WO2024137615A1

WO2024137615A1 - Touch-based alcohol detection and calibration sensor system

Info

Publication number: WO2024137615A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/084797
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jason Lisseman
Original assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition Llc
Priority date: 2022-12-19
Filing date: 2023-12-19
Publication date: 2024-06-27

Abstract

An alcohol detection and calibration sensor system according to various implementations includes a touch-based alcohol detection sensor and a calibrator for calibrating the touch-based alcohol detection sensor. The alcohol detection and calibration sensor system includes a housing defining an opening and a cavity. The touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are disposed within the cavity adjacent the opening. A controller causes a processor to execute instructions stored on a memory, the instructions causing the processor to calibrate the touch-based alcohol detection sensor using the calibrator. In some implementations, the alcohol detection and calibration sensor system includes a wiper to clean a surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor.

Description

TOUCH-BASED ALCOHOL DETECTION AND CALIBRATION SENSOR SYSTEM

Cross-Reference To Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/433,631, filed on December 19, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to safety devices for human-operated vehicles. In particular, the disclosure relates to a touch-based alcohol detection and calibration sensor system. Human-operated vehicles may include, for example, any vehicle controlled by a human, such as automobiles, boats, trains, and aircraft.

Background

[0003] One of the leading causes of death and serious injury with respect to vehicles is accidents involving drivers under the influence of alcohol. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States, there was one alcohol related driving fatality every forty-five minutes, on average, in the year 2020. This frequency resulted in a thirty percent share of all traffic fatalities in the year in the United States. Given such a high rate of fatalities caused by alcohol-impaired drivers, it would be a great advance in automotive safety if all vehicles included an alcohol detection system which could prevent vehicle operation if the driver's blood alcohol content is above legal limits.

[0004] Currently, alcohol detection systems in vehicles have been limited to systems designed for drivers previously caught driving under the influence of alcohol. These systems typically include large, obtrusive breathing tubes for breath-based alcohol detection. In addition to being limited in use case and aesthetically displeasing, these systems rely on sensing alcohol in a driver's breath which is known to be much less reliable than blood alcohol measurements. Since it is impractical for all drivers to test their blood using conventional methods before being able to operate their vehicles, there is a need for an alcohol detection system that can be inconspicuously integrated into a vehicle and which relies on a sensing method more accurate and reliable than breath-based sensing.

Summary

[0005] Various implementations include an alcohol detection and calibration sensor system including a touch-based alcohol detection sensor and a calibrator. A housing defines an opening and a cavity, wherein the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are disposed within the cavity adjacent the opening. A controller includes a processor and a memory, wherein the processor executes instructions stored in the memory, the instructions causing the processor to calibrate the touch-based alcohol detection sensor using the calibrator. In some implementations, the alcohol detection and calibration sensor system includes a lighting element for displaying a calibration sequence. In some implementations, the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are axially aligned relative to each other and are in fixed positions relative to each other. In other implementations, the touchbased alcohol detection sensor is fixed relative to the housing and the calibrator is moveable relative to the touch-based alcohol detection sensor. In some implementations, the alcohol detection and calibration sensor system includes a wiper for cleaning a surface of the touchbased alcohol detection sensor.

[0006] In some implementations, the housing includes a light element. In some implementations, the instructions cause the light element to display a calibration lighting sequence.

[0007] In some implementations, the touch-based alcohol detection sensor includes a surface and the calibrator includes a surface. In some implementations, the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor lies a plane that is parallel to a plane including the surface of the calibrator. In some implementations, the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are axially aligned relative to each other such that an axis extending through the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator is perpendicular to the planes including the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the surface of the calibrator. In some implementations, the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are in fixed positions relative each other.

[0008] In some implementations, the touch-based alcohol detection sensor is in a fixed position relative to the housing and the calibrator is moveable relative to the touch-based alcohol detection sensor from a first position to a second position. In some implementations, the touch-based alcohol detection sensor includes a surface and the calibrator includes a surface. In some implementations, when the calibrator is in the first position, the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor lies a plane that is parallel to a plane including the surface of the calibrator. In some implementations, the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are axially aligned relative to each other such that an axis extending through the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator is perpendicular to the planes including the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the surface of the calibrator. In some implementations, when the calibrator is in the second position, the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are not axially aligned relative to each other. In some implementations, the alcohol detection and calibration sensor system further includes a pusher body and an elastic body. In some implementations, the pusher body includes the calibrator and the elastic body biases the pusher body toward the first position. In some implementations, the pusher body includes a wiper. In some implementations, the wiper cleans the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor as the pusher body moves from the first position to the second position.

