(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2010/0043524 A1
`TAKATA
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Feb. 25, 2010
`
`US 20100043524A1
`
`(54) ALCOHOL DETECTION SYSTEM AND
`METHOD FOR VEHICLE
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Aug. 19, 2008
`
`(JP) ............................... .. 2008-211001
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor:
`
`Takashi TAKATA, Nagoya-city
`(JP)
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`G01N 33/497
`
`(2006.01)
`
`Correspondence Address;
`NIXON & VANDERHYE, PC
`901 NORTH GLEBE ROAD, 11TH FLOOR
`ARLINGTONVA 22203 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`DENSO CORPORATION,
`Kariya-city (JP)
`
`(21) APPL NO ':
`
`12/538325
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Aug. 10, 2009
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. ....................................................... .. 73/23.3
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`,
`,
`An alcohol detection system for a vehicle has. an alcohol
`sensor, for which alcohol measurement preparation process-
`ing such as heating the alcohol sensor to a predetermined
`temperature is performed, so that the alcohol sensor operates
`under the stable operation state. The alcohol measurement
`preparation processing is started, before a driver actually gets
`in the vehicle. For example, the preparation processing is
`started, when a predetermined manipulation ofa driver on the
`vehicle before entering the vehicle is detected. The manipu-
`lation may be unlocking or opening of a vehicle door.
`
`100
`
`1
`
`ASSA 1024
`
`1
`
`ASSA 1024
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 25, 2010 Sheet 1 of 13
`
`US 2010/0043524 A1
`
`FIG. 1
`
`SMART START SYSTEM
`
`ENG 1 NE
`ECU
`
`AU
`
`AU
`
`KCCLHCEDU
`ECU
`
`90
`
`IIEJ
`
`ENTRY SYSTEM
`
`IIL
`
`VIYA.ALLEERR
`
`..C"GCII.Ann.
`
`2
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 25, 2010 Sheet 2 of 13
`
`US 2010/0043524 A1
`
`FIG. 2A
`
`hm
`'
`T93
`
`mo
`
`’/
`
`
`
`FIG. 2B
`
`3
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 25, 2010 Sheet 3 of 13
`
`US 2010/0043524 A1
`
`F:I(Ei.
`
`:3
`
`19b
`
`ALCOHOL
`% DETECT10N
`
`4
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 25, 2010 Sheet 4 of 13
`
`US 2010/0043524 A1
`
`FIG. 4
`
`CC)
`
`N2
`
`H2
`
`G2H2O
`
`11
`
`CO2 K
`
`H
`
`02
`
`158
`
`15D
`
`150
`
`113
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ALCOHOL
`DETECTION
`ECU
`
`31
`
`
`
`ALCOHOL
`
`_
`
`HEATER _
`
`RESEDUAL GAS
`
`HEATER
`
`
`
`5
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 25, 2010 Sheet 5 of 13
`
`US 2010/0043524 A1
`
`31
`
`START
`MANlPULAT3DN?
`
`YES
`
`0 s
`
`2
`
`O
`
`COMPLETED
`PREPARAT|DN?.
`
`N0
`
`i ii
`
`YES
`
`DRFVE T0 STANDBY STATE
`
`83
`
`
`S4
`"""""""""" “N“
`
`..
`
`..
`
`85
`
`EASUREMENT?
`
`i.-
`
`BREATHE
`OUT
`
`YES
`
`LOW
`ALCOHOL?_
`% YES
`
`35
`
`.
`
`N0
`
`37
`
`39
`
`mwE%mmmwsmML
`
`!$%LmHMmN&wM
`
`I
`
`ii
`
`38
`
`III
`
`N
`
`M510
`
`iNDiCATE PERMISSION
`
`INDICATE L|M|TAT|0N
`
`
`
`
`
`iE“D
`
`FIG. 6
`
`N0
`
`.
`
`6
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 25, 2010 Sheet 6 of 13
`
`US 2010/0043524 A1
`
`FIG. 7
`
`N0
`
`TIME FOR
`'REPARAT|0N?.
`
`320
`
`R
`
`YES
`
`DRIVE HEATER AND FAN
`
`coumr TEME
`
`%
`
`i
`
`s21
`
`322
`
`323
`
`E.N°
`
`i
`TEMPERATURE
`RISE?
