CA2185655A1 - Control device and mouthpiece - Google Patents
Control device and mouthpieceInfo
- Publication number
- CA2185655A1 CA2185655A1 CA002185655A CA2185655A CA2185655A1 CA 2185655 A1 CA2185655 A1 CA 2185655A1 CA 002185655 A CA002185655 A CA 002185655A CA 2185655 A CA2185655 A CA 2185655A CA 2185655 A1 CA2185655 A1 CA 2185655A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- mouthpiece
- control device
- interlock
- vehicle
- module
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/08—Measuring devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
- A61B5/097—Devices for facilitating collection of breath or for directing breath into or through measuring devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
- B60R25/01—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens
- B60R25/04—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/48—Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
- G01N33/483—Physical analysis of biological material
- G01N33/497—Physical analysis of biological material of gaseous biological material, e.g. breath
- G01N33/4972—Determining alcohol content
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Hematology (AREA)
- Pulmonology (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Immunology (AREA)
- Urology & Nephrology (AREA)
- Physiology (AREA)
- Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Investigating Or Analysing Biological Materials (AREA)
Abstract
A control device, such as a breathal-yser, has an interlock which acts to control access to/or use of an apparatus, like a vehi-cle, by a person under the influence of alco-hol. The device is provided with a means for determining whether the interlock has been bypassed by monitoring the line voltage of the vehicle and determining with reference to a perceived condition, such as ignition status, whether the voltage level monitored is cor-rect. A mouthpiece of the breathalyser has a relatively straight through design so that con-densate internal of the mouthpiece gravitates to the bottom of the mouthpiece and is ex-pelled out by the passage of air. The mouth-piece has a channel (13) in one end creating a venturi effect and thereby developing laminar flow. The interlock has a detachable memory module which provides for easier download-ing of recorded information and also provides a mechanism by which the operating program of the interlock can be updated.
Description
W095/26889 2 1 85~ PCT/AU95100175 CONTROL DEVICE AND MOUTHPIECE
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a control device (and parts therefore), which device acts to control access to or use of an apparatus by a person under 5 the influence of a drug.
In one form, the device of the present invention has ~ 'iC " ~ to a vehicle and serves as a device to control access or use of the vehicle by a person.
More ~c 'i~ - 'Iy, the present invention, in one embodiment, can be used 10 as a device to control the ignition system of a motor vehicle and serve to inhibit use of the vehicle by person under the influence of a drug such as alcohol.
A number of aspects of the present invention are separately disclosed in this document, such as apparatus (or vehicle) status ,,,ùll i"g, mouthpiece assembly, c~",pl;ance recording, ~IUy~d~ y.
In the prior art there are a number of alcohol measuring devices which inhibit the operation of a vehicle by an illlùxi~dl~d person. The prior art generally deals with ldlllptnillg or bypassing the measuring activity of the device, by identifying whether the person being measured is in fact the normal 20 driver of the vehicle. Operation of the vehicle is inhibited for those persons who are not the normal driver of the vehicle. An example of such prior art is AUA10970/88, AUB784112/87, US48û9810, US4678057, and US5224566.
Further prior art discloses methods and apparatus for determining or correcting the accuracy of a reading given by prior art measuring devices, by 25 way of correcting for air temperature, heating of fuel or measuring cells andwhether the measuring device accurately records events as they occur. For example AUB26915/88, AUA21638/92, AUB23984/84 and US4901058.
The prior art, nonetheless, still has problems associated with unsupervised operation, particularly in relation to features of user ~ " " ,~ss,30 service and a~Ft~' "~.y, and reliability.
~UBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2~) woss/26sss 21 85655 PCT/AU95100175 o OBJECT OF INVENTION
The prQsent invention, in one or more forms, has as its object to alleviate at least one problem ~c~o~ d with the prior art.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
In general terms, the present control device enables, disables, and/or controls the operation of some other apparatus, such as a motor vehicle. The control device has arF' ~ to other areas of industry and teul")~lu~y where human operation is involved and the present invention is equally .~rr~ ~ ~ to these other areas. In one form, the control device is an interlock.
1 û The control device of the present invention, in one form, is adapted to serve many users and markets. One such market is a legislative market, in which the user is forced to use the present control device as a result of a Court judgement, for exampla as the result of a drink driving conviction. The Court may impose the use of the control device of the present invention in an attempt 15 to avoid a recurrence of the drink driving offence. Another market is a voluntary market, which is esse"~ 'y a user defined or after market. The user defined market may el~c~"",ds~ the ill:~LdlldliUn and use of the control device of the present invention in a vehicle used for private purposes in order to avoid the operation of the vehicle by a driver while under the influence of a drug. In 2û another ~rF' 'i~n, the present invention may be used in fleet or corporate vehicles in order to reduce the ability of persons to operate or control companyapparatus, such as vehicles or equipment, when under the influence of a drug.
Such legislative, user and after markets are prt:dGlllirldl~lly, but not exclusively, found in the use and the control of the use of motor vehicles.
The present invention may also be used in conjunction with machinery, in cGllllullillg or asses:,i"g whether a human operator is in a condition col,~id~,~d suitable to operate the machinery.
The present disclosure outlines separately what are consid~rt~d to be a number of inventive aspects of the present invention.
3û STATUS MONITORING
This aspect provides a method and / or device by which the status of the vehicle can be ~ ler",i"ed and / or recorded. This aspect is pl~di.,dlt~d on the PCI~/AU 9 ~; / O O 1 7 l~ECEIYED 25JAN l996 2a realisatioQ tbat by-pass monitoring can be acc~",pl;,l,ed by monitoring and/or recording the level of vehicle voltage supply in conjunction with other available indications or data such as ignition status.
This aspect provides a method or means of d~l6r",i"il,g a bypass event 5 includin3 monitoring means for monitoring apparatus voltage level and logic means for cl~ler",i"ing preferably with reference to other data such as ignitionstatus whether the voltage monitored accords with the other data.
Therefore the invention provides a method of determining whether a control device coupled to an apparatus has or has not been by-passed, the 10 method C~ iaill~.
monitoring voltage level as applied to the apparatus to monitor whether the voltage level has varied in acc~ldance with a pre-determined sequence of events;
determining with reference to a perceived condition of the apparatus 15 whether the voltage level monitored is correct; and clt~l~llllil,i,lg that the control device has been by-passed if the perceived condition is not correct.
AMEND~ SHEET
I~EA/AU
WO95/26889 2 1 8 56~ PCT/A~J95/0017~
n IllaL ti~ F/B..~. m~ Jri"u ~dll ~e accor"~ .l,ed by ",o~ '~or recording the level of vehicle voltage supply in conjunc~wit~her available i, ' ls or data such as ignition status. /~
- This aspeCt provides a met~ans of duhr",i" ,9 a bypass event, including monitoring m~monitoring apparatus voltage level and logic m=~nd~ , preferably with reference to other data such as ignition _;11_. tl,~ vc~ldy~ u~iiu~d d~iWI~ ~.;;1~ th~ oth~r data F,~,f~rdLly, memory means is also provided for recordal of a bypass event.
It has been found that, where a person who wishes to drive a vehicle without passing the test conducted by the control device of the present invention, that person may simply seek to "hot-wire~ the vehicle ignition or disable or deactivate the control function provided by the device of the presentinvention. This would effectively by-pass the control of the vehicle exhibited by 15 the device of the present invention and would be col,:,idert:d ~"~desi,dble.
Such an event can be monitored, and s~lhse-luently recorded for scrutiny by authorities, by the measurement and recording, if neCessary, of the voltage supply level of the vehicle, time, date and/or other relevant data.
This aspect of the present invention may:
a) determine correct usage of the control device,and / or b) determine correct operation of the control device.
