JP7714434B2 - Drunken driving prevention device, drunk driving prevention method, and drunk driving prevention program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a drunk driving prevention device, a drunk driving prevention method, and a drunk driving prevention program.

Devices for detecting drunk driving are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a device that uses multiple vital sensors and multiple cameras to detect drunk driving by estimating the driver's state of intoxication based on biometric data and camera images.

JP 2018-147021 A

As it is dangerous for a driver to drive a vehicle while intoxicated, there is a need for a device that can effectively prevent drunk driving.

The present invention was made in light of these circumstances, and aims to effectively prevent drunk driving with a simple configuration.

In order to solve the above problems, the drunk driving prevention device according to the present invention is characterized by including, for example, a group of sensors that measure the state of the vehicle driver, a drunkenness level estimation unit that estimates the driver's level of drunkenness in multiple stages based on the measurement results of the group of sensors, and a vehicle control unit that prohibits engine operation of the vehicle if the level of drunkenness is at or above a predetermined level.

A method for preventing drunk driving according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized by including, for example, a measurement step of measuring the state of the driver of a vehicle using a group of sensors that measure the state of the driver; a drunkenness level estimation step of estimating the level of drunkenness of the driver in multiple stages based on the measurement results of the group of sensors; and a vehicle control step of prohibiting engine operation of the vehicle if the level of drunkenness is at or above a predetermined level.

Another aspect of the present invention is a drunk driving prevention program that causes a computer to function, for example, as a drunk driving level estimation unit that estimates the driver's level of drunkenness in multiple stages based on the measurement results of a group of sensors that measure the state of the vehicle driver, and a vehicle control unit that prohibits the vehicle's engine from operating if the level of drunkenness is at or above a predetermined level.
The computer program can be provided by downloading it via a network such as the Internet, or by recording it on various computer-readable recording media such as a CD-ROM.

In any of the above aspects of the present invention, by estimating the level of intoxication in multiple stages, it is possible to provide detailed notifications or control the vehicle in accordance with the level of intoxication, thereby effectively preventing drunk driving. Furthermore, if engine operation were to be uniformly stopped when the level of intoxication is mild, it would be inconvenient and dangerous, as the engine would have to be stopped while driving. Therefore, by prohibiting engine operation only when the level of intoxication is at or above a predetermined level, drunk driving can be safely prevented. Furthermore, by prohibiting engine operation when the level of intoxication is at or above a predetermined level, it is possible to encourage a safe stop even in cases where the level of intoxication gradually increases as the driver drinks while driving.

The sickness level estimation unit may estimate the level of sickness in order from highest to lowest level. This allows for a rapid and accurate determination of a severe state of sickness. It also prevents erroneous determinations that underestimate the level of sickness, making it possible to more reliably detect a high level of sickness, i.e., a dangerous state.

The sickness level estimation unit may estimate whether or not the level of sickness falls within a certain level based on a combination of measurement results from different sensors included in the sensor group, depending on the level of sickness. This allows for selective use of multiple types of sensors to capture characteristics unique to each level of sickness, making it possible to accurately estimate the level of sickness using a simple measurement method.

The system may further include a notification control unit that issues notifications in different ways depending on the level of intoxication. This allows the driver to be more reliably informed of the seriousness of a high level of intoxication. Furthermore, for example, if the driver is driving while drinking, the notification mode changes, thereby continuously attracting the driver's attention.

The system may further include a memory unit that stores the level of intoxication and the penalty to be imposed on the driver in association with each other, and the notification control unit may refer to the memory unit and notify the driver of the penalty according to the level of intoxication. This may help the driver to realistically understand that drunk driving is an act that will result in a penalty, and may act as a deterrent to drunk driving.

The vehicle may further include an alcohol concentration measurement unit separate from the sensor group, and the vehicle control unit may permit engine operation when the measurement results from the alcohol concentration measurement unit satisfy a condition when engine operation is prohibited. This allows for more precise measurement to determine whether or not the driver has been drinking, thereby more reliably preventing drunk driving.

This invention effectively prevents drunk driving with a simple configuration.