[0009] In other implementations, an alcohol detection and calibration sensor system includes a touch-based alcohol detection sensor and an insert including a calibrator. A housing defines an opening and a cavity, wherein the touch-based alcohol detection sensor is disposed within the cavity adjacent the opening and the insert is moveable from a first position outside the cavity through the opening to a second position at least partially in the cavity. A controller includes a processor and a memory, wherein the processor executes instructions stored in the memory, the instructions causing the processor to calibrate the touch-based alcohol detection sensor using the calibrator. In some implementations, the alcohol detection and calibration sensor system includes a lighting element for displaying a calibration sequence. In some implementations, the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are axially aligned relative to each other when the insert is in the second position. In some implementations, the alcohol detection and calibration sensor system includes a wiper for cleaning a surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor.

[0010] In some implementations, the touch-based alcohol detection sensor includes a surface and the calibrator includes a surface. In some implementations, when the insert is in the second position, the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor lies a plane that is parallel to a plane including the surface of the calibrator. In some implementations, the touchbased alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are axially aligned relative to each other such that an axis extending through the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator is perpendicular to the planes including the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the surface of the calibrator. In some implementations, when the insert is in the first position, the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are not axially aligned relative to each other. In some implementations, the insert includes a wiper. In some implementations, the wiper cleans the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor as the insert moves from the first position to the second position. In some implementations, the housing includes a light element. In some implementations, the instructions cause the light element to display a calibration lighting sequence.

[0011] In other implementations, an alcohol detection and calibration sensor system includes a touch-based alcohol detection sensor and a calibrator. A housing defines an opening and a cavity and includes a door, wherein the touch-based alcohol detection sensor is disposed within the cavity adjacent the opening and the door is movable from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the door blocks the opening. A controller includes a processor and a memory, wherein the processor executes instructions stored in the memory, the instructions causing the processor to calibrate the touch-based alcohol detection sensor using the calibrator. In some implementations, the alcohol detection and calibration sensor system includes a lighting element for displaying a calibration sequence. In some implementations, the system includes a hinge, wherein the door is movable about the hinge from the first position to the second position and the calibrator is axially aligned with the touch-based alcohol detection sensor when the door is in the first position. In some implementations, the housing further includes a stopper and the door abuts the stopper in the second position.

[0012] In some implementations, the housing includes a light element. In some implementations, the instructions cause the light element to display a calibration lighting sequence.

[0013] In some implementations, the alcohol detection and calibration sensor system further includes a hinge. In some implementations, the door is movable about the hinge to move the door from the first position to the second position.

[0014] In some implementations, the alcohol detection and calibration sensor system further includes a first hinge and a second hinge. In some implementations, the door includes a first door portion and a second door portion. In some implementations, the first door portion is movably coupled to the housing by the first hinge and movably coupled to the second door portion by the second hinge. In some implementations, the second door portion includes the calibrator.

[0015] In some implementations, the touch-based alcohol detection sensor includes a surface and the calibrator includes a surface. In some implementations, when the door is in the first position, the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor lies a plane that is parallel to a plane including the surface of the calibrator. In some implementations, the touchbased alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are axially aligned relative to each other such that an axis extending through the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator is perpendicular to the planes including the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the surface of the calibrator. In some implementations, when the door is in the second position, the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are not axially aligned relative to each other. In some implementations, the housing further includes a stopper. In some implementations, the door first portion abuts the stopper when the door is in the second position. [0016] In some implementations, the calibrator is disposed within the cavity. In some implementations, the touch-based alcohol detection sensor includes a surface and the calibrator includes a surface. In some implementations, the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor lies a plane that is parallel to a plane including the surface of the calibrator. In some implementations, the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are axially aligned relative to each other such that an axis extending through the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator is perpendicular to the planes including the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the surface of the calibrator. In some implementations, the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are in fixed positions relative to each other.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] The drawings are merely exemplary to illustrate structure and certain features that can be used singularly or in combination with other features. The disclosure should not be limited to the implementations shown.