`YES
`
`RE
`
`iSSUE COMPLETi0N OF
`_MEASUREMENi RREPARAT:oM
`
`(324
`
`MEASURE ALCOHOL
`CONCENTRATION
`
`%%
`
`s25
`
`S26
`
`@ NO
`
`YES
`
`STOP HEATER AND FAN
`
`S27
`
`7
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 25, 2010 Sheet 7 of 13
`
`US 2010/0043524 A1
`
`FIG. 8
`
`MEMORY
`
`3°‘
`
`OUTSIDE
`31
`311
`H TRANSMIT
`“-::-$.
`INSIDE X3:
`
`TRANSM I T
`
`\
`
`SWITCH
`
`UNLOCK
`SWITCH
`
`LUCK
`
`33
`
`34
`
`‘:3 PO
`
`320
`
`40
`
`CODE CHECK
`ECU
`
`RECEIVE
`
`EIIIIE
`
`nooa LOCK/UNLOCK
`
`PASSENGERM-S I DE
`DOOR LOCK/UNOCK
`
`303
`
`300
`
`00
`
`8
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 25, 2010 Sheet 8 of 13
`
`US 2010/0043524 A1
`
`FIG.9
`
`90
`
`ECU
`
`PASSENGER—SIDE 2 DOOR LOCK DETECT
`
`212
`
`200
`
`FIG. 10
`
`STARTER RELAY
`
`IG RELAY
`
`
`
`
`
`ENGENE
`SWITCH
`
`40
`
`501
`
`ACC RELAY
`
`SPEED ENGINE
`
`
`
`I
`:
`
`ECU
`
`ACTUATOR
`
`Z
`
` 401
`
`x/502
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ACCELERATOR
`SENSOR
`
`
`TRAVEL
`
`500
`
`400
`
`9
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 25, 2010 Sheet 9 of 13
`
`US 2010/0043524 A1
`
`FIG. 11
`
`(DOOR LOCK)
`
`SMART ENTRY
`(CODE CHECK ECU 300)
`
`(PORTABLE KEY 30)
`
`
`
`RECEIVE
`
`POLLING WAVE
`
`POLLING WAVE
`
`
`
`POLLING
`RESPONSE
`
`
`
`RECEIVE RESPONSE .
`
`IDENTIFY KEY
`
`A
`
`‘D CODE
`REQUEST
`
`
`
`
`
`ID CODE
`
`RECEIVE REQUEST
`
`
`
`
`
`RECEIVE I9 CODE
`
`CHECK CODE
`
` PERMIT
`
`UNLOCK
`(AUTHORIZED)
`
`PRCHIBIT
`UNLOCK
`(UNAUTHORIZED)
`
`. UNLOCK
`
`UNLOCK
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 25, 2010 Sheet 10 of 13
`
`US 2010/0043524 A1
`
`FIG. 12
`
`(DOOR LOCK)
`
`KEYLESS ENTRY
`(CODE CHECK ECU 300)
`
`(PORTABLE KEY 30)
`
` UNLOCK REQUEST AND
`
` RECEEVE UNLOCK REQUEST
`D 30“
` CHECK CODE
`
`
`ED CODE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`AUTHORIZED e
`
`HNAUTHORIZED
`
`
`
`UNLOCK
`
`
`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 25, 2010 Sheet 11 of 13
`
`US 2010/0043524 A1
`
`FIG. 13
`
`(ENGENE ECU 500)
`
`SMART START
`(CODE CHECK ECU 300)
`
`(PORTABLE KEY 30)
`
`
`
`JD CODE
`REQUEST
`
`OPEN DOOR
`
`
`
`ID CODE
`
`
`
`
`
`RECEIVE TD CODE
`
`_
`
`CHECK CODE
`
`AUTHORTZED
`
`UNAUTHORIZED
`
`PERMIT
`
`ENGINE START
`PROHEBIT
`ENGiNE START C
`
`
`
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 25, 2010 Sheet 12 of 13
`
`US 2010/0043524 A1
`
`FIG. 14
`
`rIIIIIrIIIIIJi:iII£:IIIIIIIIll
`III...,,,i:.rr:IIIIIIIIIIJ.t..