1 is a diagram showing an outline of electrical functional blocks of a drunk driving prevention device 1 according to a first embodiment and a notification device 2 connected to the drunk driving prevention device 1. [0021] FIG. 10 is an example of a table showing the correspondence between the drunk driving level estimated by the drunk driving prevention device 1, the sensor to be referenced, the analysis content, and the control content. 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow in which the drunk driving prevention device 1 starts control when the driver is drinking alcohol. 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow in which the drunk driving prevention device 1 cancels the drunk driving control.

Embodiments of a drunk driving prevention device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The drunk driving prevention device is a device that estimates whether a driver has drunk alcohol and the level of intoxication before driving and while driving, and varies control depending on whether the driver has drunk alcohol or the level of intoxication.

(First embodiment)
1 is a diagram showing an outline of the electrical function blocks of a drunk driving prevention device 1 according to a first embodiment and a notification device 2 connected to the drunk driving prevention device 1. The drunk driving prevention device 1 is connected to the notification device 2 by wire or wirelessly, and issues an alarm related to drunk driving via the notification device 2. The drunk driving prevention device 1 and the notification device 2 may be connected via a network.

The notification device 2 is equipped with an appropriate device to warn the driver about drunk driving, such as a display device, a speaker, or a lamp that sounds to alert the driver. If the notification device 2 has a display device, the display device is disposed, for example, on the instrument panel in front of the driver's seat of the vehicle. The notification device 2 may also be connected to the Internet and be capable of sending notifications that reach external devices via an Internet line.

The drunk driving prevention device 1 may also be connected via a network to a device (not shown) installed outside the vehicle, and alert a supervisor outside the vehicle to the risk of drunk driving via that device.

The drunk driving prevention device 1 mainly comprises a sensor group 10, an alcohol concentration measurement unit 20, and a control unit 30.

The sensor group 10 is a group of sensors that measure information regarding whether the driver has consumed alcohol and the level of intoxication. The sensor group 10 includes multiple sensors, such as a vital sign sensor 11, an image capture unit 12, a sound collection unit 13, an airborne alcohol concentration measurement unit 14, and a body temperature measurement unit 15. Other sensors than those mentioned above may also be used as appropriate for the sensors included in the sensor group 10, but it is desirable for the measurement method to not restrict the driver's movements, i.e., not come into contact with the driver.

Vital sensor 11 is a sensor that measures the driver's biological signals. For example, vital sensor 11 measures pulse rate (i.e., heart rate), or breathing rate or depth.

The method for measuring heart rate or breathing rate or depth is arbitrary. For example, as a method for measuring heart rate, vital sensor 11 may include electrodes embedded in the driver's seat or steering wheel, and measure the heart rate using these electrodes. Alternatively, instead of using electrodes, the heart rate may be measured by irradiating the body surface with infrared or red light and measuring changes in blood flow. For example, as a method for measuring breathing rate and depth, vital sensor 11 may irradiate the driver's body with ultrasound, detect weak breathing vibrations from the reflected waves, and measure breathing rate and depth from the frequency and magnitude of the vibrations.

The imaging unit 12 is, for example, a camera. The imaging unit 12 is disposed so that its imaging range covers at least the area near the headrest of the driver's seat, and captures still or video images of the driver. The imaging unit 12 captures an image of the face of the driver sitting in the driver's seat. The imaging unit 12 also captures the driver's posture and movements. The data captured by the imaging unit 12 may be stored in the memory unit 32 of the control unit 30.

The sound collection unit 13 is, for example, a microphone. The sound collection unit 13 collects sounds emitted by the driver. For example, the sound collection unit 13 may collect the driver's speech, as well as snoring, etc.

The airborne alcohol concentration measurement unit 14 is, for example, a gas sensor, and is a device that measures the alcohol concentration contained in the air. The airborne alcohol concentration measurement unit 14 measures the alcohol concentration inside the vehicle.

The body temperature measurement unit 15 is a device that measures the driver's body temperature, and measures the driver's body temperature using, for example, an infrared sensor. In this case, the body temperature measurement unit 15 may be realized by, for example, a thermographic camera. Alternatively, the body temperature measurement unit 15 may measure the body temperature using an appropriate mechanism (for example, a temperature sensor) built into the seat, steering wheel, etc.