[0018] FIG. 1A is a front view of a touch-based alcohol detection and calibration sensor system according to a first implementation.

[0019] FIG. IB is a cross-sectional side view of the implementation of FIG. 1A along line 1-1.

[0020] FIGS. 2A-2B are cross-sectional side views, along a similar line as 1-1 in FIG. 1A, of a touch-based alcohol detection and calibration sensor system according to a second implementation.

[0021] FIGS. 3A-3B are cross-sectional side views, along a similar line as 1-1 in FIG. 1A, of a touch-based alcohol detection and calibration sensor system according to a third implementation.

[0022] FIGS. 4A-4C are cross-sectional side views, along a similar line as 1-1 in FIG. 1A, of a touch-based alcohol detection and calibration sensor system according to a fourth implementation. [0023] FIGS. 5A-5C are cross-sectional side views, along a similar line as 1-1 in FIG. 1A, of a touch-based alcohol detection and calibration sensor system according to a fifth implementation.

[0024] FIGS. 6A-6E are similar views as FIGS. 1A-5C of a touch-based alcohol detection and calibration sensor system according to other implementations.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a controller for use with any of the touch-based alcohol detection and calibration sensor system implementations of FIGS. 1A-6E.

Detailed Description

[0026] The present disclosure relates to alcohol detection and calibration sensor systems in human-operated vehicles. The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein provide for a touch-based alcohol detection sensor and a calibrator for calibrating the sensor. In one example, the alcohol detection and calibration sensor system is used in automobiles. The system can require an alcohol reading below legal limits before allowing the automobile to operate. The system comprises a housing with an opening and a cavity, wherein the touchbased alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are disposed within the cavity adjacent the opening. A controller comprising a processor and a memory controls the system's operation and instructs the sensor to run a calibration sequence in order to calibrate the sensor using the calibrator. In other examples, the system is used in other human-operated vehicles such as, but not limited to, boats, trains, and aircraft.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, a first implementation of an alcohol detection and calibration sensor system 100 comprises a touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 and a calibrator 106. The touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 and calibrator 106 are disposed within a housing 101. The housing 101 defines an opening 102 and a cavity 103 extending into the housing 101 from the opening 102, wherein the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 and calibrator 106 are disposed within the cavity 103 adjacent the opening 102. The housing 101 further defines a first wall 107 and a second wall 108. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the touchbased alcohol detection sensor 105 is disposed on the first wall 107 and the calibrator 106 is disposed on the second wall 108, such that a surface 109 of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 lies a plane that is parallel to a plane comprising a surface 110 of the calibrator 106. The touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 and calibrator 106 are disposed opposite each other in fixed positions relative to each other and axially aligned along an axis A that extends through the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 and the calibrator 106 and is perpendicular to the surface 109 and the surface 110. The housing 101 is formed integrally with a dashboard of an automobile. In other implementations, the housing is discrete and formed separate from the dashboard. In other implementations, the housing is formed integrally with other components of the automobile, such as a center console or infotainment device, or the housing is discrete and formed separately from the other components.

[0028] The alcohol detection and calibration sensor system 100 also comprises a light element 104 and a controller 1000. The light element 104 may comprise any light source, for example an LED, a micro-LED, an OLED panel, or a display, or the light element 104 may comprise an array of light sources, such as a series of LEDS as shown in FIG. 1A. The controller 1000 is communicatively coupled to the light element 104 and the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 via electrical connections 1003. Electrical connections 1003 may be directly wired connections or may be wireless connections. The controller 1000 comprises a processor 1001 and a memory 1002, the memory 1002 storing instructions causing the processor 1001 to calibrate the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 using the calibrator 106, as described below.

[0029] The touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 is an infrared spectroscopy sensor that shines infrared light into the epidermal layer of the skin and measures the resulting reflectance to determine the alcohol content in a user's blood. By comparing the resulting reflectance to a threshold limit stored in the memory 1002, the processor 1001 can allow or prevent operation of an automobile, depending on the comparison, by sending the proper message to a vehicle computer. One prime source for touch-based alcohol measurement of a user in an automobile is the user's finger. For example, in the implementation shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, a driver of the automobile may insert their finger through the opening 102 and into the cavity 103. The driver will place their finger on the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 in order to initiate a blood alcohol measurement. The touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 may comprise a capacitive or force-based sensor, for example, and the controller 1000 may initiate a spectroscopic reading of the user's finger when the finger is detected by a threshold level of capacitance or force.

