JP5240677B2 - Vehicle control device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle control device, and more particularly to a drunk driving prevention device.

  Drunk driving of vehicles (for example, automobiles) is a serious social problem, and it is strictly forbidden for a driver to drive a vehicle in a drunk state. In order to prevent such drunk driving, in recent years, a system for mounting an alcohol detection device (alcohol concentration measuring device) on a vehicle and confirming that the driver is not drunk has been developed.

  In this case, what is important is whether or not the test subject of the drunk test by the vehicle alcohol detection device is really a driver, and it is necessary to prevent the so-called impersonation test that another person performs the test. is there. As a technique for preventing impersonation inspection, for example, there is a technique for photographing a person during an alcohol concentration inspection using a camera and determining impersonation using the photographed image. In this case, by performing imaging at the timing when expiration is detected, the face image of the subject can be reliably displayed on the captured image, and the above impersonation test can be effectively prevented.

JP 2009-255766 A

  However, since the camera is not ready for photographing after the power is turned on and after performing predetermined initial processing, there is a time lag between when the breath is detected and when the photographing is actually performed. . People who have exhaled may turn in a different direction, so if there is a time lag, a side face, an oblique face, other images may be taken instead of a face image facing the front May become high and the subject may not be identified. However, preparing the camera in a ready-for-photographing state leads to useless power consumption and shortening the camera life.

  In patent document 1, in order to acquire the image | video which can perform a driver | operator determination correctly, when the passenger | crew detection of the driver's seat by a sensor and the contact detection to a driver | operator's headrest are implemented and both are detected A technique for performing photographing is disclosed. In this case, although the accuracy of authentication increases, there is a problem that the number of sensors increases and the configuration becomes complicated and expensive.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a facial image of a subject who examines the alcohol concentration in exhaled breath without complicating the configuration and increasing the cost, and without consuming unnecessary power in the camera and causing a decrease in life. An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular control device capable of reliably photographing.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

In order to solve the above problems, a vehicle control device according to the present invention includes:
Detection means for detecting a predetermined gas concentration in the measurement target gas, calculation means for calculating the alcohol concentration in the user's exhalation contained in the measurement target gas based on the detected gas concentration, and exhalation to the detection means A vehicle control device comprising: an imaging unit that captures a user who blows in a vehicle; and a vehicle control unit that controls the vehicle based on a calculation result of the calculation unit and a captured image of the imaging unit,
Detection preparation processing execution means for executing detection preparation processing for shifting the detection means to a predetermined stable detectable state;
Intermediate state specifying means for specifying a predetermined intermediate state on the way from the initial state immediately after the start of the detection preparation process to the stable detectable state based on the gas concentration detected by the detection means during the detection preparation process; ,
An imaging preparation process execution unit for executing an imaging preparation process for switching the main power of the imaging unit to ON and shifting to an imaging enabled state as the intermediate state is specified for the imaging unit;
It is characterized by providing.

  Since the detection unit has a pre-detection preparation process such as a warming process such as heating of the sensor, the preparation process takes longer than the imaging unit. According to the above configuration of the present invention, after the detection unit starts the detection preparation process, the main power source of the imaging unit that is still in the main power OFF state is turned on to start the shooting preparation process. Can be shortened. This also makes it easier to photograph the user who is inhaling.

  In the present invention, as an intermediate state serving as a start trigger for the shooting preparation process, the state of the detection unit such that the shift of the detection unit to the stable detection possible state is completed after the shift of the shooting unit to the shooting ready state is completed. Can be determined. If the intermediate state that triggers the preparation process of the photographing means is determined as described above, the user can perform both detection and photographing immediately after the detection means enters the detectable state. Detection processing can be performed smoothly without feeling stress of waiting time. Further, since the photographing can be performed immediately as the exhalation is blown, there is almost no time lag, and the face of the user during the exhalation blowing can be reliably photographed.

  The detection means in the present invention includes an alcohol concentration detector that detects the concentration of alcohol in a measurement target gas including a user's breath, and a reference that detects the concentration of a reference gas other than a predetermined alcohol component in the measurement target gas. And a gas concentration detector. In this case, the calculation means calculates the alcohol concentration in the expiration based on the alcohol concentration and the reference gas concentration detected by the detection means, and the vehicle control means uses the calculation result of the alcohol concentration calculation means and the determination result of the determination means. Based on the control of the vehicle. Since the gas to be measured is an air-fuel mixture in which exhaled air is blown into a gas (atmosphere) in a predetermined measurement space, the alcohol concentration in the air-fuel mixture detected therefrom is corrected by the reference gas concentration, The alcohol concentration in exhaled breath can be obtained more accurately.

  The reference gas may be an exhalable gas content level estimable gas capable of estimating the exhaled gas content level in the measurement target gas based on its concentration, and may be, for example, either or both of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The amount of exhaled breath that is blown for detection cannot always be constant and varies at each measurement timing. For this reason, based on the concentration of the gas whose breath content level can be estimated, the dilution rate (ratio between the atmosphere and the breath) when the breath is blown into the gas (atmosphere) in the measurement space is calculated, and this is actually detected. By correcting the alcohol concentration, the alcohol concentration in exhaled breath can be accurately calculated.

  The intermediate state specifying means in the present invention is preliminarily in the middle from the initial state to the stable detectable state based on the detected value of either or both of the alcohol concentration and the reference gas concentration detected by the detecting means during the detection preparation process. The defined intermediate state can be specified. The output signal (detection value) output from the detection means during the detection preparation process is an unstable value, and it is impossible to measure using the value at this stage, but each detection unit is in a state where stable detection is possible. Since a certain tendency is seen in the output signal change to reach, by determining an intermediate state according to the tendency, the completion timing of the imaging preparation processing of the imaging means, and the timing of completion of the transition to the stable detectable state of the detection means, Can be made closer to each other in time, and the waiting time for waiting for shooting preparation in the shooting means can be reduced.

