JP2006201097A - Checker and method for detecting driving while intoxicated - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a means for improving both accuracy and reliability in measuring the amount of alcohol intoxication (the concentration of alcohol in breaths) by stabilizing the quantity of flow (flow velocity) of blow of breaths to an alcohol sensor or detecting the quantity of flow (flow velocity) of blow and performing correction. <P>SOLUTION: The means includes both a mouth piece 10 to be held in a mouth for introducing breaths containing steam of alcohol; and a suction pump 12 for guiding a prescribed amount of the introduced breaths to the alcohol sensor. The means additionally includes a heater current detection resistor and a heater current output terminal for detecting temperature reductions of a heater on the basis of voltage variations; and a means for correcting output of gas concentration of the alcohol sensor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is a dampness checker (alcohol sensor) in which a driver blows exhalation before driving a vehicle to check his / her own dampness status or reports to an administrator using a checker connected to a mobile phone. The present invention relates to a method for improving measurement accuracy and reliability.

In recent years, vehicle drivers use alcohol sensors (drinker checkers) to check their own dampness conditions before using vehicle operations, or use alcohol sensors with communication functions (drinker checkers). Often it is obliged to report the drunk state to the manager. The alcohol sensor (drinker checker) used at this time is an inexpensive one that uses a semiconductor gas sensor, so the correct amount of alcohol (alcohol concentration in the breath) cannot always be measured and displayed depending on the amount sprayed. There is a case.
Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-419172 JP 2003-115902 A

  The present invention stabilizes the exhalation flow rate (flow velocity) to the alcohol sensor, or improves the measurement accuracy of the amount of alcohol consumed (alcohol concentration in exhalation) by detecting and correcting the blowing flow rate (flow rate). A means for improving reliability is provided.

  The alcohol concentration contained in exhaled breath tends to diffuse and decrease depending on the distance from the lip. In addition, the detection concentration of the alcohol sensor (drinker checker) tends to decrease due to a decrease in the expiration flow rate. In order to avoid this problem, first, in order to prevent diffusion, it is conceivable to introduce exhalation using a mouthpiece and to guide exhalation gas at a constant flow rate from the exhalation to a detection element (semiconductor gas sensor). (However, this method has a sanitary problem because it uses a mouthpiece, and has a problem of cost and reliability because a pump must be mounted).

  In order to solve the above problems, a first spirit checker according to the present invention includes a mouthpiece for introducing exhaled air containing alcohol vapor into the mouth, and a suction pump for guiding a certain amount of the exhaled air introduced to an alcohol sensor. It is characterized by comprising.

  In addition, in alcohol sensors (semiconductor gas sensors), the surface of the gas detector (element) is kept clean before measurement, and heat cleaning is performed and the vicinity of the gas detector (element) for setting the operating point (operating temperature). The heater is built in. Since this heater causes a temperature drop when it comes into contact with exhalation, this temperature drop gives information on the expiratory flow rate (flow velocity). Therefore, by detecting and measuring the temperature drop of the heater and correcting the measurement result, the alcohol concentration in the expiration can be measured with high accuracy regardless of the expiration flow rate (flow velocity).

  Such a second spirit checker according to the present invention comprises a heater for heat cleaning and setting of an operating point, and an alcohol sensor for measuring the concentration of alcohol contained in exhaled breath, and a temperature drop of the heater as a voltage. A heater current detection resistor and a heater current output terminal for detecting by variation, and means for correcting the gas concentration output of the alcohol sensor based on the detection result are provided.

  Furthermore, as in the case of the second alcohol checker, by providing a fan type flow rate / velocimeter before or after the flow path of the alcohol sensor (semiconductor gas sensor), the expiration flow rate (flow rate) is detected and corrected. Therefore, the alcohol concentration in the expiration can be measured with high accuracy regardless of the expiration flow rate (flow velocity).

  Such a third spirit checker of the present invention comprises an alcohol sensor for measuring the concentration of alcohol contained in exhaled breath, a breath blowing passage for guiding the breath to the alcohol sensor, an inlet of the breath blowing passage or A fan-type flow rate / velocimeter provided at the outlet and means for correcting the gas concentration output of the alcohol sensor based on the detection result by the air volume or wind speed output detected by the fan-type flow rate / velocimeter It is characterized by.