[0030] Additionally, the controller 1000 may instruct the processor 1001 to execute instructions stored in the memory 1002 in order to initiate a sensing lighting sequence using the light element 104. The sensing lighting sequence serves as an indicator to the user that an alcohol measurement is in process and that the user should keep their finger on the sensor. For example, a sensing light sequence may comprise lighting an array of light sources from left to right with green light, indicating a successful measurement once all of the array of light sources are green.

[0031] In order to ensure consistent, accurate performance, the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 may be periodically calibrated using the calibrator 106. The calibrator 106 is a reference material having a known spectroscopic reflectance, such as SPECTRALON fluoropolymers or National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recommended materials such as polystyrene films or composite powder formulations using polystyrene and other doped materials to provide distinct, invariant spectral features. During calibration, the processor 1001 executes instructions stored in the memory 1002 to cause the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 to emit infrared light along axis A and into the surface 110 of the calibrator 106. Light will reflect back from the surface 110 and the reflected light will be read by the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 and the processor 1001 will compare the reading against a reference value for the calibrator 106 stored in the memory 1002. If the reading is different from the reference value, the processor 1001 may apply an offset value to any future user measurements in order to ensure consistent, accurate performance of the system 100. The controller 1000 may instruct the processor 1001 to execute instructions stored in the memory 1002 in order to initiate a calibration lighting sequence using the light element 104. The calibration lighting sequence may comprise any lighting effect different from the sensing lighting sequence used for user measurements, for example by flashing yellow light. As a result, users will know that a sensor calibration is underway and will know not to interrupt the calibration. In other implementations, the calibrator may comprise a non-reference material covered with a reference coating having a known spectroscopic reflectance, such as SPECTRALON fluoropolymers or NIST standard recommended materials such as polystyrene films or composite powder formulations using polystyrene and other doped materials to provide distinct, invariant spectral features.

[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2B, a second implementation of an alcohol detection and calibration sensor system 200 comprises a door 201 in order to prevent dust, dirt, outside light, and other contaminants from entering the cavity 103 and negatively impacting the reliability of the system 200. In a first position 203, the door 201 covers the opening 102 and therefore blocks access to the cavity 103. When the door 201 is in the first position 203, the system 200 may run the calibration process similarly to that described above with respect to the first implementation.

[0033] The door 201 is movably coupled to the housing 101 via a hinge 202. The hinge 202 allows the door 201 to move from the first position 203 to a second position 204 as shown in FIG. 2B when a user pushes the door 201 into the cavity 103 with their finger and places their finger on the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 for an alcohol measurement. When the user removes their finger, the door 201 will rotate about the hinge 202 back to the first position 203.

[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3B, a third implementation of an alcohol detection and calibration sensor system 300 comprises a first door portion 301, a second door portion 304, a first hinge 302, and a second hinge 303. The second door portion 304 comprises a calibrator 306 which comprises a surface 310. When the first door portion 301 and second door portion 304 are in a first position 307, the surface 310 of the calibrator 306 lies in a plane that is parallel to a plane comprising the surface 109 of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105, and the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 and the calibrator 306 are proximate each other and axially aligned along an axis B that extends through the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 and the calibrator 306 and is perpendicular to the surface 109 and the surface 310. When the first door portion 301 and second door portion 304 are in the first position 307, the system 300 may run the calibration process similarly to that described above with respect to other implementations. [0035] The first door portion 301 is movably coupled to the housing 101 via the first hinge 302 and the second door portion 304 is movably coupled to the first door portion 301 via the second hinge 303. The first hinge 302 and second hinge 303 allow the first door portion 301 and second door portion 304, and therefore the calibrator 306, to move from the first position 307 to a second position 308 as shown in FIG. 3B when a user pushes the first door portion 301 into the cavity 103 with their finger. A stopper 305 may be coupled to the second wall 108 inside the cavity 103 to prevent the first door portion 301 from over-rotating. In the second position 308, the user's finger is placed on the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 for an alcohol measurement. When the user removes their finger, the first door portion 301 and the second door portion 304 will rotate about the first hinge 302 and the second hinge 303 back to the first position 307.