The alcohol concentration measurement unit 20 is a means for measuring the alcohol emitted by the driver and is a device that is not included in the sensor group 10. The alcohol concentration measurement unit 20 can measure alcohol concentration with higher accuracy than the sensor group 10. The alcohol concentration measurement unit 20 may be, for example, a breath-blowing type measurement device, or a device that estimates the amount of ethyl alcohol dissolved in the blood due to drinking based on infrared rays emitted from the human body. The alcohol concentration measurement unit 20 is used to measure the driver's alcohol concentration when disabling the control performed by the drunk driving prevention device 1 when drinking is suspected, i.e., when canceling the drunk driving control.

The control unit 30 includes a computing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for executing information processing, and storage devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), and includes at least an analysis unit 31, a memory unit 32, a sickness level estimation unit 33, a notification control unit 34, and a vehicle control unit 35 as software resources.

The analysis unit 31 is a functional unit that analyzes the data measured by the sensor group 10. The analysis unit 31 references the threshold values for the measurement results of each sensor in the sensor group 10 from the memory unit 32, and determines whether or not alcohol has been consumed and the level of intoxication from the measurement results of each sensor.

The analysis unit 31 determines whether the breathing rate measured by the vital sensor 11, for example, the number of breaths per unit time, is below a threshold. The analysis unit 31 also estimates the depth of breathing from the measurement results of the vital sensor 11 and determines whether the ventilation volume is above a threshold. The processing of the analysis unit 31 can be performed using various publicly known technologies.

The analysis unit 31 analyzes the facial color (e.g., redness or blueness) of the driver captured by the imaging unit 12. In this embodiment, the analysis unit 31 determines whether the redness of the driver's face is above a threshold. The analysis unit 31 may refer to the memory unit 32 and compare it with facial images of the driver captured in the past to determine whether the facial color is red. The facial images stored in the memory unit 32 may be pre-registered by separately taking a photograph of a potential driver when they are not drinking alcohol, i.e., in their normal state. This enables accurate facial color analysis that takes into account the driver's normal skin color.

The analysis unit 31 may also determine whether an image of the driver is registered in the memory unit 32, and if not, perform a registration process to register the image without performing a facial color analysis. In this case, when the driver's image is captured for the second time or later, the analysis unit 31 performs a facial color analysis by comparing it with previously registered images. This eliminates the need to register a photo in advance, making it simple.

The analysis unit 31 also determines whether the driver is asleep by analyzing, for example, the open/closed state of the eyes in the image capture results from the image capture unit 12. Furthermore, the analysis unit 31 determines whether the driver is feeling nauseous by performing image recognition on the image capture results. The presence or absence of nausea is determined by analyzing, for example, facial expressions and the shape of the mouth. The open/closed state of the eyes, facial expressions, and mouth shape can be recognized and determined using various well-known pattern recognition technologies.

Furthermore, the analysis unit 31 may determine the driver's emotions based on the facial expression of the driver captured by the imaging unit 12. In particular, the analysis unit 31 may determine that the driver is angry. This is because it is known that people tend to become angry when drinking, especially in the early stages of intoxication. Furthermore, the analysis unit 31 may analyze the driver's movements and posture to determine whether or not the driver is drunk. Analysis of movements and posture, as well as other analyses, can be performed using various well-known pattern recognition techniques and AI-based analysis.

The analysis unit 31 analyzes the measurement results collected by the sound collection unit 13 and determines the accuracy of what is being said. The analysis unit 31 also analyzes the measurement results collected by the sound collection unit 13, calculates the degree of overlap in what is being said, and determines whether the degree of overlap is above a threshold. This is because it is known that people tend to repeat the same thing when drinking, especially when intoxicated. The analysis unit 31 may also determine whether the volume of the driver's voice collected is above a threshold. This is because people's voices become louder when they drink. The analysis unit 31 also analyzes the measurement results collected by the sound collection unit 13 and determines whether the sound includes snoring. Analysis of the collected sound results can be performed using various publicly known technologies.