For example:
i) Is the vehicle being started without the ~,~ser,ldlion of a breath sample?
ii) Is the vehicle failing to start on ~l~se~ldliùn of a valid breath sample?
This information may be important evidence in supporting or instigating any legal proceedings.
In addition to the engine condition and the battery condition, other 30 vehicle data, such as speed, may also provide valuable pieces of additional "",Gti~n, which enables further analysis of U,U~ldli~ndl events, which can be monitored and/or recorded by a control device of the present invention.
W095126889 21 856~5 PCT/AU9510017~ o MOUTHPIECE ASSEMBLY
FLOW THROUGH
This aspect provides a mouthpiece having a relatively straight through design for the passage of fluid there through configured to enable moisture 5 deposited internal of the mouthpiece to SULl~ dll" ~Iy clear by passage of thefluid through the mouthpiece. This aspect is ple,uicdled on the realisation that a mouthpiece can be designed so as to utilise the force of gravity in dealing withthe problem of accumulated residue or moisture internal of the mouthpiece.
This aspect invoives the concept of providing, designing and / or developing a 10 mouthpiece suitable for a control device, including but not being limited to the control device disclosed above, such that the mouthpiece would clear or sub:~ldl 1 'Iy reduce any con.l~l1si"g moisture by way of the air flow throuQh the device to the outside of the device.
It is desirable that as a result, accumulation of residue or moisture would 15 become externally conspicuous and would not accumulate unseen internal to the device to create a health or accuracy problem(s) if the mouthpiece was not changed as rt:-,v~""~nd~:d.
In one form, the present invention provides the feature noted above by removing the moisture by way of gravity to su~ d"lially the bottom of the tube, 20 and pr~erdL,I~ expel that moisture from the end of the mouthpiece by the passage of air through the mouthpiece.
In addition, the mouthpiece of the present invention is preferably configured in its use in conl1e-,tion with the control device such that the sample and pressure port apertures are placed relatively far away from the natural 25 drainage path of the mouthpiece. Thus, it is ~on~id~,~d desirable, but not essential, to include the apertures on or toward the high side of the tube, awayfrom the normal drain path for the moisture. Apparatus on the side of the tube is also suitable.
In a further aspect, a mouthpiece having a design that enables or 30 facilitates visual inspection would also be c~r,~ d advantageous. If there isany accumulation of condensdli~n or other material within the mouthpiece, it would be unsil1htly and obvious to the user.
WO 951~6889 2 1 8 5 ~ 5~ PcT/~Ug5faal75 The flow through and self-clearing nature of the mouthpiece feature of the present inYention also~ serves to meet yet a further requirement of the market. That is, that ,cdll,oge~, material should not be sucked, or should be difficult to, suck back through the mouthpiece. The present mouthpiece 5 facilitates this desirable aspect by way of a relatively low flow through d,~ce to ambient air and sul,ald"lially without accumulation sites.
LAMINAR FLOW
A second aspect relating to the mouthpiece is predicated on the provision of laminar air flow through the mouthpiece to provide a substantially 10 turbulent free sampling area. Preferably, an improved 'venturi' effect is also provided within the mouthpiece. It has been found that the second aspect provides an improved method and mouthpiece for sample analysis by a control device.
COMPLIANCE RECORDING AN~ ADAPTABILITY
The fea~ure of C~ dllce Recording is directed at the ",ul i"g and /
or recording of events monitored by the control device of the present invention.It has been found difficult in prior art arrangements to report events monitored by the control device to a ,t~ or,~ le authority, whether the authority is a corporate entity, legislative body, or other .~rr ~- reporting or recording20 entity. Prior art ar~d~e~\)el~ts require a person to service the device on site, or have the device returned to a central station for reading by the authority.
This aspect of the present invention is p~ il,dl~d on the under:,ldn~ling that a control device can have a dt~ldul~d~le means for storage of event ,~o,di.~s, and that the d~l~.;lldbl~3 storage means can be i, 3~.,1,dllged with a 25 fresh memory module. The present aspect is considered to overcome the d,...~l,acks of the prior art by the provision of a dt~td~l,able memory module of suitable form.
- The feature of ~ " ' "'y is directed to the provision of a means by which each control device can be relatively easily modified and I or updated to 30 accor"",o~dl~ changes in Law, practice or policy in relation to the operation of the device or an apparatus which they control.
W095/26889 2 1 85655 PCT/AU95/0017!i o Surprisingly, it has been found that: ', ' ' " y may also be provided in a control device by the use of a d~ldul ,dl,le storage means.
Preferred el"~oui",e"l:, of the present invention will now be disclosed with reference to the acc~r"?ar,"i.,g drawinss, in which:
Figure 1 shows a flow chart of the operation of the control device;
Figur~ 2 illustrates one form of Yehicle status ",u, ~i"~;
Figure 3 illustrates in block diagram form, one er,lLo-Ji",t",l of circuitry forvehicle status " ,u" . " ,9, Figure 4 illustrates one form of mouthpiece; and 1 û Figure 5 illustrates another form of mouthpiece.
INTERLOCK BASIC OPERATION
Before detailing the various aspects of the present invention, it is ~. II,..:~ile to outline the overall operation of the control device, and thereby better appreciate the various aspects to be more fully described later.
15 Therefore, with reference to Flgure 1:
1. POWER UP/RESET
Device is switched on or an internai reset occurs 2. PARAMETRIC SETUP & CHECKS
Device pdldlllt~ are loaded and int~rnal checks are pet~ul",ed, 2û for example calibration factors, device options are loaded. Device integrity or EEPROM and RAM may be checked for errors.
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a control device (and parts therefore), which device acts to control access to or use of an apparatus by a person under 5 the influence of a drug.
In one form, the device of the present invention has ~ 'iC " ~ to a vehicle and serves as a device to control access or use of the vehicle by a person.
More ~c 'i~ - 'Iy, the present invention, in one embodiment, can be used 10 as a device to control the ignition system of a motor vehicle and serve to inhibit use of the vehicle by person under the influence of a drug such as alcohol.
A number of aspects of the present invention are separately disclosed in this document, such as apparatus (or vehicle) status ,,,ùll i"g, mouthpiece assembly, c~",pl;ance recording, ~IUy~d~ y.
In the prior art there are a number of alcohol measuring devices which inhibit the operation of a vehicle by an illlùxi~dl~d person. The prior art generally deals with ldlllptnillg or bypassing the measuring activity of the device, by identifying whether the person being measured is in fact the normal 20 driver of the vehicle. Operation of the vehicle is inhibited for those persons who are not the normal driver of the vehicle. An example of such prior art is AUA10970/88, AUB784112/87, US48û9810, US4678057, and US5224566.
Further prior art discloses methods and apparatus for determining or correcting the accuracy of a reading given by prior art measuring devices, by 25 way of correcting for air temperature, heating of fuel or measuring cells andwhether the measuring device accurately records events as they occur. For example AUB26915/88, AUA21638/92, AUB23984/84 and US4901058.
The prior art, nonetheless, still has problems associated with unsupervised operation, particularly in relation to features of user ~ " " ,~ss,30 service and a~Ft~' "~.y, and reliability.
~UBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2~) woss/26sss 21 85655 PCT/AU95100175 o OBJECT OF INVENTION
The prQsent invention, in one or more forms, has as its object to alleviate at least one problem ~c~o~ d with the prior art.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
In general terms, the present control device enables, disables, and/or controls the operation of some other apparatus, such as a motor vehicle. The control device has arF' ~ to other areas of industry and teul")~lu~y where human operation is involved and the present invention is equally .~rr~ ~ ~ to these other areas. In one form, the control device is an interlock.
