JP2007271628A - Alcohol sensing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hygienical alcohol sensing system. <P>SOLUTION: The alcohol sensing system comprises: an alcohol sensor unit 4 having an alcohol gas sensor for sensing the alcohol concentration of breathing of a person to be inspected; an alcohol sensor unit holder section 8 with the alcohol sensor unit 4 attached; a system switch 27 for sensing whether the alcohol sensor unit 4 is attached to the alcohol sensor unit holder section 8; and an ozone generator 28 mounted on the alcohol sensor unit holder section 8, for sterilizing the alcohol sensor unit 4, in which the ozone generator 28 operates when the system switch 27 senses that the alcohol sensor unit 4 is mounted on the alcohol sensor unit holder section 8. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is a system that accurately detects alcohol to prevent drunk driving of a driver or the like (car, railway, etc.) and manages the driver before driving.

  There exist patent documents 1-3 etc. as a conventional alcohol detector system.

The above-described invention is a device that simply measures the alcohol concentration contained in exhaled breath and is used by each individual, and is not particularly developed for business use.
Japanese Patent Application No. 04-204971 Japanese Patent Application No. 08-112465 Japanese Patent Application No. 08-109607

  In recent years, there have been an increasing number of cases where drivers of public buses and trains drunk and cause major accidents. As a countermeasure, alcohol detectors are distributed to each business office, etc., and pre-start inspections are conducted. However, the person who measured alcohol illegally while holding his breath was constantly crying by the manager. In addition, there were many test subjects, and the exhalation entrance of the detector became unsanitary, and the sensor was greatly deteriorated by cigarette smoke and dust, and the measurement accuracy was impaired. This time, it was a challenge to eliminate such injustices and improve the accuracy, hygiene, and maintainability of measuring instruments.

  Means are as follows.

Means 1 uses a sensor unit for detecting the breath alcohol concentration using an alcohol gas sensor, a mechanism for displaying the alcohol concentration of the subject (measurer) in a digital display of the measurement result, and data of the subject on a commercially available personal computer, etc. Alcohol detection system, characterized in that it has a mechanism capable of transferring data to the subject and means for printing (transmitting) the subject ID code (employee no., Etc.), measurement time, temperature, humidity, total number of measurements, measurement result concentration, etc. It is.
Means 1 is a breath alcohol concentration measuring device provided with an ID identification input device such as a magnetic card, a barcode reader, a USB memory, etc. as an ID input device, a clock function for leaving measurement date and time in the data, and measurement results By providing a display unit that displays and a printer unit that prints, and finally having a communication function that can transfer data to devices such as an external personal computer, these input data are transferred to each output device at the end of expiration concentration measurement. .
Note that devices such as a clock function, a printer, a keyboard, and an ID recognition device may be connected to the personal computer side instead of the alcohol detector main body.
The installation location is not limited to an office, and may be installed in a car.
When installed in an automobile, the CPU of another device (radio, TV, etc.) that is permanently installed in the automobile may also serve as the CPU of the alcohol gas sensor.

The means 2 is an alcohol detection system characterized in that an alarm sound, a data transfer destination, a data storage destination (by file), and the like can be set in accordance with an in-house standard for alcohol concentration.
Means 2 is a means for setting an in-house alcohol concentration reference value and an output method in an alcohol detector memory (EEPROM, flash memory, RAM stored in a secondary battery, etc.) and the measurement result exceeds the reference value. 1 is output by a method set by the input / output device 1.
The memory storage location may be the alcohol detector main body or the external personal computer side.

The means 3 can automatically set the measurement time zone of the subject, and automatically notifies the subject that the measurement has not been completed even after the time zone is exceeded, by e-mail or the like. In addition, the alcohol detection system is characterized in that a similar electronic mail is delivered to the administrator.
Means 3 compares the measurement time of the subject set in advance to the personal computer side with a personal computer clock, and checks the measured time, waiting for measurement, time-over, etc. with the resident dedicated program software. ) Automatically sends an e-mail with a predetermined content (like xxx, unmeasured! Please measure immediately!).

In the means 4, the measurement data is made into a database on the WEB and can be viewed from each branch office.
In the browsing data, the registered face photo image and the face image being measured can be browsed on the same screen, making it impossible to conduct illegal proxy measurements. The history of past warnings and violations is also filed on the database, and the alcohol detection system is characterized in that the driver's confidence can improve the consciousness of drunk driving.
The means 4 allows the data (database) collected by the means 1 to 3 to be stored on the in-house WEB server, so that it can be browsed from any branch in the country via the Internet.
This data is stored while accumulating past histories and the like.