  The intermediate state specifying means according to the present invention, as an intermediate state, changes from a decrease change to an increase change for the first time when the detection value sequentially output by the alcohol concentration detection unit first changes from a decrease change to an increase change, or from the increase change to a decrease change for the first time. It is possible to specify the state after During the detection preparation process, the alcohol concentration detector tends to decrease the output signal (detected value) from the initial value and then increase again to saturate the value and become a stable state (detectable state). The signal (detected value) tends to decrease once from the initial value and then rise again to saturate the value and become a stable state (detectable state). By setting the state after the first change from decrease to increase as an intermediate state, the completion timing of the imaging preparation process of the imaging means and the timing of completion of the transition to the stable detectable state of the detection means are made closer in time. It is possible to reduce the waiting time for waiting for shooting preparation in the shooting means.

  In the present invention, as the stable detection possible state, it is possible to determine a state in which at least the difference between the detection values sequentially output by the alcohol concentration detection unit falls below a predetermined stable difference level. As an intermediate state, it is possible to specify a case where at least a difference between detection values sequentially output by the alcohol concentration detection unit falls below an intermediate difference level having a difference range larger than the stable difference level. During the detection preparation process, the alcohol concentration detection unit decreases (or increases) the output signal (detection value) from the initial value and then increases (or decreases) again to saturate the value. ), The difference (increment) of the detected value turns to increase (or decrease), and the state that has reached a stable stage where the difference falls below a certain value is defined as an intermediate state, The completion timing of the imaging preparation processing of the imaging means and the timing of completion of the transition to the state where the detection means can be stably detected can be made closer in time, and the waiting time for waiting for the imaging preparation in the imaging means can be reduced. it can.

  In the present invention, as the stable detection possible state, it is possible to determine a state in which at least the difference between the detection values sequentially output by the alcohol concentration detection unit falls below a predetermined stable difference level. As an intermediate state, it is possible to specify a case where at least detection values sequentially output by the reference gas concentration detection unit exceed a predetermined concentration level. The reference gas may be an exhalable gas content level estimable gas capable of estimating the exhaled gas content level in the measurement target gas based on its concentration, and may be, for example, either or both of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The detection unit that detects the reference gas contained in the atmosphere has a tendency that the output signal (detection value) increases from the initial value during the detection preparation process, and the detection value exceeds a certain level. By setting the timing as an intermediate state, the completion timing of the photographing preparation process of the photographing means and the timing of completion of the transition to the stable detection possible state of the detecting means can be made closer in time, and wasteful photographing in the photographing means Preparation waiting time can be reduced.

  The present invention can be configured to include a stable detectable state specifying unit that specifies a stable detectable state, and an informing unit that notifies that the breath can be blown when the stable detectable state is specified. As a result, the user can grasp the breath blowing timing, and since the photographing means is already in the photographing enabled state at this time, the user can be surely photographed.

  The intermediate state specifying means in the present invention specifies a case where the difference between the detection values sequentially output by the alcohol concentration detector falls below a predetermined stable difference level as a stable detectable state, while the reference gas concentration detector sequentially A case where the detection value to be output exceeds a predetermined density level can be specified as an intermediate state.

  The alcohol concentration detection unit in the present invention can be a semiconductor alcohol sensor having a semiconductor element whose electrical resistance is changed by contact of alcohol in the measurement target gas.

  The detection preparation processing execution means according to the present invention can cause the detection means to execute detection preparation processing as the start operation unit of the detection means is operated by the user. As a result, the detection preparation process of the detection unit is executed at the timing when the start operation unit is operated, and then the shooting preparation process of the imaging unit is started, and a wasteful waiting period for waiting for the imaging preparation in the imaging unit is started. It is reduced.

  In the present invention, it is provided with a determination unit that determines the presence or absence of fraud by the detection unit based on a photographed image of the shooting unit, and the vehicle control unit determines the vehicle based on the calculation result of the calculation unit and the determination result of the determination unit It can be controlled. This makes it possible to reliably capture the face image of the subject who is inspecting the alcohol concentration in the expiration, and to effectively prevent the impersonation test.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the drunk driving prevention apparatus which is one Embodiment of the control apparatus for vehicles of this invention. The perspective view which shows the external appearance of a detector main body simply. FIG. 2 is an interior view of a vehicle equipped with the drunk driving prevention device of FIG. 1. Sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of a detector main body simply. The block diagram for demonstrating the electric constitution of an alcohol sensor. The figure which shows the circuit structure of an alcohol sensor. The graph which shows the output of an oxygen sensor module. The flowchart which shows the flow of a drunkenness determination program. The graph which shows the output example of the detector from the initial state to the state in which stable detection is possible, and further to the expiration detection state. The free chart which shows the flow of impersonation determination processing. The block diagram which shows the structure of embodiment of the control apparatus for vehicles of this invention different from FIG.

  Hereinafter, a drunk driving prevention apparatus, which is an embodiment of a vehicle control apparatus of the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the drunk driving prevention apparatus according to the present embodiment, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a driver seat on which the drunk driving prevention apparatus of FIG. 1 is mounted, and FIG. 2 shows the detector of FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing, FIG. 4 is a sectional view schematically showing the internal configuration of FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the function of the alcohol sensor of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the drunk driving prevention apparatus 1 in the present embodiment is for measuring the alcohol concentration contained in the exhalation of a user (driver) D seated in a driver seat S of a vehicle (here, an automobile). And a detector (detection means) 2 for detecting a predetermined gas concentration in the measurement target gas G, and the control unit 10 is in the expiration of the user D based on the gas concentration detected by the detector 2. The alcohol concentration is calculated (calculation means). The drunk driving prevention device 1 has a photographing device (photographing means) 5 for photographing the user D in the middle of breathing into the detector 2, and the control unit 10 detects based on the photographed image of the photographing device 5. The presence / absence of fraud detection by the device 2 is determined (determination means). The control unit 10 also functions as a vehicle control unit that controls the vehicle based on the calculation result of the alcohol concentration in exhaled breath and the determination result of the presence or absence of fraud detection. Here, based on the calculation result and the determination result, the interlock device 3 is caused to execute a predetermined travel restriction on the vehicle.