  Similarly to the above-described invention, by providing a whistle whose volume or sounding frequency changes depending on the expiratory flow rate (flow velocity) and a microphone for detecting the sound, the expiratory flow amount (flow velocity) is detected and corrected. Regardless of the flow rate (flow rate), the alcohol concentration in exhaled breath can be measured with high accuracy. In the present invention, since the subject can confirm the sound of the whistle by his / her ear, there is the convenience that the subject himself can devise so as to make the spraying amount constant.

  Such a fourth spirit checker of the present invention includes an alcohol sensor for measuring the concentration of alcohol contained in exhaled breath, a breath blowing passage for guiding the breath to the alcohol sensor, an inlet of the breath blowing passage or A whistle whose sound volume or sound frequency changes according to the expiratory flow rate or wind speed provided at the exit portion, a microphone provided in the vicinity thereof for detecting the sound volume or sound frequency, and the alcohol based on the detection result Means is provided for correcting the gas concentration output of the sensor.

  In addition, it is possible to design so that exhalation is not led to the sensor part of the checker by the contraction force of the human lung, but led to the sensor part by a constant air volume of the intake fan from the wide open lip part.

  Such a fifth spirit checker according to the present invention comprises an alcohol sensor for measuring the concentration of alcohol contained in exhaled breath, a breath blowing passage for guiding the breath to the alcohol sensor, an inlet of the breath blowing passage or A fan that is provided at an outlet portion and rotates at a constant speed and blows exhaled air at a constant air flow rate to the alcohol sensor is provided.

  Further, it may be a method of collecting the exhalation once by inflating the balloon and designing the exhalation to the sensor unit by the constant contraction force of the balloon.

  Such a sixth spirit checker according to the present invention includes an alcohol sensor for measuring the alcohol concentration contained in exhaled breath, a mouthpiece for holding exhaled gas in the mouth, a balloon inflated by the exhaled breath, and the mouse An introduction flow path for connecting a piece and a balloon, and a three-way cock provided in the introduction flow path and capable of switching the exhalation in the balloon in the direction of the alcohol sensor are provided.

  The present invention also relates to a method for detecting alcoholic beverages, and the first method for detecting alcoholic beverages according to the present invention introduces breath containing alcohol vapor by holding the mouthpiece of the alcoholic beverage checker according to claim 1 in the mouth. And a step of introducing a constant flow rate of the introduced exhaled air to an alcohol sensor for measuring an alcohol concentration contained in the exhaled air with a suction pump.

  In addition, the second method of detecting the alcoholic beverage according to the present invention includes a step of spraying the alcohol sensor of the alcoholic beverage checker according to claim 2, a step of detecting a temperature drop of a heater provided in the alcohol sensor by voltage fluctuation, The method includes correcting the gas concentration output of the alcohol sensor based on the detection result.

  Further, according to a third method of detecting a spirit according to the present invention, a process of spraying the alcohol sensor of the spirit checker according to claim 3, detecting a spray amount from an air volume or a wind speed output at an inlet or an outlet of the spray channel. And a step of correcting a gas concentration output of the alcohol sensor based on the detection result.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for detecting an aspiration, detecting a change in a whistling sound volume or a sounding frequency at an entrance or an exit of the spraying passage, a process of spraying the alcohol sensor of the alcoholic checker according to claim 4. And a step of correcting a gas concentration output of the alcohol sensor based on the detection result.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fifth method for detecting a spirit according to claim 5, wherein the alcohol is provided at a constant air flow rate at a constant air flow rate by a fan provided at an inlet or outlet portion of the spray passage of the spirit indicator according to claim 5. The method includes a process of blowing exhalation to the sensor.

  Further, according to a sixth method of detecting a spirit according to the present invention, a process of introducing exhalation into the balloon through the three-way cock from the mouthpiece of the alcoholic checker according to claim 6, the exhalation in the balloon inflated by exhalation, It includes a process of switching the cock and leading to the direction of the alcohol sensor.

  FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the spray distance and the display value. The horizontal axis is the distance (cm) from the lip to the alcoholic checker sensor. The closer this distance is, the higher the display value is, indicating that it is sensitive not only to the breath alcohol concentration but also to the spray distance. The cause is thought to be that the exhaled breath from the lip spreads and spreads in addition to spraying directly on the sensor.

  In the present invention, various attempts have been made to solve such a phenomenon. However, in claim 1 and claim 8, since exhaled gas does not diffuse outside the mouthpiece, No longer depends on the distance of the sprayed part. In addition, since a constant exhalation amount is introduced into the sensor unit by the suction pump, the stability of the sensor display value can be obtained.

  In claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 9, claim 10 and claim 11, the sensor output itself changes depending on the spray distance, but at the same time reaches the sensor. The detected exhalation volume (flow rate, flow rate) is detected by a decrease in heater temperature, fan-type flow rate / velocimeter, whistle (volume, frequency), and the sensor output is corrected based on this detection result. In order to calculate, the value of the alcohol concentration in the expiration can be measured accurately and with high accuracy regardless of the exhalation blowing amount (flow rate, flow velocity).

  In claim 5, claim 6, claim 12, and claim 13, in order to avoid a change in exhalation flow rate / flow velocity, the exhalation introduction (spraying) to the drunkenness checker is performed using the contraction force of the lungs of the subject. Instead of realizing this, in claim 5 and claim 12, in order to guide exhalation to the sensor unit by a constant air volume of the inhalation fan from the wide open lip, individual differences in vital capacity can be eliminated. . Further, in claim 6 and claim 13, in order to collect exhalation once in a balloon and to introduce exhalation into a checkered checker by the inherent contraction force of the balloon, individual differences in vital capacity are eliminated. .

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a first spirit checker and a method for detecting a spirit according to the present invention, and shows a state in which a mouthpiece (made of a transparent resin) is installed at an exhalation introduction part (spraying port) of the spirit checker. ing. The mouthpiece 10 has a hollow cylindrical shape so that the subject can hold it in his mouth. The subject holds this mouthpiece 10 in his mouth and blows in exhaled air. Part of the exhaled air that has been blown is introduced (sprayed) through the pore tube 11 into an alcohol sensor (semiconductor gas sensor; not shown) by a suction pump 12 provided inside.

  According to this, since the subject holds the mouthpiece, exhalation does not diffuse outside the mouthpiece. For this reason, it does not depend on the distance between the lip portion and the spray portion. In addition, since the constant expiration amount is introduced into the alcohol sensor by the suction pump, the stability of the alcohol sensor display value can be obtained.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the second spirit checker and the spirit detection method of the present invention, and shows an enlarged view of a gas detection element inside a metal can in which an alcohol sensor (semiconductor gas sensor) is enclosed. It is. In this example, a tin oxide gas detection element portion 21 is applied around the heater 20. The heater 20 is normally used for heat cleaning before the measurement operation and setting of the operation temperature (point). However, when the exhalation is blown, the temperature decreases, and the temperature decrease is detected by the heater current detection resistor 22. Is detected at the heater current output terminal 23, and the expiratory flow rate / flow velocity is detected based on this. Based on this result, the sensor output (gas concentration output) is corrected by means for correcting the gas concentration output of the alcohol sensor.

  When the heater 20 touches exhalation, the temperature decreases, and this temperature decrease provides information on the exhalation flow rate (flow velocity). Therefore, by detecting and measuring the temperature drop of the heater and correcting the measurement result, the alcohol concentration in the expiration can be measured with high accuracy regardless of the expiration flow rate (flow velocity).

