JP2008264081A - Alcohol component detection device - Google Patents

Abstract

An alcohol component detection device that is mounted on a vehicle and can be easily used for the purpose of detecting a driver's alcohol intake regularly or regularly without causing the user to feel bothered during detection. I will provide a.
An area including an eye of a driver is irradiated from a light source with light including an alcohol-absorbing light component having a wavelength that is absorbed by the alcohol component. The driver 100 is imaged using the camera 30 equipped with the optical filter 31 that transmits the alcohol-absorbing light component, and the amount of absorption of the alcohol-absorbing light component by the tears of the driver's eyes is calculated based on the obtained image. By doing so, it is detected whether or not the driver 100 has taken alcohol.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an alcohol component detection apparatus capable of measuring the influence of a driver's alcohol in order to prevent drunk driving or drunk driving by a driver such as a vehicle.

  Driving drunk or drunk driving vehicles is extremely dangerous and prohibited by law. However, even in recent years, accidents associated with drunk driving or drunk driving are constantly becoming a social problem. For this reason, it is required to use a device for measuring the influence of the alcohol of the driver, and to install a function for prohibiting the vehicle from running when the alcohol is detected by the driver.

  For example, a vehicle having a function of detecting alcohol contained in a driver's breath and prohibiting traveling has already been put into practical use. When alcohol is detected from the driver's exhalation, the driver needs to inject exhalation by adding a cylindrical inlet to the mouth. However, since it is not easy to perform cleaning as a device permanently installed in a vehicle, there is a problem in terms of hygiene. In addition, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the driver blows his / her breath without detecting the cylindrical inlet to the mouth, but since the amount of exhalation is not accurate, the accuracy of alcohol detection decreases. There is a problem.

In Patent Document 1, a space is formed on the eye using an eyepiece that surrounds the eye of the person to be measured, an ethanol vapor sensor is disposed in this space, and ethanol vapor in tears oozing from the eye Alcohol level detection methods have been proposed that measure the concentration of alcohol. With this detection method, alcohol can be detected with high accuracy, and when applied to a vehicle, the above-mentioned hygiene problems can be solved.
JP-A-64-76832

  As described in Patent Document 1, since the alcohol component is contained in the tears of the subject who took alcohol, it is possible to detect alcohol using this. However, when the detection method described in Patent Literature 1 is applied to prevent drunk driving of a vehicle, the driver needs to wear an eyepiece to cover the eyes for detection, and is inconvenient and troublesome to use frequently. There is a problem. Moreover, since it cannot drive | operate in the state which mounted | wore with an eyepiece, there exists a problem that it is difficult to use for the objectives, such as detecting alcohol normally or regularly, while driving | running | working a vehicle.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to irradiate a subject's eyes with light containing an alcohol-absorbing light component having a wavelength that is absorbed by the alcohol component. The subject's eyes are imaged through an alcohol optical filter that transmits the absorbed light component, and the amount of alcohol absorbed light component in the subject's eye is calculated based on the image obtained by the imaging to detect the alcohol component. This configuration eliminates the inconvenience of the subject due to alcohol detection, and it can be easily used for the purpose of detecting alcohol at all times or on the road while mounted on a vehicle. To provide an apparatus.

  Another object of the present invention is to irradiate the subject's eyes with light containing a reference absorption light component having a wavelength that is absorbed by a reference component other than the alcohol component, and refer to the same as in the case of the alcohol component. By calculating the absorption amount of the absorbed light component and detecting the alcohol component based on the absorption amount of the alcohol absorbed light component and the absorption amount of the reference absorbed light component, the alcohol component is detected with higher accuracy. An object of the present invention is to provide an alcohol component detection apparatus that can perform the above-described process.

  Another object of the present invention is to irradiate the subject's eyes with light containing an alcohol absorption light component and a reference absorption light component, and perform imaging through the alcohol optical filter and the reference optical filter, respectively. , Calculating the absorption amount of the alcohol absorption light component and the absorption amount of the reference absorption light component based on the image acquired by imaging, and calculating the absorption amount of the alcohol component based on the absorption amount of the alcohol absorption light component and the absorption amount of the reference absorption light component. It is in providing the alcohol component detection apparatus which can detect an alcohol component more accurately by setting it as the structure which performs a detection.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide means for distributing incident light to an alcohol optical filter and a reference optical filter, and to perform imaging through an alcohol optical filter and imaging through a reference optical filter. It is an object of the present invention to provide an alcohol component detection device capable of detecting an alcohol component more quickly by adopting a configuration in which the steps are performed simultaneously.

