JP6535413B2 - Exhalation gas detection device and exhalation gas detection method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to the technology of an expiratory gas detection device and an expiratory gas detection method for analyzing exhalation.

In the future, in switching to automatic driving of a vehicle, when switching between automatic and manual driving, it is necessary to detect the presence or absence of drinking alcohol, the condition of a person, and the like. In particular, when detecting the alcohol concentration in exhalation, there is a need for a technique for detecting human natural exhalation in order to prevent impersonation by introducing external air into the device as if it were exhalation.
In the market, the need for mobile-type detection terminals suitable for various use cases is expanding, and it will be necessary to cope with mobile applications in the future.

  For example, Patent Document 1 is disclosed as a technique for preventing drunk driving. The alcohol detector described in Patent Document 1 includes an “alcohol detection unit 10 having an alcohol detection electrode, a first reference electrode, and an oxygen ion conductive first solid electrolyte layer, and selectively detecting alcohol in exhalation. And a hydrogen gas detection unit 20 having a hydrogen gas detection electrode, a second reference electrode, and a second solid electrolyte layer having oxygen ion conductivity and detecting hydrogen gas in exhalation, and a detection result of the hydrogen gas detection unit Accordingly, Patent Document 1 describes that “the alcohol detector 1 is provided with a determination unit 5 that determines whether or not the exhalation is normally measured (see the abstract).

Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2010-91502

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, in the alcohol detector, impersonation can be performed by sending the outside air containing a specific gas such as hydrogen gas. Further, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is determined based on the hydrogen concentration whether or not it is human breath. However, the concentration of hydrogen in exhaled breath varies depending on individual differences, physical condition and the like. In this way, it is determined that the hydrogen concentration that is different from time to time is accurately that it is human's exhalation, for example, it is determined that it is exhaled at one time but not at other times. It is difficult to do.

Further, there is a technique for improving the accuracy of exhalation detection by a water vapor sensor for detecting water vapor contained in exhalation, but spoofing becomes possible by introducing external air containing water vapor into the device. Therefore, there is a need for a device that responds only to human breath with high accuracy.
Moreover, in the exhalation detection device until now, there is no sensor abnormal state detection function at the time of start-up, and when an abnormality is detected, it is necessary to remove the abnormality.

  This invention was made in view of such a background, and this invention makes it a subject to determine precisely whether external air introduced is a person's breath.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention relates to a water vapor detection element that detects whether or not it has saturated water vapor by being exposed to the outside air, and a gas detection element that measures the concentration of the gas contained in the outside air. a signal output from the steam detector element, the gas and analyzing section for analyzing the signal output from the detecting element, the output unit and the exhaled gas detection device Ru comprising a for outputting the results to be analyzed by the analysis unit The water vapor detection element detects an impedance change associated with the amount of water vapor contained in the outside air, utilizing water molecule adsorption between electrodes and formation of an electrical circuit associated with the water molecule adsorption. analysis unit, at the time of startup of the exhaled gas detection device determines whether the signal value of the steam detection element exceeds a fourth threshold value, the outside air, the steam detector device It is determined whether or not the outside air is a person's breath based on whether or not the signal value exceeds the first threshold and the signal value of the gas detection element exceeds the second threshold. It is characterized by
Other solutions will be described in the embodiments.

  According to the present invention, it can be accurately determined whether or not the introduced outside air is a person's exhalation.

It is a figure showing a schematic structure of a breath detection system concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the water vapor sensor which concerns on this embodiment, (a) shows the schematic diagram which shows the principle of a water vapor sensor, (b) shows the upper surface schematic diagram of a water vapor sensor. It is a figure for demonstrating the principle which the water vapor sensor which concerns on this embodiment detects water vapor, (a) is a schematic diagram which shows the principle of the water vapor sensor before water vapor adhesion, (b) is the water vapor before water vapor adhesion It is an equivalent circuit of a sensor, (c) is a schematic diagram which shows the principle of the water vapor sensor after water vapor deposition, (d) is an equivalent circuit of the water vapor sensor after water vapor adhesion. It is a figure (the 1) showing another example of the installation position of the heater of the steam sensor concerning this embodiment. It is a figure (the 2) showing another example of the installation position of the heater of the steam sensor concerning this embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of a gas sensor concerning this embodiment. It is a figure showing the composition of the exhalation measurement system concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows another example of the expiration gas detection apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of the process in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the functional block of the expiration gas detection apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a functional block diagram showing an example of composition of a measurement control device concerning this embodiment. It is a functional block diagram showing an example of composition of an analysis device concerning this embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows a processing procedure of a breath detection system concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a detailed process of threshold value change processing. It is a figure which shows the example of the temperature-threshold corresponding graph which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed process of the dew condensation avoidance process which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed process sequence of the gas sensor initialization process which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed process sequence of the misdetection prevention process which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the peak frequency ratio in a water vapor sensor. It is a figure for demonstrating the output determination with respect to a gas sensor. It is a figure showing another example of composition of a breath measuring system concerning this embodiment.

  Next, modes for carrying out the present invention (referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In each of the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

(Device configuration)
FIG. 1 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a breath detection apparatus according to the present embodiment.
The exhalation detection device A1 has a configuration in which a water vapor sensor (water vapor detection sensor) 1, a gas sensor (gas detection sensor) 2 and a temperature sensor (temperature detection element) 3 are installed on a substrate 5.
The water vapor sensor 1 detects whether the introduced outside air is saturated water vapor. The water vapor sensor 1 will be described later.
The gas sensor 2 measures the gas contained in the introduced outside air. The gas sensor 2 will be described later.
The temperature sensor 3 measures the temperature of the substrate 5 (substrate temperature). The temperature of the substrate 5 can be said to be substantially the same as the temperatures of the water vapor sensor 1 and the gas sensor 2.

[Water vapor sensor]
(Structure of water vapor sensor)
FIG. 2 is a view showing the structure of the water vapor sensor according to this embodiment, (a) shows a schematic view showing the principle of the water vapor sensor, and (b) shows a top schematic view of the water vapor sensor.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the water vapor sensor 1 is connected to an AC power supply 14, and an application electrode 11 to which an applied voltage Vi is applied by the AC power supply 14, and a detection electrode 12 for detecting a potential Vo when water vapor is detected. , And the insulating portion 13.
The insulating portion 13 is a hydrophilic insulating material provided on the substrate 15, and specifically, at least the surface is made of an oxide such as an insulating metal oxide. The shape of the insulating portion 13 may not be substantially plate-like.
As shown in FIG. 2A, an insulating portion 13 is interposed between the detection electrode 12 and the application electrode 11. Here, the insulating portion 13 has a structure with irregularities.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, a heater 16 is embedded in the substrate 15 of the water vapor sensor 1. And as shown in FIG.2 (b), the heater 16 is installed so that between the application electrode 11 and the detection electrode 12 may be wetted. Incidentally, the heater 16 is not shown in FIG. 2 (a).

(Water vapor detection principle)
FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the principle of detection of water vapor by the water vapor sensor according to the present embodiment, (a) is a schematic view showing the principle of the water vapor sensor before adhesion of water vapor, and (b) is water vapor It is an equivalent circuit of a water vapor sensor before adhesion, (c) is a schematic diagram showing the principle of a water vapor sensor after water vapor adhesion, and (d) is an equivalent circuit of a water vapor sensor after water vapor adhesion.
In addition, since each structure shown by FIG. 3 (a) and FIG.3 (c) is the same as each structure shown by FIG. 2 (a), the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, before the deposition of water vapor, the detection electrode 12 and the application electrode 11 are connected by the insulating portion 13, so that a current is supplied between the detection electrode 12 and the application electrode 11. Not. Therefore, although an alternating voltage is applied to the application electrode 11, no voltage is detected from the detection electrode 12.