Means 5 is provided with an input device for reading a subject-specific ID card (magnetic card, barcode card, IC card, ID memory, etc.) as a measure to prevent the subject from cheating, and if the card is not input, the alcohol concentration It is an alcohol detection system characterized by being unable to measure.
After ID recognition, the measurement start program automatically operates.
The means 5 makes it possible to measure the alcohol detector when the subject's personal ID identification card, memory card, and the like are input and recognized by the main unit. If it is not recognized, or if you do not have an ID card, the measurement is rejected.
After ID recognition, the measurement start program automatically operates to reduce the measurement time and simplicity.

If the subject forgets to have the ID card, the means 6 is ID-no. An alcohol detection system including a numeric keypad input unit that allows password input.
The method of entering the ID is naturally stored as information on the personal computer side.
The ENTER key and the measurement start key at the time of ID input are made the same, and the clear key and the measurement stop key are made the same.
When the ID card or the like of the subject is lost in the means 5, the means 6 uses the ID-no. & Measure by entering password. After the measurement is completed, the ID input type is stored on the personal computer side.
After entering the ID (ENTER key), the measurement start program is automatically activated to simplify and shorten the measurement time.

Means 7 includes an input device (such as a digital camera) that enables individual identification as a measure for preventing the subject from performing fraudulent alcohol concentration measurement when exhalation is stopped, or by impersonating another person by handing over an ID card. The digital camera saves the subject's face photo and starts measurement when it enters the measuring device above the exhalation flow rate equipped with a flow rate (or wind pressure, carbon dioxide sensor, etc.) sensor.
The storage screen has a mechanism that can overwrite and store the subject ID code (employee no., Etc.), measurement time, temperature, humidity, total number of measurements, measurement result concentration, and the like.
Further, the image storage is automatically deleted when a certain period (for example, one month) has passed on the WEB server in order to save memory.
The alcohol detection system is characterized by providing such a fraud prevention measure.
The means 7 starts measurement when the exhaled breath blown at the time of measurement exceeds a certain value by an anemometer, an anemometer, an anemometer, or a carbon dioxide sensor.
Furthermore, a photograph of the face of the measurer at that time is captured by a digital camera. The shutter at the time of taking in is photographed only once when it exceeds a certain reference value such as an anemometer in the alcohol detector. To the last, a shutter command for photographing is output from the alcohol detector itself.
The digital camera or the like may be a monitor camera connected to the personal computer side in addition to the inside of the alcohol detector. However, the source of the shutter command is output from the alcohol detector.
The imported data is stored in a WEB server as a daily report via a personal computer. However, since the image data being measured has a large capacity, it is automatically deleted after a certain period on the WEB server side.

As a measure against cigarette smoke, which is a drawback of the alcohol gas sensor, means 8 has a cigarette smoke sensor attached to the front, a shutter attached to the alcohol gas sensor, and if cigarette smoke is detected in front, the shutter is closed. It is an alcohol detection system characterized by blocking tobacco smoke from entering the alcohol gas sensor.
The means 8 has a shutter function for protecting and blocking the alcohol sensor from the outside air, and further arranges the cigarette smoke sensor at the breath intake port.
Usually, the shutter is closed and the alcohol gas sensor is shielded from the outside air. It has a mechanism that opens the shutter when the cigarette smoke sensor does not detect smoke during exhalation measurement.
The shutter drive may be a solenoid, a motor, or a piezoelectric element.
In particular, when this system was used inside an automobile, it was possible to prevent dust contamination and to achieve simple operability that allows measurement to be started by opening the case lid.

Means 9 is that when the alcohol detection system is placed outdoors, in a vehicle or the like, dirt is attached to the alcohol gas sensor, and the sensitivity is greatly deteriorated. For this reason, the sensor unit itself is usually provided with a cover for dust removal from the outside air, and when this cover is closed, the measurement is stopped, and an open / close recognition switch that enables measurement when opened is provided. It is an alcohol detection system.
The means 9 comprises the sensor unit itself with a lid and a case for blocking outside air, and the lid is used only when it is used. At this time, the CPU of the alcohol detector is informed that the measurement mode has been entered by an open / close recognition switch such as a lid incorporated therein.
This signal may be used in conjunction with the alcohol detector power ON / OFF, or simply as a status input when the measurement mode is ON (the CPU is already in a power ON state). Good.

The means 10 is provided with a transmissive optical sensor (which may be reflected) in the alcohol sensor unit to detect a decrease in sensitivity due to dirt, dust, etc. on the alcohol sensor cigarette, and falls below a certain light transmittance. In the case of the alcohol detection system, the sensor unit has a function of notifying the exchange of confidence.
The means 10 puts a transparent resin in a place where exhalation passes as a monitor for dirt such as cigarette dust, and makes the dirt condition electrically determined by a transmission type optical sensor or the like. At that time, if the contamination becomes more than the specified value, the information such as sensor unit replacement is displayed, printed, or transferred to the personal computer from the alcohol detector body.
In addition, a reflection type optical sensor may be used as the sensor for the degree of contamination.