1 û The control device of the present invention, in one form, is adapted to serve many users and markets. One such market is a legislative market, in which the user is forced to use the present control device as a result of a Court judgement, for exampla as the result of a drink driving conviction. The Court may impose the use of the control device of the present invention in an attempt 15 to avoid a recurrence of the drink driving offence. Another market is a voluntary market, which is esse"~ 'y a user defined or after market. The user defined market may el~c~"",ds~ the ill:~LdlldliUn and use of the control device of the present invention in a vehicle used for private purposes in order to avoid the operation of the vehicle by a driver while under the influence of a drug. In 2û another ~rF' 'i~n, the present invention may be used in fleet or corporate vehicles in order to reduce the ability of persons to operate or control companyapparatus, such as vehicles or equipment, when under the influence of a drug.
Such legislative, user and after markets are prt:dGlllirldl~lly, but not exclusively, found in the use and the control of the use of motor vehicles.
The present invention may also be used in conjunction with machinery, in cGllllullillg or asses:,i"g whether a human operator is in a condition col,~id~,~d suitable to operate the machinery.
The present disclosure outlines separately what are consid~rt~d to be a number of inventive aspects of the present invention.
3û STATUS MONITORING
This aspect provides a method and / or device by which the status of the vehicle can be ~ ler",i"ed and / or recorded. This aspect is pl~di.,dlt~d on the PCI~/AU 9 ~; / O O 1 7 l~ECEIYED 25JAN l996 2a realisatioQ tbat by-pass monitoring can be acc~",pl;,l,ed by monitoring and/or recording the level of vehicle voltage supply in conjunction with other available indications or data such as ignition status.
This aspect provides a method or means of d~l6r",i"il,g a bypass event 5 includin3 monitoring means for monitoring apparatus voltage level and logic means for cl~ler",i"ing preferably with reference to other data such as ignitionstatus whether the voltage monitored accords with the other data.
Therefore the invention provides a method of determining whether a control device coupled to an apparatus has or has not been by-passed, the 10 method C~ iaill~.
monitoring voltage level as applied to the apparatus to monitor whether the voltage level has varied in acc~ldance with a pre-determined sequence of events;
determining with reference to a perceived condition of the apparatus 15 whether the voltage level monitored is correct; and clt~l~llllil,i,lg that the control device has been by-passed if the perceived condition is not correct.
AMEND~ SHEET
I~EA/AU
WO95/26889 2 1 8 56~ PCT/A~J95/0017~
n IllaL ti~ F/B..~. m~ Jri"u ~dll ~e accor"~ .l,ed by ",o~ '~or recording the level of vehicle voltage supply in conjunc~wit~her available i, ' ls or data such as ignition status. /~
- This aspeCt provides a met~ans of duhr",i" ,9 a bypass event, including monitoring m~monitoring apparatus voltage level and logic m=~nd~ , preferably with reference to other data such as ignition _;11_. tl,~ vc~ldy~ u~iiu~d d~iWI~ ~.;;1~ th~ oth~r data F,~,f~rdLly, memory means is also provided for recordal of a bypass event.
It has been found that, where a person who wishes to drive a vehicle without passing the test conducted by the control device of the present invention, that person may simply seek to "hot-wire~ the vehicle ignition or disable or deactivate the control function provided by the device of the presentinvention. This would effectively by-pass the control of the vehicle exhibited by 15 the device of the present invention and would be col,:,idert:d ~"~desi,dble.
Such an event can be monitored, and s~lhse-luently recorded for scrutiny by authorities, by the measurement and recording, if neCessary, of the voltage supply level of the vehicle, time, date and/or other relevant data.
This aspect of the present invention may:
a) determine correct usage of the control device,and / or b) determine correct operation of the control device.
For example:
i) Is the vehicle being started without the ~,~ser,ldlion of a breath sample?
ii) Is the vehicle failing to start on ~l~se~ldliùn of a valid breath sample?
This information may be important evidence in supporting or instigating any legal proceedings.
In addition to the engine condition and the battery condition, other 30 vehicle data, such as speed, may also provide valuable pieces of additional "",Gti~n, which enables further analysis of U,U~ldli~ndl events, which can be monitored and/or recorded by a control device of the present invention.
W095126889 21 856~5 PCT/AU9510017~ o MOUTHPIECE ASSEMBLY
FLOW THROUGH
This aspect provides a mouthpiece having a relatively straight through design for the passage of fluid there through configured to enable moisture 5 deposited internal of the mouthpiece to SULl~ dll" ~Iy clear by passage of thefluid through the mouthpiece. This aspect is ple,uicdled on the realisation that a mouthpiece can be designed so as to utilise the force of gravity in dealing withthe problem of accumulated residue or moisture internal of the mouthpiece.
This aspect invoives the concept of providing, designing and / or developing a 10 mouthpiece suitable for a control device, including but not being limited to the control device disclosed above, such that the mouthpiece would clear or sub:~ldl 1 'Iy reduce any con.l~l1si"g moisture by way of the air flow throuQh the device to the outside of the device.
It is desirable that as a result, accumulation of residue or moisture would 15 become externally conspicuous and would not accumulate unseen internal to the device to create a health or accuracy problem(s) if the mouthpiece was not changed as rt:-,v~""~nd~:d.
In one form, the present invention provides the feature noted above by removing the moisture by way of gravity to su~ d"lially the bottom of the tube, 20 and pr~erdL,I~ expel that moisture from the end of the mouthpiece by the passage of air through the mouthpiece.
In addition, the mouthpiece of the present invention is preferably configured in its use in conl1e-,tion with the control device such that the sample and pressure port apertures are placed relatively far away from the natural 25 drainage path of the mouthpiece. Thus, it is ~on~id~,~d desirable, but not essential, to include the apertures on or toward the high side of the tube, awayfrom the normal drain path for the moisture. Apparatus on the side of the tube is also suitable.
In a further aspect, a mouthpiece having a design that enables or 30 facilitates visual inspection would also be c~r,~ d advantageous. If there isany accumulation of condensdli~n or other material within the mouthpiece, it would be unsil1htly and obvious to the user.
WO 951~6889 2 1 8 5 ~ 5~ PcT/~Ug5faal75 The flow through and self-clearing nature of the mouthpiece feature of the present inYention also~ serves to meet yet a further requirement of the market. That is, that ,cdll,oge~, material should not be sucked, or should be difficult to, suck back through the mouthpiece. The present mouthpiece 5 facilitates this desirable aspect by way of a relatively low flow through d,~ce to ambient air and sul,ald"lially without accumulation sites.
LAMINAR FLOW
A second aspect relating to the mouthpiece is predicated on the provision of laminar air flow through the mouthpiece to provide a substantially 10 turbulent free sampling area. Preferably, an improved 'venturi' effect is also provided within the mouthpiece. It has been found that the second aspect provides an improved method and mouthpiece for sample analysis by a control device.
COMPLIANCE RECORDING AN~ ADAPTABILITY
The fea~ure of C~ dllce Recording is directed at the ",ul i"g and /
or recording of events monitored by the control device of the present invention.It has been found difficult in prior art arrangements to report events monitored by the control device to a ,t~ or,~ le authority, whether the authority is a corporate entity, legislative body, or other .~rr ~- reporting or recording20 entity. Prior art ar~d~e~\)el~ts require a person to service the device on site, or have the device returned to a central station for reading by the authority.
This aspect of the present invention is p~ il,dl~d on the under:,ldn~ling that a control device can have a dt~ldul~d~le means for storage of event ,~o,di.~s, and that the d~l~.;lldbl~3 storage means can be i, 3~.,1,dllged with a 25 fresh memory module. The present aspect is considered to overcome the d,...~l,acks of the prior art by the provision of a dt~td~l,able memory module of suitable form.
- The feature of ~ " ' "'y is directed to the provision of a means by which each control device can be relatively easily modified and I or updated to 30 accor"",o~dl~ changes in Law, practice or policy in relation to the operation of the device or an apparatus which they control.