  The detector 2 includes a casing 26 and a test switch (start operation unit) 20 that is operated by the user at the timing of starting measurement of alcohol concentration in exhaled breath. Is connected by a wired connection). The inspection switch 20 is turned ON by the user when taking the exhalation into the housing from the intake port 26 a, and when it is turned ON, an operation signal is input to the control unit 10. Accordingly, the control unit 10 outputs a control command signal that causes the detector 2 to execute detection preparation processing described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the housing 26 of the detector 2 has an intake port 26 h for taking in the exhalation of the driver and an exhaust port 26 b for discharging the taken exhalation to the outside. . When the driver D grips the casing 26 and brings the mouth close to the intake port 26a and blows exhalation, the captured exhalation passes through the exhalation flow path 26c formed inside the casing toward the discharge port 26b. To flow.

  Note that the measurement target gas G in the present invention is a gas that is present inside the casing of the detector 2 and is a gas that passes through the exhalation flow path 26c. When measuring the alcohol concentration in exhaled breath, the measurement target gas G is a mixture of exhaled air that has been blown into the casing and a gas that has existed inside the casing separately from the exhaled breath.

  As shown in FIG. 4, an alcohol sensor (alcohol concentration detection unit) 24 that detects the concentration of alcohol in the measurement target gas G including the exhalation of the user U, and the measurement target gas G, as shown in FIG. Gas sensors (reference gas concentration detectors) 21 to 23 and 25 for detecting the concentration of a reference gas which is a gas other than the predetermined alcohol component and is used for calculating alcohol in the expired air. The reference gas can be an expiratory gas content level estimable gas capable of estimating the expiratory gas content level in the measurement target gas G by its concentration, and can be, for example, either or both of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Here, an oxygen sensor 25 that detects the concentration of oxygen is provided as the gas whose breath content level can be estimated. In addition, as a gas sensor for detecting the concentration of the reference gas, the odor sensor 21 for detecting the odor in the flow path 26c (that is, the odor of the measurement target gas G), and the humidity in the flow path (that is, the humidity of the measurement target gas G). ) And a temperature sensor 23 for detecting the temperature in the flow path (that is, the temperature of the measurement target gas G), and these detection values are output to the control unit 10. All of these sensors 21 to 25 are well-known, and are mounted on a substrate (not shown) in a form protruding into the exhalation flow path 26c.

  The alcohol sensor 24 here is a semiconductor-type alcohol sensor having a semiconductor element whose electric resistance is changed by contact of alcohol in the measurement target gas G. Specifically, a tin oxide 24D is added to a platinum coil 24D. It is a semiconductor sensor formed by coating a metal oxide 24C such as. A detection circuit 24B is connected to the metal oxide 24C, and a power supply circuit 24A is connected to the coil 24D. When the alcohol sensor 24 receives a control command signal from the control unit 10, the switch 24S of the power supply circuit 24A is turned on to energize the coil 24D, whereby the metal oxide 24C is heated to a predetermined temperature, and the metal oxide Water vapor and foreign matter adhering to the surface of 24C are removed (aging).

  Here, the function of the alcohol sensor 24 will be described. In the atmosphere (the state of air containing no or very little alcohol component), since oxygen atoms in the air and electrons in the metal oxide (tin oxide) 24C are bonded, electricity flows through the metal oxide 24C. It is difficult. At this time, a detection preparation process is performed in which a current is passed through the coil 24D to heat the metal oxide 24C to a predetermined temperature. When the breath containing alcohol is brought into contact with the metal oxide 24C in the state where the detection preparation process is completed, the alcohol in the breath reacts with oxygen atoms on the surface, and oxygen bonded to the electrons in the metal oxide 24C. Atoms are stripped off. This frees the electrons in the metal oxide 24C and allows electricity to flow. This change is detected by the detection circuit 24B, and the change in the electric resistance value of the metal oxide 24C is measured to measure the alcohol concentration.

  In the alcohol sensor 24, the sensor resistance RS may change in response to a gas component related to an odor other than the alcohol component. For this reason, the odor sensor 21 is used in order to avoid the influence of the odor. The odor sensor 21 is a semiconductor sensor that detects an interference gas concentration that affects the sensor resistance RS of the alcohol sensor 24 and outputs the sensor resistance RS as a detected value. The odor sensor 21 is also a semiconductor sensor similar to the alcohol sensor 24, and is configured similarly to the alcohol sensor 24 shown in FIG.

  The temperature sensor 23 is called a “thermistor”, for example, and is a semiconductor sensor made of an oxide such as nickel, cobalt, or manganese. The temperature of exhalation changes depending on the method of blowing exhalation by the driver. For example, when the exhaled breath blown by the driver is generated from the driver's body (lung), the temperature is high and it is easy to determine whether or not it contains an alcohol component. However, the temperature is low when it originates in the driver's mouth or is sprayed by unauthorized means using balloons or the like. It also changes depending on the outside temperature. Therefore, by monitoring the change in temperature detected by the temperature sensor 23, it is possible to determine whether or not the breath is from the driver's lungs.

  The humidity sensor 22 measures the humidity of the air (for example, a capacitance change type humidity sensor) by changing the conductivity and capacitance of the sensor element in accordance with the amount of moisture in the air. The alcohol sensor 24 may react to the humidity in the atmosphere, and the alcohol sensor 24 reacts even when the alcohol sensor 24 is not drunk. Therefore, by monitoring the change in humidity detected by the humidity sensor 22, even if the alcohol sensor 24 detects atmospheric humidity or alcohol components in the normal state of exhalation, the detected values are not adopted. can do.

  The oxygen sensor 25 detects the oxygen concentration of exhaled breath that is diluted by being mixed with the air in the passenger compartment, and is a semiconductor sensor similar to the alcohol sensor 24. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the output of the oxygen sensor. The oxygen concentration in the air in the passenger compartment is almost constant even when the weather and the number of passengers change. The oxygen concentration in the exhaled breath is lower than the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere even when diluted with the atmosphere. Therefore, by monitoring the change in the oxygen concentration detected by the oxygen sensor 25, it is possible to determine whether or not it is expiration.

  This oxygen sensor 25 is used to correct the calculated alcohol concentration by calculating the dilution rate (exhalation-containing level) when the exhaled breath blown by the driver is diluted in the atmosphere. Hereinafter, the concept of alcohol concentration correction using the oxygen sensor 25 will be described.