`
`ECU
`
`PORTABLE
`KEY
`
`1I$:EiIIIIfIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII11iSII11JDIIII
`
`13
`
`13
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 25, 2010 Sheet 13 of 13
`
`US 2010/0043524 A1
`
`90
`
`MEMORY
`
`NEXT DEPARTURE TFME
`
`_
`
`
`
`PREPARATTON START TiME
`
`MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
`
`
`
`
`
`MANAGEMENT
`
`INFORMATION
`
`TRAVEL SCHEDULE
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`
`US 2010/0043524 Al
`
`Feb. 25, 2010
`
`ALCOHOL DETECTION SYSTEM AND
`METHOD FOR VEHICLE
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`
`[0001] This application is based on and incorporates herein
`by reference Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-211001
`filed on Aug. 19, 2008.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] The present invention relates to an alcohol detection
`system and method for a vehicle.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0003] Drunk driving of a vehicle (for example, automo-
`bile) is now a serious social problem. A driver is therefore
`strictly prohibited from driving a vehicle under the influence
`of alcohol drinking. However it all depends on a driver
`whether he or she refrains from driving a vehicle after drink-
`ing alcohol. JP 2005-2243l9A proposes technology, which
`forcibly restrains a driver under the influence of alcohol
`drinking from driving a vehicle. According to this technology,
`an alcohol detection device (alcohol concentration measure-
`ment device) is provided in a vehicle so that an engine start
`operation is prohibited, for example, unless the alcohol detec-
`tion device confirms that the driver is free from the influence
`
`of alcohol drinking.
`[0004] The alcohol detection device normally has an alco-
`hol sensor, which measures concentration of alcohol con-
`tained in a breath air of the driver, to determine degree of the
`influence of alcohol drinking.
`[0005] According to the conventional alcohol detection
`device, a preparatory operation is performed for a wait period
`of several tens of seconds before the actual measurement of
`
`alcohol to improve the accuracy in measurement of the alco-
`hol sensor. This wait period will necessarily irritate the driver,
`particularly drivers who have not drunk any alcohol.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is therefore an object of the present invention to
`[0006]
`provide an alcohol detection system and method, which can
`start measurement of alcohol concentration in a breath of a
`
`driver with only a short wait period.
`[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, an
`alcohol detection system detects alcohol concentration in
`breath air of a driver seating in a vehicle, permits normal
`travel of the vehicle when alcohol concentration measured
`
`under the predetermined stable operation state is below a
`threshold level, and prohibits travel of the vehicle over a
`predetermined travel speed when the alcohol concentration is
`over the threshold level. The alcohol detection system detects
`a pre-driving output signal outputted necessarily before an
`engine switch is manipulated, and instruct start of an alcohol
`measurement preparation operation when the pre-driving
`output signal is detected. Thus, measurement of alcohol con-
`centration can be started without necessitating long wait time.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0008] The above and other objects, features and advan-
`tages of the present invention will become more apparent
`from the following detailed description made with reference
`to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:
`
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an alcohol detection
`[0009]
`system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the
`present invention;
`[0010]
`FIGS. 2A and 2B are a front view and a rear view of
`an alcohol detection device, respectively;
`[0011]
`FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the alcohol detec-
`tion device taken along a line III-III in FIG. A;
`[0012]
`FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an alcohol sensor;
`[0013]
`FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the alcohol detection
`device;
`FIG. 6 is a flowchart of alcohol concentration mea-
`[0014]
`surement processing;
`[0015]
`FIG. 7 is a flowchart of alcohol measurement prepa-
`ration processing;
`[0016]
`FIG. 8 is a block diagram ofa part ofa smart entry
`system;
`FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the other part of the
`[0017]
`smart entry system;
`[0018]
`FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a part of the alcohol
`detection system;
`[0019]
`FIG. 11 is a flowchart of door unlocking processing
`performed in a smart entry operation;
`[0020]
`FIG. 12 is a flowchart of door unlocking processing
`performed in a keyless entry operation;
`[0021]
`FIG. 13 is a flowchart of engine starting processing
`performed in a smart start operation;
`[0022]
`FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an alcohol detection
`system according to modification of the embodiment; and
`[0023]
`FIG. 15 is a block diagram ofan example ofa travel
`management system shown in FIG. 14.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`
`[0024] The present invention will be described in detail
`with reference to an embodiment and its modifications.