W095/26889 2 1 85655 PCT/AU95/0017!i o Surprisingly, it has been found that: ', ' ' " y may also be provided in a control device by the use of a d~ldul ,dl,le storage means.
Preferred el"~oui",e"l:, of the present invention will now be disclosed with reference to the acc~r"?ar,"i.,g drawinss, in which:
Figure 1 shows a flow chart of the operation of the control device;
Figur~ 2 illustrates one form of Yehicle status ",u, ~i"~;
Figure 3 illustrates in block diagram form, one er,lLo-Ji",t",l of circuitry forvehicle status " ,u" . " ,9, Figure 4 illustrates one form of mouthpiece; and 1 û Figure 5 illustrates another form of mouthpiece.
INTERLOCK BASIC OPERATION
Before detailing the various aspects of the present invention, it is ~. II,..:~ile to outline the overall operation of the control device, and thereby better appreciate the various aspects to be more fully described later.
15 Therefore, with reference to Flgure 1:
1. POWER UP/RESET
Device is switched on or an internai reset occurs 2. PARAMETRIC SETUP & CHECKS
Device pdldlllt~ are loaded and int~rnal checks are pet~ul",ed, 2û for example calibration factors, device options are loaded. Device integrity or EEPROM and RAM may be checked for errors.
3. MODE OF OPERATION
The device as a whole has a series of operational modes when the device is turned on.
These are:
a) Normal Mode - user/vehicle mode b) New Memory Module Detected - Detects insertion of a new memory moduie and autul,,d~i~ally sets the device into calibration mode.
c) Service Mode - Device service mode where various checks and options can be manually seVreset as well as internal c~,l,,uon~ ly monitoring.
~ WO95126889 2 1 85655 PCI/AU95/00175 d) Factory Initialisstion - Upon first time power up, device aul~i"dlic~lly enters factory initialisation whereby all device functions are checked and all options are set.
e) Serial Download - if the memory module is connected to an Interlock Download Module (automatic detection), memory module functions can be pel~""ad such as du~.,lùa~;li.lg all data acquired, clearing data Acq~isition area, resetting clock and checking the battery level.
f) Self test Mode - Initiated with a double turn of the vehicle ignition switch. Performs automatic checks on all internal u~""l)one"t~ of the device.
The device as a whole has a series of operational modes when the device is turned on.
These are:
a) Normal Mode - user/vehicle mode b) New Memory Module Detected - Detects insertion of a new memory moduie and autul,,d~i~ally sets the device into calibration mode.
c) Service Mode - Device service mode where various checks and options can be manually seVreset as well as internal c~,l,,uon~ ly monitoring.
~ WO95126889 2 1 85655 PCI/AU95/00175 d) Factory Initialisstion - Upon first time power up, device aul~i"dlic~lly enters factory initialisation whereby all device functions are checked and all options are set.
e) Serial Download - if the memory module is connected to an Interlock Download Module (automatic detection), memory module functions can be pel~""ad such as du~.,lùa~;li.lg all data acquired, clearing data Acq~isition area, resetting clock and checking the battery level.
f) Self test Mode - Initiated with a double turn of the vehicle ignition switch. Performs automatic checks on all internal u~""l)one"t~ of the device.
4. OPERATION IN NORMAL MODE
When the device is insta~led into a vehicle or onto a machine, it is intended for the device to be used in the normal mode. The normal mode of operation is presumed to be one in which the vehicle's access or operation can be enabled, disabled or controlled through the ~r ~ ~ of a breath sample into the device.
In the normal mode the vehicle's ignition switch is used to access the device (wake the device up by turning the key to the ignition position). With reference to Figure 1, once 'woken up', the device enters the warmup phase in which the fuel cell is heated to its nominal operating temperature. During the wait phase, "WAIT' is displayed for user ack,,u..!~Jy,,,e,,l.
On culll,ulo~liùl~ of the wait phase, the device enters the blow phase in which a breath sample is requested. 'PLEASE BLOW' is scrolled across the display to indicate to the user that a breath sample is required.
During the prt:ser,ld~ion of the breath sample, the flow is monitored until a sufficient volume of the user's breath has been presented from which a small proportion is drawn into the fuel cell for the detection of any presence of a drug such as alcohol. The resultant concentration of alcohol located in the user's breath (BrAC) is then rA~ AtPd displayed and recorded into memory.
wogsn6889 2 1 ~5655 PCTIAU95100175 o Depending upon whether or not the result is within ~ce~ le limits the vehicle s ignition system is enabled or disabled.
If the result is lower or equal to the allowable limit the vehicle can be accessed and a restart timer is started allowing the user to a time limit for which the vehicle can be started without another test.
If the result is higher or equal to the allowable limit the vehicle cannot be accessed and a retest timer is started inhibiting the use ot the vehicle and the device tor a ,c,~;l~t"",i"ed length ottime. Once this time has passed another test can be pertormed.
The vehicle s engine is preterably constantly monitored throughout all process/phases in the normal mode ot operation with power pe""d"er,lly applied to the control device.
STATUS MONITORING DISCLOSURE
In acc~rddl)ce with one torm ot the status ",~n ~i"g aspect ot the 15 present invention, each of these fourc~l,u;tiol~al states:
(1 ) Battery condition (2) Engine nunning (3) Engine off (4) Engine cranking 20 may be ~ r",i"ed by looking at the presence, absence or level of electrical output trom different locations. However they may be deduced i" vr,lly by observing the electrical level on only one line with respect to the vehicle conductive body (ie, zero volt reference or ground).
When the engine is oft the vehicle battery is not being charged and 25 usually has very little load or battery drain. Theretore measuring the battery voltage would indicate the battery condition.
When the engine is nunning the battery is under charge and the battery voltage is normally higher than the normal pseudo open circuit voltage (engine off condition). When the engine is cranking the battery is under maximum load 30 because the starter motor consumes a relatively large amount ot electrical power in a given time interval. As a result the battery voltage talls below that ot the normal "en~ine off" voltage.
W095126889 2 1 856~ PCTMU95/00175 By measuring the electrical potential of the vehicle battery with respect to the normal "engine off" voltage, the engine condition (i.e. crankin3) followed by the engine running (due to a relatively higher voltage ",o" )~ed) may be deduced.
It is important to establish a set of relative threshold ranges, as illustrated in Fi3ure 2, for assuming the three colldilidl Idl states of the en3ine:
a) Engine off (1 ) b) Engine cranking (2) c) Engine running (3) 10 in order to enable the d~l~r,,,;.,dliun of vehicle status, including engine status, and whether the control device of the present invention has or has not been by-passed.
Each of threshold levels (2) and (3) is relative to the value of (1) Condition (1 ) can therefore be monitored so that threshold values of (2) and (3) 15 may be either continually or pe~ liudlly revised and / or dt,~"";"ad.
Other signals su~,d~ ,uùsed on the ~dc~ level of the line can assist in the d~ldllll ,alio" ot engine condition (ie, alternator charging frequencies) and these too may be ,,,ùr,iLu,c:d by way of a demodulation or noise threshold circuit. Also, other available inputs may assist in analysing or c~"~i""i"g the 20 d~ldl",;"ed ct~ c e ~ ignition input, door opening, Id.;l,u",~:le- signal, etc.
An important feature of being able to monitor engine condition on a single line is that it reduces the number of wires (or cables) required to be col~ne..ldd during ill:7~dlldliUi~ of the control device of the present invention. This reduces the chances of an i. " ' )~ error, the cost of ill:~ldlldli~n, and the cost 25 of the dQvice. I~ also increases the Ille~lldlli~dl reliability of the device.