The analysis unit 31 also determines whether the alcohol concentrations measured by the airborne alcohol concentration measurement unit 14 and the alcohol concentration measurement unit 20 are equal to or greater than a threshold value.

The analysis unit 31 determines whether the body temperature measured by the body temperature measurement unit 15 is above a threshold. Since body temperature tends to rise when drinking alcohol, if the temperature is above the threshold, it is possible that the person has been drinking.

The drunkenness level estimation unit 33 is a functional unit that estimates whether or not the driver has consumed alcohol and the driver's drunkenness level in multiple stages. The drunkenness level estimation unit 33 receives the analysis results from the analysis unit 31.

Figure 2 is an example table showing the correspondence between the level of drunk driving estimated by the drunk driving prevention device 1, the sensors referenced, the analysis content, and the control content. The drunk driving level estimation unit 33 estimates the level of drunk driving in six stages, for example: refreshed, tipsy, early drunkenness, drunkenness, drunk, and coma. In this embodiment, the level of drunk driving is lowest with refreshed, followed by tipsy, early drunkenness, drunk, drunk, and coma, with coma being the highest. In other words, the drunk driving level estimation unit 33 classifies the driver's state into seven types, including the normal stage when not drinking alcohol.

The sickness level estimation unit 33 estimates the level of sickness based on the measurement results of multiple sensors from the sensor group 10. Therefore, by combining simple methods that do not interfere with the driver's movements, the level of sickness can be accurately estimated.

The sickness level estimation unit 33 also estimates whether or not a person is at a certain level of sickness based on a combination of measurement results from different sensors included in the sensor group 10, depending on the level of sickness. The sickness level estimation unit 33 also estimates whether or not a person is at a certain level of sickness based on different analytical data. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, multiple types of sensors are selectively used to capture characteristics specific to each level of sickness, allowing for an accurate estimation of the level of sickness using a simple measurement method.

The sickness level estimation unit 33 estimates the level of sickness in order from highest to lowest level. That is, the sickness level estimation unit 33 first determines whether the person is in the coma stage, which is the highest level of sickness, and if not in the coma stage, determines whether the person is in the full drunk stage, which is the next highest level of sickness. This makes it possible to quickly and accurately determine whether the person is in a severe state of sickness. It also prevents erroneous determinations that underestimate the level of sickness, making it possible to more reliably detect a high level of sickness, i.e., a dangerous state.

The sickness level estimation unit 33 may determine that the user is intoxicated to a certain level only if all of the multiple pieces of analytical data it references satisfy a condition, or may determine that the user is intoxicated to a certain level only if some of the data satisfy a condition. The sickness level estimation unit 33 will be described in more detail below.

The memory unit 32 is a functional unit that stores thresholds for the measurement results of the sensor group 10, which are referenced by the analysis unit 31. The memory unit 32 also stores photos or videos of the driver captured by the imaging unit 12.

The memory unit 32 also stores the degree of drunkenness and the penalties imposed on the driver in association with each other. Penalties may include penalties and administrative sanctions, such as imprisonment, fines, fines, license suspension periods, and whether or not the license has been revoked. Information on the correspondence between the degree of drunkenness and penalties is stored in rewritable non-volatile memory, and is rewritable in accordance with amendments to systems such as laws or ordinances. Furthermore, by inputting the country or region in which the vehicle is being driven, a system associated with that country or region may be selected. Furthermore, the region in which the vehicle is being driven may be estimated based on information from the GNSS installed in the vehicle, and a system may be automatically selected in accordance with the system of that country or region.

The notification control unit 34 is a functional unit that notifies the driver or other person based on the level of sickness estimated by the sickness level estimation unit 33. The notification control unit 34 receives the estimation results from the sickness level estimation unit 33.

The notification control unit 34 issues a notification in different ways depending on the level of drunkenness. For example, the notification control unit 34 may light up lamps in different positions or colors, or display different messages, depending on the level of drunkenness. It may also issue buzzer sounds or messages of different types or volumes. The notification control unit 34 may issue a notification in multiple ways depending on the level of drunkenness. It is desirable to notify the driver in a more attention-grabbing manner the greater the level of drunkenness. In this way, the seriousness of a high level of drunkenness can be more reliably conveyed to the driver. Furthermore, for example, if the driver is driving while drinking, the notification manner changes, so the driver's attention can be continuously drawn.