  Then, when the water vapor adheres to the insulating portion 13 of the water vapor sensor 1, the water molecules 101 adhere (condensate) to the insulating portion 13 as shown in FIG. 3 (c). Thus, the detection electrode 12 and the application electrode 11 are energized with the water molecule 101 as a path. Then, the voltage applied from the detection electrode 12 to the application electrode 11 is detected (output). The water vapor sensor 1 detects water vapor based on the detected (output) voltage.

Next, changes in the equivalent circuits 111a and 11b of the water vapor sensor 1 before and after the adhesion of water vapor are compared.
Before the deposition of water vapor, the equivalent circuit 111a is as shown in FIG. 3 (b). Here, the capacitor C1 is a capacitor that indicates the insulating portion 13. Since the distance between the detection electrode 12 and the application electrode 11 is sufficiently large, the capacitance of the capacitor C1 has a small value (<< 1). Accordingly, the capacitive reactance of the equivalent circuit 111a shown in FIG. 3B is a large value, and the detection electrode 12 and the application electrode 11 are hardly energized.
Incidentally, the circuit constituted by the capacitor Ca and the resistor Ra is an equivalent circuit of the atmosphere.

Here, when the water vapor contained in the exhaled breath adheres, the equivalent circuit 111a shown in FIG. 3 (b) becomes the equivalent circuit 111b shown in FIG. 3 (d). In the equivalent circuit 111b, a circuit 112 indicated by a resistor Rb and a capacitor C2 is an equivalent circuit of the water molecule 101.
As shown in FIG. 3C, when water vapor (water molecules 101) adheres to the insulating portion 13, as shown in FIG. 3D, a resistance Rb derived from the water molecules 101 and a capacitor C2 are generated, and these resistances The impedance changes (decreases) due to Rb and the capacitor C2. As a result, a current flows between the detection electrode 12 and the application electrode 11, and the voltage can be detected from the detection electrode 12. As described above, the responsiveness can be increased by detecting the water vapor in the breath using the impedance change of the water vapor sensor 1 caused by the water vapor (water molecules 101) adhering to the insulating part 13. The impedance of the equivalent circuit 112 decreases as the adhesion amount of the water molecules 101 increases.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the detection electrode 12 and the application electrode 11 have a comb-like shape. The detection electrode 12 and the application electrode 11 are spaced apart from each other on the insulating portion 13 so that the respective comb teeth are engaged with each other. By doing this, the area of the water vapor deposition site (reaction site) can be increased.

For example, common humidity sensors are intended to measure the humidity in the air.
On the other hand, the water vapor sensor 1 according to the present embodiment aims at detection of exhalation in high humidity (almost, saturated state). Therefore, it is not necessary to measure the amount of water vapor in the air, as long as high humidity air (exhaled breath) can be detected.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the water vapor sensor 1 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which an insulating portion 13 is interposed between the detection electrode 12 and the application electrode 11. Then, as shown in FIG. 3C, the water molecules 101 contained in the exhaled breath adhere to the insulating portion 13 so that the water molecules 101 are used as a pass to conduct electricity. Thus, the output voltage is detected at the detection electrode 12. Therefore, the water vapor sensor 1 according to the present embodiment only needs to have the insulating portion 13 large enough to allow the water molecules 101 to be attached, and the miniaturization can be realized.

  In addition, while the output voltage is almost zero before the water vapor (water molecules 101) adhere to the insulating portion 13, the output voltage is approximately Vi (applied voltage) after the water vapor (water molecules 101) adhere. be able to. Thereby, an excellent S / N (Signal / Noise) ratio can be realized.

In the water vapor sensor 1, as described above, the surface of the insulating portion 13 has a structure with unevenness. Thus, the surface area of the insulating part 13 can be increased by the surface of the insulating part 13 having irregularities. That is, when the surface of the insulating portion 13 has unevenness, more water molecules 101 can be attached, the output voltage can be increased, and high sensitivity can be achieved.
Furthermore, by making the insulating part 13 at least the surface be made of a highly hydrophilic oxide (metal oxide), it is possible to make it easy to attach water vapor.

FIG.4 and FIG.5 is a figure which shows another example of the installation position of the heater of the water vapor sensor which concerns on this embodiment. In FIGS. 4 and 5, schematic cross-sectional views of the water vapor sensors 1 a and 1 b are shown.
In the example shown in FIG. 2 (b), the heater 16 is installed in the substrate 15 so as to wipe between the application electrode 11 and the detection electrode 12, but the heater 15 warms the substrate 15 of the water vapor sensor 1. If it is the structure which can evaporate the moisture adhering to these, it will not be restricted to this.
For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a plate-like heater 16a may be provided near the center of the substrate 15 of the water vapor sensor 1a. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, a plate-like heater 16b may be provided substantially throughout the substrate 15 of the water vapor sensor 1b.

  Although the water vapor sensor 1 in the present embodiment has a configuration as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the heater 16 can determine the presence or absence of water adhesion and evaporate the adhering water. However, the configuration shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 may not be sufficient.

[Gas sensor]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the gas sensor according to the present embodiment.
The gas sensor 2 has an ethanol sensor 21, a hydrogen sensor 22, and an acetaldehyde sensor 23. Each of the ethanol sensor 21, the hydrogen sensor 22, and the acetaldehyde sensor 23 is provided with heaters 24 a to 24 c (24).
As shown in FIG. 6, when the gas sensor 2 includes the ethanol sensor 21, the hydrogen sensor 22, and the acetaldehyde sensor 23, the presence or absence of alcohol drinking can be determined.

[System configuration]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a breath measurement system according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, the exhalation measurement system Z includes an exhalation gas detection device A2 and a portable device A3 such as a smartphone.
The exhalation gas detection device A2 has a size enough to be held by a person with one hand, and a display device (output unit) 31 provided on the housing 30, an indicator (output unit) 32, and an introduction unit 33. have.
The user introduces exhaled air (outside air) from the introducing unit 33 into the exhaled gas detection device A2. By this, the exhalation (external air) is blown to the exhalation detection device A1 provided inside the exhalation gas detection device A2.
Then, after performing the threshold value changing process, the gas sensor initialization process, the false detection preventing process, etc. as described later, the exhalation gas detection device A2 determines whether the introduced outside air (gas) is the human exhalation or not. . Then, the exhalation gas detection device A2 displays information such as the measured gas concentration on the display device 31. Further, the indicator 32 displays the introduced amount of exhalation (the amount of exhaled breath introduced). The indicator 32 displays the peak intensity of the output voltage output from the water vapor sensor 1. The gas concentration is, for example, ethanol concentration, acetaldehyde concentration, hydrogen concentration or the like.

The display device 31 displays the determination result as to whether or not the introduced outside air (gas) is the breath of a person, and the measured alcohol concentration (ethanol concentration).
Further, the exhalation gas detection device A2 calculates the drivable time which is the time when the alcohol concentration (ethanol concentration) falls to the drivable level, and transmits the calculated drivable time and the like to the portable device A3.
The portable device A3 is a device owned by the user, and displays the transmitted information such as the operable time. The exhalation gas detection device A2 may display an operable time or the like.