`
`[0025] Referring first to FIG. 1, an alcohol detection system
`1 for a vehicle is configured with an alcohol detection device
`100 including an alcohol detection ECU 10, a smart entry
`system (keyless entry system) 20 including a door ECU 200
`and a code check ECU 300, a body ECU 400, and an engine
`ECU 500, all of which are connected to one another through
`an in-vehicle local area network (LAN) 90 to cooperate one
`another. Each of the ECUs 10, 200, 300, 400 and 500 is
`configured as a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a
`RAM and the like.
`
`[0026] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the smart entry system
`20 is configured with a portable key 30, which is a mobile
`device (smart key in the smart entry system) for radio com-
`munications, the code check ECU 300 for checking a key, and
`the door ECU 200 for controlling locking and unlocking
`doors (specifically, door lock mechanisms).
`[0027] As shown in FIG. 10, the body ECU 400 is config-
`ured to produce outputs for turning on an accessory (ACC)
`relay and an ignition (IG) relay based on manipulation on an
`engine switch 40. The engine ECU 500 is configured to pro-
`duce an output for turning on a starter relay based on prede-
`termined engine start manipulation on the engine switch 40,
`and perform conventional engine drive control (fuel injection
`control and the like) by driving an actuator 501 based on
`detection results of an accelerator sensor 502 and other
`
`engine system sensors.
`[0028] The alcohol detection device 100 is configured as
`shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The alcohol detection device 100
`
`has a breath inlet 19a and a display unit 14. The breath inlet
`15
`
`15
`
`

`
`US 2010/0043524 A1
`
`Feb. 25, 2010
`
`1911 is provided at a front upper part of a casing 19 for taking
`in breath air blown by a driver (user of a vehicle) to be tested.
`The display unit 14 is provided as an indicator at a lower part
`of the breath inlet 10a for displaying measured concentration
`of alcohol contained in the breath supplied through the breath
`inlet 19a. The breath inlet 10:; is tubular and extends from the
`
`front surface of the casing 19. The alcohol detection device
`100 also has an exhaust fan 15F, which is provided at a lower
`part on a rear surface of the casing 19 for forcibly exhausting
`the breath air subjected to the measurement of alcohol con-
`centration.
`
`[0029] The display unit 14 is a LED display unit, for
`example. As shown in FIG. 3 in detail, the display unit 14 for
`displaying the measured concentration of the alcohol
`is
`mounted on a substrate 16 and attached to the front part of the
`casing 19 so that the displayed concentration of the alcohol
`may be visible from an outside of the front part of the casing
`19. The display unit 14 may alternatively be an indicator unit
`or a meter display unit, which are provided on an upper part of
`a center console of the vehicle.
`
`[0030] An alcohol sensor 11 and a residual gas sensor (de-
`tection part) 12 are attached to a rear part of the substrate 16.
`The substrate 16 is enclosed within a cover 18 provided in the
`casing 19. The cover 18 partitions the inside space of the
`casing 19 into a breath air measurement chamber 19b and a
`substrate accommodating chamber 19c, which accommo-
`dates the substrate 16. Top parts of the alcohol sensor 11 and
`the residual gas sensor 12 protrude from the cover 18 into the
`measurement chamber 19b. The volume of the measurement
`
`chamber 19b is determined to correspond to volume or air,
`which an adult person normally breathes. The alcohol sensor
`and the measurement chamber 19 form an alcohol detection
`part.
`[0031] The alcohol sensor 11 of the alcohol detection
`device 100 requires alcohol measurement preparation pro-
`cessing (operation) to change from an initial state to a stable
`operation state in starting the measurement of alcohol con-
`centration.
`
`[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, the alcohol sensor 11 is a
`semiconductor sensor in which a coil 15C made of platinum
`is coated with a metal oxide 11B such as a tin oxide and
`
`sintered. In clean air, which contains no alcohol, oxygen
`atoms in the air and electrons of the metal oxide (tin oxide)
`11B are coupled, and hence the metal oxide 11B does not
`allow flow of electric current. Under this state, a current is
`supplied to the coil 15C to heat the metal oxide 11B to
`predetermined temperature (aging). If the breath air contain-
`ing alcohol contacts the metal oxide 11B after the heating, the
`alcohol in the breath air and oxygen atoms react each other. As
`a result, the oxygen atoms coupled with the electrons of the
`metal oxide 11B are decoupled and deprived. Electrons in the
`metal oxide 11B are freed to allow the flow of current. A
`
`detection circuit 11A detects this change (current) and mea-
`sures a change in the electric resistance of the metal oxide
`11B as a measurement of the alcohol concentration in the
`breath air.