  Another object of the present invention is to use a reference component as a water component and compare the amount absorbed by the alcohol component with the amount absorbed by the water component to detect the alcohol component for the person being measured. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an alcohol component detection device that can easily and reliably detect a highly accurate alcohol component.

  An alcohol component detection apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an alcohol light source that irradiates light including an alcohol-absorbed light component having a wavelength absorbed by the alcohol component to an irradiation region including the eye of the subject, and the alcohol-absorbed light component. An optical filter for alcohol that passes through, an imaging means for imaging an imaging area including the eyes of the person to be measured through the optical filter for alcohol, and the person to be measured based on an image acquired by the imaging means A calculating means for calculating the amount of absorption of the alcohol-absorbing light component by the eyes, and a detecting means for detecting the alcohol component according to the calculation result of the calculating means.

  In the present invention, the irradiation region including the eye of the person to be measured is irradiated with light containing an alcohol-absorbing light component having a wavelength absorbed by the alcohol component. When the measurement subject is taking alcohol, the alcohol component is contained in the tears covering the eyes, so the alcohol-absorbing light component of the irradiated light is absorbed. When the measurement subject does not take alcohol, the alcohol-absorbing light component is reflected without being absorbed. Therefore, by performing imaging through an alcohol optical filter that transmits the alcohol-absorbed light component, the amount of alcohol-absorbed light component absorbed by the tears of the eye of the subject can be calculated based on the captured image. Based on the amount, it can be detected whether or not the subject is taking alcohol. Since it is not necessary for the measurement subject to wear a device for measurement, it is possible to easily detect the alcohol component constantly or periodically while the vehicle is running. Furthermore, by combining with the function of iris authentication of the measurement subject, it is possible to identify the measurement subject and detect alcohol.

  The alcohol component detection apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention further includes a reference light source that irradiates the irradiation region with light including a reference absorption light component having a wavelength that is absorbed by a reference component other than the alcohol component. The filter is configured to transmit the reference absorbed light component, and the imaging unit is configured to perform a first case where light is emitted from the alcohol light source and a second case where light is emitted from the reference light source, respectively. The calculating means calculates the amount of absorption of the alcohol-absorbed light component based on the image acquired by the imaging means in the first case, and the second means In this case, the absorption amount of the reference absorption component is calculated based on an image captured and acquired by the imaging unit, and the detection unit responds to two calculation results of the calculation unit. Characterized in that are to perform the detection of the alcohol component.

  In the present invention, a component other than the alcohol component contained in the tear of the measurement subject is used as a reference component, and light including a reference absorption light component having a wavelength absorbed by the reference component is applied to the irradiation region including the eye of the measurement subject. Irradiate and image as in the case of the alcohol component to obtain an image. The irradiation with light including the alcohol absorption light component and the irradiation with light including the reference absorption light component may be performed alternately, for example, and imaging is performed using an optical filter that transmits the alcohol absorption light component and the reference absorption light component. By calculating and comparing the absorption amount of the alcohol-absorbing light component and the absorption amount of the reference absorption component based on the two images acquired by imaging, the concentration of the alcohol component contained in the measured subject's tear can be accurately determined. It becomes possible to detect.

  An alcohol component detection apparatus according to a third aspect of the invention includes a reference optical filter that transmits a reference absorption light component having a wavelength that is absorbed by a reference component other than the alcohol component, and the alcohol light source includes the alcohol absorption light component. And the light including the reference absorption light component is irradiated, and the imaging means images the imaging region that has passed through the alcohol optical filter and the imaging region that has passed through the reference optical filter, respectively. The calculation means calculates the amount of absorption of the alcohol-absorbing light component based on the image acquired through the optical filter for alcohol and acquired through the reference optical filter. The amount of absorption of the reference absorption component is calculated on the basis of the reference absorption component, and the detection means includes two calculation results of the calculation means. Characterized in that are to perform the detection of the alcohol component in accordance with the.

  In the present invention, the irradiation region including the eye of the person to be measured is irradiated with light including the alcohol-absorbing light component and the reference absorption light component. The subject is imaged through the alcohol optical filter that transmits the alcohol-absorbed light component, and the subject is imaged through the reference optical filter that transmits the reference-absorbed light component. Each imaging may be performed alternately by changing the optical filter, may be performed simultaneously by two imaging units, or may be performed simultaneously by one imaging unit as described later. Based on the image acquired and captured, the concentration of the alcohol component contained in the measured subject's tear is accurately detected by calculating and comparing the absorption amount of the alcohol-absorbing light component and the absorption amount of the reference absorption component. It becomes possible.