[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4C, a fourth implementation of an alcohol detection and calibration sensor system 400 comprises a touch surface 402 coupled to a pusher body 403. The pusher body 403 is, in turn, coupled to an elastic body 401. The pusher body 403 comprises a calibrator 406 which comprises a surface 410. At rest, the pusher body 403 is held in a first position 407 and the elastic body 401 is uncompressed. When the pusher body 403 is in the first position, the surface 410 of the calibrator 406 lies in a plane that is parallel to a plane comprising the surface 109 of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105, and the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 and the calibrator 406 are proximate each other and axially aligned along an axis C that extends through the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 and the calibrator 406 and is perpendicular to the surface 109 and the surface 410. In the first position 407, the system 400 may run the calibration process similarly to that described above with respect to other implementations. In some implementations, the touch surface and the pusher body are integrally formed. In other implementations, the touch surface and the pusher body are formed separately.

[0037] The elastic body 401 allows the pusher body 403, and therefore the calibrator 406, to move from the first position 407 to a second position 408 as shown in FIG. 4C by compressing when a user pushes on the touch surface 402 with their finger. When the pusher body 403 is not pushed by the user, the elastic body 401 biases the pusher body 403 toward the first position 407. In the second position 408, the user's finger is placed on the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 for an alcohol measurement. When the user removes their finger, the elastic body 401 will decompress and move the pusher body 403 back to the first position 407. A wiper 404 may be coupled to the pusher body 403 and/or the touch surface 402 such that when the pusher body 403 moves from the first position 407 to the second position 408, and vice versa, the wiper 404 will move across the surface 109 of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 and clean it by removing contaminants. This cleaning can help ensure consistent and reliable performance of the system 400 over time. The wiper 404 may be a brush, a rubber or plastic squeegee, or an electro-static material, for example. The elastic body 401 may be a coiled spring, an elastic material such as rubber, or any other material capable of being compressed under load and returning to its original shape and position when not under load.

[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5C, a fifth implementation of an alcohol detection and calibration sensor system 500 comprises a touch surface 502 coupled to an insert 503. The insert 503 comprises a calibrator 506 which comprises a surface 510. When not in use, the insert 503 may be stored outside the cavity 103 in a first position 507. When a calibration is necessary, a user may insert the insert 503 into the cavity 103 through the opening 102 to a second position 508 as shown in FIG. 5C. When the insert 503 is in the second position 508, the surface 510 of the calibrator 506 lies in a plane that is parallel to a plane comprising the surface 109 of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105, and the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 and the calibrator 506 are proximate each other and axially aligned along an axis D that extends through the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 and the calibrator 506 and is perpendicular to the surface 109 and the surface 510. In the second position 508, the system 500 may run the calibration process similarly to that described above with respect to other implementations. When it is necessary to use the system 500 for an alcohol measurement, the user may remove the insert 503, and therefore the calibrator 506, from the cavity 103 and place their finger on the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105. In some implementations, the touch surface and the insert are integrally formed. In other implementations, the touch surface and the insert are formed separately. [0039] A wiper 504 may be coupled to the insert 503 such that when the insert 503 moves from the first position 507 to the second position 508, and vice versa, the wiper 504 will move across the surface 109 of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor 105 and clean it by removing contaminants. This cleaning can help ensure consistent and reliable performance of the system 500 over time. When a calibration is not necessary, the insert 503 may be stored in any location in the automobile convenient to the user, such location being considered the first position 507.

[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6E, other implementations are shown, similar to the implementations above. In FIGS. 6A-6B, the second wall 108 is entirely comprised of the calibrator 106. For example, the second wall 108 may be entirely formed from the calibrator 106 or the entire second wall 108 may be coated with the calibrator 106. As shown in FIG. 6C, the second door portion 304 is entirely made of the calibrator 306 or entirely coated with the calibrator 306. Finally, in FIGS. 6D-6E, the pusher body 403 and the insert 503 are entirely made from the calibrator 406 and 506, respectively, or they may be completely coated with the calibrator 406 and 506, respectively.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 7, the controller 1000 may include a bus or other communication mechanism for communicating information among the various components of the controller 1000, represented by a dashed line. In its most basic configuration, controller 1000 typically includes at least one processor 1001 and at least one memory 1002. Depending on the exact configuration and type of controller, memory 1002 may be volatile (such as random-access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. The processor 1001 may be a standard programmable processor that performs arithmetic and logic operations necessary for operation of the controller 1000.