  The exhaled air blown by the driver is taken into the detector 2, but some air in the passenger compartment is also taken in simultaneously with the exhalation. Therefore, since the exhaled breath is diluted by the air taken in at the same time, the alcohol concentration calculated based on the sensor resistance RS of the alcohol sensor 24 becomes a value smaller than the actual alcohol concentration. Therefore, the dilution rate of breath is calculated, and the alcohol concentration calculated according to the dilution rate is corrected.

  In the atmosphere, the oxygen concentration occupies about 20.6% and the carbon dioxide concentration occupies about 0.03%, and the amount of water (water vapor) is indefinite due to changes in humidity, temperature, and the like. On the other hand, in exhaled breath (when not diluted by the atmosphere), the oxygen concentration is about 15.2% and the carbon dioxide concentration is about 5%, and the moisture content is indefinite due to changes in breathing depth, temperature, etc. It has become. Thus, since each gas concentration differs in the atmosphere and in the expiration, the expiration gas is measured by measuring each reference gas concentration of the mixture (the expiration mixed with the air) taken into the detector 2. How much is diluted in the atmosphere.

  In this case, among the gas concentrations, the oxygen concentration is stable in the amount of components in the atmosphere and in the exhaled air. Therefore, it is considered that an accurate dilution rate can be easily calculated by comparing the oxygen concentrations. That is, if the oxygen concentration of the air-fuel mixture taken into the detector 2 is 15.2%, for example, it is the same as the oxygen concentration in the exhaled breath when not diluted with the air, so It can be judged that there is no dilution.

  Therefore, in the detector 2, the oxygen concentration of the taken air-fuel mixture is measured by the oxygen sensor 25, and the difference b (b in FIG. 5) between the measured oxygen concentration and the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere (for example, 20.6%). = 2.7% is exemplified). If the difference between the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere (for example 20.6%) and the oxygen concentration in the exhaled breath (for example 15.2%) is a (= 5.4%), the dilution rate Can be calculated by b / a. Thus, the alcohol concentration can be corrected by dividing the calculated alcohol concentration by the dilution rate (b / a).

  Further, it is calculated by removing the influence of the interference gas based on the detection value of the odor sensor 21 and excluding inappropriate exhalation as a detection target based on the detection values of the temperature sensor 23 and the humidity sensor 22. The variation in alcohol concentration is reduced, and a value almost equal to the actual alcohol concentration can be obtained. The dilution rate can also be obtained from the humidity of the taken air-fuel mixture, so the dilution rate may be obtained from both the oxygen concentration and humidity.

  The imaging device 5 is an infrared camera provided with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). Here, the photographing device 5 is installed so that the head of the user sitting in the driver's seat is photographed from the front and the front of the face is reflected. Specifically, it is installed on the upper part of the instrument panel I as shown in FIG. 3, for example, so that the face of the driver D in the middle of breathing into the detector 2 can be photographed. The photographing device 5 is turned on upon receiving an activation signal from the control unit 10 and changes from the main power OFF state, which has been continued until then, to the main power ON state. Subsequently, the photographing command signal is input. A shooting preparation process (known auto gain control, start-up / initialization process of an image processing unit (image device), etc.) for shifting to a shooting ready state in which shooting can be performed immediately is performed. In the remote security system as in this embodiment, the imaging apparatus is energized only during imaging, and the dark current is reduced.

  For example, the notification device 4 may be a voice output device including a speaker and a voice synthesis circuit. In response to the notification output command from the control unit 10, the audio output device determines whether or not the measured alcohol concentration is greater than or equal to a predetermined set value based on audio data stored in advance in the memory. It is output by voice message about whether or not it is in a drunk state, and furthermore, the travel restriction state based on the measurement result. The notification device 4 can also be a display device, and can be provided on a meter panel in which various meters such as a speed meter and an engine speed meter in front of the driver's seat are arranged. In response to the notification output command from the control unit 10, the display device is in a drunk state when the measured alcohol concentration is equal to or higher than a predetermined set value, and the vehicle is prohibited from traveling. (For example, the engine is not startable) is displayed. On the other hand, if the value is less than the set value, the vehicle is not drunk and the vehicle can be driven (for example, the engine can be started). Message is displayed. The notification device 4 may be any one or both of the audio output device and the display device. Moreover, the thing of the simple structure which alert | reports whether the measured alcohol density | concentration is more than the predetermined setting value by the lighting state of LED of a different color (that is, whether it is a drunken state) may be sufficient. .

  The control unit 10 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output unit (I / O), communication unit, and the like as main components, and is connected to various control units including the engine ECU 6 via an in-vehicle LAN 7. The control unit 10 calculates the alcohol concentration based on the detection signal from the detector 2 by executing a drunk determination program stored in a memory such as a ROM, and the calculation result corresponds to the drunk state. In this case, a travel restriction signal for providing a travel restriction (for example, travel prohibition) to the vehicle is output to the interlock device 3 connected via the in-vehicle LAN 7, while the calculation result corresponds to a drunken state. If not, a travel restriction release signal for canceling the travel restriction is output to the interlock device 3 connected via the in-vehicle LAN 7. And the alerting | reporting apparatus 4 is made to alert | report that the vehicle control according to the said calculation result is implemented.

  The interlock device 3 sets a predetermined travel restriction for the vehicle so that the driving operation by the driver is prohibited or restricted based on a command from the control unit 10 (travel restriction signal / travel restriction release signal). It is something to execute. The travel restriction may be a restriction that restricts at least the travel speed of the vehicle to be lower than a predetermined speed level or prohibits travel itself. Here, it is assumed that the engine ECU 6 performs a restriction setting that prohibits starting of an engine mounted on the vehicle. For this reason, even if there is a user's IG-ON operation (operation to turn on the ignition switch) and the engine ECU 6 receives the signal input, if the controller 10 does not determine that it does not correspond to the alcoholic state, The engine cannot be started by the locking device 3.