  The alcohol component detection apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes distribution means for distributing incident light to the alcohol optical filter and the reference optical filter, respectively, and the imaging means passes the alcohol optical filter. The imaging region and the imaging region that has passed through the reference optical filter are simultaneously imaged.

  In the present invention, a distribution means such as a prism for distributing incident light to the alcohol optical filter and the reference optical filter is provided. In addition, one imaging unit simultaneously performs imaging through the alcohol optical filter and imaging through the reference optical filter. For example, it can be realized by dividing the light receiving area of the image pickup device of the image pickup means into two parts, condensing the light transmitted through the alcohol optical filter on one side, and condensing the light transmitted through the reference optical filter on the other side. Can do. It is possible to calculate the absorption amount of the alcohol-absorbing light component and the absorption amount of the reference absorption component from the obtained image only by performing imaging once by the imaging means.

  The alcohol component detection apparatus according to a fifth aspect is characterized in that the reference component is a water component.

  In the present invention, a water component is used as a reference component for the alcohol component. Since the subject's tears contain a water component, the alcohol concentration of the subject can be calculated by comparing the amount of light absorbed by the water component with the amount of light absorbed by the alcohol component. Although there are individual differences in the amount of tears covering the eyes, the alcohol component can be accurately detected even when the amount of tears is small by comparing with the case of the water component. Further, when there is no light absorption due to the water component or extremely little, it is possible to determine that the detection is performed again because the reliability of the alcohol component detection is low.

  In the case of the first invention, the subject's eyes are irradiated with light containing an alcohol-absorbing light component, the eyes of the subject are imaged through an alcohol optical filter that transmits the alcohol-absorbing light component, and an image obtained by imaging Detecting alcohol components without wearing measurement equipment by calculating the amount of alcohol absorbed light component in the subject's eye based on Therefore, the troublesomeness of the measurement subject accompanying the detection of the alcohol component can be eliminated, and the convenience of the alcohol component detection device can be improved. In addition, when the alcohol component detection device is mounted on a vehicle, the alcohol component can be detected constantly or periodically while the vehicle is running. It can certainly contribute to prevention of driving or drunk driving.

  Further, in the case of the second invention, the subject's eye is irradiated with light containing a reference absorption light component having a wavelength that is absorbed by the reference component other than the alcohol component, and imaging is performed as in the case of the alcohol component. The alcohol contained in the measurement subject's tears is calculated by calculating the absorption amount of the absorbed light component and detecting the alcohol component based on the absorption amount of the alcohol absorbed light component and the absorption amount of the reference absorbed light component. The concentration of the component can be detected with high accuracy. Therefore, the reliability of the detection result by the alcohol component detection device can be increased, and it is possible to more reliably contribute to prevention of drunk driving or drunk driving.

  In the case of the third invention, the subject's eyes are irradiated with light containing the alcohol-absorbing light component and the reference-absorbing light component, and images are taken through the alcohol optical filter and the reference optical filter, respectively. Based on the acquired image, the absorption amount of the alcohol absorption light component and the absorption amount of the reference absorption light component are calculated, and the alcohol component is detected based on the absorption amount of the alcohol absorption light component and the absorption amount of the reference absorption light component. By adopting the configuration, the concentration of the alcohol component contained in the measurement subject's tears can be accurately detected. Therefore, the reliability of the detection result by the alcohol component detection device can be increased, and it is possible to more reliably contribute to prevention of drunk driving or drunk driving.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided means for distributing incident light to the alcohol optical filter and the reference optical filter, and the imaging through the alcohol optical filter and the imaging through the reference optical filter are performed simultaneously. With this configuration, it is possible to calculate the absorption amount of the alcohol absorption light component and the absorption amount of the reference absorption component with only one imaging by the imaging means, so that the alcohol component can be detected faster. The convenience of the alcohol component detection device can be further enhanced.

  In the case of the fifth invention, the water concentration is used as a reference component for the alcohol component, so that the alcohol concentration of the person to be measured can be easily reduced even when the amount of tears of the person to be measured is small, for example. In addition, it can be detected reliably. Therefore, the reliability of the detection result by the alcohol component detection device can be further increased.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an alcohol component detection device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the alcohol component detection apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), which is connected to a light source 20 and a camera 30 to control these operations, and at the same time, a driver (measured person) 100 irradiated with light from the light source 20 is a camera. 30 detects the alcohol component based on the image captured and acquired.