`
`[0033] The residual gas sensor 12 is provided to detect the
`residual gas remaining in the measurement chamber 19b
`thereby measuring the internal state of the breath air measur-
`ing chamber 19b. The residual gas sensor may be an oxygen
`sensor, which measures oxygen concentration in the mea-
`surement chamber 19b. By checking whether the breath air in
`the measurement chamber 19b has been exhausted or purged
`out, it is checked whether new measurement can be per-
`
`formed. It is also possible to attach a carbon dioxide sensor in
`addition to the oxygen sensor, so that the carbon dioxide
`concentration in the measurement chamber 19b may be mea-
`sured.
`
`In the alcohol detection device 100, as shown in
`[0034]
`FIG. 5, the alcohol sensor 11, the residual gas sensor 12 and
`the display unit 14 are connected to the alcohol detection
`ECU 10. The alcohol concentration is measured by the alco-
`hol sensor 11 by manipulating a measurement start switch
`(not shown). The alcohol detection ECU 10 calculates the
`alcohol concentration based on the detection result informa-
`tion of the alcohol sensor 11, and the calculation result is
`displayed by the display unit 14.
`[0035] The alcohol detection ECU 10 is connected to a
`manipulation part (measurement preparation manipulation
`part) for implementing the measurement preparation process-
`ing. The measurement preparation manipulation part is con-
`figured with the exhaust fan 15F and the coil (heater) 15C. A
`vehicle storage battery VB is provided as a power source for
`the alcohol detection device 100. The exhaust fan 15F is
`
`configured to be driven by a motor, which is energized with
`the electric power ofthe vehicle battery VB, and connected to
`the alcohol detection ECU 10 to be controlled through a drive
`circuit ISE. The temperature inside the measurement cham-
`ber 19b is preferably detected by a temperature sensor (not
`shown) so that the alcohol detection ECU 10 controls the
`rotation speed of the exhaust fan 15F based on the detected
`temperature in the measurement chamber 19b. The heater
`15C generates heat, when energized by the vehicle battery VB
`through a power circuit 15D. The alcohol detection ECU 10
`controls the power circuit 15D through a drive circuit 15A.
`[0036] The alcohol detection ECU 10 performs alcohol
`measurement preparation processing shown in FIG. 7.
`[0037] The ECU 10 first checks at S20 whether it is the time
`to perform the measurement preparation processing. If it is
`the time to start the measurement preparation processing, the
`ECU 10 resets a stable operation flag stored in its predeter-
`mined storage part and indicating that the alcohol detection
`device 100 is in the stable operation state, and performs S21.
`If it is not the time to start the measurement preparation
`processing, the ECU 10 ends this measurement preparation
`processing.
`[0038] The time to start the measurement preparation pro-
`cessing is determined to be either a first time or a second time.
`The first time corresponds to a time point, at which it is
`detected that the driver of the vehicle having the alcohol
`detection system 1 approaches the vehicle and performs
`remote control
`in contactless manner for entry into the
`vehicle. The second time corresponds to a time point, at
`which certain processing is performed in the system 1 based
`on the detection of the remote control for entry into the
`vehicle. That is, the measurement preparation processing is
`started, when a pre-driving signal such as a remote control
`signal for entry into the vehicle is detected in a pre-driving
`period, which is before turning on an ignition switch (IG)
`after getting into the vehicle.
`[0039] Here, the remote control operation includes entering
`of a driver carrying an authorized portable key 30 into a
`predetermined key search area around the vehicle, or a pre-
`determined door unlock instruction operation ofthe driver on
`the portable key 30. In the processing shown in FIGS. 11 and
`12 and performed by the smart entry system 20, the ECU 10
`starts the measurement preparation processing when the door
`unlocking is permitted or instructed based on a check opera-
`16
`
`16
`
`

`
`US 2010/0043524 Al
`
`Feb. 25, 2010
`
`tion on an ID code received from the portable key 30. More
`specifically, when the code check ECU 300 detects an output
`signal (unlock permission signal) indicating permission of
`unlocking the door, it transmits a control signal to the alcohol
`detection ECU 10. The ECU 10 thus determines that it is the
`
`time to perform the measurement preparation processing. For
`this reason,
`the measurement preparation processing is
`started before the driver actually gets in the compartment.