Means 11 is that the alcohol sensor unit is exposed to the breath of many people, and in order to solve hygienic problems, a sterilization system (ultraviolet germicidal lamp, ozone gas generator, alcohol vapor sterilization, etc. ), And when the switch is turned on, the sterilization system is activated and sterilized.
It is an alcohol detection system equipped with such a hygiene system.
The means 11 is an ultraviolet germicidal lamp or the like mounted in the alcohol sensor holder and disinfects the breath inlet part of the alcohol sensor unit.
Disinfection is only possible when the alcohol sensor unit is inserted in its holder. For this reason, a mounting switch is mounted inside the holder for determining whether or not it is being mounted.
The means for disinfection may be ozone, chlorine, disinfectant, alcohol injection, steam or the like.

The means 12 calibrates the alcohol concentration sensor during sterilization at a constant concentration at a certain temperature when the means 11 is sterilized with alcohol vapor. In this way, the alcohol detection system is characterized in that the sensor can be calibrated and sterilized at the same time.
The means 12 uses the alcohol of the means 11 above, the alcohol tray inside the holder, a heater for heating and evaporating the tray, a thermistor for keeping the temperature of the alcohol in the tray constant, and its heater control circuit To have.
That is, when the alcohol concentration when the volatilization amount of the alcohol heated to a constant temperature is made constant, sensitivity correction of the alcohol detection sensor is automatically performed and soft calibration is executed.

Means 13 is a mouthpiece type dedicated to each person (the hygiene aspect is self-managed), and the ID tag chip that can identify the ID is built in the mouthpiece, and the mouthpiece is attached. At the same time, ID identification and input can be performed, and the measurement start mode is entered.
Thus, it is an alcohol detection system provided with the apparatus which enables hygiene and ID recognition simultaneously.
The means 13 allows each person to manage hygiene with a mouthpiece provided to each person. In that case, an individual mouthpiece is finished as an ID input device. Specifically, it is realized by mounting an IC tag chip already recognized in the world on a mouthpiece.
Of course, an antenna, an oscillation coil and a receiving circuit for recognizing it are built in the alcohol sensor unit side to which the mouthpiece is attached.

The means 14 is an alcohol detection system provided with a conversion key (mg / L⇔PPM) that can easily convert the unit of the measurement result.
The means 14 mounts on the detector side a button that can convert the display unit of the breath alcohol concentration into either mg / L or PPM display.
The conversion algorithm is calculated by the following formula.
mg / L = PPM × 0.0001916
The coefficient used here may of course be about 0.0002.

In order to facilitate maintenance, means 15 consists of a highly variable alcohol gas sensor, individually correctable volume, EEPROM, etc. as a single component, and can be replaced and maintained without calibration for any equipment installed in the market. It is an alcohol detection system characterized in that it can be exchanged without calibration even in units of sensor units.
The means 15 completes the correction of the variation of the alcohol gas sensor as a sensor module by mounting a volume (which may be an electronic volume), an EEPROM or the like on an independent PCB. If the alcohol concentration is the same, the voltage, current, and other data output from the sensor module are all interchangeable.
Naturally, sensor unit replacement can be interchanged without calibration as well.
Note that the above-described one-time writing CPU that can be stored as correction is mounted in the sensor module in the same manner.

The means 16 stores the number of times of measurement and the date of introduction of the device in the EEPROM or main body memory of the means 15, and the contents can be confirmed externally via a personal computer. The alcohol detection system is characterized in that when a certain number of times or a usage period is exceeded, replacement of the sensor or the like can be maintained in a timely manner without waste.
The means 16 leaves the use history, correction history, etc. in the memory inside the sensor module of the means 15, and when used for a certain number of times or for a certain period of time, the alcohol detector main body display, printing, or replacement time is displayed on the personal computer side. Display, print, and transfer data for guidance.
Of course, this function is also possible using the main unit memory and personal computer memory.
However, in that case, when the sensor module is newly replaced, an initial history is required.

Means 17 is a high-accuracy version, which is simultaneously measured by a plurality (two or more) of alcohol gas sensors, and is judged to be normal operation when the output values of all the sensors are within the range of delta V (± n%). The alcohol detection system is characterized in that the measurement result can be selected from an average value and a middle value (in the case of three).
The means 17 installs two or more alcohol gas sensors, and prevents the measurement data from being taken in due to an individual sensitivity failure. By providing two or more, it is possible to determine whether or not the measuring instrument confidence is operating normally, and it is possible to further improve the reliability of measurement by taking the average value of sensor errors or data of intermediate products.