Furthermore, for example, the notification control unit 34 references the memory unit 32 and notifies the driver of a penalty according to the level of intoxication. As shown in FIG. 2, if the notification control unit 34 is estimated to be in a coma stage or a deep intoxication stage, it notifies the driver of a penalty for drunk driving. Penalties for drunk driving include, for example, imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to 1 million yen, a 35-point deduction, license revocation, and a three-year disqualification period. Furthermore, if the notification control unit 34 is estimated to be in an intoxicated stage, it notifies the driver of a penalty for severe drunk driving. Penalties include, for example, imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 500,000 yen, a 25-point deduction, license revocation, and a two-year disqualification period. If the notification control unit 34 is estimated to be in a refreshed stage, a tipsy stage, or an early stage of intoxication, it notifies the driver of a penalty for mild drunk driving. Such penalties include imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 500,000 yen, as well as 13 demerit points and a 90-day license suspension.

This allows the driver to be informed of penalties based on the estimated level of intoxication. By notifying the driver of the exact penalties, it becomes clear to the driver that drunk driving is a behavior that will result in penalties, which can act as a deterrent to drunk driving.

The vehicle control unit 35 is a functional unit that controls the vehicle when drinking alcohol according to the level of intoxication, i.e., performs control during drinking. The analysis results from the analysis unit 31 and the estimation results from the drunkenness level estimation unit 33 are input to the vehicle control unit 35.

When the level of intoxication is at the first stage (here, the deep intoxication stage or coma stage), the vehicle control unit 35 prohibits engine operation by stopping the engine if it is running and prohibiting engine start if it is not running. Prohibiting engine operation is an example of control during drinking. When the level of intoxication is mild, there is a risk of erroneous judgment, and if engine operation were to be uniformly stopped, it would be inconvenient and dangerous, as the engine would have to be stopped while driving. Therefore, by prohibiting engine operation only when the level of intoxication is at or above a predetermined stage, drunk driving can be safely prevented.

Furthermore, the vehicle control unit 35 turns on the hazard lights when the level of drunkenness is at or above the second stage (here, the intoxication stage). Furthermore, the vehicle control unit 35 sends an email to a predetermined destination when the level of drunkenness is at or above the third stage (here, the intoxication stage). Turning on the hazard lights and sending an email are examples of control during drinking. In this embodiment, the second and third stages are both the intoxication stage, but the second and third stages may be different.

When engine operation is prohibited, the vehicle control unit 35 obtains from the analysis unit 31 the analysis results based on the measurement results from the alcohol concentration measurement unit 20. If the measurement results from the alcohol concentration measurement unit 20 satisfy the conditions, the vehicle control unit 35 cancels the drinking control. In other words, the vehicle control unit 35 cancels the drinking control based on the results of measurement by a sensor different from the sensor group 10 used to determine the start of the drinking control. This allows for more accurate measurement to determine whether or not the driver has been drinking, thereby more reliably preventing drunk driving.

The vehicle control unit 35 cancels the drinking control, for example, when the alcohol concentration measured by the alcohol concentration measurement unit 20 is below a predetermined level, for example 0%. In particular, the vehicle control unit 35 cancels the prohibition on engine operation and allows the engine to operate. The vehicle control unit 35 may also turn off an alarm and hazard lights when the measurement result by the alcohol concentration measurement unit 20 satisfies a condition. Furthermore, the vehicle control unit 35 may also perform a predetermined action when the measurement result by the alcohol concentration measurement unit 20 satisfies a condition, such as sending an email to the recipient who was notified of the drinking state, informing them that the drinking state has been resolved.

Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the process by which the drunk driving prevention device 1 estimates whether or not the driver has drunk alcohol and the level of intoxication, and then initiates control when the driver is drunk. The process shown in Figure 3 is primarily performed by the control unit 30.