  The light source 20 and the camera 30 are arranged near a driver's seat of a vehicle (not shown) in a place where driving is not hindered. In addition, the light source 20 has an arrangement position adjusted so that light can be applied to the eyes of the driver 100 sitting in the driver's seat of the vehicle and the vicinity thereof (region 101 indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1). Similarly, the arrangement position of the camera 30 is adjusted so that the eyes of the driver 100 sitting in the driver's seat of the vehicle and the vicinity thereof can be imaged. However, the range in which the light source 20 emits light and the range in which the camera 30 captures images do not have to match, and at least the light source 20 irradiates the eyes of the driver 100 and the camera 30 captures the eyes of the driver 100. I can do it.

  The ECU 10 includes connection units 16 and 17 for connecting connection cables, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a display unit 14, an audio output unit 15, an engine lock control unit 18, and the like. The control part 11 which controls each part of these is provided. The connection unit 16 is connected to the light source 20 via a connection cable so that the control unit 11 can control turning on and off of the light source 20. The connection unit 17 is connected to the camera 30 via a connection cable, and the control unit 11 can control the imaging of the camera 30 and obtain images captured by the camera 30 via the connection cable. Image processing can be performed.

  Specifically, the control unit 11 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or the like, and by reading and executing a program and data stored in advance in the ROM 12, various control processes are performed. In addition, arithmetic processing and the like are performed. The ROM 12 is configured by a nonvolatile memory element such as a mask ROM, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), or a flash memory, and various software programs necessary for the operation of the ECU 10 are stored in advance. The RAM 13 stores temporary data generated when the control unit 11 performs control processing, arithmetic processing, or the like, and includes a rewritable memory element such as SRAM (Static RAM) or DRAM (Dynamic RAM). It is. The RAM 13 can also store an image captured by the camera 30.

  The display unit 14 is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like, and may be shared with a liquid crystal display for these devices when a device such as a car navigation system or a back monitor is mounted on the vehicle. . The voice output unit 15 is configured by a speaker or the like, and can output a warning sound or a message to the user. When a device such as audio or car navigation is mounted on the vehicle, it may be shared with a speaker for these devices.

  The engine lock control unit 18 gives a control command to the engine 50 (including various drive devices for operating the engine 50) mounted on the vehicle so that the engine 50 cannot start (that is, , Lock). The control unit 11 of the ECU 10 detects the alcohol component based on the image of the driver 100 captured by the camera 30. When the alcohol component is detected, the engine lock control unit 18 locks the engine 50, and the vehicle Is allowed to be prohibited.

  The light source 20 is configured to irradiate light including only a light component having a specific range of wavelengths. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the wavelength of light emitted by the light source 20, and is a graph showing the wavelength of light on the horizontal axis and the amount of light absorbed by the alcohol component on the vertical axis. . As illustrated, the alcohol component has a property of absorbing a light component having a wavelength λa. Therefore, the light source 20 emits light including only the light component in the predetermined wavelength range A including the wavelength λa, and when the tear covering the eyes of the driver 100 includes an alcohol component, the light source 20 Light is absorbed, and when no alcohol component is contained, the light is reflected.

  The camera 30 includes an optical filter 31, a lens 32, an image sensor 33, and the like. The optical filter 31 has a property of transmitting only light components included in the wavelength range A and not transmitting light components other than the wavelength range A. The light component transmitted through the optical filter 31 is condensed on the image sensor 33 by the lens 32 of the camera 30. The imaging element 33 is a matrix in which a plurality of light receiving elements that can receive at least a light component in the wavelength range A and generate an electrical signal are arranged in a matrix and perform imaging through the optical filter 31. The acquired image is given to the ECU 10.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the alcohol component detection method by the alcohol component detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example of an image captured by the camera 30. Moreover, (a) is a case where an alcohol component is not detected, and (b) is a case where an alcohol component is detected. The camera 30 captures an image of the driver's 100 eyes and the vicinity thereof to acquire an image. When the driver 100 is taking alcohol, an alcohol component is contained in tears covering the eyes of the driver 100, so that light emitted from the light source 20 to the driver 100 is applied to the eyes of the driver 100. Absorbed. For this reason, in the image given from the camera 30, the eye part of the driver | operator 100 is imaged darkly (refer FIG.4 (b)).

  On the other hand, when the driver 100 is not ingesting alcohol, the light emitted from the light source 20 to the driver 100 is reflected and enters the camera 30, passes through the optical filter 31, and passes through the image sensor 33. The light is received at. Therefore, in the image given from the camera 30, the eye part of the driver 100 is imaged brightly (see FIG. 4A).