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the third spirit checker and the spirit detection method of the present invention. A fan-type flow rate / velocimeter 31 for measuring the expiration flow rate / flow velocity is provided on the rear rear surface of the alcohol sensor 30. It shows how it was installed. When exhalation is sprayed on the alcoholic checker C for measurement, the exhalation is introduced into the alcoholic checker C from the exhalation introduction port 32 of the alcoholic checker C and reaches the alcohol sensor 30 through the exhalation spraying channel 33. The expiratory flow rate and flow velocity at this time are detected by the fan type flow meter 31, and the sensor output (gas concentration output) is corrected by means for correcting the gas concentration output of the alcohol sensor 30, so that highly accurate and accurate expiration Enable to display alcohol concentration.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth spirit checker and a spirit detection method according to the present invention, in which a whistle 41 is installed between the breath introduction port 42 and the alcohol sensor 40. As this whistle 41, the one whose volume and frequency change depending on the air volume is used. Further, the exhaled air that has passed through the exhalation blowing passage 43 and the vibrating body of the whistle 41 flows to the back as it is, and becomes an input to the alcohol sensor 40. The whistle 41 emits a sound when exhalation is blown, and the sensor output (gas concentration output) is corrected by detecting the sound with the microphone 44 installed nearby and guiding the exhalation flow rate / flow velocity. In the present invention, since the sound of the whistle can be confirmed by the subject's own ear when introducing exhalation, there is an advantage that it is easy to introduce exhalation (blowing) at a constant flow rate.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a fifth spirit checker and a spirit detection method of the present invention. By providing an intake fan 51 on the back side of the alcohol sensor (semiconductor gas sensor) 50, a constant flow is created. Measure the exhalation of the subject. The subject should open his mouth wide and hold his breath as much as possible during the measurement. If it is difficult, it may be discharged slightly. By doing in this way, the alcohol concentration measurement in the breath without depending on the contraction of the lungs of the subject can be realized. Here, 52 is an exhalation inlet, and 53 is an exhalation blowing passage.

  In the above-described embodiments of the third, fourth and fifth inventions according to the present invention, the fan type flow rate / velocimeter 31, the whistle 41 and the intake fan 51 are provided at the outlet portions of the exhalation blowing flow paths 33, 43 and 53. Although provided, it is clear that these may be provided at the inlet portion.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a sixth spirit checker and a spirit detection method according to the present invention. The three-way cock 61 is used to breathe air from the mouthpiece 62 through the introduction flow path 63 once. Then, the three-way cock 61 is switched, and breath introduction (blowing) to the alcohol sensor 60 is realized by the inherent contraction force of the balloon 64. By doing in this way, the difference in vital capacity and lung contraction force by the subject, the difference in the image of the spraying strength for each individual, etc. can be avoided.

  According to the drinker checker according to the present invention, the breathing flow rate (flow rate) to the alcohol sensor is stabilized, or by detecting and correcting the blowing flow rate (flow rate), the amount of drinker (concentration of alcohol in the breath) ) Measurement accuracy and reliability can be improved.

Schematic which shows the 1st one aspect | mode by this invention which stabilizes an expiration | expired_air flow using a mouthpiece and a pump. Schematic which shows the one aspect | mode of 2nd invention by this invention which detects and correct | amends the temperature fall of the heater with a built-in sensor at the time of spraying. Schematic which shows the one aspect | mode of 3rd invention by this invention which incorporates a fan-type flow volume and an anemometer, and correct | amends. Schematic which shows 1 aspect of 4th invention by this invention which incorporates and corrects a whistle and a microphone. Schematic which shows the one aspect | mode of the 5th invention by this invention which exhales a fixed flow rate by the exhalation fan. Schematic which shows 1 aspect of the 6th invention by this invention which inflates a balloon and carries out stable expiration. The figure showing the relationship between spraying distance and a display value.

Explanation of symbols

10 mouthpiece
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Porous tube 12 Suction pump 20 Heater 21 Gas detection element part 22 Heater electric current detection resistance 23 Heater electric current output terminal 30 Alcohol sensor 31 Fan-type flow rate / velocimeter 32 Exhalation inlet
33 Exhalation flow path 40 Alcohol sensor 41 Whistle 42 Exhalation inlet 43 Exhalation flow path 44 Microphone
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 Alcohol sensor 51 Intake fan 52 Exhalation inlet 53 Exhalation blowing flow path 60 Alcohol sensor 61 Three-way cock 62 Mouthpiece 63 Introduction flow path

Claims (14)