As a high-accuracy version, the means 18 calculates a correction coefficient from a correction characteristic of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a secular change (the number of times of use), and multiplies the measurement data and original (concentration before correction) data. Send to PC side.
At the time of calibration, the adjustment volume was set so that the alcohol concentration AD value when the gas of the legal standard value (limit value) of alcohol of each country was detected was kept to about 50% ± 10% of the full scale value. This is an alcohol detection system. Of course, the original (density before correction) data can also be transferred and stored on the personal computer side.
The means 18 is provided with a temperature / humidity sensor in the sensor unit for high-precision measurement, sets an approximate conversion equation for the temperature / humidity characteristic curve, and substitutes the actual environmental temperature / humidity measurement values for alcohol. A gas sensitivity correction factor is obtained.
The result obtained by multiplying the alcohol concentration obtained by the coefficient is transferred to the detector body display, printing, or personal computer side. The original (density before correction) data is also transferred to the personal computer side.
As another improvement in accuracy, when the legal reference value for alcohol concentration in each country is an AD value such as an 8-bit AD converter, the threshold value 128 is set as the reference concentration. In this case, the correctable range is set to 115 to 140 (± 10%), so that the sensitivity such as the rotation angle of the volume (step-up amount of the electronic volume) is set to be low, and more accurate measurement is performed. enable.

The means 19 is an alcohol detection system characterized in that, when a temperature sensor is used for correcting the sensitivity of the alcohol gas sensor, its position is located between the breath inlet side and the alcohol gas sensor.
The means 19 positions the mounting position of the temperature correction thermistor between the exhalation inlet and the alcohol gas sensor. In particular, the optimal location for detecting both the outside air temperature and the expiratory temperature is an important point.

The means 20 is an alcohol detection system characterized in that the internal heater of the alcohol gas sensor is continuously turned on for a certain period of time after the measurement, and then the heater power is slightly lowered for a certain period of time to preheat, and then the heater is completely turned off. It is.
The means 20 uses an internal clock function to turn the alcohol gas sensor heater ON / OFF and preheat ON / OFF while counting the timer from the completion of measurement.

  According to the present invention, since the driver's pre-work drinking check can be numerically managed and viewed on the WEB, self-responsibility of drunk driving and its importance can be recognized again.

  Also, in terms of personnel, since past drinking data is accumulated, it is possible to ensure safe operation on social responsibility by switching from crew to indoor work.

  Also, it can be used in various environments indoors, outdoors, and in cars.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the present embodiment. The main unit is divided into a main unit and a sensor unit. Inside the main unit is an ID input device, a printer that prints and displays the result, a display, a device for disinfecting the breath intake port of the sensor unit, and a photograph of the person being measured Digital camera, an interface circuit for transferring measurement data to the outside such as a personal computer, a speaker for generating an abnormal value such as a measurement result and a warning, and a CPU for measuring and calculating them.

  In addition to the alcohol gas sensor, the sensor unit includes a temperature and humidity sensor for taking in the surrounding environment, a flow sensor for correctly performing the measurement, a cigarette smoke sensor for protecting the alcohol gas sensor, a shutter, a case lid switch, A dirt sensor for maintenance management is provided.

  Here, the main unit and the sensor unit are separated, but the main unit and unit integrated type also fall within the present invention, and further separated systems also fall within the present invention.

  First, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG.

  In FIG. 2, a magnetic card reader is mounted inside the main body as an ID input device, and a camera is attached to the center of the main body. The subject inhales exhalation from the sensor unit 4. Reference numeral 8 denotes a holder for storing the sensor unit. The measurement result is output from 3 display units and 1 printer. A numeric keypad 5 is permanently installed for a subject who does not have a magnetic card or the like.

  5, 6, and 7 show examples in which an external magnetic card 10, an external barcode reader 11, a USB memory, and the like are mounted as each ID input device.

  3 and 4 show an example in which a main body, a keyboard 5, a sensor unit 4, a printer unit 1, an ID input device (here, an external magnetic card reader 10 is connected to a personal computer, and a commercially available I / O product is used. It can be systemized even if it is used.

  Hereinafter, for the sake of easy understanding, the description will be made with reference to FIGS. 2, 5, 6, and 7.

  First, the basic measurement of the alcohol gas sensor is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The alcohol gas concentration measurement mode is entered only when the sensor mounting switch is OFF (disengaged) and the ID input is correctly input. After that, if the cigarette smoke sensor reacts, the cigarette smoke detection is displayed and the measurement is stopped. In this action, when the alcohol gas sensor sucks cigarette smoke, the sensitivity characteristic is greatly deteriorated. Therefore, the alcohol gas sensor is normally always shut off from the outside air. Measurement is possible only when the cigarette smoke sensor does not react during measurement. (The smoke sensor blocking mechanism will be described later.)
After entering the measurement mode, the concentration is measured for a certain period, and the highest concentration is taken into the final measurement result. As a result, if a certain in-house standard value is exceeded, an alarm display, an alarm sound, etc. are generated by a preset output method as shown in FIG. 33, and a result report to that effect is output from the printer or the like. Similar data is also transferred to the personal computer. The transfer data here includes density data after environmental correction, density data before environmental correction, temperature, humidity data, ID data, clock data, image data, warning status, and the like. These data are stored in a database on the personal computer side. The image at the time of measurement is stored by overwriting the basic image of FIG. 23 or various data on a personal computer as shown in FIG.