  Therefore, the control unit 11 given the image from the camera 30 extracts an area corresponding to the eyes of the driver 100 from the image, and examines the luminance value in this area, thereby absorbing the light emitted by the light source 20. The amount can be calculated. Since a method for extracting an eye region from an image is a known technique, a detailed description thereof is omitted. However, when the area of the driver's eyes is captured at a sufficiently large ratio with respect to the entire image by the camera 30, the amount of absorption is calculated from the luminance value of the entire image without performing the process of extracting the eye area from the image. Can also be calculated.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of detection processing performed by the alcohol component detection device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The control unit 11 of the ECU 10 turns on the light source 20 to irradiate the driver 100 with light (step S1), and performs imaging with the camera 30 (step S2). The region of the eyes of the driver 100 is extracted from the image obtained by imaging (step S3), and the amount of light absorption is calculated based on the luminance of this region (step S4).

  Next, it is checked whether or not the calculated absorption amount exceeds a predetermined threshold value (step S5). If the absorption amount does not exceed the threshold value (S5: NO), the detection result indicates that there is no alcohol component (step S5). S6) The process is terminated. When the absorption amount exceeds the threshold (S5: YES), it is assumed that there is an alcohol component as a detection result (step S7), and a warning message is output on the display unit 14 or the audio output unit 15 (step S8), and the engine lock control is performed. The engine 50 is locked in a state where the engine 50 cannot be started by the unit 18 (step S9), and the process is terminated.

  In the alcohol component detection device having the above configuration, light including a light component absorbed by the alcohol component is irradiated from the light source 20 to the driver 100, and the reflected light is captured by the camera 30 provided with the optical filter 31. By adopting a configuration for detecting the alcohol component, the driver 100 does not need to wear a device for detection, and can easily detect the alcohol component. Therefore, the detection by the alcohol component detection device can be performed not only when the vehicle is stopped but also when the vehicle is traveling, at all times or regularly. However, when detection is performed during traveling, it is dangerous to lock the engine 50 even if alcohol components are detected, so only a warning message is output from the display unit 14 or the voice output unit 15. To do. Moreover, since the alcohol component detection apparatus according to the present invention captures the eyes of the driver 100 with the camera 30, it is possible to further include a function for performing iris authentication. As a result, it is possible to prevent other persons other than the driver 100 from detecting alcohol, starting the engine 50, and then driving the driver 100.

  In this embodiment, the alcohol component detection device is configured to lock the engine 50 of the vehicle when the alcohol component is detected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shift lever of the vehicle is set to “D (drive)”. It is good also as a structure locked by other methods, such as locking so that it cannot change, or locking a brake so that it cannot be released. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which only outputs the warning message by the display part 14 or the audio | voice output part 15, without locking. In addition, although the alcohol component detection device is configured to be mounted on a vehicle, the configuration is not limited to this, and may be configured to be mounted on a motorcycle, a ship, an aircraft, or the like, and may be a portable device instead of being mounted on a vehicle or the like. It is good.

(Embodiment 2)
The alcohol component detection apparatus according to Embodiment 1 is configured such that the light source 20 emits only light including a light component absorbed by the alcohol component. However, since there are individual differences in the amount of tears of the driver 100, the driver 100 with a large amount of tears is more likely to detect alcohol components than the driver 100 with a small amount of tears. Therefore, the alcohol component detection device according to Embodiment 2 has a configuration in which detection accuracy is improved by further including another light source that irradiates a light component absorbed by the water component as a reference component. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an alcohol component detection device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The alcohol component detection apparatus according to Embodiment 2 includes a first light source 220 that irradiates a light component absorbed by the alcohol component, and a second light source 225 that irradiates the light component absorbed by the water component. The first light source 220 and the second light source 225 are connected to the ECU 210 and controlled to be turned on and off.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the wavelength of light emitted from the first light source 220 and the second light source 225, in which the amount of light absorbed by the alcohol component is indicated by a solid line, and the amount of light absorbed by the water component is indicated by a broken line. It is shown by. As illustrated, the alcohol component has a property of absorbing a light component having a wavelength λa, and the water component has a property of absorbing a light component having a wavelength λb (λb <λa). Therefore, the first light source 220 emits light including only the light component in the predetermined wavelength range A including the wavelength λa (that is, the first light source 220 is the same as the light source 20 of the first embodiment). ). The second light source 225 emits light including only a light component in a predetermined wavelength range B including the wavelength λb. In addition, the camera 230 of the alcohol component detection device according to the second embodiment includes an optical filter 231 that transmits a light component included in the wavelength ranges A and B described above.