FIG. 8 is a view showing another example of the exhalation gas detection device according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 8, the same components as in FIG. 7 will be assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.
The exhalation gas detection device A2a shown in FIG. 8 is provided with a speaker (output unit) 32a instead of the indicator 32 in FIG.
In the exhalation gas detection device A2a, the introduction intensity (exhalation introduction amount) of expiration is indicated by sound. For example, when the introduction intensity of exhalation is weak, a small sound or a low sound is emitted, and as the introduction intensity of exhalation becomes strong, the sound becomes louder or a high sound is emitted. The introduction intensity of exhalation is based on the magnitude of the output voltage of the water vapor sensor 1 and is proportional to the amount of exhalation introduction. In addition, when the introduction intensity of exhalation is weak, the interval of the sound emitted is small, and as the introduction intensity of exhalation becomes strong, the interval of the sound emitted becomes large, etc. May be

  In the examples shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, only the information on the alcohol concentration (ethanol concentration) is shown on the display device 31, but detailed information such as the hydrogen concentration and acetaldehyde concentration may be displayed.

  Thus, the ease of use is improved by displaying the amount of introduced exhalation in the exhalation gas detection devices A2 and A2a and displaying the amount by sound. Also, the user can confirm whether or not the exhalation necessary for alcohol (ethanol) detection has been introduced into the exhalation gas detection devices A2 and A2a.

[Process outline of the present embodiment]
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an outline of processing in the present embodiment. Refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 6 as appropriate.
In FIG. 9, the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates output voltage (arbitrary unit). Here, the output voltage is an output of the water vapor sensor 1, the ethanol sensor 21, the hydrogen sensor 22, and the acetaldehyde sensor 23. The output of the water vapor sensor 1 is a pulsating current or an alternating current.
Reference numeral 101 is a waveform indicating the output voltage of the water vapor sensor 1. As described above, since an alternating voltage is applied to the water vapor sensor 1, the output thereof also becomes an alternating waveform.
Two threshold values Ts1 and Ts2 are set to the output voltage of the water vapor sensor 1. Among them, the threshold value Ts1 (fourth threshold value) is a threshold value used in the condensation avoidance process described later, and although moisture has not been introduced, moisture is generated in the insulating portion 13 of the water vapor sensor 1 due to condensation or the like. Is a threshold value for determining whether or not it is attached. Further, the threshold Ts2 (first threshold) is a threshold for determining whether or not the exhalation gas has been sufficiently introduced into the exhalation gas detection device A2.

Reference numeral 102 is a waveform showing the output voltage of the ethanol sensor 21, reference numeral 103 is a waveform showing the output voltage of the acetaldehyde sensor 23, and reference numeral 104 is a waveform showing the output voltage of the hydrogen sensor 22.
Then, for each output voltage of these gas sensors 2, threshold values Te, Ta, Th (second threshold values) are set. That is, the threshold value Te is a threshold value for the output voltage of the ethanol sensor 21. The threshold value Ta is a threshold value for the output voltage of the acetaldehyde sensor 23. The threshold Th is a threshold for the output voltage of the hydrogen sensor 22.
These thresholds Te, Ta, Th are thresholds for determining whether the outside air introduced into the exhalation gas detection device A2 is human exhalation.

Even if you do not drink alcohol, human breath contains alcohol (ethanol), acetaldehyde and hydrogen in trace amounts. The thresholds Te, Ta, Th are set low enough to detect the output voltage of the ethanol sensor 21, the acetaldehyde sensor 23, and the hydrogen sensor 22 even when not drinking alcohol.
By setting the thresholds Te, Ta, and Th with respect to the output voltage of each gas sensor 2 in this manner, it is possible to distinguish from the outside air that only contains water vapor, and to prevent spoofing.

[Exhalation measurement device block diagram]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of the exhalation gas detection device according to the present embodiment.
The exhalation gas detection device A2 includes the exhalation detection device A1, A / D (Analog / Digital) converters 301a and 301b, a measurement control device 400, an analysis device (analysis unit) 500, a transmission device 601, and a storage device. An output device (output unit) 603 is included. The exhalation detection device A1, A / D (Analog / Digital) converters 301a and 301b, the measurement control device 400, the analysis device 500, the transmission device 601, and the storage device 602 are all in the housing 30 (see FIG. 7). Provided in).
The exhalation detecting device A1 includes the water vapor sensor 1 and the gas sensor 2, but these have been described in FIGS. 1 to 9, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.
The measurement control device 400 converts the frequency of the AC power supply 14 (see FIG. 1) and outputs it.
In addition, the exhalation detection device A1 converts analog signals input from the water vapor sensor 1 and the gas sensor 2 into digital signals by A / D (Analog / Digital) converters 301a and 301b, and outputs the digital signals to the analysis device 500.

  The analyzer 500 acquires the output voltage from the water vapor sensor 1 in the breath detection apparatus A1, and acquires the output voltage from the gas sensor 2. Then, based on the output voltage acquired from the water vapor sensor 1, the output voltage acquired from the gas sensor 2, and the like, the analysis device 500 determines whether the introduced outside air (gas) is human exhalation or not. Analyze the gas content in In the present embodiment, the analysis device 500 acquires the output voltage and the output voltage from the breath detection device A1, but the measurement control device 400 acquires the output voltage and the output voltage from the breath detection device A1. Alternatively, the acquired output voltage and output voltage may be passed to the analysis device 500.

The storage device 602 holds the output voltage obtained from the water vapor sensor 1 by the analysis device 500 and the output voltage obtained from the gas sensor 2 together with the inspection time, and holds the analysis result by the analysis device 500.
The transmission device 601 transmits the analysis result by the analysis device 500 to the mobile device A3 (see FIG. 7).
The output device 603 is the display device 31 or the indicator 32 in FIG. 7, the speaker 32a in FIG.

(Measurement control device)
FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a measurement control device according to the present embodiment.
The measurement control device 400 includes a memory 401, a central processing unit (CPU) 402, an input device 403, an AC / AC inverter circuit 404, an AC terminal 405, an AC / DC converter circuit 406, and a DC terminal 407.
The control unit 411 is embodied in the memory 401 by the CPU 402 executing a program.
The control unit 411 sends an instruction to the AC / AC inverter circuit 404 or the like based on the information input through the input device 403.
The input device 403 is a button or the like (not shown) provided on the housing 30 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) of the exhalation gas detection device A2. The user can adjust the frequency and voltage of the AC voltage output from the AC terminal 405 by operating the input device 403. Thus, the frequency of the water vapor sensor 1 connected to the AC terminal 405 and the output voltage can be adjusted by adjusting the frequency and voltage of the AC voltage output from the AC terminal 405. For example, if the output of the water vapor sensor 1 is low no matter how much exhalation is introduced, the voltage output from the AC terminal 405 can be increased. Alternatively, if the frequency of the waveform of the output voltage of the water vapor sensor 1 is low and it is difficult to calculate the peak frequency ratio RB described later, the frequency can be adjusted high.

The AC / AC inverter circuit 404 converts the frequency and voltage of the AC voltage input from the AC power supply 14 based on the instruction sent from the control unit 411, and outputs the converted voltage to the AC terminal 405. The water vapor sensor 1 is connected to the AC terminal 405.
Further, the AC / DC converter circuit 406 converts the voltage of the AC voltage input from the AC power supply 14 based on the instruction sent from the control unit 411, and further converts the AC current into a DC current to convert the DC terminal 407. Output to The gas sensor 2 is connected to the direct current terminal 407.