A mouthpiece for introducing exhaled air containing alcohol vapor over the mouth, and a suction pump for guiding a certain amount of the exhaled air introduced to an alcohol sensor for measuring the concentration of alcohol contained in the exhaled air A spirited checker. An alcohol sensor having a heater for heat cleaning and setting of an operating point and measuring an alcohol concentration contained in exhaled breath, a heater current detection resistor and a heater current output for detecting a temperature drop of the heater by voltage fluctuation A drunk checker comprising a terminal and means for correcting a gas concentration output of the alcohol sensor based on the detection result. An alcohol sensor for measuring the concentration of alcohol contained in exhaled breath, a breath blowing passage for guiding the breath to the alcohol sensor, a fan-type flow rate / velocimeter provided at the inlet or outlet of the breath blowing passage, An alcoholic beverage checker comprising means for correcting a gas concentration output of the alcohol sensor based on a detection result based on an air volume or wind speed output detected by the fan type flow rate / velocimeter. According to an alcohol sensor for measuring the concentration of alcohol contained in exhaled breath, an exhalation blowing passage for guiding the exhalation to the alcohol sensor, and an exhalation flow rate or wind speed provided at an inlet or outlet portion of the exhalation blowing passage, A whistle whose sound production amount or sound frequency changes, a microphone for detecting the sound production amount or sound frequency provided in the vicinity thereof, and means for correcting the gas concentration output of the alcohol sensor based on the detection result are provided. Characteristic spirit checker. An alcohol sensor for measuring the concentration of alcohol contained in exhaled breath, a breath blowing passage for guiding the breath to the alcohol sensor, and an inlet or outlet portion of the breath blowing passage, the alcohol sensor rotating at a constant speed And a fan that blows exhaled air at a constant air flow rate. An alcohol sensor for measuring the concentration of alcohol contained in exhaled breath, a mouthpiece that introduces exhaled air over the mouth, a balloon inflated by the exhaled air, an introduction flow path that connects the mouthpiece and the balloon, and the introduction flow A drunk checker provided on a road and provided with a three-way cock capable of switching the breath in the balloon in the direction of the alcohol sensor. An alcoholic checker comprising at least one of claims 1 to 6, which is physically and electrically connectable to an external output terminal of a mobile phone, and outputs an alcohol concentration sensing result to the mobile phone through an emulator function. Alcoholic checker characterized by having a function. 2. A process of introducing exhalation containing alcohol vapor by holding the mouthpiece of the alcoholic checker according to claim 1, and measuring the concentration of alcohol contained in exhalation with a suction pump at a constant flow rate of the introduced exhalation A drunkenness detection method characterized by including a process leading to a sensor. A process of blowing exhalation to the alcohol sensor of the alcoholic checker according to claim 2, a process of detecting a temperature drop of a heater provided in the alcohol sensor by voltage fluctuation, and a gas concentration output of the alcohol sensor based on the detection result A drunkenness detection method comprising a correction process. A process of blowing exhaled air on an alcohol sensor of the alcoholic beverage checker according to claim 3, a process of detecting the amount of air blown from the air volume or wind speed output at the inlet or outlet of the spray channel, and the gas concentration of the alcohol sensor based on the detection result A drunkenness detection method comprising a process of correcting an output. 5. A process of blowing exhalation on the alcohol sensor of the alcoholic checker according to claim 4, a process of detecting a change in the amount or frequency of sound generation of the whistle at the inlet or outlet of the spray channel, and the alcohol sensor based on the detection result. A method for detecting alcohol consumption, comprising a step of correcting a gas concentration output. 6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising a step of blowing exhaled air to the alcohol sensor at a constant air flow rate by an intake fan that is provided at an inlet or outlet portion of the spray channel of the alcoholic checker according to claim 5 and that rotates at a constant speed. How to detect alcohol. 7. A process of introducing exhalation into the balloon through the three-way cock from the mouthpiece of the alcoholic checker according to claim 6, and a process of guiding the exhalation in the balloon inflated by exhalation toward the alcohol sensor by switching the three-way cock A method for detecting drunkenness. 14. The method for detecting drunkenness according to claim 8, wherein the method is capable of being physically and electrically coupled to an external output terminal of a mobile phone, and outputting a sensing result of alcohol concentration to the mobile phone through an emulator function. A characteristic method for detecting drunkness.

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