  The ECU 210 first turns on the first light source 220 and turns off the second light source 225, and irradiates the driver 100 with light from the first light source 220 and performs imaging by the camera 230. Thereby, the absorption amount of the light component absorbed by the alcohol component can be calculated from the image obtained by imaging. Next, the ECU 210 turns on the second light source 225 and turns off the first light source 220, irradiates the driver 100 with light from the second light source 225, and performs imaging by the camera 230. Thereby, the absorption amount of the light component absorbed by the water component can be calculated from the image obtained by imaging. Therefore, since the ECU 210 can calculate the ratio of the alcohol component to the water component, that is, the alcohol concentration based on the two absorption amounts calculated, the engine 50 is locked when the alcohol concentration exceeds a predetermined threshold value. It is.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the alcohol component detection method by the alcohol component detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example of an image captured by the camera 230. In the figure, (a1) and (a2) are cases where no alcohol component is detected, and (b1) and (b2) are cases where an alcohol component is detected. Further, (a1) and (b1) are cases where the first light source 220 is irradiated and imaged, and (a2) and (b2) are cases where the second light source 225 is irradiated and imaged.

  When the driver 100 is not ingesting alcohol, the light emitted from the first light source 220 to the driver 100 is reflected, enters the camera 230, passes through the optical filter 231, and is received by the image sensor 33. Is done. Therefore, in the image captured by irradiating the light from the first light source 220, the eyes of the driver 100 are captured brightly (see FIG. 8 (a1)). Further, the light emitted from the second light source 225 to the driver 100 is absorbed by the water component of tears that covers the driver's 100 eyes. For this reason, in the image imaged by irradiating the light from the second light source 225, the eye part of the driver 100 is imaged darkly (see FIG. 8 (a2)).

  On the other hand, when the driver 100 is taking alcohol, since the alcohol component is contained in tears covering the eyes of the driver 100, the light emitted from the first light source 220 to the driver is the driver. Absorbed at 100 eyes. For this reason, in the image imaged by irradiating the light from the first light source 220, the eye part of the driver 100 is imaged darkly (see FIG. 8 (b1)). In addition, since the light emitted from the second light source 225 to the driver 100 is absorbed by the water component of tears covering the eyes of the driver 100, in the image captured by irradiating the light from the second light source 225, The eye part of the driver 100 is imaged darkly (see FIG. 8B2).

  Therefore, the ECU 210 to which the image is given from the camera 230 extracts a region corresponding to the eyes of the driver 100 from the image, and examines the luminance value in this region, so that the light emitted from the first light source 220 is detected. The absorption amount and the absorption amount of the light irradiated by the second light source 225 can be calculated, and further, the alcohol concentration relative to the water component can be calculated.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the detection process performed by the alcohol component detection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 11 of the ECU 210 turns on one of the first light source 220 and the second light source 225 to irradiate the driver 100 with light (step S21), and performs imaging by the camera 230 (step S22). ). The region of the eyes of the driver 100 is extracted from the image obtained by imaging (step S23), and the amount of light absorbed by the light source turned on in step S1 is calculated based on the luminance of this region (step S24).

  Next, it is checked whether or not the imaging using the first light source 220 and the imaging using the second light source 225 have been completed (step S25). If they have not been completed (S25: NO), that is, one of them. When only the imaging with the light source is completed, one of the light sources turned on in step S21 is turned off and the other light source is turned on, that is, the light source is switched (step S26), and the process returns to step S22. Processing such as imaging and calculation of the amount of light absorption is performed.

  When both imaging operations are completed (S25: YES), an alcohol concentration is calculated based on the two calculated absorption amounts (step S27), and whether or not the calculated alcohol concentration exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Determination is made (step S28). If the alcohol concentration does not exceed the threshold (S28: NO), the detection result is that there is no alcohol component (step S29), and the process is terminated. When the alcohol concentration exceeds the threshold value (S28: YES), it is assumed that there is an alcohol component as a detection result (step S30), a warning message is output on the display unit 14 or the voice output unit 15 (step S31), and engine lock control is performed. The engine 50 is locked in a state in which the engine 50 cannot be started (step S32), and the process is terminated.

  In the alcohol component detection device according to the second embodiment having the above-described configuration, the second light source 225 is further provided to irradiate the light component absorbed by the water component, thereby covering the eyes of the driver 100. Since the concentration of the alcohol component relative to the water component can be calculated regardless of the amount of tears, the detection accuracy of the alcohol component can be increased. In addition, when imaging is performed by irradiating light from the second light source 225, if the amount of light absorption is small (can be determined by determination with a threshold value), detection may not be performed accurately. Therefore, the display unit 14 or the audio output unit 15 may output a message requesting redetection.

  In the second embodiment, the reference component is the water component, and the concentration of the alcohol component relative to the water component is calculated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other components included in tears covering the eyes of the driver 100 are included. These components, such as lipid components or protein components, may be used as reference components.

  Since the other configuration of the alcohol component detection device according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the alcohol component detection device according to the first embodiment, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted. To do.