`[0040] At S21, the ECU 10 outputs drive instructions to
`drive the measurement preparation part, that is, the heater
`15C and the fan 15F. The electric power ofthe vehicle battery
`VB is supplied to the heater 15C and the fan 15F to heat the
`alcohol sensor 11 and exhaust the gas in the chamber 19b.
`[0041] At 522, the ECU 10 starts counting time by its
`internal timer. At S23,
`the ECU 10 checks whether the
`counted time attains a predetermined time. Since the tempera-
`ture of the heater 15C driven at S21 rises as the time passes,
`the predetermined time corresponds to a predetermined tem-
`perature of the heater 15C. With the temperature rise, it is
`determined that the aging processing of the metal oxide 11B
`is completed and the exhausting the residual gas in the mea-
`surement chamber 19b is completed. Thus, the preparation
`for the next measurement of the alcohol concentration in the
`
`breath air is completed.
`[0042]
`If the residual gas sensor 12 is provided, it is deter-
`mined that the exhausting the residual gas in the measurement
`chamber 19b is completed when the detection result of the
`residual gas sensor 12 indicates a predetermined distribution
`ofconcentration of gases. In a case that the residual gas sensor
`12 is the oxygen sensor, it is preferably determined that the
`exhausting the residual gas in the measurement chamber 19b
`is completed and the measurement chamber 19b is prepared
`for the next measurement, when the detected oxygen concen-
`tration is lower than a predetermined level. The residual gas
`sensor 12 is provided with a heater 15B, which is driven with
`the vehicle battery through the power circuit 15D to generate
`heat. If the ECU 10 determines at S23 that the counted time
`
`reaches the predetermined time, the residual gas sensor 12 is
`considered to have been heated to a predetermined tempera-
`ture to operate properly as the alcohol sensor 11 is.
`[0043] The ECU 10 issues a notification of completion of
`the measurement preparation in the vehicle compartment at
`S24. This notice means that the alcohol detection device 100
`
`is changed from its initial unstable operation state to the
`predetermined stable operation state. This notification may be
`performed visually on the display unit 14 or audibly by a
`buzzer sound or voice sound. At this moment, the stable
`operation flag provided in the storage part of the ECU 10 is
`set.
`
`[0044] The ECU 10 starts the alcohol concentration mea-
`surement at S25, which is shown in detail in FIG. 6. The
`completion of alcohol concentration measurement is deter-
`mined at 55 (YES) in FIG. 6. If the alcohol concentration
`measurement is completed, the measurement preparation part
`15 (15A to 15F) is stopped from operating by shutting off the
`power supply from the battery VB.
`[0045] The alcohol sensor 11 is configured to measure the
`alcohol concentration while being continuously heated by the
`heater 15C. It is of course possible to measure the alcohol
`concentration by the alcohol sensor 11 without continuously
`being heated, so that the power of the battery VB is saved. In
`this instance, the electric power supply from the battery VB to
`the heater 15C may be shut off at 524 when the measurement
`preparation operation has been completed.
`
`[0046] Thus, the alcohol detection ECU 10 operates to
`detect a pre-driving output signal and instruct start of an
`alcohol measurement preparation operation.
`[0047] The alcohol concentration measurement processing
`(S25 in FIG. 7) is shown in detail in FIG. 6.
`[0048] The ECU 10 checks at SI whether the alcohol con-
`centration measurement should be started based on a prede-
`termined manipulation for starting the measurement. This
`predetermined manipulation is determined to be manipula-
`tion of an ignition switch (IG) of an engine switch 40 by a
`driver to turn on an ignition relay. Engine start manipulation
`for turning on a starter switch of the engine switch 40 to turn
`on a starter relay is performed on an assumption that the
`ignition switch has been turned on. For this reason, the engine
`start manipulation is also the predetermined manipulation.
`The starter relay is not necessarily turned on at this moment.
`If the predetermined manipulation has been performed, the
`ECU 10 performs 52. If no predetermined manipulation has
`been performed, the ECU 10 ends this alcohol concentration
`measurement processing.