Since the voltage supply line being monitored is from the battery and this line (including a zero volt reference line) must already be co~ e.,1ed to provide - power to the device, there are in fact no additional lines that are required to determine this important data, in accol~ance with one e",bodi",er,l of the 30 present invention.
The engine condition circuitry of Figure 3 monitors the vehicle battery voltage level. The voltage level monitored 17 is converted to digital form as it is .. . ...
WO95/26889 2 1 8565~ PCIIAI~95100175 o a convenient form for logic pru~essi,~g. The digital conversion is perfo~med by an analogue-to-digital converter 18, for processing by the ~ucesail~g circuitry.The processing circuitry 19 determines, in conjunction with other data or ill.licdliuils, such as ignition actuation, whether or not by-pass is occurring. For 5 example, if the ~u-,e~i"g circuitry d~ r",i"es that the battery voltage is at the 'cranking' level, and the ignition status is ~offn, it is assumed that a by-passevent is occurring. In such an event, the date, time, and other relevant data isrecorded in the memory 2û of the control device.
MOUTHPIECE DISCLOSURE
Referring to Figure 4, the mouthpiece 4 is configured in a way that it is inherently self clearing with respect to moisture from the breath that normally conde,~ses on the internal surface of a mouthpiece. With this design the cor,d~"adl~ runs by gravity to the bottom of the tube 5. As the breath is blown 15 through (arrow), this takes the culldellsdle through the mouthpiece to escape outattheend6.
The mouthpiece has a 'keyway' 7 to ensure insertion at the correct rotation.
The sample 9 and pressure port 10 apertures are preferably placed on 2û the higher side of the tube, away from the normal drain path for the CO~ Sdle.
The mouthpiece also i,,~ur,uord~es a breath flow restrictor 8 to "amplify"
pressure changes and improve the accuracy of breath volume calculations.
This restrictor is so designed as not to impede the drainage flow of the cù~de, ,sdl~. The restrictor also provides a ",ecl,a"i ,", to assist the conde"sdl~
25 to gravitate into the breath flow path.
When utilising pressure sensing of the breath sample it improves the measurability of the pressure if It~ ldl~ce to flow creates a di~ llidl back pressure. The di~ler~nlidl pressure is relative to the normal ambient air pressure. A flow restricting aperture in the mouthpiece has the potential to 3û improve the ability to measure a breath pressure signal, but reduce the self clearing ability of an unobstructed tube. Thus, the back pressure created or allowed for in the design of the mouthpiece needs to be balanced against the WO95/26889 2 1 8~6~5 PCT~AV9~/00~7~i sensitivity of the pressure sensor and the ability for a user to deliver sample relatively easily. The flow restriction aperture 11 is preferably placed in the natural drainage path of the moisture i.e. on the lower side of the tube. The shape of the aperture preferably allows for surface effects of the coll-le"sed 5 moisture and should tend to maximise the natural drainage under relatively minimal or suL,~ld"~;~.ly zero flow conditions.
The sample of breath is extracted from the mouthpiece on the ambient pressure side of the restrictor. The extraction (sample) port 9 is designed so that the flow of air through the restrictor creates a slight pressure reduction (by 10 virtue of a 'venturi eflect at the port aperture and thus through the sample system.
At the distal end of the mouthpiece a crown" shaping al,dn~e",ent 12 may be provided to prevent simple biockage of the mouthpiece which might result in an incorrect flow / volume. In the same manner an internal leakage 15 path between the affixed mouthpiece holder and its co,,:,l,c.;,~t~ su~c~ldlllidll~
prevents a static pressure being created within the mouthpiece hoider when a mouthpiece has not been inserted.
It is preferred for the internal and external walls of the mouthpiece to be tapered to allow relative sealing and for moulding tool se~,d,dlion.
Back pressure is suL,la"lially created by the pressure restricting aperture provided in the internal wall partition.
Preferably, the back pressure can be d~ler",i,~ed or created as low as is pe""i:.~i,le for a reliable and accurate measurement by a sensor.
~Deep lung" air is collsider~:d to be a physiological requirement of 25 alcohol measurement on the breath. It is thus necessary to expire a pr~elt~",~ ed volume of air from the user before a sample for measurement purposes can be taken. Lung capacity varies si~ iFi..dl,tly from one user to - another, but the ~dead space (i.e. volume of air in the mouth, tubes etc) is consi~e,~d to be c~,~t;,L, ,ed to an upper limit. Therefore a control device in 30 use, allows a pred~l~",lil,ed volume of air to pass through the mouthpiece ~V0951~6889 2 1 8565~ PCT~ 9SloOl?S o before a sample is taken for measurement purposes. A volume of d~J,ulux;llldl~l; one litre may be considered a minimum before a suitable samplecan be taken.
The material chosen for the mouthpiece (for example food grade 5 Polypropylene polyethylene PET) should have the following desirable properties:
(1 ) Not brittle and with "soft" edges (2) Durable and strong (3) Clear/translucenl material enables viewing of internal 1û co,lld", ,alion (4) Low cost for disp. ' ' ~
The mouthpiece is keyed to the mouthpiece holder to enable correct sample and pressure port alignment. The holder is usually provided on the control device in a per",al,e"lly fixed position and therefore d~It"",;"es the 15 fixed ori~,ltd~;ùn of the mouthpiece.
The holder design contributes in part to the conditions required for sample extraction. The contribution is providing a seal at the sample and pressure ports and providing access support and alignment for the sample and pressure tubes.
In aucu,ddnce with the second aspect outlined above and with reference to Figure 5 a laminar flow is created in the present mouthpiece by the provisionof a sub:~Ln~ "y constant diameter channel 13 from which the sample is extracted for analysis.
In the present ~ ' 'icn, the words laminar flow are used to indicate a state of reduced or ne31igible turbulent flow of material.
Figure 5 illustrates one ~",Lodi",e"l of the second aspect of the present invention.
The changes to the mouthpiece described above have been designed to 30 create a laminar flow in the channel from which the sample is extracted. In the design disclosed above the mouthpiece is internally divided into two. The se,ua,dtion is c~used by an internal wall 14 with an aperture 15 designed to W095126889 2 1 ~65~ PCT/ArJ~S~OOr75 provide back pressure on the source side of the air flow. The positive back pressure can then be measured to indicate air ~low in the mouthpiece. The sample is required to be taken from a volume at ambient or slightly negative pressure to ensure that the air flow in the mouthpiece does not flow to the 5 sensor because of a leakage path or pressure change.
In this second aspect, the aperture is designed to create back pressure and has been extended to the end of the mouthpiece thus creating a channel 13 rather than a chamber (15 Figure 4) from which the sampie is extracted.
This approach has been found to result in a more constant pressure at the 10 sample point due to the ~venturi~ effect created by the channel or narrowed section. It has also suLIbldllLi~ ly u';.llilldl~d most turbulent mixing as there are su~bldllli~:ly no ~dead spaces" within the channel. This improvement results in a more stable sample analysis.
COMPLIANCE RECORDING
In the event that the d~ld.,l~aL,le module becomes full, or preferably on a regular or timely basis, the authority can forward a fresh or blank memory module to the person using the control device of the present invention, who in turn can replace the module currently in the device with the fresh module.
AlteMatively, authorised service personnel may replace the full module with a 20 fresh or blank module. The used module can then be forwarded to the authority, for exampie by post or courier, and upon receipt, the authority can down load the data in the module and enter that down loaded information against a history of the particular person, Col~Ju,dlioi1 or vehicle.
The detachable nature of the module of this feature enables the 25 accumulated data to be more readily collected for inclusion in a central database without the necessity of s~,eci~';c.~ local equipment or relatively highly skilled personnel. Because the data itself cannot be ~cecse~ or is configured to inhibit access, by unwanted i"ler",edidly pallicil.a"l, in the collection process, data integrity is considered to be more reliable and 30 collection agencies are ,ollbi.ler~d to be protected against accusations of data manipulation and/or cornuption.
