[0001] Not Applicable.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] Systems, devices and sensors used to detect and continuously monitor to detect the presence of identifiable substances, residuals or distinguishable movements which are detectable through exhaled air, touch to the skin, or observable movements of the human body or parts thereof; which systems, devices and sensors are coupled to activate interlock controls of machinery or other equipment including automobiles, planes, trains and buses to reduce potential risks of operation of such machinery or equipment by impaired operators. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0003] Various federal, state and local regulations prohibit operation of motor vehicles and other machinery under the influence of substances which may impair the operator. In certain situations, an operator may be required to take measures to verify that absence of such substances before operating the vehicle or equipment. And, in extreme cases, the vehicle or machinery may be equipped with barriers to operation absent a positive determination that the operator is not under the influence of such substances.

[0004] Current interlock systems utilize breath analysis or other similar techniques to detect prohibited substances and prevent operation of vehicles or machinery when such prohibited substances are detected on the operator of the vehicle or machinery. In some systems, currently available on the market, a camera is also used to take a picture at the time a test is taken to log the identify the person initializing the start-up procedure of the machinery or equipment. The large camera is visibly seen since the camera is typically mounted in or on the windshield. Such systems also utilize a breath analyzer. Such devices are large; and when used, it is obvious that a test is being taken. The breathing test takes about 10 seconds of continuously breathing and humming into the breathalyzing tube to get a reading. Based on the reading, logic will function to disable the ignition of the machinery or equipment if the prohibited substances are detected.

[0005] Systems like these are vulnerable to manipulation though. Such a system is susceptible to bypass when the planned operator recruits another willing individual to perform the breath test. And, since the camera verification system is a store and forward system, wherein the photo is captured, but not transmitted in real time, the bypass efforts will enable an operator under the influence to have the vehicle or machinery started for them. Later consequences from such behavior is possible, and even highly likely; however, the system was defeated. Therefore, a more secure system for preventing impaired operators from operating vehicle or machinery while under the influence is needed. A system that not only prevents the initial start-up of the vehicle or machinery; but, which also continuously monitors for such substances, and upon such subsequent detection, initiates system functions to safely disable the vehicle or machinery from continued operation is warranted. The present embodiment provides for such a system. [0006] The present embodiment overcomes these pitfalls by incorporating multiple discrete distributed sensors within or on the machinery or equipment; which, provides more samples points over the continuum of operation to provide continuous monitoring and more accurate identification of the operator. The testing mechanism is implemented through skin sensors, air samples and visual monitoring, which allow operators to simply scan their finger/skin, breath normally as they operate the machinery or equipment and occupy the operator position. This action can determine both identity (through fingerprint match) and presence of prohibited substances (through sampling). The system will continue to ensure the identity by constantly scanning the fingerprint through sensors placed on areas necessary to drive (steering wheel, controls, handles, etc). This discrete system is only noticeable by closely inspecting and viewing the small integrated sensors which are installed. Such sensors can be applied subsequent to the manufacture and assembly of the vehicle instruments and controls as flexible overlay materials to grips, buttons, arm rests, handles and other exposed surfaces in or on the machinery or equipment.

[0007] In the present embodiment, trans-dermal sensors are installed to make it possible to integrate logic and controls with the vehicle/device's operating system to reduce performance or completely stop the vehicle/device once a prohibited substance is detected. The present embodiment will also be able to identify and detect prohibited substances faster; and if configured, operate interactively by sending correspondence via text, calling or email to subscribers.

[0008] Although there are several apparatuses which may have various functions related to prohibited substance detection and vehicle or machinery interrupt, none separately or in combination, teach or anticipate the current invention. Therefore, there remains an unmet need in the field of substance detection interlock systems to enable users to affix sensors and controls to vehicles or machinery to provide continuous detection and interrupt functionality. The current invention will fulfill this unmet need. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed invention. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0010] The present embodiment is illustrated as a series of interconnected sensors and logic controls which are integrated with the control systems of vehicles or machinery. The system functions via transdermal testing in skin sensors in conjunction with air sampling techniques and other sensors to detect the presence of identifiable prohibited substances, residuals or distinguishable references which are detectable through exhaled air, airborne particles or observable movements of the human body or parts thereof. Using these sensors, the identify who the operator can be ascertained by reading the fingerprint and compared to an internal registry which will be established during initial calibration. This will alleviate the need for cameras, which is how current systems identify an operator and who's taking the test when initializing vehicles or machinery.

[0011] In the present embodiment, skin sensors are integrated with the ignition involved area/surfaces (start button, gear shift), and the steering/maneuvering controls (steering wheel, handles). Using these sensors, samples are taken from the excretions on the skin, providing for transdermal testing when the body part is placed on the skin sensors.