`[0049] The ECU 10 checks at 52 whether the measurement
`preparation processing has been completed. Since this alco-
`hol measurement preparation processing has already been
`started before the driver actually enters the vehicle, the mea-
`surement preparation processing has already been completed
`in some cases before the driver enters the vehicle and manipu-
`lates the engine switch 40. Even if the measurement prepara-
`tion processing has not been completed, the time required for
`the driver to wait for the completion of the preparation pro-
`cessing is shortened. The ECU 10 checks whether the mea-
`surement preparation processing has been completed with
`reference to the state of the stable operation flag stored in its
`memory section. The ECU 10 repeats S2 until the measure-
`ment preparation processing is completed.
`[0050] The ECU 10 drives the alcohol sensor 11 and the like
`of the alcohol detection device 100 to a standby state (wait
`state for alcohol detection) at 53. Here, the ECU 10 drives the
`display unit 14 to indicate visually “PLEASE BREATHE
`OUT.” This guidance may be made audibly. The driver
`breathes out or blows a breath to the inlet 1911 by opening a
`cover member of the like, which normally closes the inlet
`1911. It is preferred that the measurement chamber 19b is filed
`with tow or more breath air of the driver. This breath air is
`
`indicated by P in FIG. 3 . As a result, the oxygen concentration
`in the measurement chamber 19b gradually decreases and the
`carbon dioxide concentration in the measurement gradually
`increases. If the breath air of the driver breathed out or blown
`into the measurement chamber 19b contains alcohol, the alco-
`hol concentration in the measurement chamber 19b gradually
`increases. At S4, the ECU 10 measures the alcohol concen-
`tration in the measurement chamber 19b based on the output
`signal of the alcohol sensor 11.
`[0051]
`If the breath air blown into the measurement cham-
`ber 19b contacts the alcohol sensor 11, the alcohol sensor 11
`changes its output signal in correspondence to the concentra-
`tion of alcohol. The display unit 14 is driven to visually
`indicate “UNDER MEASURMENT.”
`
`[0052] The ECU 10 checks at S5 whether the measurement
`of the alcohol concentration has been completed. If com-
`pleted, the ECU 10 checks at S6 whether the alcohol concen-
`tration is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold level
`(low alcohol condition). If the alcohol concentration is low,
`the ECU 10 issues at 57 a control signal (permission signal)
`indicating travel permission to the engine ECU 500. If the
`
`17
`
`17
`
`

`
`US 2010/0043524 Al
`
`Feb. 25, 2010
`
`alcohol concentration is high, the ECU 10 issues at S9 a
`control signal (limitation signal) indicating travel limitation
`to the engine ECU 500. The travel limitation may be a limi-
`tation on a travel speed not to exceed a predetermined low
`speed.
`It is also possible to prohibit the engine starting
`[0053]
`operation, as the travel limitation, irrespective of the manipu-
`lation of the engine switch 40. That is, the starter relay is
`prohibited from being turned on. Specifically, the alcohol
`detection ECU 10 transmits the control signal indicating the
`travel limitation to the engine ECU 500, so that the engine
`ECU 500 does not turn on the starter relay even if the engine
`switch 40 is manipulated for starting the engine.
`[0054] The ECU 10 drives the display unit 14 to indicate the
`result of measurement of the alcohol concentration, for
`example, as “ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION: X.XX MG/L
`(milligram per liter).” The display unit 14 further indicates
`“TRAVEL: PERMITTED” at SS following S7, if the alcohol
`concentration is low. The display unit 14 however indicates
`“TRAVEL: LIMITED BECAUSE OF ALCOHOL” at S10
`
`following S9, if the alcohol concentration is high. Thus, the
`driver is enabled to recognize the degree of the influence of
`alcohol drinking and limitation on vehicle travel.
`[0055] The smart entry system 20 is described next.
`[0056] The smart entry system 20 includes the code check
`ECU 300, the portable key (smart key: radio key or electronic
`key) 20 and the door ECU 200 as shown in FIG. 1.
`[0057] More specifically,
`the code check ECU 300 is
`mounted on the vehicle and connected to an external memory
`unit 301, an outside radio transmitter 311, an inside radio
`transmitter 312, a radio receiver 320, a driver-side door
`unlock manipulation unit 302, a passenger-side door unlock
`manipulation unit 303 and the engine 40. The external
`memory unit 301 stores a master code (ID) specific to each
`vehicle. The code check ECU 300 stores in its ROM various
`
`programs to realize a smart entry system and a keyless entry
`system.