W095/26889 ~¦ 8~5 PCTIAU95/00175 ADAPTABILITY
This feature provides a unique ability, compared to the prior art, by way of having the, or a substantial part of the, operating program of the control device provided on a deldulldble module, which may be the data memory 5 module. In this way, and preferabiy together with the feature noted above, when there is a necessity to update or change the operation of the control device, the operating program can be amended or changed in the memory when the data memory is routinely returned to the ,~:buor,:,ible authority. Again, a courier or postal service may be cons;d~ d an appru,clial~ ",eul~a"ia", to 10 return the detachable memory modules, depending on the security level A~so~iAt~d with the control device. Also, if a user wishes to update the operation of the control device on a voluntary basis, a fresh module can be provided without the need to recall the device or reinstall a new and updated device. The ~old" module can then be returned to a central point for re-use, if 1 5 required.
When the device is insta~led into a vehicle or onto a machine, it is intended for the device to be used in the normal mode. The normal mode of operation is presumed to be one in which the vehicle's access or operation can be enabled, disabled or controlled through the ~r ~ ~ of a breath sample into the device.
In the normal mode the vehicle's ignition switch is used to access the device (wake the device up by turning the key to the ignition position). With reference to Figure 1, once 'woken up', the device enters the warmup phase in which the fuel cell is heated to its nominal operating temperature. During the wait phase, "WAIT' is displayed for user ack,,u..!~Jy,,,e,,l.
On culll,ulo~liùl~ of the wait phase, the device enters the blow phase in which a breath sample is requested. 'PLEASE BLOW' is scrolled across the display to indicate to the user that a breath sample is required.
During the prt:ser,ld~ion of the breath sample, the flow is monitored until a sufficient volume of the user's breath has been presented from which a small proportion is drawn into the fuel cell for the detection of any presence of a drug such as alcohol. The resultant concentration of alcohol located in the user's breath (BrAC) is then rA~ AtPd displayed and recorded into memory.
wogsn6889 2 1 ~5655 PCTIAU95100175 o Depending upon whether or not the result is within ~ce~ le limits the vehicle s ignition system is enabled or disabled.
If the result is lower or equal to the allowable limit the vehicle can be accessed and a restart timer is started allowing the user to a time limit for which the vehicle can be started without another test.
If the result is higher or equal to the allowable limit the vehicle cannot be accessed and a retest timer is started inhibiting the use ot the vehicle and the device tor a ,c,~;l~t"",i"ed length ottime. Once this time has passed another test can be pertormed.
The vehicle s engine is preterably constantly monitored throughout all process/phases in the normal mode ot operation with power pe""d"er,lly applied to the control device.
STATUS MONITORING DISCLOSURE
In acc~rddl)ce with one torm ot the status ",~n ~i"g aspect ot the 15 present invention, each of these fourc~l,u;tiol~al states:
(1 ) Battery condition (2) Engine nunning (3) Engine off (4) Engine cranking 20 may be ~ r",i"ed by looking at the presence, absence or level of electrical output trom different locations. However they may be deduced i" vr,lly by observing the electrical level on only one line with respect to the vehicle conductive body (ie, zero volt reference or ground).
When the engine is oft the vehicle battery is not being charged and 25 usually has very little load or battery drain. Theretore measuring the battery voltage would indicate the battery condition.
When the engine is nunning the battery is under charge and the battery voltage is normally higher than the normal pseudo open circuit voltage (engine off condition). When the engine is cranking the battery is under maximum load 30 because the starter motor consumes a relatively large amount ot electrical power in a given time interval. As a result the battery voltage talls below that ot the normal "en~ine off" voltage.
W095126889 2 1 856~ PCTMU95/00175 By measuring the electrical potential of the vehicle battery with respect to the normal "engine off" voltage, the engine condition (i.e. crankin3) followed by the engine running (due to a relatively higher voltage ",o" )~ed) may be deduced.
It is important to establish a set of relative threshold ranges, as illustrated in Fi3ure 2, for assuming the three colldilidl Idl states of the en3ine:
a) Engine off (1 ) b) Engine cranking (2) c) Engine running (3) 10 in order to enable the d~l~r,,,;.,dliun of vehicle status, including engine status, and whether the control device of the present invention has or has not been by-passed.
Each of threshold levels (2) and (3) is relative to the value of (1) Condition (1 ) can therefore be monitored so that threshold values of (2) and (3) 15 may be either continually or pe~ liudlly revised and / or dt,~"";"ad.
Other signals su~,d~ ,uùsed on the ~dc~ level of the line can assist in the d~ldllll ,alio" ot engine condition (ie, alternator charging frequencies) and these too may be ,,,ùr,iLu,c:d by way of a demodulation or noise threshold circuit. Also, other available inputs may assist in analysing or c~"~i""i"g the 20 d~ldl",;"ed ct~ c e ~ ignition input, door opening, Id.;l,u",~:le- signal, etc.
An important feature of being able to monitor engine condition on a single line is that it reduces the number of wires (or cables) required to be col~ne..ldd during ill:7~dlldliUi~ of the control device of the present invention. This reduces the chances of an i. " ' )~ error, the cost of ill:~ldlldli~n, and the cost 25 of the dQvice. I~ also increases the Ille~lldlli~dl reliability of the device.
Since the voltage supply line being monitored is from the battery and this line (including a zero volt reference line) must already be co~ e.,1ed to provide - power to the device, there are in fact no additional lines that are required to determine this important data, in accol~ance with one e",bodi",er,l of the 30 present invention.
The engine condition circuitry of Figure 3 monitors the vehicle battery voltage level. The voltage level monitored 17 is converted to digital form as it is .. . ...
WO95/26889 2 1 8565~ PCIIAI~95100175 o a convenient form for logic pru~essi,~g. The digital conversion is perfo~med by an analogue-to-digital converter 18, for processing by the ~ucesail~g circuitry.The processing circuitry 19 determines, in conjunction with other data or ill.licdliuils, such as ignition actuation, whether or not by-pass is occurring. For 5 example, if the ~u-,e~i"g circuitry d~ r",i"es that the battery voltage is at the 'cranking' level, and the ignition status is ~offn, it is assumed that a by-passevent is occurring. In such an event, the date, time, and other relevant data isrecorded in the memory 2û of the control device.
MOUTHPIECE DISCLOSURE
Referring to Figure 4, the mouthpiece 4 is configured in a way that it is inherently self clearing with respect to moisture from the breath that normally conde,~ses on the internal surface of a mouthpiece. With this design the cor,d~"adl~ runs by gravity to the bottom of the tube 5. As the breath is blown 15 through (arrow), this takes the culldellsdle through the mouthpiece to escape outattheend6.
The mouthpiece has a 'keyway' 7 to ensure insertion at the correct rotation.
The sample 9 and pressure port 10 apertures are preferably placed on 2û the higher side of the tube, away from the normal drain path for the CO~ Sdle.
The mouthpiece also i,,~ur,uord~es a breath flow restrictor 8 to "amplify"
pressure changes and improve the accuracy of breath volume calculations.
This restrictor is so designed as not to impede the drainage flow of the cù~de, ,sdl~. The restrictor also provides a ",ecl,a"i ,", to assist the conde"sdl~
25 to gravitate into the breath flow path.