[0042] The controller 1000 may be configured to execute program code encoded in tangible, computer-readable media. Computer-readable media refers to any media that is capable of providing data that causes the controller 1000 (i.e., a machine) to operate in a particular fashion. Various computer-readable media may be utilized to provide instructions to the processor 1001 for execution. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, magnetic media, optical media, physical media, memory chips or cartridges, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can read. Example computer-readable media may include, but is not limited to, volatile media, non-volatile media, and transmission media. Volatile and non-volatile media may be implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Transmission media may include coaxial cables, copper wires, and/or fiber optic cables, as well as acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-wave and infra-red data communication. Example tangible, computer-readable recording media include, but are not limited to, an integrated circuit (e.g., field-programmable gate array or application-specific IC), a hard disk, an optical disk, a holographic storage medium, a solid-state device, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable program read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices. In an example implementation, the processor 1001 may execute program code stored in the memory 1002. For example, the bus may carry data to the memory 1002, from which the processor 1001 receives and executes instructions. The data received by the memory 1002 may optionally be stored on removable storage or non-removable storage before or after execution by the processor 1001.

[0043] It should be understood that the various techniques described herein may be implemented in connection with hardware or software or, where appropriate, with a combination or hardware and software. Thus, the methods and apparatuses of the presently disclosed subject matter, or certain aspects or portions thereof, may take the form of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in tangible media, such as hard drives or any other machine- readable storage medium wherein, when the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a controller, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the presently disclosed subject matter. In the case of program code execution on programmable computers, the computing device generally includes a processor, a storage medium readable by the processor (including volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device. One or more programs may implement or utilize the processes described in connection with the presently disclosed subject matter, e.g., through the use of an application programming interface (API), reusable controls, or the like. Such programs may be implemented in a high-level procedural or object-oriented programming language to communicate with a computer system. However, the program(s) can be implemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. In any case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language and it may be combined with hardware implementations.

[0044] While the foregoing description and drawings represent various implementations of the present disclosure, it will be understood that various additions, modifications, combinations, and/or substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, components, and otherwise, used in the practice of the disclosure, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. In addition, features described herein may be used singularly or in combination with other features. The presently disclosed implementations are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the disclosure being indicated by the appended claims and not limited to the foregoing description. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the implementations described above without departing from the spirit of the concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular implementations disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as defined by the following claims.

[0045] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, operations, elements, steps, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, steps, components, and/or combinations thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An alcohol detection and calibration sensor system comprising: a touch-based alcohol detection sensor; a calibrator; a housing defining an opening and a cavity, the cavity extending into the housing from the opening; wherein the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are disposed within the cavity adjacent the opening; and a controller comprising a processor and a memory; wherein the processor executes instructions stored in the memory, the instructions causing the processor to calibrate the touch-based alcohol detection sensor using the calibrator.

2. The alcohol detection and calibration sensor system of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a light element, wherein the instructions cause the light element to display a calibration lighting sequence.

3. The alcohol detection and calibration sensor system of claim 1, wherein the touch-based alcohol detection sensor comprises a surface and the calibrator comprises a surface, wherein the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor lies a plane that is parallel to a plane comprising the surface of the calibrator, and wherein the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are axially aligned relative to each other such that an axis extending through the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator is perpendicular to the planes comprising the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the surface of the calibrator.

4. The alcohol detection and calibration sensor system of claim 3, wherein the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are in fixed positions relative each other.

5. The alcohol detection and calibration sensor system of claim 1, wherein the touch-based alcohol detection sensor is in a fixed position relative to the housing and the calibrator is moveable relative to the touch-based alcohol detection sensor from a first position to a second position.

6. The alcohol detection and calibration sensor system of claim 5, wherein the touch-based alcohol detection sensor comprises a surface and the calibrator comprises a surface, wherein, when the calibrator is in the first position, the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor lies a plane that is parallel to a plane comprising the surface of the calibrator, and wherein the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are axially aligned relative to each other such that an axis extending through the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator is perpendicular to the planes comprising the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the surface of the calibrator, and wherein, when the calibrator is in the second position, the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are not axially aligned relative to each other.