  By the way, the drunk driving prevention apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the following processing is executed when the control unit 10 executes a drunk determination program. That is, the detector 2 is caused to execute detection preparation processing for shifting from the initial state to a predetermined stable detection possible state (detection preparation processing execution means), and during the detection preparation processing, Based on the detection information (detected value), a predetermined intermediate state in the middle from the initial state (the state immediately after the start of the detection preparation process) to the stable detectable state is specified (intermediate state specifying means), and the intermediate state When the detection preparation process is started, the main power is turned on to the photographing apparatus that has not been turned on, and the photographing preparation process for shifting the photographing apparatus 5 to the photographing ready state is performed. As soon as the shooting and storage of the shot image are completed, a power-off preparation process for finally turning off the main power is executed (shooting control means). The detector 2 takes into account the fact that the preparation process takes longer than the imaging means because there is a warming process such as heating of the sensor, etc., and the imaging device 5 is used as an intermediate state that serves as a start trigger for the imaging preparation process. The state in which the transition of the detector 2 to the stable detectable state is completed after the transition to the photographing ready state is completed. As a result, both detection and photographing can be performed immediately after the detector 2 becomes in a detectable state, so that the user can perform the detection process smoothly without feeling the stress of waiting time. Further, since the photographing can be performed immediately as the exhalation is blown, there is almost no time lag, and the face of the user during the exhalation blowing can be reliably photographed.

  Here, the drunk determination program executed by the control unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the IG switch is turned on (S1). At this stage, the engine is not started just because the ON operation is detected, and only the accessory power supply (ACC power supply) is turned on. Note that this IG switch ON operation (IG-ON signal input) is a trigger operation to start the alcoholic beverage determination program. It may be a predetermined traveling preparation operation (for example, wearing of a seat belt, etc.) performed in the above.

  When the IG switch is turned on (when an IG-ON signal is input), the control unit 10 determines whether the inspection switch (start operation unit) of the detector 2 has been operated by the user (S2). ). When the inspection switch (start operation unit) is operated, the control unit 10 sends a control command signal for causing the detector 2 to execute a detection preparation process for shifting from the initial state to a predetermined stable detectable state. (S3: detection preparation process execution means) Thereby, in the detector 2, here, the heat treatment described above is started. When the detection preparation process is started, the control unit 10 specifies a predetermined timing set before the end of the detection preparation process (S4: intermediate state specifying means), and turns on the main power supply of the imaging device 5 at that timing. A control command signal to be turned on (ON) is output (S5: photographing preparation processing execution means). As a result, the main power is turned on in the photographing apparatus 5, and photographing preparation processing for shifting to the photographing ready state is started.

  Here, the timing at which the main power supply of the photographing apparatus 5 is turned on and the photographing preparation process is started will be described. The timing for starting the imaging preparation process is that an intermediate state of the detector 2 is detected such that the transition of the detector 2 to the stable detectable state is completed after the transition of the imaging device 5 to the photographable state is completed. The timing is predetermined, and in S4, it is determined whether or not the timing has arrived. The intermediate state here is determined as a timing based on one or a plurality of detection values output from the sensors 21 to 25 of the detector 2 during the detection preparation process, and the control unit 10 controls the sensors 21 to 25. The detection values sequentially output from are monitored, and the arrival of the timing is determined. The output signal (detection value) output from the detector 2 during the detection preparation process is an unstable value, and it is impossible to measure using the value at this stage, but each sensor 21 to 25 is stable. Since a certain tendency is seen in the change in the output signal that reaches the detectable state, an intermediate state is predetermined according to the tendency. Thereby, the completion timing of the imaging preparation process of the imaging device 5 and the timing of completion of the transition to the state where the detector 2 can be stably detected can be made closer in time, and useless waiting time for waiting for the imaging preparation in the imaging means Can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the difference between the detection values sequentially output (monitoring output) by the alcohol sensor 24 at a predetermined period falls below a predetermined stable difference level is determined as a stable detection possible state. A case where the difference between detection values sequentially output (monitoring output) at a predetermined cycle falls below an intermediate difference level larger than the stable difference level is defined as an intermediate state. The circuit configuration of the alcohol sensor 24 is as shown in FIG. 6, and since the sensor resistance RS is very large in the initial stage, as shown in FIG. 9A, the output value (AD value) of the alcohol sensor 24 is The initial value starts with a value greater than the final saturation value. Then, when the initial heat treatment starts, the output value (AD value) of the alcohol sensor 24 increases once after the detection value decreases, and then gradually increases from there until it finally approaches the saturation value. Tend. For this reason, the timing at which the difference (increase in change) is in a stable stage such that the difference (increase in change) falls below a certain value a after the detection value difference starts to increase is defined as an intermediate state. Thereby, the completion timing of the imaging preparation process of the imaging device 5 and the completion timing of the transition to the stable detection possible state of the detector 2 can be made closer to each other in time, and the detector 2 becomes in a stable detectable state. Immediately after shooting, the photographing by the photographing device 5 becomes possible. Here, the stable detectable state is determined as a more stable state (saturated state) in which the difference (increase in change) a of the alcohol sensor 24 is less than the value a ′ that is lower than the value a that defines the intermediate state. In addition, the other sensors 21 to 23 and 25 are also defined as being in a state where the alcohol sensor 24 is in a stable detectable state when the alcohol sensor 24 is in a stable detectable state.

  In this embodiment, since it takes about 2 seconds from when the main power of the photographing apparatus 5 is turned on until the completion of the photographing preparation process, the timing at which the main power of the photographing apparatus 5 is turned on and the photographing preparation process is started is detected. The intermediate state of the detector 2 is determined so that the timing before the completion of the transition to the state in which the detector 2 can be stably detected is two seconds earlier.

  In this embodiment, since the circuit configuration of the alcohol sensor 24 is pulled up as shown in FIG. 6, the output value (AD value) shows a tendency as shown in FIG. The output value (AD value) in this case appears as a tendency that is upside down in FIG. That is, the initial value of the output value (AD value) of the alcohol sensor 24 starts from a value smaller than the final saturation value. When the initial heat treatment is started, the output value (AD value) of the alcohol sensor 24 once increases greatly and then starts to decrease, and then gradually decreases to reach the saturation value. Appears as a trend. In this case, after the detection value difference starts to decrease, the timing when the difference (decrease change amount) becomes a stable stage below a certain value can be determined as the intermediate state.