When utilising pressure sensing of the breath sample it improves the measurability of the pressure if It~ ldl~ce to flow creates a di~ llidl back pressure. The di~ler~nlidl pressure is relative to the normal ambient air pressure. A flow restricting aperture in the mouthpiece has the potential to 3û improve the ability to measure a breath pressure signal, but reduce the self clearing ability of an unobstructed tube. Thus, the back pressure created or allowed for in the design of the mouthpiece needs to be balanced against the WO95/26889 2 1 8~6~5 PCT~AV9~/00~7~i sensitivity of the pressure sensor and the ability for a user to deliver sample relatively easily. The flow restriction aperture 11 is preferably placed in the natural drainage path of the moisture i.e. on the lower side of the tube. The shape of the aperture preferably allows for surface effects of the coll-le"sed 5 moisture and should tend to maximise the natural drainage under relatively minimal or suL,~ld"~;~.ly zero flow conditions.
The sample of breath is extracted from the mouthpiece on the ambient pressure side of the restrictor. The extraction (sample) port 9 is designed so that the flow of air through the restrictor creates a slight pressure reduction (by 10 virtue of a 'venturi eflect at the port aperture and thus through the sample system.
At the distal end of the mouthpiece a crown" shaping al,dn~e",ent 12 may be provided to prevent simple biockage of the mouthpiece which might result in an incorrect flow / volume. In the same manner an internal leakage 15 path between the affixed mouthpiece holder and its co,,:,l,c.;,~t~ su~c~ldlllidll~
prevents a static pressure being created within the mouthpiece hoider when a mouthpiece has not been inserted.
It is preferred for the internal and external walls of the mouthpiece to be tapered to allow relative sealing and for moulding tool se~,d,dlion.
Back pressure is suL,la"lially created by the pressure restricting aperture provided in the internal wall partition.
Preferably, the back pressure can be d~ler",i,~ed or created as low as is pe""i:.~i,le for a reliable and accurate measurement by a sensor.
~Deep lung" air is collsider~:d to be a physiological requirement of 25 alcohol measurement on the breath. It is thus necessary to expire a pr~elt~",~ ed volume of air from the user before a sample for measurement purposes can be taken. Lung capacity varies si~ iFi..dl,tly from one user to - another, but the ~dead space (i.e. volume of air in the mouth, tubes etc) is consi~e,~d to be c~,~t;,L, ,ed to an upper limit. Therefore a control device in 30 use, allows a pred~l~",lil,ed volume of air to pass through the mouthpiece ~V0951~6889 2 1 8565~ PCT~ 9SloOl?S o before a sample is taken for measurement purposes. A volume of d~J,ulux;llldl~l; one litre may be considered a minimum before a suitable samplecan be taken.
The material chosen for the mouthpiece (for example food grade 5 Polypropylene polyethylene PET) should have the following desirable properties:
(1 ) Not brittle and with "soft" edges (2) Durable and strong (3) Clear/translucenl material enables viewing of internal 1û co,lld", ,alion (4) Low cost for disp. ' ' ~
The mouthpiece is keyed to the mouthpiece holder to enable correct sample and pressure port alignment. The holder is usually provided on the control device in a per",al,e"lly fixed position and therefore d~It"",;"es the 15 fixed ori~,ltd~;ùn of the mouthpiece.
The holder design contributes in part to the conditions required for sample extraction. The contribution is providing a seal at the sample and pressure ports and providing access support and alignment for the sample and pressure tubes.
In aucu,ddnce with the second aspect outlined above and with reference to Figure 5 a laminar flow is created in the present mouthpiece by the provisionof a sub:~Ln~ "y constant diameter channel 13 from which the sample is extracted for analysis.
In the present ~ ' 'icn, the words laminar flow are used to indicate a state of reduced or ne31igible turbulent flow of material.
Figure 5 illustrates one ~",Lodi",e"l of the second aspect of the present invention.
The changes to the mouthpiece described above have been designed to 30 create a laminar flow in the channel from which the sample is extracted. In the design disclosed above the mouthpiece is internally divided into two. The se,ua,dtion is c~used by an internal wall 14 with an aperture 15 designed to W095126889 2 1 ~65~ PCT/ArJ~S~OOr75 provide back pressure on the source side of the air flow. The positive back pressure can then be measured to indicate air ~low in the mouthpiece. The sample is required to be taken from a volume at ambient or slightly negative pressure to ensure that the air flow in the mouthpiece does not flow to the 5 sensor because of a leakage path or pressure change.
In this second aspect, the aperture is designed to create back pressure and has been extended to the end of the mouthpiece thus creating a channel 13 rather than a chamber (15 Figure 4) from which the sampie is extracted.
This approach has been found to result in a more constant pressure at the 10 sample point due to the ~venturi~ effect created by the channel or narrowed section. It has also suLIbldllLi~ ly u';.llilldl~d most turbulent mixing as there are su~bldllli~:ly no ~dead spaces" within the channel. This improvement results in a more stable sample analysis.
COMPLIANCE RECORDING
In the event that the d~ld.,l~aL,le module becomes full, or preferably on a regular or timely basis, the authority can forward a fresh or blank memory module to the person using the control device of the present invention, who in turn can replace the module currently in the device with the fresh module.
AlteMatively, authorised service personnel may replace the full module with a 20 fresh or blank module. The used module can then be forwarded to the authority, for exampie by post or courier, and upon receipt, the authority can down load the data in the module and enter that down loaded information against a history of the particular person, Col~Ju,dlioi1 or vehicle.
The detachable nature of the module of this feature enables the 25 accumulated data to be more readily collected for inclusion in a central database without the necessity of s~,eci~';c.~ local equipment or relatively highly skilled personnel. Because the data itself cannot be ~cecse~ or is configured to inhibit access, by unwanted i"ler",edidly pallicil.a"l, in the collection process, data integrity is considered to be more reliable and 30 collection agencies are ,ollbi.ler~d to be protected against accusations of data manipulation and/or cornuption.
W095/26889 ~¦ 8~5 PCTIAU95/00175 ADAPTABILITY
This feature provides a unique ability, compared to the prior art, by way of having the, or a substantial part of the, operating program of the control device provided on a deldulldble module, which may be the data memory 5 module. In this way, and preferabiy together with the feature noted above, when there is a necessity to update or change the operation of the control device, the operating program can be amended or changed in the memory when the data memory is routinely returned to the ,~:buor,:,ible authority. Again, a courier or postal service may be cons;d~ d an appru,clial~ ",eul~a"ia", to 10 return the detachable memory modules, depending on the security level A~so~iAt~d with the control device. Also, if a user wishes to update the operation of the control device on a voluntary basis, a fresh module can be provided without the need to recall the device or reinstall a new and updated device. The ~old" module can then be returned to a central point for re-use, if 1 5 required.
Claims (14)
1. A method of determining whether a control device coupled to an apparatus has or has not been by-passed, the method comprising:
monitoring voltage level as applied to the apparatus to monitor whether the voltage level has varied in accordance with a pre-determined sequence of events;
determining with reference to a perceived condition of the apparatus whether the voltage level monitored is correct; and determining that the control device has been by-passed if the perceived condition is not correct.
monitoring voltage level as applied to the apparatus to monitor whether the voltage level has varied in accordance with a pre-determined sequence of events;
determining with reference to a perceived condition of the apparatus whether the voltage level monitored is correct; and determining that the control device has been by-passed if the perceived condition is not correct.
2. A device for determining whether a bypass event has occurred to a control device such as an interlock, comprising:
monitoring means adapted to monitor supply voltage; and logic means adapted to determine, with reference to other data, such as ignition status, whether the voltage monitored accords with the other data.
monitoring means adapted to monitor supply voltage; and logic means adapted to determine, with reference to other data, such as ignition status, whether the voltage monitored accords with the other data.
3. A device adapted to carry out the method as claimed in claim 1.
4. A mouthpiece having a relatively straight through design for the passage of fluid therethrough configured to enable moisture deposited internal of the mouthpiece to substantially clear by passage of the fluid through the mouthpiece.