First, the analysis unit 31 acquires the measurement values of the sensor group 10 (step SP11) and analyzes the measurement results of each sensor (step SP12). Next, the sickness level estimation unit 33 determines whether the subject is in a coma based on the measurement results of the vital sensor 11 and the image capture unit 12 from the analysis results of step SP12 (step SP13). Specifically, the sickness level estimation unit 33 determines whether the subject is in a coma based on the breathing rate (here, a breathing rate of 12 breaths per minute or less) and ventilation volume (here, 500 mL or more) analyzed from the measurement results of the vital sensor 11, and the eye status (here, eyes closed, i.e., asleep) recognized based on the image captured by the image capture unit 12. Note that a coma is characterized by slow and deep breathing. Therefore, if breathing is slow (a breathing rate of 12 breaths per minute or less) and the ventilation volume is 500 mL or more, which is higher than the normal ventilation volume of 400 mL to 500 mL, it can be determined that the subject is likely in a coma.

If the driver is in a coma (YES in step SP13), the vehicle control unit 35 stops the engine (step SP14), and the notification control unit 34 sounds an alarm, turns on the hazard lights, and sends an email (step SP15). Steps SP14 and SP15 can be performed in any order and may be performed simultaneously.

If it is determined in step SP13 that the driver is not in a coma state (NO in step SP13), the sickness level estimation unit 33 determines whether the driver is in a deep drunk state based on analysis data from the analysis results in step SP12 that is different from that in step SP13 (here, the measurement results of the image capture unit 12 and the sound collection unit 13) (step SP16). Specifically, the sickness level estimation unit 33 determines whether the driver is in a deep drunk state based on the opening or closing of the eyes (here, the eyes are closed for a predetermined period of time or more) recognized based on the image captured by the image capture unit 12 and the accuracy of the speech content collected by the sound collection unit 13.

If the driver is determined to be in the deep drunk state (YES in step SP16), the process proceeds to step SP14. If the driver is not determined to be in the deep drunk state (NO in step SP16), the drunkenness level estimation unit 33 determines whether the driver is in the deep drunk state based on the analysis results of step SP12 that differ from the analysis data in steps SP13 and SP16 (here, the measurement results of the vital sensor 11, image capture unit 12, and sound collection unit 13) (step SP17). Specifically, the drunkenness level estimation unit 33 determines whether the driver is in the deep drunk state based on the breathing rate analyzed from the measurement results of the vital sensor 11 (here, a breathing rate of 25 breaths per minute or less), the facial expression recognized from the image captured by the image capture unit 12 (here, nausea), and the degree of overlap of utterances collected by the sound collection unit 13 (here, the same utterances are repeated). For example, the drunkenness level estimation unit 33 determines that the driver is in the drunken stage if the above three conditions are met.

If it is determined that the driver is in an intoxicated state (YES in step SP17), the notification control unit 34 issues an alarm with content different from that in step SP15, turns on the hazard lights, and sends an email (step SP18).

If it is determined that the driver is not in the intoxication stage (NO in step SP17), the drunkenness level estimation unit 33 determines whether the driver is in the early stage of drunkenness (step SP19) based on analysis data from the analysis results in step SP12 that is different from steps SP13, SP16, and SP17 (here, the measurement results of the image capture unit 12 and the sound collection unit 13). Specifically, the drunkenness level estimation unit 33 detects anger based on the presence or absence of an angry expression in the measurement results of the image capture unit 12 (here, an angry expression is present) and the volume of the speech picked up by the sound collection unit 13 (here, a loud voice), and determines that the driver is in the early stage of drunkenness when anger is detected.

If it is determined that the driver is in the early stages of intoxication (YES in step SP19), the notification control unit 34 issues an alarm with content different from that in steps SP15 and SP18 (step SP20).

If it is determined that the driver is not in the early stages of intoxication (NO in step SP19), the drunkenness level estimation unit 33 determines whether the driver is tipsy or not based on analysis data (here, measurement results from the vital sensor 11, image capture unit 12, and body temperature measurement unit 15) from the analysis results of step SP12 that are different from those in steps SP13, SP16, SP17, and SP19 (step SP21). Specifically, the drunkenness level estimation unit 33 determines whether the driver is tipsy or not based on the pulse rate (here, a pulse rate of 135 beats per minute or more) analyzed from the measurement results of the vital sensor 11, the driver's movement (here, hyperactivity) detected from the image captured by the image capture unit 12, and the body temperature (here, a pulse rate of 37.5°C or more) analyzed from the measurement results of the body temperature measurement unit 15. For example, the drunkenness level estimation unit 33 determines that the driver is tipsy if the above three conditions are met.