(Embodiment 3)
The alcohol component detection apparatus according to Embodiment 2 is configured to calculate the concentration of the alcohol component with respect to the water component by providing the second light source 225. However, the first light source 220 and the second light source 225 are switched to take an image twice. Since it needs to be performed, it takes time to detect the alcohol component. Therefore, the alcohol component detection device according to the embodiment has a configuration capable of detecting the alcohol component by one imaging without switching the light source.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an alcohol component detection device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The alcohol component detection apparatus according to Embodiment 3 includes one light source 320, and the light source 320 is connected to the ECU 310 and controlled to be turned on and off. However, the light source 320 irradiates the driver 100 with light including light components in both the wavelength ranges A and B of light in FIG. That is, the light emitted from the light source 320 includes a light component absorbed by the alcohol component and a light component absorbed by the water component.

  The camera 330 included in the alcohol component detection device according to Embodiment 3 includes two optical filters, a first optical filter 331a and a second optical filter 331b, and incident light that is incident on the first optical filter 331a and the second optical filter. And a prism 334 for distributing to 331b. The first optical filter 331a has a property of transmitting a light component in the wavelength range A in FIG. 7, and the second optical filter 331b has a property of transmitting a light component in the wavelength range B. The imaging device 33 of the camera 330 is used for imaging with light that has passed through the first optical filter 331a, and approximately half is used for imaging with light that has passed through the second optical filter 331b. In addition, since the light distributed by the prism 334 passes through the first optical filter 331a and the second optical filter 331b, in the camera 330, substantially the same portion of the driver 100 is processed at a time in a substantially half region of the image sensor 33. Each will be imaged.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the alcohol component detection method by the alcohol component detection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example of an image captured by the camera 330. (A) in the figure is a case where an alcohol component is not detected, and (b) is a case where an alcohol component is detected. For example, the image captured by the camera 330 is an image captured in the upper half through the first optical filter 331a, and the lower half is an image captured in the second optical filter 331b.

  When the driver 100 is not ingesting alcohol, the light component absorbed by the alcohol component in the light irradiated from the light source 320 to the driver 100 is incident on the reflected camera 330 and the first optical filter. The image pickup device 33 receives light through the light beam 331a. The light component absorbed by the water component is absorbed by the tear water component covering the eyes of the driver 100. Therefore, in the image captured by the camera 330, the eye part of the driver 100 is imaged brightly in the upper half, and the eye part of the driver 100 is imaged darkly in the lower half (see FIG. 11A). ).

  On the other hand, when the driver 100 is taking alcohol, the light irradiated to the driver 100 from the light source 320 is a water component of tears that covers the eyes of the driver 100 for any light component. Is absorbed by. Therefore, in the image picked up by the camera 330, the eye part of the driver 100 is darkly picked up and down (see FIG. 11B).

  Therefore, the ECU 310 to which the image is given from the camera 330 extracts areas corresponding to the eyes of the driver 100 from the upper and lower sides of the image, and examines the luminance value in this area, so that the light absorbed by the alcohol component The absorption amount of the component and the absorption amount of the light component absorbed by the water component can be calculated, and further, the alcohol concentration relative to the water component can be calculated.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure of detection processing performed by the alcohol component detection device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The control unit 11 of the ECU 310 turns on the light source 320 to irradiate the driver 100 with light (step S41), and performs imaging with the camera 330 (step S42). The region of the eyes of the driver 100 is extracted from the upper side of the image obtained by imaging (step S43), and the amount of absorption of the light component transmitted through the first optical filter 331a is calculated based on the luminance of this region (step S43). S44). Further, the region of the eyes of the driver 100 is extracted from the lower side of the image obtained by imaging (step S45), and the amount of absorption of the light component transmitted through the second optical filter 331b is calculated based on the luminance of this region. (Step S46).

  Next, the alcohol concentration is calculated based on the two absorption amounts respectively calculated in steps S44 and S46 (step S47), and it is determined whether the calculated alcohol concentration exceeds a predetermined threshold value (step S47). S48). If the alcohol concentration does not exceed the threshold value (S48: NO), the detection result is that there is no alcohol component (step S49), and the process ends. When the alcohol concentration exceeds the threshold (S48: YES), it is assumed that there is an alcohol component as a detection result (step S50), and a warning message is output on the display unit 14 or the audio output unit 15 (step S51), and the engine lock control is performed. The engine 50 is locked in a state where the engine 50 cannot be started by the unit 18 (step S52), and the process is terminated.