  Note that the configuration of the measurement control apparatus 400 shown in FIG. 11 is an example, and is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. For example, an AC signal (AC voltage) may be generated using a crystal oscillator.

(Analyzer)
FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing an exemplary configuration of an analysis apparatus according to the present embodiment.
The analysis device 500 includes a memory 501, a CPU 502, a storage device 505, and the like.

  A program stored in the storage device 505 is loaded in the memory 501 and executed by the CPU 502 to execute the processing unit 511, and the threshold changing unit 512, the condensation avoidance unit 513, and the gas sensor initialization unit that constitute the processing unit 511. A false detection preventing unit 515, a gas concentration calculating unit 516, a drinking determination unit 517, an operable time calculating unit 518, an output processing unit 519, and a transmission processing unit 520 are embodied.

The threshold changing unit 512 changes the threshold Ts2 in accordance with the substrate temperature of the water vapor sensor 1.
After the power of the exhalation gas detection device A2 is turned on, the condensation avoidance unit 513 determines whether or not there is energization due to condensation or the like. Then, when electricity is supplied by condensation etc., the condensation avoiding part 513 turns on the heater 16 provided in the water vapor sensor 1 to warm the substrate 15 (see FIG. 2) to evaporate the water originating from the condensation etc. Let
Although the water vapor sensor 1 is heated by the heater 16, the temperature of the water vapor sensor 1 is lowered by introducing a large amount of exhalation, so the influence of the heating by the heater 16 may not be considered.

The gas sensor initialization unit 514 determines whether or not the gas sensor 2 is energized, for example, after the power of the exhalation gas detection device A2 is turned on. Then, when electricity is supplied due to gas adhesion or the like, the gas sensor initialization unit 514 turns on the heater 24 provided in the gas sensor 2 to remove the gas.
The ethanol sensor 21, the hydrogen sensor 22 and the acetaldehyde sensor 23 constituting the gas sensor 2 are heated by the heaters 24 a to 24 c, but if they are sensors by contact combustion type, new ceramic type or thermal particle type, The impact may not be considered.

The false detection preventing unit 515 determines whether the output voltages obtained from both the water vapor sensor 1 and the gas sensor 2 both exceed the threshold value, thereby the outside air (gas) introduced to the exhalation gas detection device A2 It is determined whether or not is human exhalation.
Based on the output of the gas sensor 2, the gas concentration calculation unit 516 calculates the concentration of a gas (such as ethanol) contained in the open air introduced to the breath gas detection device A2.
The drinking determination unit 517 determines whether the user is drinking based on the concentration of the gas contained in the outside air calculated by the gas concentration calculating unit 516.
The drivable time calculation unit 518 calculates drivable time which is a time in which the alcohol concentration (ethanol concentration) decreases to the drivable level based on the gas concentration in the outside air calculated by the gas concentration calculation unit 516.

The output processing unit 519 causes the output device 603 (see FIG. 10) or the like to output information.
The transmission processing unit 520 transmits information to the portable device A3 via the transmission / reception device.

  In FIG. 10, an exhalation gas detection device A2 has one breath detection device A1, A / D converters 301a and 301b, a measurement control device 400, an analysis device 500, a transmission device 601, and a storage device 602. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the exhalation detection device A1, the A / D converters 301a and 301b, and the measurement control device 400 are provided in the exhalation gas detection device A2, and the analysis device 500, the transmission device 601, and the storage device 602 are, for example, , And may be provided in a server or the like installed in the analysis center.

[flowchart]
(Overall flow chart)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the breath detection system according to the present embodiment. In the following description, FIG. 1, FIG. 6 to FIG. 8, FIG. 10 and FIG.
First, when the power of the exhalation gas detection device A2 is turned on (S101), the threshold change unit 512 performs threshold change processing (S102). The threshold change process will be described later.
Next, the condensation avoidance unit 513 performs condensation avoidance processing (S103). The condensation avoidance process will be described later.
Then, the gas sensor initialization unit 514 performs gas sensor initialization processing (S104). The gas sensor initialization process will be described later.
The processes in steps S102 to S104 may not be performed in this order.

Next, the erroneous detection preventing unit 515 performs an erroneous detection preventing process (S105). In this erroneous detection preventing process, it is determined whether the outside air introduced to the exhalation gas detection device A2 is the human exhalation. The erroneous detection prevention process will be described later.
Then, the gas concentration calculation unit 516 is introduced based on the output voltage acquired from the gas sensor 2 (the ethanol sensor 21, the acetaldehyde sensor 23 and the hydrogen sensor 22) in the outside air (breath) introduced in the process of step S105. A gas concentration calculation process is performed to calculate the gas concentration in the open air (S111). Here, as described above, the gas concentration is the ethanol concentration, the acetaldehyde concentration and the hydrogen concentration. For example, the gas concentration calculation unit 516 makes an equilibrium based on the current gas concentration and a calibration curve indicating the relationship between the gas concentration of each gas (ethanol, acetaldehyde and hydrogen) and the output voltage of the gas sensor 2 known beforehand. Calculate the gas concentration when the condition is reached. Note that the method of calculating the gas concentration is not limited to this method.

Then, the alcohol drinking determination unit 517 determines whether or not the ethanol concentration Ce calculated in step S111 is greater than or equal to a reference value Cs (third threshold) (Ce C Cs) (S121). The value of the reference value Cs is, for example, 40 ppm including suspected drinking. The reference value Cs can be arbitrarily determined by the user based on the safety standard of the country or the automobile manufacturer. Therefore, reference values other than the reference value Cs based on the ethanol concentration may be added to the determination in step S121.
As a result of step S121, when the ethanol concentration is less than the reference value Cs (S121-> No), the drinking determination part 517 determines that the user is not drinking (S122), and advances the process to step S125.
As a result of step S121, when the ethanol concentration is equal to or higher than the reference value Cs (S121 → Yes), the drinking determination part 517 determines that the user is drinking (S123).
Then, the drivable time calculation unit 518 calculates the drivable time based on the gas concentration calculated in step S111 (S124), and the process proceeds to step S125. Here, as described above, the drivable time is the time when the ethanol concentration (alcohol concentration) falls to the drivable level. The drivable time calculation unit 518 calculates drivable time based on the ethanol concentration decrease curve and the like stored in the storage device 505.

In step S125, the output processing unit 519 causes the output device 603 to output the result of step S121, information on the operable time, and the like. Here, when it is determined that the user is drinking alcohol, the output device 603 displays on the display device 31 that the user is drinking alcohol, emits a buzzer from the speaker 32a, or notifies by voice. Moreover, in the LED light which is not shown in figure, you may blink light and may light red light. If the output processing unit 519 determines that the user is not drinking alcohol, the output processing unit 519 may not output anything, but may notify by voice that the user is not drinking alcohol, or may emit green light in an LED light (not shown). It may be turned on to notify that it has been determined that the user is not drinking alcohol.
Further, the transmission processing unit 520 transmits the operable time and the like to the portable device A3 of the user via the transmitting and receiving device (S126), and the portable device A3 displays the operable time on the display unit (S127). Thus, the drivable time is calculated, and the drivable time is displayed on the portable device A3, so that the user can easily confirm whether the drivability can be achieved or not.

(Threshold change processing)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of the threshold value changing process (S102 in FIG. 13).
First, the temperature sensor 3 acquires the substrate temperature of the breath detection device A1 (S201).
Then, the threshold Ts2 in the water vapor sensor 1 is changed based on the substrate temperature acquired by the threshold changing unit 512 (S202).
Incidentally, the threshold value changing process may be performed at any timing before the expiration detection.