  Thus, when measuring while holding the breath, the air flow meter does not exceed a certain value and does not reach the end of the last measurement. If you try to measure by impersonating someone else, you will be caught by the ID input device, and then illegal measurement will remain as evidence from the digital camera photo being measured, so it is possible to make reliable measurements that are not comparable to conventional ones. became. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 26, the data stored on the personal computer side can be listed from anywhere in the world from the WEB server as well as a list of drunk worst drivers, etc. from the concentration data. By doing so, the driver himself can increase his awareness of drinking and his / her responsibility and can try to drive safely.

  The network diagram is composed of the head office and branch office system shown in FIG. 31, and the image data image on the head office WEB server is as shown in FIG. Since the registered image (face photograph) 66 and the measurement image 46 are output on the same screen, it is possible to immediately determine whether or not the image is illegal.

  Further, as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 38 and 39, the server software performs data editing until it can be disclosed to the WEB while receiving data from each branch office. Image and history data are read from the database and combined with the newly received data to output a daily report. Further, the image being measured is automatically deleted when a certain period of time elapses so that the capacity of the image memory is not burdened on the WEB server. In addition, the daily measurement schedule time of the subject is always managed by the WEB server, and is automatically transmitted to the subject by e-mail when the unmeasured person times out (when it is not measured by the scheduled time). If it is not measured after further prompting, CC. Email forwarding.

  In this way, the company was able to enforce the prohibition of drunk driving.

<Second Embodiment>
FIG. 8 is an overview of the alcohol sensor unit 4 and includes an exhalation inlet 15, an exhalation outlet 14, a sensor unit outer case 24-1, and an inner case 24-2.

  The internal mechanism is shown in FIG.

This feature is that the temperature sensor 54 is located between the alcohol gas sensor and the exhalation inlet. The alcohol gas sensor greatly depends on the temperature, and it is best to be experimentally located between the inlet side and the gas sensor side in terms of the relationship between the outside air temperature and the expiration temperature. (Required)
Next, FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams in which the outer case of FIGS. 8 and 9 is twisted to block the exhalation inlet 15 and the outlet 14. Normally, when it is not used, it is blocked in this way, so that it is possible to prevent deterioration of characteristics as much as possible by blocking the internal high-precision alcohol gas sensor and the like from dust, cigarette smoke and the like. Next, when the outer case is twisted to take in the outside air, the process returns to FIG. 9 and the switch 18 is turned off so that the main body side can know the measurable state. However, the internal shutter 16 is still blocked and no air enters from the exhalation entrance. When the internal alcohol gas sensor is ready for measurement (warm-up completed), a message is displayed to the subject indicating that the exhalation is to be infused. A state diagram at that time is shown in FIG. When it is determined that the cigarette smoke sensor is not in exhalation, the solenoid 17 is turned on, as shown in FIG. In this way, the shutter is finally opened, and exhalation further proceeds inside. Here, the wind pressure of the expiration causes the windmill 21 to rotate.

  At that time, the degree of rotation is detected by the rotation sensor 22 (optical sensor) of the windmill. While observing (measuring) the expiratory flow necessary for accurately measuring the alcohol concentration with the main body CPU, the measurement preparation is OK when the wind speed value V1 shown in FIG. 25 is exceeded, and at this time the shutter of the digital camera is connected to the main body CPU. Order more. Thereafter, the MAX value of alcohol concentration measurement is printed as a final result, displayed, and transferred to a personal computer.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 14 illustrates a method for identifying the degree of influence of tobacco dust, dust, and the like.

  If you keep using it for a long time, tobacco dust and dust will get inside. In that case, it adheres to the transparent resin 23 and the transparency deteriorates. The degree of light shielding is electrically identified by using the light emitting diode 25 and the photodiode 26 for this transparency. When this level exceeds a certain standard, the main CPU transfers a sensor replacement message to the personal computer side so that maintenance can be performed smoothly. At that time, a message for maintenance and replacement can be transmitted to the subject and the manager of the detector on the main body display and printing.

<Fourth Embodiment>
FIG. 15 shows that the alcohol sensor unit holder 8 is provided with a mounting switch 27 for determining whether or not the alcohol sensor unit is mounted, and a high voltage generation circuit 29 for generating ozone therein and an ozone generator 28. It is made up of.

  When it is determined that the sensor unit is attached by the attachment switch 27, power is applied to the high voltage generation circuit, and ozone generation starts. The sensor unit is sterilized and sterilized by ozone gas in the holder. Since the ozone concentration is generated while being sealed to some extent, the sterilization efficiency is also good. Moreover, when it is removed from the holder, the switch 27 is turned off, and the high-voltage power supply is turned off to prevent electric shock and wasteful ozone contamination.

