode;

(c) instructing the voice recognition processor to read a corresponding prompt from the prompt storage unit and voice-synthesizing and then outputting the read result in order to ask the driver what the voice secret code is in the case that the driver intends to start the vehicle by inserting the vehicle key in the normal mode, that is, the key insertion discriminator determines that there has been a new key insertion;

(d) determining whether the intensity of the input voice is higher than the predetermined value through the voice strength discriminator if a voice is input;

(e) determining whether the driver is legally drunk via the blood alcohol level measuring unit if the voice is louder than the predetermined value in step (d);

(f) comparing the feature parameter stored in the parameter storage unit during the voice secret code learning with the feature parameter of the voice via the microphone, if the driver is not determined to be legally drunk in step (c); and

(g) outputting a control signal to drive said engine of the vehicle if it is judged as the same voice and voice secret code.

13. An apparatus for prevention of driving of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and prevention of vehicle theft, the apparatus comprising:

a microphone input unit for inputting a voice and a voice secret code of an intended driver;

a prompt storage unit containing prompts for voice prompt or voice guidance;

a blood alcohol level measuring unit for determining whether the intended driver is legally drunk;

a voice recognition processor for receiving the output of the microphone input unit, extracting a feature parameter therefrom and voice-synthesizing the prompts stored in the prompt storage unit to then output the synthesized result;

a parameter storage unit for storing the voice feature parameter of the voice and voice secret code processed in the voice recognition processor, for one or more authorized drivers;

a speaker for converting an electrical signal of the voice prompt or guidance which has been voice-synthesized in the voice recognition processor into a voice signal; and

a controller for comparing the input voice feature parameter with the stored voice feature parameter unless the driver is determined to be legally drunk according to the blood alcohol level measurement and for controlling an engine of the vehicle to start if it is judged that the drive is an authorized driver.