(Temperature-threshold correspondence graph)
FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of a temperature-threshold correspondence graph according to the present embodiment.
In FIG. 15, the horizontal axis indicates the temperature, and the vertical axis indicates the threshold Ts2.
As shown in FIG. 15, the temperature-threshold correspondence graph is set such that the threshold is lowered as the substrate temperature is increased. This is because if the substrate temperature is low, the moisture in the exhalation tends to adhere to the insulating portion 13 of the water vapor sensor 1, so the threshold Ts2 is increased, and if the substrate temperature is high, the moisture in the exhalation flows to the insulating portion 13 of the water vapor sensor 1 Because adhesion is difficult, the threshold Ts2 is lowered.
In step S202 of FIG. 14, the threshold value changing unit 512 acquires the threshold value Ts2 by referring to the temperature-threshold value correspondence graph using the substrate temperature acquired in step S201 as a key.

  As described above, the threshold value changing unit 512 can set the threshold value Ts2 optimal for the current substrate temperature in the breath detection apparatus A1 by performing the threshold value changing process.

(Condensation avoidance processing)
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a detailed process of the condensation avoidance process (S103 in FIG. 13) according to the present embodiment.
First, the condensation avoidance unit 513 determines whether the current output voltage Vs of the water vapor sensor 1 is equal to or higher than the threshold Ts1 (fourth threshold) (Vs T Ts1) (S301). That is, the dew condensation avoidance unit 513 determines whether or not the water vapor sensor 1 has reacted even though the outside air (breathing) is not introduced. As described above, it is considered that the water vapor sensor 1 is dew condensation or the like as a cause of the reaction of the water vapor sensor 1 even though the outside air (breath) is not introduced. The value of the threshold Ts1 is, for example, 0.9 V when the center of the output amplitude of the water vapor sensor 1 is 0.75 V (not limited to this value).
As a result of step S301, when the output voltage Vs of the water vapor sensor 1 is less than the threshold Ts1 (S301-> No), the condensation avoiding unit 513 turns off the heater 16 of the water vapor sensor 1 (S311), and the processing unit 511 performs gas sensor initialization processing ( The process returns to S104 of FIG. Originally, when the heater 16 is off, the condensation avoidance unit 513 keeps the heater 16 in the off state.

As a result of step S301, when the output voltage Vs of the water vapor sensor 1 is equal to or higher than the threshold Ts1 (S301-> Yes), the condensation avoiding unit 513 turns on the heater 16 of the water vapor sensor 1 (S302). By so doing, condensation etc. adhering to the water vapor sensor 1 is evaporated.
Thereafter, the condensation avoidance unit 513 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S303). The predetermined time is, for example, one minute (not limited to this value).
As a result of step S303, when the predetermined time has not elapsed (S303 → No), the condensation avoidance unit 513 returns the process to step S303.

  As a result of step S303, if the predetermined time has elapsed (S303 → Yes), the condensation avoidance unit 513 again determines whether the current output voltage Vs of the water vapor sensor 1 is equal to or higher than the threshold Ts1 (Vs T Ts1). It determines (S304). Here, the dew condensation avoidance unit 513 determines whether condensation or the like adhering to the water vapor sensor 1 has evaporated normally. The value of the threshold Ts1 is, for example, 0.9 V when the center of the output amplitude of the water vapor sensor 1 is 0.75 V (not limited to this value).

As a result of step S304, when the output voltage Vs of the water vapor sensor 1 is less than the threshold Ts1 (S304-> No), the condensation avoidance unit 513 determines that condensation etc. has evaporated normally and turns the heater 16 off (S311) The processing unit 511 returns the process to the gas sensor initialization process (S104 in FIG. 13).
As a result of step S304, when the output voltage Vs of the water vapor sensor 1 is equal to or higher than the threshold Ts1 (S304-> Yes), the dew condensation avoidance unit 513 has a substrate temperature of 25 ° C. or less measured by the temperature sensor 3 (substrate temperature ≦ 25 ° C.) It is determined whether or not (S305). Here, the reason why the temperature is 25 ° C. is that condensation does not occur if the temperature is 25 ° C. or higher. Further, the determination reference temperature does not have to be limited to 25 ° C. depending on the use environment, and the user can arbitrarily determine the determination reference temperature.

As a result of step S305, when the substrate temperature is 25 ° C. or less (S305 → Yes), the condensation avoidance unit 513 returns the process to step S303.
As a result of step S305, when the substrate temperature is higher than 25 ° C. (S305 → No), the dew condensation avoidance unit 513 determines that the water vapor sensor 1 is broken or in a wet state.
Then, the output processing unit 519 causes the display device 31 to display an error (S306), and ends the processing.

  By thus determining whether the current output voltage Vs of the water vapor sensor 1 is equal to or greater than the threshold Ts1 before the introduction of the outside air (exhalation) after the activation of the exhalation gas detection device A2, the exhalation gas detection device A2 It is possible to prevent erroneous detection due to the water vapor originating from condensation or the like adhering to the water vapor sensor 1. Furthermore, if the current output voltage Vs of the water vapor sensor 1 is equal to or higher than the threshold Ts1 before the introduction of external air (exhaled breath), the heater 16 is turned on for a predetermined time, whereby the exhalation gas detection device A2 generates a water vapor sensor by condensation or the like. Since the water adhering to 1 can be evaporated, malfunction can be prevented.

(Gas sensor initialization process)
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing procedure of gas sensor initialization processing (S104 in FIG. 13) according to the present embodiment.
First, the gas sensor initialization unit 514 turns on the heater 24 (see FIG. 6) provided in the gas sensor 2 (S401).
The gas sensor initialization unit 514 acquires the current output voltage VG1 from the gas sensor 2 (S402). Here, the output voltage VG1 includes the output voltage of the ethanol sensor 21, the output voltage of the acetaldehyde sensor 23, and the output voltage of the hydrogen sensor 22.

Next, the gas sensor initialization unit 514 determines whether the output voltage VG1 acquired in step S402 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold TG (fifth threshold) (VG1 (TG) (S403). Here, when the output voltage VG1 of the gas sensor 2 is equal to or higher than the threshold TG, the output voltage of the ethanol sensor 21 is equal to or higher than the threshold Te1, the output voltage of the acetaldehyde sensor 23 is equal to or higher than the threshold Ta1, and The output voltage is equal to or higher than the threshold Th1. Note that these threshold values Te1, Ta1, and Th1 are threshold values at which it can be determined whether or not the gas is attached to each gas sensor 2, and may be the same value as the threshold values Te, Ta, and Th shown in FIG. The threshold value may be lower than the thresholds Te, Ta, and Th. The values of the thresholds Te1, Ta1, and Th1 are, for example, Te = 0.4 V, Ta = 0.3 V, and Th = 0.24 V (not limited to these values).
As a result of step S403, when the output voltage VG1 is less than the predetermined threshold value TG (S403 → No), the processing unit 511 returns the process to the erroneous detection preventing process (step S105 in FIG. 13).

  Incidentally, in the process of step S403, the gas sensor initialization unit 514 adheres the gas to the gas sensor 2 by the same logic as the determination as to whether or not the outside air introduced in step S522 of FIG. It is determined whether or not it is present.