  FIG. 16 shows that the ozone generator of FIG. Turn off the light for the purpose.

  FIG. 17 shows a case where ethanol is used for disinfection and sterilization. At this time, the ethanol container 32 having a known concentration (purity) is used and added to the ethanol volatilization dish 57 from the ethanol supply pipe. The volatile dish can be used to calibrate the alcohol gas sensor at the same time as generating a certain concentration of ethanol gas by a heater control circuit 36, heater 45 and temperature detecting thermistor 35 to sterilize the alcohol sensor unit. . After the start of sterilization, using the fact that the alcohol concentration value is always constant when the alcohol concentration is saturated, the current alcohol concentration correction coefficient is corrected and the correction coefficient "measured value = reference concentration" is updated to the latest coefficient. Revise. (Proofreading)

  As a result, accurate calibration can always be performed, and two types of alcohol disinfection can be realized. Of course, when performing the above-mentioned disinfection and sterilization, it is necessary to open the breath entrance in the alcohol sensor unit and also to open the internal shutter 16. If the exhalation entrance is closed, it is judged by the switch 18, and a message such as “Open the unit exhalation entrance and attach it to the holder” is displayed on the main body, a personal computer, etc., and can be instructed to the subject or the manager. When the holder is mounted and the breath inlet is open, the solenoid 17 is turned on for the first time, and ozone, ultraviolet rays, and alcohol sterilizing gas are sterilized to the inside of the alcohol sensor unit.

<Fifth Embodiment>
In FIG. 18, a mouthpiece dedicated to each individual was created in consideration of use by many subjects.

  At this time, an IC tag chip 38 that is generally used for identifying an individual ID is embedded in a mouthpiece, and an IC tag chip transmitting / receiving antenna coil 39 and an IC tag recognition circuit 40 for reading the IC tag chip 38 are mounted on the alcohol sensor unit 4. Thereby, ID recognition is performed when the mouthpiece 37 is attached to the sensor unit, and alcohol gas concentration measurement starts. (Refer to the flowchart in FIG. 36)

  As a result, the hygiene problem becomes an individual responsibility when an individual cleans and disinfects the mouthpiece, so that it is easy for the company to introduce and helps prevent fraud.

<Sixth Embodiment>
FIG. 19 shows that when replacing an alcohol gas sensor that has deteriorated or changed over time, if the sensor printed circuit board 41 is replaced at the installation site instead of returning the entire body to the factory for replacement and readjustment, the body adjustment, calibration, etc. The need for is also eliminated. As a countermeasure, in addition to the alcohol gas sensor, the volume, correction program, and setting values that require adjustment are integrated into a single unit, and the sensor is completed. Therefore, the output of the gas concentration can be the same for any sensor printed circuit board with respect to the input alcohol gas concentration. As a result, if a sensor failure or deterioration occurs, it can be easily replaced anywhere and measurement can be started immediately. In addition, if a sensor substrate is secured in advance, the maintenance cost in the event of something can be reduced. As a more advanced method, the sensor unit itself can be replaced without calibration as shown in FIG.

  In addition, when the replaced unit and the sensor printed circuit board are reused at worst, it becomes a big problem. Therefore, the number of uses and the installation date are stored in the EEPROM on the sensor unit side in FIGS. If this usage period and usage count exceed a certain value, maintenance, replacement guidance can be issued by printing, display, and data transfer. If it is replaced with an old one, replace it at that time. Because there is a display, etc., there are no mistakes such as service personnel. Naturally, if a maintenance information button is newly provided from the main body keyboard, history information (introduction date, number of times of use, etc.) can also be displayed and printed.

<Seventh Embodiment>
In FIG. 21, a button for converting a measurement unit is mounted on the alcohol detection main body. The measurement result needs to be expressed by the weight of alcohol contained in 1 liter of breath from the viewpoint of drinking standards. However, a general calibration alcohol gas measuring instrument is a PPM display that represents the original alcohol concentration. Therefore, the PPM display obtained from an accurate measuring instrument and the mg / L displayed by the alcohol detector cannot be compared and verified. Therefore, it is necessary to PPM convert mg / L. This time, the button 43 for calculating “PPM = mg / L ÷ 0.0001916” is mounted on the main body. Normally, mg / L is displayed immediately after power-on and immediately after reset, and PPM is displayed when the button 43 is pressed. If released, it may be returned to mg / L or alternately displayed each time it is pressed.

<Eighth Embodiment>
FIG. 22 is a time chart of heater control inside the alcohol gas sensor. In order to measure the alcohol concentration, the heater must be turned on and at least 20 seconds, preferably 1 minute or more must pass before accurate measurement is possible. Further, if the heater is always turned on, the heater or the like will change over time. Therefore, in the morning when subjects such as drivers are concentrated, if the subject is not waiting as much as possible, and after going out to work (after about 30 minutes), soft control to turn off the heater, The influence of secular change is also reduced.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 37, after the measurement is completed, the first timer value t1 is set, and the heater is energized continuously during t1.