If it is determined that the driver is in the tipsy stage (YES in step SP21), the process proceeds to step SP20. If it is determined that the driver is not in the tipsy stage (NO in step SP21), the drunkenness level estimation unit 33 determines whether the driver is in the tipsy stage based on analysis data from the analysis results in step SP12 that is different from steps SP13, SP16, SP17, SP19, and SP21 (here, the measurement results from the image capture unit 12 and the airborne alcohol concentration measurement unit 14) (step SP22). Specifically, the drunkenness level estimation unit 33 determines that the driver is in the tipsy stage if either the facial color recognized from the image captured by the image capture unit 12 (e.g., a reddish complexion) or the airborne alcohol concentration analyzed from the measurement results from the airborne alcohol concentration measurement unit 14 (here, the airborne alcohol concentration is below a threshold) satisfies a certain condition.

If it is determined that the driver is in the refreshment period (YES in step SP22), proceed to step SP20. If it is determined that the driver is not in the refreshment period (NO in step SP22), the driver has not consumed alcohol and is in the normal period, so the process ends. There may also be a step to notify the driver that no drinking was detected.

It is desirable to perform the process shown in Figure 3 before the driver starts the engine. For example, a seating sensor (not shown) may be provided in the driver's seat, and the control unit 30 may perform the process shown in Figure 3 when the seating sensor detects that the driver is seated in the driver's seat. The process shown in Figure 3 may also be performed continuously or repeatedly at regular intervals. In this case, it is possible to prevent the driver from driving while intoxicated.

Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the process flow for the drunk driving prevention device 1 to cancel drunk driving control. The process shown in Figure 4 is mainly performed by the control unit 30.

First, the analysis unit 31 acquires the measurement results from the alcohol concentration measurement unit 20, detects the driver's alcohol concentration, and inputs this to the vehicle control unit 35 (step SP31). Next, the vehicle control unit 35 determines whether the alcohol concentration measured by the alcohol concentration measurement unit 20 is below a predetermined level (step SP32). If the alcohol concentration is below the predetermined level (YES in step SP32), the vehicle control unit 35 cancels the drinking control (step SP33). If the driver's alcohol concentration is not below the predetermined level (NO in step SP32), the vehicle control unit 35 returns the process to step SP31.

This embodiment uses a simple configuration to determine whether the driver has consumed alcohol and their level of intoxication. The sensor group 10 can measure continuously without the driver having to actively perform measurements, so the level of intoxication can be determined not only at the start of driving but also while driving. Furthermore, a configuration that determines the level of intoxication in order from the most severe to the least severe stages allows for rapid and accurate determination of severe intoxication.

In addition, according to this embodiment, different measures are notified depending on the level of intoxication, so the details of the measures can be appropriately notified depending on the level of intoxication. Furthermore, by configuring the engine to stop only when the level of intoxication is severe, it is possible to encourage a safe stop even if the level of intoxication gradually increases as a result of driving while drinking.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when control is released after it has been determined that the driver has drunk alcohol, measurements are taken using a sensor (alcohol concentration measurement unit 20) different from the sensor group 10, making it possible to more reliably estimate that the driver has become sober.

In this embodiment, the sensor group 10 includes a vital sensor 11, an image capture unit 12, a sound collection unit 13, an airborne alcohol concentration measurement unit 14, and a body temperature measurement unit 15, but the sensors included in the sensor group 10 are not limited to these. Furthermore, the sensors, analysis details, and control details used to estimate the level of intoxication shown in FIG. 2 (the processing of steps SP13, SP16, SP17, SP19, SP21, and SP22 in FIG. 3) are not limited to these. In addition, in FIG. 3, the processing of step SP20 is performed when steps SP19, SP21, and SP22 are each YES, but the alarm content may be different depending on whether step SP19 is YES, SP21 is YES, or SP22 is YES.