7. The alcohol detection and calibration sensor system of claim 6, further comprising a pusher body and an elastic body, wherein the pusher body comprises the calibrator and the elastic body biases the pusher body toward the first position.

8. The alcohol detection and calibration sensor system of claim 7, wherein the pusher body comprises a wiper, wherein the wiper cleans the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor as the pusher body moves from the first position to the second position.

9. An alcohol detection and calibration sensor system comprising: a touch-based alcohol detection sensor; an insert comprising a calibrator; a housing defining an opening and a cavity, the cavity extending into the housing from the opening; wherein the touch-based alcohol detection sensor is disposed within the cavity adjacent the opening; wherein the insert is moveable from a first position outside the cavity through the opening to a second position at least partially in the cavity; and a controller comprising a processor and a memory; wherein the processor executes instructions stored in the memory, the instructions causing the processor to calibrate the touch-based alcohol detection sensor using the calibrator.

10. The alcohol detection and calibration sensor system of claim 9, wherein the touch-based alcohol detection sensor comprises a surface and the calibrator comprises a surface, wherein, when the insert is in the second position, the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor lies a plane that is parallel to a plane comprising the surface of the calibrator, and wherein the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are axially aligned relative to each other such that an axis extending through the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator is perpendicular to the planes comprising the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the surface of the calibrator, and wherein, when the insert is in the first position, the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are not axially aligned relative to each other.

11. The alcohol detection and calibration sensor system of claim 10, wherein the insert comprises a wiper, wherein the wiper cleans the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor as the insert moves from the first position to the second position.

12. The alcohol detection and calibration sensor system of claim 9, wherein the housing comprises a light element, wherein the instructions cause the light element to display a calibration lighting sequence.

13. An alcohol detection and calibration sensor system comprising: a touch-based alcohol detection sensor; a calibrator; a housing defining an opening and a cavity, the cavity extending into the housing from the opening; wherein the touch-based alcohol detection sensor is disposed within the cavity adjacent the opening; wherein the housing comprises a door, the door being movable from a first position to a second position, wherein the door blocks the opening when the door is in the first position; and a controller comprising a processor and a memory; wherein the processor executes instructions stored in the memory, the instructions causing the processor to calibrate the touch-based alcohol detection sensor using the calibrator.

14. The alcohol detection and calibration sensor system of claim 13, wherein the housing comprises a light element, wherein the instructions cause the light element to display a calibration lighting sequence.

15. The alcohol detection and calibration sensor system of claim 13, further comprising a hinge, wherein the door is movable about the hinge to move the door from the first position to the second position.

16. The alcohol detection and calibration sensor system of claim 13, further comprising a first hinge and a second hinge, wherein the door comprises a first door portion and a second door portion, wherein the first door portion is movably coupled to the housing by the first hinge and movably coupled to the second door portion by the second hinge.

17. The alcohol detection and calibration sensor system of claim 16, wherein the second door portion comprises the calibrator.

18. The alcohol detection and calibration sensor system of claim 17, wherein the touchbased alcohol detection sensor comprises a surface and the calibrator comprises a surface, wherein, when the door is in the first position, the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor lies a plane that is parallel to a plane comprising the surface of the calibrator, and wherein the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are axially aligned relative to each other such that an axis extending through the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator is perpendicular to the planes comprising the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the surface of the calibrator, and wherein, when the door is in the second position, the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are not axially aligned relative to each other.

19. The alcohol detection and calibration sensor system of claim 18, wherein the housing further comprises a stopper, wherein the first door portion abuts the stopper when the door is in the second position.

20. The alcohol detection and calibration sensor system of claim 13, wherein the calibrator is disposed within the cavity, wherein the touch-based alcohol detection sensor comprises a surface and the calibrator comprises a surface, wherein the surface of the touch-based alcohol detection sensor lies a plane that is parallel to a plane comprising the surface of the calibrator, and wherein the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are axially aligned relative to each other such that an axis extending through the touch-based alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator is perpendicular to the planes comprising the surface of the touchbased alcohol detection sensor and the surface of the calibrator.

21. The alcohol detection and calibration sensor system of claim 20, wherein the touchbased alcohol detection sensor and the calibrator are in fixed positions relative to each other.