  As a guideline, t1 can be assumed as a timer of about 5 to 10 minutes.

  If the next subject 2 starts measuring within t1, the heater is energized without turning off and enters the measurement mode. In this case, measurement can be performed without waiting for the heater warm-up time (about 20 seconds to 1 minute). If the t1 time is unfortunately exceeded, the heater is energized at, for example, Duty 1/2 instead of being completely turned off. The preheating energization time is set to t2 hours, and warm-up when the next subject starts measurement can be made within 10 seconds. Specifically, t2 can be assumed as a timer of about 30 minutes to about 1 hour. By adopting this method, it is possible to complete the measurement without causing the subject to wait efficiently even in the early morning.

<Ninth Embodiment>
FIG. 23 is a digital camera photograph under measurement. As shown in the flowchart in FIG. 37, the video, ID information, temperature, humidity, clock information, and the like are transmitted to the personal computer.

  By writing the above information on the same screen in the video system (the video of the subject's measurement characters), all information can be confirmed later by checking only the image without looking at the two screens such as measurement data and images. The efficiency has also improved. Specifically, this is as shown in FIG.

<Tenth Embodiment>
27, 28, 29, and 30 are examples using a plurality of alcohol gas sensors. Gas sensors that are delicate and prone to failure are troublesome to carry out daily accuracy checks (calibration) and are technically difficult, but using multiple (two or more) gas sensors It can be determined whether or not the sensor accuracy is maintained. Specifically, FIG. 27 depicts characteristic values 59-1, 60-1, and 61-1 of each sensor when three are used. In that case, two proposals can be made if an accurate measurement is to be made.

1. As shown in FIG. 27, the middle of the three is selected. As a result, the 59-1 which is relatively largely displaced is removed, and the accuracy is guaranteed to some extent.
2, 59-1, which is the largest deviation among the three of FIG. 27, is removed and the average value of the remaining 60-1, 61-1 is taken in as positive. (See FIG. 28) Thus, by using a plurality of sensors, it becomes possible to perform measurement without maintenance while maintaining accuracy for a certain period of time.

  In the case of two sensors, the characteristics are almost the same in the initial stage. If the two sensor characteristics are largely deviated relatively thereafter (FIG. 29), it becomes the target of a service call, and the sensor failure can be displayed, printed, and transferred to a personal computer.

<Eleventh embodiment>
Describes a method for measuring the alcohol gas concentration with high accuracy.

Specifically, as shown in FIG.
1. Large variation in individual characteristics of alcohol gas sensor 2. Less change in resistance value as alcohol concentration increases.
(In the case of high concentration, the accuracy gradually deteriorates.)
3. Korea and Japan have different alcohol standards.
(If the setting is common to Japan and Korea, there will be some error even with either or both of the legal standards, making it impossible to judge legal standards more accurately.)

  From the above, the alcohol gas sensor 20 with these variations is inserted at the location Rs in FIG. 35, and the variable resistor 58 that can be set to a value equivalent to the resistance value is provided. Therefore, the resistance value when a reference concentration gas, for example, 0.15 mg / L concentration gas in Japan is sprayed on the sensor, changes from Rj1 to Rj3 in FIG. By setting the volume 58 to Rj1 to Rj3 at that time, IVOUT in FIG. 35 becomes 2.5V (1/2 of 5V input).

  If this voltage value is AD converted to 8 bits, a value of 127 or 128 is input.

  The resistance value of the volume at this time (Japanese specification) is set to a resistance value in the range of Rj1 to Rj1 + 30%.

  This ensures that Japanese legal standards are set (adjusted).

  By setting the IVOUT value when this reference gas is input to 2.5 V ± 10% (1/2 of 5 V input), the error in the rotation angle of the volume can be set to a minimum.

Concentration value after correction obtained from function of temperature coefficient k (c), humidity coefficient k (h), and secular change coefficient k (t) as a known value for the measured density result “f” obtained after AD input F ″ is F = f × k (c) × k (t) × k (t) Equation 1
It is characterized in that it is obtained from Equation 1, and further, by transferring two density data of “f” and “F” to the personal computer side, it becomes possible to manage the measurement environment and measurement accuracy. If large unexpected data appears, it can be determined from the WEB whether it is a gas sensor abnormality, other sensor abnormality, or abnormality of hardware including the CPU.