If it is determined in step S403 that the output voltage VG1 is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold TG (S403-> Yes), the gas sensor initialization unit 514 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S404). The predetermined time is, for example, one minute (not limited to this value). As described above, by waiting for a predetermined time, the gas sensor 2 waits for the heater 24 to warm up.
As a result of step S404, when the predetermined time has not elapsed (S404 → No), the gas sensor initialization unit 514 returns the process to step S404.

As a result of step S404, when the predetermined time has elapsed (S404-> Yes), the gas sensor initialization unit 514 acquires the current output voltage VG2 from the gas sensor 2 (S411).
Then, the gas sensor initialization unit 514 determines whether the output voltage VG2 acquired in step S411 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value TG (VG2 2 TG) (S412). Here, the output voltage VG2 of the gas sensor 2 being equal to or higher than the threshold TG means that the output voltage of the ethanol sensor 21 is equal to or higher than the threshold Te1 and the output voltage of the acetaldehyde sensor 23 is equal to or higher than the threshold Ta1. The output voltage of the hydrogen sensor 22 is equal to or higher than the threshold Th1. The values of the thresholds Te1, Ta1, and Th1 are, for example, Te = 0.4 V, Ta = 0.3 V, and Th = 0.24 V (not limited to these values).
As a result of step S412, when the output voltage VG2 is less than the predetermined threshold value TG (S412-> No), the gas sensor initialization unit 514 determines that the attached gas has evaporated, and the processing unit 511 performs the process in step S105 of FIG. To return.

If it is determined in step S412 that the output voltage VG2 is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold TG (S412-> Yes), the gas sensor initialization unit 514 determines whether the value of VG1-VG2 is larger than 0 (VG1-VG2> 0). (S413).
As a result of step S413, when the value of VG1-VG2 is 0 or less (S413-> No), the gas sensor initialization unit 514 does not change the output voltage of the gas sensor 2 although the heater 24 is on. Alternatively, it is determined that it has come up. In this case, the gas sensor initialization unit 514 determines that the gas sensor 2 may be broken.
Then, the output processing unit 519 causes the display device 31 to display an error or the like that there is a possibility that the gas sensor 2 is broken (S414), and ends the processing.
When the value of VG1-VG2 is larger than 0 as a result of step S413 (S413-> Yes), since the output voltage of the gas sensor 2 is falling smoothly, the gas sensor initialization part 514 returns a process to step S402.

Various gases may be adsorbed to the gas sensor 2 used for a long time.
After the activation of the exhalation gas detection device A2, the exhalation gas detection device A2 determines whether the current output voltages VG1 and VG2 of the gas sensor 2 are equal to or higher than the threshold TG before introducing the outside air (exhalation). It is possible to prevent false detection due to gas being adsorbed on the Further, the exhalation gas detection device A2 is considered to be in a state where gas is adsorbed to the gas sensor 2 which is being output although the outside air (exhalation) is not introduced, and heating by the heater 24 is performed. The adsorbed gas can be evaporated.

(False detection prevention processing)
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing procedure of the erroneous detection prevention process (S105 in FIG. 13) according to the present embodiment.
First, the output processing unit 519 performs an output for prompting the user to introduce the exhalation via the output device 603 (display device 31) (S501), and outside air (exhalation) is introduced from the introducing unit 33 (S502).
The output processing unit 519 causes the output device 603 to output information on the introduced amount of breath introduction (S503). The output here is performed by the display by the indicator 32, the sound emitted from the speaker 32a, or the like.

Next, the erroneous detection preventing unit 515 acquires the output Vs of the water vapor sensor 1 (S511).
Then, the erroneous detection preventing unit 515 sets the output Vs of the water vapor sensor 1 to the threshold Ts2 (first threshold) or more (Vs T Ts2) and RB (peak frequency ratio: sixth threshold) 80 80%. It is determined whether there is any (S512). The value of the threshold Ts2 is, for example, 1.4 V when the maximum value of the output amplitude of the water vapor sensor 1 is 1.7 V (not limited to this value). Also, the value of RB is not limited to 80% or more, and may be other values or more.

Here, the peak frequency ratio RB will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 19, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the output voltage of the water vapor sensor 1.
As shown in FIG. 19, the output 201 of the water vapor sensor 1 is an alternating current waveform. This is because the voltage input to the water vapor sensor 1 is an AC voltage as shown in FIG.
Here, t0 shown in FIG. 19 indicates the time when the outside air (breathing) is introduced. Then, a time when a predetermined time has elapsed since the introduction of the outside air (exhalation) is taken as t1. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, a threshold Ts2 is set.

Here, the erroneous detection preventing unit 515 counts the number of peaks in the output of the water vapor sensor 1 from time t0 to time t1. Let this number be P1. In the example of FIG. 19, P1 = 9.
In addition, the erroneous detection preventing unit 515 counts the number of peaks in the output of the water vapor sensor 1 from time t1 to time t1 after the peak of the output of the water vapor sensor 1 exceeds the threshold Ts2. Let this number be P2. In the example of FIG. 19, P2 = 7.

And RB is defined by the following formula (1).
RB = (P2 / P1) × 100 (1)
In step S 512 in FIG. 18, it is determined whether the RB represented by equation (1) is 80 (%) or more. Incidentally, in the example of FIG. 19, since P1 = 9 and P2 = 7, RB ≒ 77 (%), and “No” is selected in step S521.

It returns to the explanation of FIG.
As a result of step S512, when the output Vs of the water vapor sensor 1 is less than the threshold Ts2 or RB <80% (S512 → No), the false detection preventing unit 515 determines that the amount of breath introduction (that is, breath strength) is insufficient (S513), the process returns to step S501 to prompt remeasurement of exhaled breath.
As a result of step S512, when the output Vs of the vapor sensor is equal to or higher than the threshold Ts2 and RB ≧ 80% (S512 → Yes), the false detection prevention unit 515 acquires the output voltage Vg of the gas sensor 2 (S521) ). Here, the output voltage Vg is an output voltage of the ethanol sensor 21, the hydrogen sensor 22 and the acetaldehyde sensor 23. Here, the output voltage of the ethanol sensor 21 obtained here is Ve, the output voltage of the acetaldehyde sensor 23 is Va, and the output voltage of the hydrogen sensor 22 is Vh.

  Next, the false detection prevention unit 515 determines whether the acquired output voltage Vg of the gas sensor 2 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value Tg (second threshold value) (Vg g Tg) (S522). Here, the output voltage Vg of the gas sensor 2 being equal to or higher than the threshold value Tg means that the output voltage of the ethanol sensor 21 is equal to or higher than the threshold value Te (see FIG. 9), and the output voltage of the acetaldehyde sensor 23 is threshold value Ta (see FIG. 9). This is the case and the output voltage of the hydrogen sensor 22 is equal to or higher than the threshold Th (see FIG. 9). In step S522, the output voltage of the ethanol sensor 21 is equal to or higher than the threshold Te, the output voltage of the acetaldehyde sensor 23 is equal to or higher than the threshold Ta, or the output voltage of the hydrogen sensor 22 is equal to or higher than the threshold Th. You may do it. The values of the thresholds Te, Ta, and Th are, for example, Te = 0.2 V, Ta = 0.15 V, and Th = 0.1 V (not limited to these values). The values of the thresholds Te, Ta, and Th may be the same.