[0012] When a prohibited substance is detected prior to the initial startup the vehicle or machinery, the logic control elements of the system will indicate that a failed test occurred and prevent the startup. If a prohibited substance was detected after the vehicle/device was started, the vehicle/machinery will give a warning with a countdown to the pre-configured mode of operation desirable under those circumstances (i.e, disable, limited performance, voluntary compliance) and require the operator to repeat the initialization sequence. If the configured mode is reached the vehicle/machinery configured setting will be executed. [0013] The present embodiment will be utilized to safely interrupt the operations of the vehicle or machinery when, through a series of validating detections, prevention of initial start-up or interrupt of operations is warranted. To stop a vehicle that is currently operating, extreme care must be taken to ensure the operation of the vehicle can be interrupted in a controlled manner. First, the system will initiate a series of warnings to the end user to pull over due to the vehicle stopping, turn on the hazard lights and gradually slow the vehicle down until it comes to a stop. Voluntary cessation of operation is the default and most preferred manner to control the vehicle.

[0014] The present embodiment also enables other functions of the vehicle to support the continuous monitoring functions of the system. For example, as the sampling activities begin to trigger "red flags" indicating the possibility that an operator may be impaired or becoming impaired, the control logic can be utilized to engage equipped features such as the steering wheel heater. By activating the steering wheel heater, the operator's hands may be induced to produce incrementally more perspiration. As such, more sampling may occur on the sensors underneath the operator's hands.

[0015] Additionally, the logic system could activate warning lights on the dash to encourage the operator to safely pull off the road. Once the vehicle is stopped, the control logic could be utilized to disable the electronic ignition or the electronic transmission and prevent the vehicle from resuming forward motion absent a "negative" test result to initiate operation of the vehicle or machinery.

[0016] And still other features could be activated, such as the interior dome and reading lights, deactivating the radio, or changing the environmental controls to encourage the operator to pull over. Again, once the vehicle or machinery is stopped, the control logic could be used to prevent resumed operation until a "negative" test for prohibited substances is completed.

[0017] Simultaneously with activation of local alerts and warnings, the system will initiate a series of alerts which are configurable. These alerts are envisioned to engage third parties to assist in verbally contacting the operator and urging the operator to stop operating the vehicle or machinery. Again, voluntary compliance is the objective. [0018] The present embodiment is capable of integration with autonomous driving capable vehicles. As such, when the presence of an identifiable prohibited substance is detected, manual driving is could be disabled; while, only autonomous mode is allowed.

[0019] Under certain circumstances, the present embodiment can be configured to implement limited controls to reduce the range of operation under suspect conditions. Such controls can include disabling the accelerator from a standing stop to prevent the vehicle from moving forward once the vehicle has come to a stop; or, automatically activating hazard lights; or limiting the RPMs of the engine to prevent higher speeds; or any

combination of these and other controls.

[0020] The present embodiment is intended to serve the market as a voluntary system; and, the system could serve to comply with mandates issued by the proper authorities.

[0021] The present embodiment offers parents the means to enhance the safety for their teenage drivers; employers can use it for company owned vehicles; and, volunteer organizations can deploy this system in vehicle or on machines which volunteers operate. As illustrated above, the present embodiment as serves to record and report to third parties any detection of prohibited substances on an operator of vehicles or machinery which they have a vested interest.

[0022] The present embodiment can also function as enhanced safety measures suitable for potential insurance discounts. Additionally, the unassuming design and ease of use would be appealing to a user to protect them and others.

[0023] Still other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described the embodiments of this invention, simply by way of illustration of the best modes suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different

embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components, regarding the following figures.

[0025] The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig 1 illustrates a typical automobile moving along a stretch of roadway.

Fig 2 illustrates a typical electronic functioning dash board and warning lights of an automobile.

Fig 3 illustrates a typical electronic functioning steering wheel equipped with sensors and electronic controls of an automobile.

Fig 4 illustrates a typical door handles, gear shift, push button start equipped with sensors of an automobile.

Fig 5 illustrates a typical positioning of a breath analyzer, ignition interrupt control head within the passenger compartment of an automobile.

Fig 6 is a flow diagram of the logic utilized to control and operate the solution presented in the present embodiment.

Fig 7 is an illustration of a sensor integrated with a cabin air filter.

[0026] While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident; however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced with or without any combination of these specific details, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and the claims.