  Returning to S5 of FIG. After the imaging preparation process is started (S5), the state of stable detection of the detector 2 is specified, that is, when the detection preparation process of the detector 2 is completed (stability detection possible state specifying means), the notification device 4 prepares for detection. A notification of completion is output by either or both of voice and display (S6: notification means). Here, notifying that the preparation for detection has been completed is not performed directly, but notification is made to prompt the user to blow exhalation from the intake 26a of the detector 2.

  When the detection preparation process is completed, the control unit 10 determines whether or not exhalation is blown (S7). Whether or not exhalation has been blown can be determined from the detection value of the oxygen sensor, and it is determined that exhalation has been blown when the detection value is equal to or greater than a predetermined set value. It should be noted that the determination of whether or not exhalation has been blown is repeated for a predetermined period until expiration is detected (S14: Yes). S14: No), the notification device 4 notifies the end of the error by either or both of voice and display, and the process ends as an error.

  When the control unit 10 determines that exhalation has been blown, the control unit 10 outputs a control signal for performing imaging by the imaging device 5, acquires an image captured by the imaging device 5, and stores it in a predetermined memory of the control unit 10 ( S8). Then, as soon as the storage is completed, a control command signal for powering off the photographing apparatus 5 is output (S9: power-off means). As a result, the shutdown process (power-off preparation process) of the imaging device 5 is started, and finally the main power supply of the imaging device 5 is turned off. On the other hand, if the control part 10 determines with the exhalation having been breathed in, it will memorize | store the detection value input from each gas sensor 21-26 at this time in RAM etc., and will calculate the alcohol density | concentration in exhalation (S10).

  The calculation of the alcohol concentration in S10 will be described. The exhaled air blown into the intake port 26a of the detector 2 is mixed with the atmosphere (air in the vehicle interior) or the air in the housing 11 and flows into the internal flow path 26c. The taken air-fuel mixture is sent to the downstream side of the exhalation flow path 26c, passes through the exhalation flow path 26c while being in contact with the alcohol sensor 24, the odor sensor 21, the temperature sensor 23, the moisture sensor 22 and the oxygen sensor 25, and is discharged. It is discharged from the outlet 26b. The control unit 10 calculates the alcohol concentration in the measurement target gas G based on the detection value of the alcohol sensor 24, corrects the alcohol concentration by dividing the calculated alcohol concentration by the dilution rate, and is thereby blown by the user. To obtain the alcohol concentration in the exhaled breath.

  Return to S10. When the calculation of the alcohol concentration is completed, the driver's drunken state is determined based on the calculated alcohol concentration (S11). If the vehicle is in a drunken state (S11: Yes), a travel restriction signal for providing a travel restriction (for example, travel prohibition) to the vehicle is output to the interlock device 3 (S12), and the interlock is continued. On the other hand, when the calculation result does not correspond to the drunken state (S11: No), a travel restriction release signal for releasing the travel restriction is output to the interlock device 3 to release the interlock (S13). Here, when it is determined that the vehicle is in a drunk state, an interlock that prohibits engine start is activated, and the notification device 4 notifies and outputs that the engine cannot be started either by voice or display. On the other hand, when it is determined that the driver is not in a drunken state, the interlock is released so that engine start is permitted, and either or both of the sound and the display indicate that the engine can be started by the notification device 4. A notification is output. Here, the calculated alcohol concentration information is displayed on the display device constituting the notification device 4 (S15: display means).

  Next, an impersonation determination program (determination means) executed by the control unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 8, after the interlock is released and the engine is started, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a predetermined monitoring photographing timing has arrived (S21). Here, the monitoring photographing timing may arrive at a predetermined cycle after the engine is started, or may be a timing at which a predetermined driving operation is performed after the engine is started. When the monitoring shooting timing has arrived, the control unit 10 outputs a control command signal for turning on the main power supply of the shooting device 5, and thereby shooting for shifting the shooting device 5 to a shooting ready state. Preparation processing is started (similar to S22: S5).

  Immediately after the transition of the photographing device 5 to the photographing ready state is completed, photographing is performed, and the photographed image is saved separately from the image photographed when the drunk determination program is executed (S23). Then, a determination process is performed to determine whether the user specified in the image captured in advance at the time of execution of the drunk determination program and the user specified in the image captured this time are the same person, that is, impersonation determination. (S24). Here, the feature part is extracted from the face image data photographed this time, and compared with the feature part extracted from the subject face image data photographed in advance, the user photographed this time It is determined whether or not is the same person as the user photographed in advance. If it is the same person, the inspection is OK (no impersonation), and the unlocked state released in the alcoholic beverage determination program continues, while if it is not the same person, the inspection is NG (impersonation is present), and either voice or display Alternatively, the alarm device 4 performs warning output and a notification output for prompting the user to perform the determination of another alcoholic beverage based on the alcoholic beverage determination program, and activates the interlock described above.

  As mentioned above, although 1st embodiment of this invention was described, these are only illustrations, this invention is not limited to these, A various change is possible unless it deviates from the meaning of a claim. It is. Hereinafter, an embodiment different from the above embodiment will be described. In addition, about a common component part, the code | symbol similar to the said embodiment is attached | subjected, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the stable detection possible state in the detector 2 is defined as a state in which the difference between detection values sequentially output (monitoring output) by the alcohol sensor 24 falls below a predetermined stable difference level. As an intermediate state serving as a start trigger for the preparation process, it is determined that the difference between detection values sequentially output (monitoring output) by the alcohol sensor 24 is lower than an intermediate difference level having a difference width larger than the stable difference level. The present invention is not limited to these, as long as at least the stable detectable state and the intermediate state are determined based on the detected values of either or both of the alcohol concentration and the reference gas concentration detected by the detector 2. Good. However, the intermediate state is determined as a state in the middle from the initial state of the detector 2 to the stable detectable state (not including the initial state and the stable detectable state), and the transition of the photographing device 5 to the photographing ready state is performed. It may be determined that the timing is such that the transition of the detector 2 to the stable detectable state is completed after completion.