  In the alcohol component detection device according to the third embodiment having the above-described configuration, the light source 320 emits light including a light component absorbed by the alcohol component and a light component absorbed by the water component, and is absorbed by the alcohol component. The first optical filter 331a that transmits the light component and the second optical filter 331b that transmits the light component absorbed by the water component are provided in the camera 330 to transmit the light distributed by the prism 334, respectively. By adopting a configuration in which the imaging element 33 performs imaging at a time with light transmitted through the 331a and the second optical filter 331b, there is no need to switch the light source, and it is included in tears covering the eyes of the driver 100. The concentration of the alcohol component relative to the water component can be detected by one imaging.

  In the third embodiment, the light source 320 is configured to irradiate light including light components in both the wavelength ranges A and B in FIG. 7. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the alcohol of the second embodiment is used. Two light sources of the first light source 220 and the second light source 225 provided in the component detection device may be used, and the two light sources may be turned on simultaneously to irradiate the driver 100 with light components in both wavelength ranges. Further, the means for distributing light incident on the camera 320 is not limited to the prism 334, and other optical members may be used.

  The other configuration of the alcohol component detection device according to the third embodiment is the same as the configuration of the alcohol component detection device according to the first embodiment, and thus the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted. To do.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the alcohol component detection apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the alcohol component detection apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the wavelength of the light which a light source irradiates. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the detection method of the alcohol component by the alcohol component detection apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the detection process which the alcohol component detection apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention performs. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the alcohol component detection apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the wavelength of the light which a 1st light source and a 2nd light source irradiate. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the detection method of the alcohol component by the alcohol component detection apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the detection process which the alcohol component detection apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention performs. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the alcohol component detection apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the detection method of the alcohol component by the alcohol component detection apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the detection process which the alcohol component detection apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention performs.

Explanation of symbols

10 ECU (calculation means, detection means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Control part 14 Display part 15 Audio | voice output part 18 Engine lock control part 20 Light source (light source for alcohol)
30 camera (imaging means)
31 optical filter (optical filter for alcohol)
32 Lens 33 Image sensor 100 Driver (measured person)
101 area (irradiation area, imaging area)
210 ECU (calculation means, detection means)
220 First light source (light source for alcohol)
225 Second light source (reference light source)
230 Camera (imaging means)
231 Optical filter (alcohol optical filter)
310 ECU (calculation means, detection means)
320 Light source (light source for alcohol)
330 camera (imaging means)
331a First optical filter 331b Second optical filter (reference optical filter)
334 Prism (distribution means)

Claims (5)

A light source for alcohol that irradiates light including an alcohol-absorbing light component having a wavelength absorbed by the alcohol component to an irradiation region including the eye of the measurement person
An optical filter for alcohol that transmits the alcohol-absorbing light component;
Imaging means for imaging an imaging area including the eyes of the subject through the alcohol optical filter;
Calculation means for calculating the amount of absorption of the alcohol-absorbed light component by the eye of the person to be measured based on an image acquired by the imaging means;
An alcohol component detection apparatus comprising: a detection unit that detects an alcohol component according to a calculation result of the calculation unit. A light source for reference that irradiates the irradiation region with light including a reference absorption light component having a wavelength that is absorbed by a reference component other than the alcohol component;
The alcohol optical filter is configured to transmit the reference absorbed light component;
The imaging means performs imaging in each of a first case where light is emitted from the alcohol light source and a second case where light is emitted from the reference light source;
The calculating means calculates the absorption amount of the alcohol-absorbed light component based on the image acquired by the imaging means in the first case, and the imaging means takes an image in the second case. The amount of absorption of the reference absorption component is calculated based on the acquired image,
The alcohol component detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is configured to detect an alcohol component according to two calculation results of the calculation unit. A reference optical filter that transmits a reference absorption light component having a wavelength that is absorbed by a reference component other than the alcohol component;
The light source for alcohol is adapted to irradiate light including the alcohol-absorbing light component and the reference-absorbing light component,
The imaging means is configured to image each of the imaging region through the alcohol optical filter and the imaging region through the reference optical filter,
The calculating means calculates an absorption amount of the alcohol-absorbing light component based on an image captured and acquired through the alcohol optical filter, and also refers to the reference based on an image acquired through the reference optical filter. The absorption amount of the absorption component is calculated,
The alcohol component detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is configured to detect an alcohol component according to two calculation results of the calculation unit. Distribution means for distributing incident light to the alcohol optical filter and the reference optical filter, respectively;
The said imaging means images the said imaging area which passed the said optical filter for alcohol, and the said imaging area which passed the said optical filter for a reference simultaneously, The image pick-up of Claim 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Alcohol component detection device. The alcohol component detection apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the reference component is a water component.

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