It is a block block diagram of this embodiment. It is an integrated external view of this embodiment. It is an external view of the separation type of this embodiment. It is an external view of the separation type of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is an example of the barcode input method of this embodiment. It is an example of the USB memory input method of this embodiment. It is an example of mounting of the case lid and cover of the sensor unit of the present embodiment. It is an internal structure figure of the sensor unit of this embodiment. It is a figure when the case lid and cover of the sensor unit of this embodiment are closed. It is an internal block diagram when the case cover and cover of the sensor unit of this embodiment are closed. It is explanatory drawing of the role of the tobacco smoke sensor of the sensor unit of this embodiment, and a shutter structure. It is internal operation explanatory drawing at the time of the measurement in the sensor unit of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the internal sensor in the sensor unit of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing at the time of disinfection of the sensor unit of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing at the time of disinfection of the sensor unit of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing at the time of disinfection of the sensor unit of this embodiment, and apparatus calibration of a sensor unit. It is an application example of IC tag CHIP of the sensor unit of this embodiment. It is a PCB mounting diagram in the sensor unit of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the maintenance exchange method in the sensor unit of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the unit conversion key of this embodiment. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the warm-up of this embodiment. It is an example of imaging | photography of the digital camera of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the image data and measurement data of this embodiment. It is an operation explanatory view of a measurement start and a digital camera shutter of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the data edit screen of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing at the time of the multiple sensors of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing at the time of the multiple sensors of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing at the time of the multiple sensors of this embodiment. It is a mounting diagram of the sensor PCB of this embodiment and a plurality of sensors. It is a WEB system explanatory drawing of this embodiment. It is an example of a monitor display obtained from WEB of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the various setting methods of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the adjustment method of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the adjustment method of this embodiment. It is a basic operation program flow of this embodiment. It is a basic operation program flow of this embodiment. It is a flow for explanation of database construction of this embodiment. It is a flow for explanation of database construction of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Printer (Measurement data report)
2 Digital camera (for face photo of person being measured)
3 Display 4 Alcohol sensor unit 5 Keyboard 6 Magnetic card reader 7 Cable 8 Alcohol sensor unit holder 9 Alcohol detector body 10 External magnetic card reader 11 External barcode reader 12 ID recognition USB key 13 USB connector 14 Exhalation outlet (Exhaust outlet)
15 Exhalation inlet 16 Shutter 17 Solenoid (for shutter opening / closing)
18 Case lid switch 19 Cigarette smoke sensor 20 Alcohol gas sensor 21 Windmill (for air volume measurement)
22 Optical sensors (reflective and transmissive optical sensors)
23 Transparent resin 24-1 Alcohol sensor unit outer case 24-2 Alcohol sensor unit inner case 25 Light emitting diode 26 Photo diode (light receiving side)
27 Wearing switch (for alcohol sensor unit wearing detection)
28 Ozone generator 29 High pressure circuit 30 for ozone generation UV germicidal lamp 31 Sterilizing lamp lighting circuit 32 Ethanol container & lid 33 Ethanol supply pipe 34 Ethanol vapor (gas)
35 Thermistor (for heater control)
36 Heater control circuit unit 37 Key holder with mouthpiece 38 IC tag chip (IC)
39 IC tag chip transmit / receive antenna coil 40 IC tag recognition circuit (chip)
41 Alcohol sensor unit replacement unit 42 Main unit main circuit 43 mg / L, PPM conversion button 44 Ethanol solution 45 Ethanol vaporization heater 46 Digital camera video 47 ID-no. Name display 48 Time, temperature, humidity display 49 Alcohol concentration display 50 Measurement location display 51 Expiratory air volume (wind pressure) characteristics 52 Digital camera shutter operation point (air volume or wind pressure point)
53 Characteristics of expiratory airflow (wind pressure) at the time of incorrect measurement airflow (insufficient wind pressure)
55 Sensor unit humidity sensor 56 Speaker (piezoelectric speaker, etc.)
57 Ethanol volatilization dish 58 Electronic volume (or just variable resistance)
59-1 Characteristics of alcohol gas sensor 1 59-2 Alcohol gas sensor 1
60-1 Characteristics of Alcohol Gas Sensor 2 60-2 Alcohol Gas Sensor 2
61-1 Characteristics of alcohol gas sensor 3 61-2 Alcohol gas sensor 3
62 Average characteristic of alcohol gas sensors 2, 3 63 Connector 64 Sensor correction volume 65 Sensor correction EEPROM (program, correction data)
66 WEB server registration image (face photo)
67 ENTER key and start key 68 Clear key and measurement stop key 69 AD input terminal

Claims (2)

A sensor unit having an alcohol gas sensor for detecting the alcohol concentration of the breath of a subject, a holder to which the sensor unit is attached, a switch for detecting that the sensor unit is attached to the holder, and a holder And a sterilization system for sterilizing the sensor unit,
The sterilization system is activated when the switch detects that the sensor unit is attached to the holder. The alcohol sterilization system according to claim 1, wherein the sterilization system sterilizes the sensor unit with alcohol vapor having a constant concentration.

Images