  Here, the tendency from the initial state of each of the sensors 21 to 25 included in the detector 2 in the above embodiment to the state in which stable detection is possible will be briefly described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 9B, the detection value of the odor sensor 21 has a change toward the saturation value in a form of a rapid increase after a certain increase from the initial state and then gradually increasing. . As shown in FIG. 9C, the moisture sensor 22 has a slight increase from the initial state, and then has a change toward a saturation value with a slight increase. As shown in FIG. 9 (d), the temperature sensor 23 has a sharp increase from the initial state to a value close to the saturation value, and then changes toward the saturation value with only a slight decrease. As shown in FIG. 9 (a), the detection value of the alcohol sensor 24 decreases rapidly from the initial state, and then gradually changes to a saturation value in a form that causes a sharper increase change than the odor sensor 21. Have. As shown in FIG. 9 (e), the detected value of the oxygen sensor 25 increases abruptly after causing a slight decrease from the initial state, and then gradually reaches a saturation value in a manner that causes a slight decrease. Have a change.

  Since the detector 2 having each of the sensors 21 to 25 showing such an initial tendency is provided, for example, a stable detection possible state in the detector 2 and an intermediate state serving as a start trigger for photographing preparation processing of the photographing device 5 are described below, for example. It can also be determined as follows.

  For example, a stable detection possible state and an intermediate state can be determined using a plurality of sensors among the sensors 21 to 25. Thereby, since not only a kind of sensor but a several sensor determines a state, a more reliable state detection is attained. More specifically, after the difference between the output values that the alcohol sensor 24 sequentially outputs in a predetermined cycle in the stable detectable state falls below a predetermined stable difference level (value a) and at the same time, the oxygen sensor (Reference gas concentration detection unit) 25 The difference between the output values sequentially output in a predetermined cycle is below a predetermined stable difference level (value b), and at the same time, the humidity sensor (reference gas concentration detection unit) 23 is in a predetermined cycle. The difference between the output values that are sequentially output is determined to be lower than a predetermined stable difference level (value c). On the other hand, as an intermediate state, the difference between the detection values that are sequentially output by the alcohol sensor 24 in a predetermined cycle has started to increase. After that, an output value that is below the intermediate difference level (value a ′) having a difference width larger than the stable difference level and that is simultaneously output by the oxygen sensor (reference gas concentration detection unit) 25 in a predetermined cycle at the same time. The difference between the output values that the difference falls below the intermediate difference level (value b ′) having a difference width larger than the stable difference level and the moisture sensor (reference gas concentration detector) 23 sequentially outputs in a predetermined cycle is the stable difference. It can be defined as a state where the difference width is lower than the intermediate difference level (value c ′) larger than the level.

  In addition, as an intermediate state, a state in which the detection values sequentially output by the alcohol sensor 24 at a predetermined cycle may change from an initial decrease change to an increase change. Further, as an intermediate state, after the difference between the output values sequentially output by the alcohol sensor 24 in a predetermined cycle starts to increase, a detection value that the oxygen sensor (reference gas concentration detection unit) 25 sequentially outputs in a predetermined cycle is determined in advance. It may be determined that the density level exceeds the specified density level. Thus, the intermediate state is a state in the middle from the initial state of the detector 2 to the stable detectable state, and based on the detected values of either or both of the alcohol concentration and the reference gas concentration detected by the detector 2. Furthermore, it is possible to determine the state to be determined, and furthermore, the timing when the transition of the detector 2 to the stable detectable state is completed after the transition of the photographing device 5 to the photographing ready state is completed, and the photographing device 5 is ready for photographing. It is desirable to determine that the transition completion timing to the state of the detector 2 and the transition completion timing of the detector 2 to the stable detectable state are as close as possible in time. Thereby, the useless energization state (photographing waiting time) in the photographing apparatus 5 can be reduced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the impersonation determination program determines whether or not the face image shot when the drunk determination program is executed and the face image shot after that are the same person's face image. However, the present invention may be a vehicle control apparatus that has a mode in which a face image is captured in association with detection of expiration during the execution of a drunk determination program, and the captured image requires a certain degree of accuracy. If applicable.

  For example, the vehicle user and the face image are associated with each other in advance in a predetermined registered face image storage unit (for example, a nonvolatile memory included in the control unit 10), and the drunk determination program is executed. A user authentication device for a vehicle that performs user authentication by comparing a face image shot at times with a pre-registered face image to determine whether the face image shot at the time of alcohol concentration measurement is a registered user The present invention can also be applied to the vehicle control device. In this case, if the user who was photographed when executing the drunk determination program is a pre-registered user, the interlock is released, and if the user is not a pre-registered user, the interlock is activated. Good. If the user is a pre-registered user, the impersonation determination program may be executed after that.

  In addition, when executing the alcoholic beverage determination program, the presence / absence of fraudulent behavior in the alcoholic beverage detection (determination means) is determined, and the interlock device 3 is based on the determination result and the calculation result of the alcohol concentration in the expiration. The interlock release / operation (vehicle control means) may be performed. For example, when the image taken when the drunk determination program is executed is an image of a scene in which the user D sitting on the driver's seat S breathes into the detector 2, that is, a part of the driver's seat S ( (For example, a part of the headrest), the face image of the user D sitting on the headrest, and the detector 2 are images that can be specified at the same time. You may make it perform vehicle control based on the determination result and the result of a drunk determination. If a scene in which the user D sitting in the driver's seat S blows into the detector 2 is photographed in the photographed image, it can be determined that there is no fraud in the detection of drunkness and that the interlock has been implemented appropriately. If the scene where the user D sitting in the driver's seat S breathes into the detector 2 is not photographed, the above interlock is activated because there is a possibility that fraudulent detection has occurred. You can make it.