`[0058] The outside transmitter 311 is provided at each door
`of a driver seat, a passenger seat and a rear luggage trunk. The
`outside transmitter 311 is provided in each door handle unit
`and regularly transmits an inquiry signal (polling signal or
`request signal: long wavelength (LF) band electromagnetic
`wave) in an outward direction around the vehicle. This
`inquiry signal is adjusted to reach only a predetermined dis-
`tance (0.7 to 1.0 m) from each door thereby to form a key
`response area (outside detection area).
`[0059] The inside transmitter 312 is provided inside the
`vehicle and is provided at one of or both of a front part and a
`rearpart of a vehicle compartment. The inside transmitter 312
`is also provided in a rear luggage trunk. The inside transmitter
`312 regularly transmits an inquiry signal (long wavelength
`(LF) band electromagnetic wave) into the vehicle compart-
`ment. This inquiry signal is adjusted to reach only a prede-
`termined key response area iii the compartment.
`[0060] The receiver 320 receives a response signal of the
`portable key 30 in each key response area or a manipulation
`signal (lock/unlock request signal: radio frequency (high fre-
`quency) band electromagnetic wave), and sends a received
`response signal to the code check ECU 300. The inquiry
`signal transmitted from the portable key 30 includes data,
`which is used to determine in which one of the areas the
`
`portable key 30 is.
`[0061] The portable key 30 includes a radio receiver 31 for
`receiving electromagnetic wave of the long wavelength (LF)
`
`band, a radio transmitter 32 for transmitting electromagnetic
`wave of the radio frequency (RF) band, a door unlock
`manipulation switch 33, a door lock manipulation switch 34,
`and a control unit 35. The control unit 35 stores an ID code
`
`specific to a vehicle for which the portable key 30 is autho-
`rized. When the inquiry signal (polling signal) from the trans-
`mitter 311 or 312 is received by the receiver 31 or when the
`manipulation switch 33 or 34 is operated, the control unit 35
`is activated and drives the transmitter 32 to transmit the
`
`response signal so that the response signal is received by the
`receiver 320 ofthe code check ECU 300. This response signal
`includes the ID code assigned to the portable key 30 and
`stored in its memory.
`[0062] The door ECU 200 is provided to control lock or
`unlock of each door of the vehicle. The door ECU 200 is
`
`connected to a door lock drive units (motors and drive cir-
`cuits) 201, 202, door lock state detection units 211, 212 and
`door open/close detection units 221, 222. The door lock drive
`units 201 and 202 switch over the lock/unlock state of each
`
`door lock mechanism of the driver-side door and the passen-
`ger-side doors, respectively. The door open/close detection
`units 221 and 222 detect the door lock states by checking
`whether the driver- side door and the pas senger-side doors are
`locked or unlocked, respectively. The door open/close detec-
`tion units 221 and 222 detect the door open/close states by
`checking whether the driver- side door and the passenger- side
`doors are opened or closed, respectively.
`[0063] Door unlocking processing in the smart entry sys-
`tem is shown in FIG. 11. The code check ECU 300 regularly
`drives the outside transmitter 311 to transmit the polling
`signal (polling wave) as the inquiry signal for searching for
`the portable key 30 outside the vehicle. When the driver
`carrying the portable key 30 enters the key response area
`(outside detection area) defined by the polling signal, the
`portable key 30 receives the polling signal by its receiver 31
`and transmits the response signal from the transmitter 32.
`When the receiver 320 in the vehicle receives the response
`signal, the code check ECU 300 performs whether the por-
`table key 30, which corresponds to the subject vehicle, is
`present. Ifthe presence is confirmed, the code check ECU 300
`drives the transmitter 311 to transmit the request signal for
`requesting the ID code. The portable key 30, receiving the
`request signal by the receiver 31, transmits the response sig-
`nal including the ID code stored in the control unit 35 from the
`transmitter 32. When the code check ECU 300 receives the
`
`response signal including the ID code, it checks whether this
`received ID code corresponds to the master code stored in the
`code check ECU 300. If the codes match, that is, the portable
`key 30 is the authorized one, the code check ECU 300 outputs
`a control signal to the door ECU 200 for permitting the
`unlocking of the doors by the door ECU 200. If the codes do
`not match, that is, the portable key 30 is not the authorized
`one, the code check ECU 300 outputs a control signal to the
`door ECU for prohibiting the unlocking of the do