[0028] Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 1 illustrates the present embodiment as a driver/operator behind the steering wheel 100 and instrument cluster 110 of an automobile as the vehicle travels along the highway 142. Contact points 120 and 122 are illustrative of a typical location where skin to sensor contact would be expected. Other vehicles 130 within proximity of the vehicle being operated are references which can be utilized within the system logic 610 Fig 6 presented herein. Other vehicle features such as heads-up displays 124 can also provide inputs to the system logic 610 Fig 6 when the vehicle is being operated. Fixed highway devices such as lane stripes 140, road surface 142 and guardrails 144 provide other references as inputs to the system logic 610 Fig 6, and the effectiveness of the warnings, alerts and responsiveness of the operator to the stimuli generated by the present embodiment.

[0030] Fig 2 illustrates a typical electronic functioning dash board 200 and warning lights 205 of an automobile. Operators occupy space behind the steering wheel 100 and are exposed to multiple potential touch points such as light and interior controls 220, number key entry pads 230, and breathalyzer tube 520 as illustrations. A system comprised of transdermal fingerprint sensors are available for application and installation on such touch surfaces such as 210, 212, 214, and 216. Cameras 250 are installed to perform facial recognition and digital predictive movement observation. Sensors applied to touch surfaces 210, 212, 214 also function as air sensors as does an integrated sensor 720 Fig 7 contained within the cabin air filter component commonly found in modern automobiles, which sample ambient and proximate air quality for the system logic 610 Fig 6 to determine estimates the user's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level and presence of known controlled substances. The sensors are positioned on the starting mechanism (start button) 216, gear shifter Fig 4, 410, cabin filter case 830 and steering mechanism (steering wheel) 100.

[0031] In Figure 6, the operator places their finger on the starting mechanism 216; which, when pressed initiates 610 the testing process. The operator identity, baseline air and touch samples are captured by system logic 620 where the system logic 620 evaluates the samples to determine 630 if the operator tested above the allowed BAC threshold or whether a controlled substance has been detected? In accordance with the system parameters 640, the operator is alerted that the test failed and prevents the start of the vehicle/machinery. The system performs configured actions triggered from failed test (etc. sending notification via email/text to parents/spouse, slowing the vehicle down, disabling the vehicle once it's brought to a complete stop, flashing the vehicle hazard lights) The system resets for subsequent test.

[0032] The operator may retest 650. Has user tested above the allowed BAC threshold or consumed a controlled substance, 660? If not, the vehicle systems are activated 670 the vehicle or machinery starts or continues to operate and continues to periodically monitor 680 in configured intervals.

[0033] The system performs configured actions 690 triggered from failed test (etc.

sending notification via email/text to parents/spouse, slowing the vehicle down, disabling the vehicle once it's brought to a complete stop, flashing the vehicle hazard lights) The system resets for subsequent test.

[0034] Fig 3 illustrates a typical electronic functioning steering wheel 100 equipped with sensors such as touch surfaces 212 and 214, and electronic controls such as the menu cursor buttons 300, cruise/radio controls 310 and shift indicator 320 of an automobile. A camera 250 is also shown to illustrate the use of visual technology to detect body

movements, eye movements or possibly hand gestures which may indicate movements associated with drinking and driving, ingesting pills or smoking controlled substances.

These cameras 250 may also include bar code readers to capture scan code labels on canisters labeled as alcohol.

[0035] Fig 4 illustrates common surfaces of a vehicle equipped with a key entry 230 devices, shifter 410 controls, start/stop switch 400, each equipped with transdermal sensors.

[0036] Fig 5 illustrates a typical positioning of a breathalyzer display 500, breathalyzer tube 520 and number key entry pads 230 which are utilized by the operator to provide an initial breath sample for analysis prior to starting the vehicle. The ignition interrupt control head 540 is located within the passenger compartment of an automobile.

[0037] Fig 7 illustrates how the present embodiment is integrated within an existing cabin air filter assembly component found within most modern automobiles. The sensor 720 is coupled with the filter 740 which are contained within the case 730. A cable 750 interconnects the sensor 720 with the connector 760 which is utilized to interconnect the sensor 720 with the system logic 610, Fig 6. The seal 710 coupled with the case 730 provides for both the means to mount the sensor 710 and to provide increased protection from tampering or disabling the sensor 720. The simplest form of implementation or retrofitting an existing automobile with the present embodiment is to install the sensor 720 and assembly of components 710, 730, 740, 750, and 760 into a vehicle and to interconnect the sensor to the existing vehicle computer system, which can be modified by the

manufacturer to reprogram the vehicle operating system accordingly to perform the safety functions presented by the present embodiment.

[0038] Although the preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. [0039] It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used in this patent document. The term "couple" and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The terms "include" and "comprise," as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases "associated with" and "associated therewith," as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like.

[0040] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further combinations and

permutations of such matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

[0041] While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.