5. A mouthpiece as claimed in claim 4, where the deposited moisture flows by gravity into the fluid flow path.
6. A mouthpiece as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein a pressure restricting aperture is provided internal of the mouthpiece and which is adapted to create back pressure.
7. A mouthpiece comprising a channel configured to develop in use a laminar fluid flow therethrough.
8. A mouthpiece comprising a channel formed between an inner surface of the mouthpiece and at least an internal wall, the channel being configured to develop in use a laminar fluid flow therethrough.
9. A mouthpiece as claimed in claims 7 or 8, where the channel provides 'venturi' effect.
10. A mouthpiece as herein disclosed.
11. A control device such as an interlock adapted to control the operation of an apparatus, comprising a detachable module.
12. A device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the module includes a memory for recording events monitored or data determined by the device.
13. A device as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the module is adapted to store an operating program used by the device.
14. A device, apparatus or module as herein disclosed.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUPM4800A AUPM480094A0 (en) | 1994-03-30 | 1994-03-30 | A control device |
| AUPM4800 | 1994-03-30 | ||
| AUPM7359 | 1994-08-09 | ||
| AUPM7359A AUPM735994A0 (en) | 1994-08-09 | 1994-08-09 | Mouth piece |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2185655A1 true CA2185655A1 (en) | 1995-10-12 |
Family
ID=25644653
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002185655A Abandoned CA2185655A1 (en) | 1994-03-30 | 1995-03-28 | Control device and mouthpiece |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2185655A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1995026889A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0826546A1 (en) * | 1996-02-26 | 1998-03-04 | Treposa | Ignition system for motor vehicles through an alcoholemia sensor |
| DE10316333B3 (en) * | 2003-04-10 | 2004-01-22 | Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA | Breath alcohol meter with improved mouthpiece |
| EP1505389A1 (en) * | 2003-08-05 | 2005-02-09 | Industrial Technology Research Institute | Personal and environmental fluid sampling apparatus |
| AU2008272809B2 (en) * | 2007-07-05 | 2013-05-02 | Alcotek Inc. | Mouth alcohol tester |
| EP2395915B1 (en) * | 2009-02-10 | 2019-01-16 | Hok Instrument AB | Breath analysis |
| SE536784C2 (en) | 2012-08-24 | 2014-08-05 | Automotive Coalition For Traffic Safety Inc | Exhalation test system |
| SE536782C2 (en) | 2012-08-24 | 2014-08-05 | Automotive Coalition For Traffic Safety Inc | Exhalation test system with high accuracy |
| US11104227B2 (en) | 2016-03-24 | 2021-08-31 | Automotive Coalition For Traffic Safety, Inc. | Sensor system for passive in-vehicle breath alcohol estimation |
| IT202000007456A1 (en) * | 2020-04-08 | 2021-10-08 | Drivers S R L S | CONTROL AND DETECTION SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE AND ITS DRIVER |
| US11827230B2 (en) | 2021-03-30 | 2023-11-28 | Consumer Safety Technology, Llc | Method and system of anti-circumvention monitoring in vehicle ignition interlock operation |
Family Cites Families (17)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3608546A (en) * | 1970-01-21 | 1971-09-28 | Gen Electric | Fluidic spirometer |
| US3831141A (en) * | 1972-08-31 | 1974-08-20 | Vick W | Alarm circuit |
| US3924612A (en) * | 1974-01-28 | 1975-12-09 | Philip T Dempster | Spirometer apparatus and method |
| GB2053543A (en) * | 1979-07-13 | 1981-02-04 | Lucas Industries Ltd | Vehicle anti-theft circuit |
| DE3039916A1 (en) * | 1979-10-27 | 1981-05-07 | Dietmar Rudolf Buckingham Buckinghamshire Garbe | MOUTHPIECE FOR A SPIROMETER INLET PIPE |
| DE2950970A1 (en) * | 1979-12-18 | 1981-06-25 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | INTERCHANGEABLE MOUTHPIECE FOR BREATH TESTING DEVICES |
| US4435649A (en) * | 1981-12-07 | 1984-03-06 | Vandigriff John F | Automotive control circuit |
| US4995400A (en) * | 1982-08-27 | 1991-02-26 | Boehringer Laboratories | Pneumotach and components therefor |
| GB2139389A (en) * | 1983-04-29 | 1984-11-07 | Voice Electronic Technology Li | Identification apparatus |
| GB8522768D0 (en) * | 1985-09-14 | 1985-10-16 | Lion Lab Ltd | Mouth piece for breath testing apparatus |
| AU1097088A (en) * | 1987-01-29 | 1988-08-04 | Ronald B. Garren | Alcohol breath detection system |
| JPH0455180A (en) * | 1990-06-22 | 1992-02-21 | Hitachi Ltd | Anti-theft device for motorcycles |
| US5222468A (en) * | 1991-04-25 | 1993-06-29 | Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Anti-theft ignition control apparatus |
| DE4200830A1 (en) * | 1992-01-15 | 1993-07-22 | Draegerwerk Ag | METHOD FOR QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF A COMPONENT OF A GAS FLOW |
| AU4824493A (en) * | 1992-09-22 | 1994-04-12 | Lion Laboratories Plc | Apparatus for taking a fluid sample |
| JPH06171465A (en) * | 1992-12-08 | 1994-06-21 | Suzuki Motor Corp | Antitheft device for vehicle |
| DE4330733C2 (en) * | 1993-06-16 | 1996-02-08 | Vdo Schindling | Anti-theft device for a motor vehicle |
-
1995
- 1995-03-28 WO PCT/AU1995/000175 patent/WO1995026889A1/en active Application Filing
- 1995-03-28 CA CA002185655A patent/CA2185655A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1995026889A1 (en) | 1995-10-12 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA2185655A1 (en) | Control device and mouthpiece | |
| US8600604B2 (en) | Data integrity verification device | |
| US8788142B2 (en) | Method for the continuous measurement of the efficiency of a battery, especially a battery installed in motor vehicles, and a device utilizing this method | |
| EP1995123A1 (en) | Battery state judging device | |
| US5548273A (en) | Vehicle driving monitor apparatus | |
| US5596262A (en) | Process for monitoring the charge level of a battery, and for informing the user of the battery when the monitored charge level is no longer reliable | |
| US4926164A (en) | Vehicle breath monitoring device | |
| US8957771B2 (en) | Apparatus, system, and method for implementing and monitoring breath alcohol testing programs, usually from a fixed point location, such as a home | |
| AU593920B2 (en) | Alcohol or drugs breath detecting devices | |
| US10488398B2 (en) | Chemical impairment detection system with an integrated, multi-function breath chamber | |
| WO1992022813A1 (en) | Breath alcohol analysis apparatus | |
| EP0252980A1 (en) | Breath alcohol analyzer | |
| JP3164998B2 (en) | Battery remaining capacity measurement device | |
| DE102005045272A1 (en) | Gas Detection System | |
| AU2106295A (en) | Control device and mouthpiece | |
| US20070080525A1 (en) | Automotive horn audit system | |
| US6568262B1 (en) | Device for detecting fuel input in a motor vehicle tank | |
| KR20000055416A (en) | Starting apparatus and method of automobile using breathalyzer | |
| CN105928540B (en) | Vehicle-mounted log arrangement power supply protection method | |
| Bray et al. | Breath Measurement Instrumentation as Alcohol Safety Interlock Systems | |
| JPS6240720Y2 (en) | ||
| WO2000063864A1 (en) | A waste collection monitoring system | |
| FR2846123A1 (en) | Device embedded in roadway to monitor vehicle speed and signal passing vehicles, particularly when they are exceeding the speed limit, uses vibration sensing strips set across roadway as input to electronic unit that measures speed | |
| JP2544308B2 (en) | Refueling device | |
| JPH0769206B2 (en) | Liquid level detector for vehicle engine |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20000328 |