As a result of step S522, when the output Vg of the ethanol sensor 21 is equal to or more than the predetermined threshold value Tg (S522-> Yes), the false detection preventing unit 515 determines that the introduced outside air is the human exhalation (S523), The processing unit 511 returns the process to step S111 in FIG.
As a result of step S522, when the output Vg of the ethanol sensor 21 is less than the predetermined threshold value Tg (S522-> No), the false detection preventing unit 515 determines that the introduced outside air may not be a person's exhalation ( S524). Then, the erroneous detection preventing unit 515 returns the process to step S501 to prompt remeasurement of the exhalation.

  As described above, in the process of step S522, the false detection preventing unit 515 applies the outside air introduced by the same logic as the determination as to whether or not the gas is attached to the gas sensor 2 in step S403 of FIG. It is judged whether it is human's exhalation.

The determination in step S522 of FIG. 18 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the time change of the output voltage of the ethanol sensor 21, the hydrogen sensor 22 and the acetaldehyde sensor 23. Here, reference numeral 251 indicates the time change of the output voltage of the ethanol sensor 21, and reference numeral 252 indicates the time change of the output voltage of the acetaldehyde sensor 23. The code | symbol 253 shows the time change of the output voltage of the hydrogen sensor 22. FIG.
In FIG. 20, the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates output voltage (arbitrary unit) of the ethanol sensor 21, the hydrogen sensor 22 and the acetaldehyde sensor 23.
In FIG. 20, time t11 is the time when introduction of outside air (expiration) is started, and time t12 is the time when introduction of outside air (expiration) is ended.
As shown in FIG. 20, when outside air (breathing) introduction is started, output voltages 251 to 253 of ethanol sensor 21, hydrogen sensor 22 and acetaldehyde sensor 23 start to rise, and when outside air (breathing) introduction ends, a predetermined time It will descend over time.

Further, a threshold Te for the output voltage 251 of the ethanol sensor 21, a threshold Ta for the output voltage 252 of the acetaldehyde sensor 23, and a threshold Th for the output voltage 253 of the hydrogen sensor 22 are provided.
In step S522 in FIG. 18, the output voltage 251 of the ethanol sensor 21 is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold Te, the output voltage 252 of the acetaldehyde sensor 23 is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold Ta, and the output voltage 253 of the hydrogen sensor 22 is predetermined. It is determined whether or not the introduced outside air is a person's exhalation by determining whether or not it is equal to or higher than the threshold Th.

  As described above, even if you are not drinking alcohol, human breath contains a trace amount of ethanol, acetaldehyde, and hydrogen. In this embodiment, the threshold value Te for the output voltage 251 of the ethanol sensor 21, the threshold value Ta for the output voltage 252 of the acetaldehyde sensor 23, the threshold value Th for the output voltage 253 of the hydrogen sensor 22, etc. By setting it as a value, it is possible to detect whether or not the introduced outside air is a person's exhalation.

  According to the exhalation gas detection device A2 according to the present embodiment, by performing the double check on the water vapor sensor 1 and the gas sensor 2, it is possible to enhance the accuracy of the determination of whether or not it is human exhalation. In particular, since human exhalation is saturated water vapor with a humidity of 100% regardless of individual differences or physical conditions, the exhalation gas detection device A2 according to the present embodiment is accurate regardless of individual differences or physical conditions. High exhalation determination can be performed.

  Further, according to the exhalation gas detection device A2 according to the present embodiment, by performing the condensation avoidance process and the gas sensor initialization process, abnormality detection at the time of activation of the exhalation gas detection device A2 becomes possible, and from the abnormality It is also possible to recover the

  Even if the water vapor sensor 1 of the present embodiment is replaced with the existing humidity sensor, the humidity sensor measures humidity, so the response is slow, so the outside air introduced to the exhalation gas detection device A2 is exhalation It is difficult to instantly determine whether or not. In addition, the upper limit of the humidity that can be measured is 80% to 90%, and the humidity sensor is not suitable for detecting human exhalation that is saturated water vapor.

Then, if the alcohol concentration (ethanol concentration) based on the output of the gas sensor 2 is equal to or higher than the reference value Cs in step S121 of FIG. Therefore, the accuracy of the determination of the presence or absence of alcohol can be improved.
In addition, as shown in step S512 in FIG. 18, in the exhalation gas detection device A2, it is determined whether the output Vs of the water vapor sensor 1 is equal to or higher than the threshold Ts2 (Vs RB Ts2) and the peak frequency ratio RB 80 80%. By determining whether the ambient air is exhaled or not, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the determination.

Further, in the present embodiment, although the temperature is the substrate temperature of the breath detection device A1, the present invention is not limited to this. The ambient temperature of the breath detection device A1 may be used, or the ambient temperature may be used.
Furthermore, the gas sensor 2 may not have all of the ethanol sensor 21, the hydrogen sensor 22 and the acetaldehyde sensor 23, and may have at least one of them.

[Another system example]
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the breath measurement system according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 21 shows an example in which the breath measurement system Za is provided in a vehicle.
In the exhalation measurement system Za, the exhalation detection device A1 is installed in a steering 701 provided with an introduction unit 33a. In this case, the steering 701 is the housing 30 (see FIG. 7). Then, the processing shown in FIGS. 13 to 18 is performed by the analysis device 500a installed in the vehicle. The configuration of the analysis device 500a is the same as that shown in FIG.
Then, the processing result in the analysis device 500a is displayed on the display device 603a. The content displayed on the display device 603a is the content displayed on the display device 31 of FIG. 7 or the content displayed on the portable device A3.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the exhalation gas detection device A2 is used to determine the presence or absence of alcohol drinking during vehicle operation, but the use of the exhalation gas detection device A2 is not limited thereto. For example, the exhalation gas detection device A2 may be used for medical purposes. In this case, measurement of exhalation by the exhalation gas detection device A2 may be performed at home, the measurement value may be transmitted to the medical institution via the network, and analysis of gas in exhalation may be performed in the medical institution. In this case, as the sensors included in the gas sensor 2, sensors other than the ethanol sensor 21, the hydrogen sensor 22, and the acetaldehyde sensor 23 may be used.

  In addition, the exhalation gas detection device A2 in this embodiment is provided with the exhalation detection device A1 (see FIG. 1) in the housing 30 (see FIG. 7), and the user introduces the exhalation from the introduction unit 33 (see FIG. 7). The configuration is not limited to this. For example, with the exhalation detection device A1 exposed, the user may directly exhale the exhalation detection device A1. Alternatively, the housing 30 may be provided with a lid, and when the user opens the lid, the exhalation detecting device A1 may be exposed, and the user may exhale the exhaled breath detecting device A1.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments are described in detail in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. In addition, with respect to a part of the configuration of the present embodiment, it is possible to add, delete, and replace other configurations.

In addition, the above-described respective configurations, functions, processing units 511, respective units 512 to 520, respective storage devices 505, 602, etc. are realized by hardware, for example, by designing part or all of them with integrated circuits. It is also good. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the above-described configurations, functions and the like may be realized by software by a processor such as a CPU interpreting and executing a program for realizing each function. Information such as a program, a table, and a file for realizing each function is stored in a memory, a storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD), or an IC (Integrated Device) other than storing in the storage device 505 as shown in FIG. It can be stored in a recording medium such as a Circuit) card, an SD (Secure Digital) card, and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).
Further, in each embodiment, the control lines and the information lines indicate what is considered necessary for the description, and not all the control lines and the information lines in the product are necessarily shown. In practice, almost all configurations can be considered to be connected to each other.