The above describes an embodiment of the present invention in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment and includes design modifications and the like that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

1: Drunk driving prevention device 2: Notification device 10: Sensor group 11: Vital sensor 12: Imaging unit 13: Sound collection unit 14: Airborne alcohol concentration measurement unit 15: Body temperature measurement unit 20: Alcohol concentration measurement unit 30: Control unit 31: Analysis unit 32: Storage unit 33: Alcohol concentration estimation unit 34: Notification control unit 35: Vehicle control unit

Claims (8)

a group of sensors for measuring the state of the driver of the vehicle, the group of sensors including a vital sensor, an imaging unit, a sound collection unit, an airborne alcohol concentration measurement unit, and a body temperature measurement unit;
a sickness level estimation unit that estimates the degree of sickness of the driver in multiple stages in order from highest to lowest based on the measurement results of the sensor group;
a vehicle control unit that prohibits engine operation of the vehicle when the degree of sickness is equal to or greater than a predetermined level;
Equipped with
The drunk driving prevention device is characterized in that the drunkenness level estimation unit estimates whether the level of drunkenness belongs to a certain level based on a combination of measurement results of different sensors included in the sensor group, depending on the level of drunkenness. an analysis unit that analyzes data measured by the sensor group, the analysis unit analyzing the facial color of the driver based on the image captured by the imaging unit, and analyzing whether the eyes are open or closed based on the image captured by the imaging unit;
The drunk driving prevention device according to claim 1, characterized in that the drunk driving level estimation unit determines whether the driver is in a coma stage based on the breathing rate and ventilation volume analyzed from the vital sensor and the eye opening/closing state, and determines whether the driver is in a refreshed stage based on the facial color or the airborne alcohol concentration analyzed from the measurement results of the airborne alcohol concentration measurement unit. The analysis unit determines the accuracy, repetition rate, and volume of the speech content based on the measurement results of the sound collected by the sound collection unit, and analyzes the facial expression of the driver based on the image captured by the imaging unit;
The drunk driving prevention device according to claim 2, characterized in that the drunkenness level estimation unit determines whether the driver is in a deep drunken state based on the opening and closing of the eyes and the accuracy of the speech content, and determines whether the driver is in an early stage of drunkenness based on the presence or absence of an angry expression on the driver's face and the volume of the driver's voice. The drunk driving prevention device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a notification control unit that issues a notification in a different manner depending on the level of drunkenness. Further, a storage unit is provided which stores the degree of drunkenness and a punishment to be imposed on the driver in association with each other,
The drunk driving prevention device according to claim 4 , wherein the notification control unit refers to the storage unit and notifies the driver of the disposition according to the level of drunkenness. Further, an alcohol concentration measurement unit different from the sensor group is provided,
6. The drunk driving prevention device according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle control unit allows the engine to operate when the measurement result by the alcohol concentration measurement unit satisfies a condition in a case where the engine operation is prohibited. a measuring step of measuring the state of the driver of the vehicle using a group of sensors including a vital sensor, an imaging unit, a sound collecting unit, an airborne alcohol concentration measuring unit, and a body temperature measuring unit;
a sickness level estimation step of estimating the level of sickness of the driver in multiple stages in order from high to low based on the measurement results of the sensor group, in which a step of estimating whether or not the level of sickness belongs to a certain level based on a combination of measurement results of different sensors included in the sensor group according to the level of sickness;
a vehicle control step of prohibiting engine operation of the vehicle when the degree of sickness is equal to or greater than a predetermined level;
A method for preventing drunk driving, comprising: Computer,
a sickness level estimation unit that estimates the level of sickness of the driver in multiple stages in order from high to low based on measurement results from a sensor group that measures the state of the driver of the vehicle, the sensor group including a vital sensor, an image pickup unit, a sound collection unit, an airborne alcohol concentration measurement unit, and a body temperature measurement unit, and that estimates whether the driver belongs to a certain level of sickness based on a combination of measurement results from different sensors included in the sensor group, depending on the level of sickness;
a vehicle control unit that prohibits engine operation of the vehicle when the degree of sickness is equal to or greater than a predetermined level;
A drunk driving prevention program characterized by functioning as a