  The present invention also relates to an operation recording device (for example, a digital tachograph) that monitors changes in traveling speed during operation hours in commercial vehicles such as taxis, trucks, and buses, and can grasp the operating status of the mounted vehicle. Applicable. In this case, as in the above-described embodiment, the driver performs the drunkenness determination and the impersonation determination process, but the inspection result information and further the determination result information can be communicated with the control unit 10 as shown in FIG. It is stored in a predetermined storage unit of the operation recording device 9 to be connected. At this time, an image photographed by the photographing device 5 may be recorded in the same manner. When the alcohol concentration exceeds the specified value and it is determined that the test is NG, or when it is determined that there is an illegal act (spoofing), the interlock is activated as in the above embodiment. Then, warning output is performed either or both of voice and display, and the driver is made to recognize the result. When the interlock is activated, the driver will contact the administrator for a response and take measures to ensure safety according to the instructions. Note that the storage unit for storing the inspection result information and the determination result information may be the operation recording device main body, stored in a transportable storage medium, and submitting the recording medium to the operation manager after the operation. The administrator may check the inspection history as part of daily operation management. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11, the management terminal device stores the result information (not limited to NG: the captured image of the imaging device 5 may be included) such as inspection NG or fraudulent activity by a well-known wireless communication means installed in the operation recording device. The vehicle side may be provided with means for automatically notifying the server (server etc.), and the management terminal device side that receives these means includes means for storing and storing the notification information and driver information in association with each other in a predetermined storage unit. You may have.

  Note that the detector 2 according to the present invention only needs to have a detection preparation process for shifting from the initial state to the predetermined stable operation state when starting the determination of alcohol consumption (alcohol concentration measurement). For example, the alcohol sensor 24 is not limited to a semiconductor sensor, and may use a sensor that uses a change in electromotive force due to an electrochemical reaction or a sensor that uses a characteristic that alcohol vapor molecules absorb infrared rays of a specific wavelength. . The detection preparation process of the present invention is not only a direct process for the alcohol sensor such as heating, but also a process for stabilizing the measurement environment, such as an exhaust process for the exhalation flow path 26c formed inside the housing. Can also be included in the detection preparation process. If the sensor is a semiconductor sensor such as the alcohol sensor 24 of the present embodiment in which the detection preparation process includes the heating process of the heater, the effect of applying the present invention is extremely high.

  Further, the travel restriction based on the result of the determination of alcohol consumption (measurement of alcohol concentration) in the present invention is not limited to the invalidation of the engine starting operation as in the above embodiment, but at least a vehicle speed level that is predetermined for the vehicle. It is sufficient if the travel restriction prohibits traveling exceeding the limit. For example, the engine ECU 6 may perform engine drive control (injection control or the like) that prohibits traveling of the vehicle at a predetermined speed or higher based on a detection result of a vehicle speed detection unit (not shown). The operation for switching the shift position to the drive position (and also the reverse position) may be invalidated, or may be fixedly held at the parking position.

1 Drunk driving prevention device (vehicle control device)
10 control unit (calculation means, determination means, vehicle control means, detection preparation processing execution means, intermediate state identification means, photographing preparation processing execution means)
2 Detector (detection means)
20 Inspection switch (start operation part)
21 Odor sensor 22 Humidity sensor 24 Alcohol sensor (alcohol concentration detector)
23 temperature sensor 25 oxygen sensor 26 housing 26a intake port 26c expiratory flow path 26b discharge port 3 interlock device 4 notification device 5 imaging device (imaging means)
S Driver's seat D User G Gas to be measured

Claims (11)

Detection means for detecting a predetermined gas concentration in the measurement target gas, calculation means for calculating the alcohol concentration in the user's breath contained in the measurement target gas based on the detected gas concentration, and the detection means And a vehicle control unit that controls the vehicle based on a calculation result of the calculation unit and a captured image of the imaging unit. ,
Detection preparation process execution means for causing the detection means to execute a detection preparation process for shifting to a predetermined stable detectable state;
Based on the gas concentration detected by the detection means during the detection preparation process, an intermediate state that identifies a predetermined intermediate state in the middle from the initial state immediately after the start of the detection preparation process to the stable detectable state Specific means,
Photographing preparation processing execution means for causing the photographing means to execute a photographing preparation process for switching the main power source of the photographing means to ON as the intermediate state is specified and shifting to a photographing ready state;
A vehicle control device comprising:   2. The state of the detection unit is determined as the intermediate state such that the transition of the detection unit to the stable detection possible state is completed after the transition of the imaging unit to the photographing ready state is completed. The vehicle control device described. The detection means includes an alcohol concentration detection unit that detects the concentration of alcohol in the measurement target gas including the user's breath, and a reference gas concentration detection unit that detects a predetermined reference gas concentration in the measurement target gas. And
The intermediate state specifying means specifies the intermediate state based on detection values of either or both of the alcohol concentration and the reference gas concentration detected by the detection means during the detection preparation process. The vehicle control device according to 2.   The intermediate state specifying means sets, as the intermediate state, a state after the detection value sequentially output by the alcohol concentration detection unit has changed from a decrease change to an increase change for the first time, or from an increase change to a decrease change for the first time. The vehicle control device according to claim 3, wherein the vehicle control device specifies a state after the operation. As the stable detectable state, comprising at least a stable detectable state specifying means for specifying a state in which a difference between detection values sequentially output by at least the alcohol concentration detecting unit falls below a predetermined stable differential level,
The intermediate state specifying means specifies, as the intermediate state, a case where at least a difference between detection values sequentially output by the alcohol concentration detection unit falls below an intermediate difference level having a difference range larger than the stable difference level. The vehicle control device according to claim 4. As the stable detectable state, comprising at least a stable detectable state specifying means for specifying a state in which a difference between detection values sequentially output by at least the alcohol concentration detecting unit falls below a predetermined stable differential level,
6. The intermediate state specifying unit is configured to specify a case where, as the intermediate state, at least a detection value sequentially output by the reference gas concentration detection unit exceeds a predetermined concentration level. The vehicle control device described.   The vehicular control device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the reference gas is a gas capable of estimating an exhalation-containing level that can estimate an exhalation-containing level in the measurement target gas based on a concentration thereof.   The vehicle control device according to claim 7, wherein the breath content level estimable gas is one or both of oxygen and carbon dioxide.   The vehicle according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the alcohol concentration detection unit is a semiconductor type alcohol sensor having a semiconductor element whose electric resistance is changed by contact of alcohol in the measurement target gas. Control device.   10. The detection preparation process execution unit causes the detection unit to execute the detection preparation process as a start operation unit of the detection unit is operated by a user. The vehicle control device described in 1.   And determining means for determining the presence or absence of fraud by the detecting means based on a photographed image of the photographing means, wherein the vehicle control means is based on the calculation result of the calculating means and the determination result of the determining means. The vehicle control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control device for the vehicle is controlled.