1, 1a, 1b Water vapor sensor (water vapor detection element)
2 Gas sensor (gas detection element)
3 Temperature sensor (temperature detection element)
5, 15 Substrate 11 Applied electrode 12 Detection electrode 13 Insulating part 14 AC power supply 16, 16a, 16b, 24, 24a to 24c Heater 21 Ethanol sensor 22 Hydrogen sensor 23 Acetaldehyde sensor 30 Conductor 31, 603a Display device (Output part)
32 indicator (output)
32a Speaker (output part)
33, 33a Introduction part 301a, 301b A / D converter 400 Measurement control device 403 Input device 404 AC / AC inverter circuit 405 AC terminal 406 AC / DC converter circuit 407 DC terminal 500, 500a Analysis device (analysis part)
505 storage unit 511 processing unit 512 threshold changing unit 513 condensation avoiding unit 514 gas sensor initialization unit 515 false detection preventing unit 516 gas concentration calculating unit 517 drinking judgment unit 518 operation available time calculating unit 519 output processing unit 520 transmission processing unit 601 transmission device 602 Storage device 603 output device (output unit)
701 steering A1 exhalation detector A2, A2a exhalation gas detector A3 portable device (device owned by user)
Cs reference value (third threshold)
RB peak frequency ratio (sixth threshold)
TG threshold (fifth threshold)
Ts1 threshold (fourth threshold)
Ts2 threshold (first threshold)
Ta, Te, Tg, Th threshold (second threshold)
Z, Za Exhalation Measurement System

Claims (12)

A water vapor detection element that detects whether it has saturated water vapor by being exposed to ambient air;
A gas detection element for measuring the concentration of the gas contained in the outside air;
An analysis unit that analyzes a signal output from the water vapor detection element and a signal output from the gas detection element;
A breath gas detector for Ru and an output unit for outputting the results to be analyzed by the analysis unit,
The water vapor detection element is
Using the adsorption of water molecules between the electrodes and the formation of an electric circuit associated with the adsorption of water molecules, impedance change associated with the amount of water vapor contained in the outside air is detected,
The analysis unit
At the time of activation of the exhalation gas detection device, it is determined whether the signal value of the water vapor detection element exceeds a fourth threshold,
With regard to the outside air, the outside air is exhaled by a person based on whether the signal value of the water vapor detection element exceeds a first threshold and the signal value of the gas detection element exceeds a second threshold. An exhalation gas detection device characterized in that it is determined whether or not there is an exhaust gas. In the exhalation gas detection device according to claim 1,
The analysis unit
It is determined whether the signal value of the gas detection element exceeds a third threshold. In the exhalation gas detection device according to claim 2,
The gas detection element detects at least alcohol,
The third threshold is a threshold based on the concentration of the alcohol at the time of drinking,
The analysis unit
It is determined whether or not there is alcohol drinking by determining whether or not the signal value related to the concentration of the alcohol obtained from the gas detection element exceeds the third threshold. In the exhalation gas detection device according to claim 1 ,
The water vapor detection element has a heater,
The analysis unit
After the activation of the exhalation gas detection device, before the outside air is blown by the user, if the signal value of the water vapor detection element exceeds the fourth threshold, the heater is activated. Gas detector. In the exhalation gas detection device according to claim 1,
The gas detection element is
An exhalation gas detection device characterized by detecting at least one of ethanol, acetaldehyde and hydrogen. A water vapor detection element that detects whether it has saturated water vapor by being exposed to ambient air;
A gas detection element for measuring the concentration of the gas contained in the outside air;
An analysis unit that analyzes a signal output from the water vapor detection element and a signal output from the gas detection element;
An output unit that outputs a result analyzed by the analysis unit;
With the heater,
A breath gas detector for Ru provided with,
The analysis unit
If the signal value of the gas detection element exceeds a fifth threshold before the outside air is blown by the user after activation of the exhalation gas detection device, the heater is turned on for a predetermined time,
With regard to the outside air, the outside air is exhaled by a person based on whether the signal value of the water vapor detection element exceeds a first threshold and the signal value of the gas detection element exceeds a second threshold. An exhalation gas detection device characterized in that it is determined whether or not there is an exhaust gas. A water vapor detection element that detects whether it has saturated water vapor by being exposed to ambient air;
A gas detection element for measuring the concentration of the gas contained in the outside air;
A temperature detection element,
An analysis unit that analyzes a signal output from the water vapor detection element and a signal output from the gas detection element;
A breath gas detector for Ru and an output unit for outputting the results to be analyzed by the analysis unit,
The analysis unit
With regard to the outside air, the outside air is exhaled by a person based on whether the signal value of the water vapor detection element exceeds a first threshold and the signal value of the gas detection element exceeds a second threshold. there line whether or not the decision whether or not there,
An expiratory gas detection device characterized in that the first threshold value is changed according to a temperature detected by the temperature detection element . In the exhalation gas detection device according to claim 1,
An expiration gas detection device characterized by notifying the amount of the outside air blown by a user by either a display or a sound. A water vapor detection element that detects whether it has saturated water vapor by being exposed to ambient air;
A gas detection element for measuring the concentration of the gas contained in the outside air;
An analysis unit that analyzes a signal output from the water vapor detection element and a signal output from the gas detection element;
A breath gas detector for Ru and an output unit for outputting the results to be analyzed by the analysis unit,
The output of the water vapor detection element is pulsating current or alternating current,
The analysis unit
With regard to the outside air, the outside air is exhaled by a person based on whether the signal value of the water vapor detection element exceeds a first threshold and the signal value of the gas detection element exceeds a second threshold. there line whether or not the decision whether or not there,
In addition to the fact that the signal value of the water vapor detection element exceeds the first threshold, from the time when the first threshold is exceeded to the time when blowing of the outside air by the user is completed, The apparatus for detecting an expiratory gas according to claim 1, wherein when the number of times the first threshold value is exceeded for the signal value exceeds a sixth threshold value, it is determined that the amount of the outside air blown is sufficient . In the exhalation gas detection device according to claim 1,
The analysis unit
Calculating the time until the concentration of the gas in the outside air falls below a predetermined value;
By transmitting the time until the concentration of the gas falls below a predetermined value to the device owned by the user, until the concentration of the gas falls below the predetermined value in the device owned by the user An exhalation gas detection device characterized by displaying the time of Saturation by detecting the change in impedance associated with the amount of water vapor contained in the outside air, by utilizing the adsorption of water molecules between the electrodes and the formation of an electric circuit associated with the adsorption of water molecules by being exposed to the outside air A water vapor detection element that detects whether or not water vapor is present;
A gas detection element for measuring the concentration of the gas contained in the outside air;
An analysis unit that analyzes a signal output from the water vapor detection element and a signal output from the gas detection element;
An exhalation gas detection device comprising: an output unit that outputs a result analyzed by the analysis unit;
At the time of activation of the exhalation gas detection device, it is determined whether the signal value of the water vapor detection element exceeds a fourth threshold,
When the signal value is less than the fourth threshold value, the signal value of the water vapor detection element exceeds the first threshold value and the signal value of the gas detection element exceeds the second threshold value for the outside air. A method for detecting an exhalation gas, comprising determining whether the outside air is a person's exhalation on the basis of a pulse. In exhaled gas detection method according to claim 1 1,
The exhalation gas detection device
Calculating the time until the concentration of the gas in the outside air falls below a predetermined value;
Transmitting a time until the concentration of the gas falls below a predetermined value to an apparatus owned by the user;
A method for detecting exhaled gas, comprising: displaying a time until a concentration of the gas becomes lower than a predetermined value by a device owned by the user.

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