Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an alcohol detection device and particularly to a device for intoxication detection through behavioral and environmental cues.
Description of Related Art
[002] Driving under the influence of alcohol is a significant public safety concern, contributing to a substantial number of road accidents and fatalities worldwide. Traditional methods for detecting intoxicated drivers rely heavily on roadside breathalyzer tests conducted by law enforcement officers or fixed checkpoints. While effective to an extent, these methods are reactive in nature, requiring direct engagement with the driver and often failing to identify impaired individuals before they pose a risk to themselves and others on the road. Additionally, compliance with such tests may be inconsistent, and enforcement is often limited by resource availability.
[003] Recent advancements in sensor technology and artificial intelligence have enabled the development of non-invasive techniques for behavioral and physiological monitoring. Speech analysis has emerged as a promising indicator of intoxication, as alcohol consumption can cause slurred speech, impaired articulation, and altered vocal characteristics. Similarly, ambient sensing technologies have been explored to detect the presence of alcohol vapors in a vehicle’s cabin, eliminating the need for direct driver participation. These emerging techniques suggest the potential for real-time, automated intoxication detection systems that function without interrupting the driving process.
[004] Despite these advancements, there is still no widely adopted solution that integrates multiple detection modalities for increased accuracy and reliability. Current approaches often rely on a single method, such as vision-based behavioral analysis or breath analysis, which may not be sufficiently robust under diverse environmental conditions. A more effective approach would combine multiple non-invasive detection techniques to improve the accuracy and reliability of intoxication detection, thereby enhancing road safety and reducing the incidence of alcohol-related accidents.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced device for intoxication detection through behavioral and environmental cues that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a device for intoxication detection through behavioral and environmental cues. The device comprising an input unit configured to capture a speech of a driver. The device further comprising a detection unit configured to detect a presence of intoxicant particulates in surroundings. The device further comprising a processor communicatively connected to the input unit and to the detection unit. The processor is configured to receive the captured speech of the driver from the input unit; analyze the captured speech for identification of vocal abnormalities through a machine learning algorithm; activate the detection unit, upon identification of the vocal abnormalities in the captured speech; and activate an alert unit upon detection of the intoxicant particulates in the surroundings.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for real-time detection of intoxication in drivers. The method comprising steps of receiving a captured speech of a driver from an input unit; analyzing the captured speech for identification of vocal abnormalities through a machine learning algorithm; activating a detection unit, upon identification of the vocal abnormalities in the captured speech; and activating an alert unit upon detection of the intoxicant particulates in the surroundings.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a device for intoxication detection through behavioral and environmental cues.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a device for intoxication detection that passively detects intoxication using speech and smell sensors, ensuring seamless and unobtrusive monitoring.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a device for intoxication detection that continuously analyzes speech patterns and alcohol vapor presence, enabling immediate detection of intoxicated drivers without requiring a manual test or law enforcement intervention.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a device for intoxication detection that improves accuracy over single-method approaches, reducing false positives and negatives.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a device for intoxication detection that triggers preventive actions such as sending alerts to authorities, warning the driver, or even disabling the vehicle to prevent accidents.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a device for intoxication detection that is integrated into various vehicle models and transportation systems, including personal cars, public transport, and commercial fleets, offering a scalable solution for road safety.
[0014] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0015] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a device for intoxication detection through behavioral and environmental cues, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary utilization of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for real-time detection of intoxication in drivers, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0022] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0023] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0024] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a device 100 for intoxication detection through behavioral and environmental cues, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the device 100 may be adapted to analyse vocal abilities and detect a presence of intoxicant particulates in surroundings to detect a level of influential intoxication in a driver.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the device 100 may be from factor such as, but not limited to, a portable handheld form, a clip-on wearable form, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any form factors of the device 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0026] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the device 100 may incorporate non-limiting hardware components to enhance the processing speed and efficiency such as the device 100 may comprise an input unit 102, a detection unit 104, a processor 106, and an alert unit 108. In an embodiment of the present invention, the hardware components of the device 100 may be integrated with computer-executable instructions for overcoming the challenges and the limitations of the existing devices.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the input unit 102 may be configured to capture a speech of the driver. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the input unit 102 may be a microphone. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the input unit 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the detection unit 104 may be configured to detect the presence of the intoxicant particulates in the surroundings. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detection unit 104 may be an alcohol vapor sensor. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the detection unit 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 106 may be communicatively connected to the input unit 102 and to the detection unit 104. The processor 106 may be configured to receive the captured speech of the driver from the input unit 102.
[0030] The processor 106 may be configured to analyze the captured speech for identification of vocal abnormalities through a machine learning algorithm. The vocal abnormalities may be, but not limited to, slurred speech, delayed responses, abnormal intonations, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the vocal abnormalities, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0031] Upon analysis, if the vocal abnormalities may be identified in the captured speech, then the processor 106 may be configured to activate the detection unit 104. Further, if the detection unit 104 may detects the presence of the intoxicant particulates in the surroundings, then the processor 106 may be configured to activate the alert unit 108.
[0032] The processor 106 may be configured to evaluate an intoxication score of the driver based on a concentration of the detected intoxicant particulates and an intensity of the identified vocal abnormality. The processor 106 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) unit, a microprocessor, a development board, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the processor 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the alert unit 108 may be adapted to alert a law enforcement agent relating to the detection of the intoxication of the corresponding intoxicated driver. The alert unit 108 may be for example, but not limited to, a buzzer, a Light Emitting Diode (LED), and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the alert unit 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0034] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary utilization of the device 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device 100 may be integrated onto the law enforcement agent as represented in the FIG. 1B. Further, the device 100 may be of the portable handheld form factor that may be bought in a proximity of the drive. Further, if cases of intoxicated, the driver may express inappropriate and uncontrollable vocal speech. Further, the driver may exhale the intoxicant particulates. The device 100 may being in a close and straight interaction with the driver, may enable the device 100 to operate in an unhindered manner, and alert the law enforcement agent about the intoxication of the driver.
[0035] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for real-time detection of the intoxication in the drivers, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] At step 202, the device 100 may receive the captured speech of the driver from the input unit 102.
[0037] At step 204, the device 100 may analyze the captured speech for identification of the vocal abnormalities.
[0038] At step 206, if the vocal abnormalities may be identified, then the method 200 may proceed to a step 208. Else, the method 200 may revert to the step 202.
[0039] At step 208, the device 100 may activate the detection unit 104 to detect the presence of the intoxicant particulates in the surroundings
[0040] At step 210, if the intoxicant particulates may be detected in the surroundings, then the method 200 may proceed to the step 212. Else, the method 200 may revert to the step 202.
[0041] At step 212, the device 100 may activate the alert unit 108.
[0042] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0043] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A device (100) for intoxication detection through behavioral and environmental cues, the device (100) comprising:
an input unit (102) configured to capture a speech of a driver;
a detection unit (104) configured to detect a presence of intoxicant particulates in surroundings; and
a processor (106) communicatively connected to the input unit (102) and to the detection unit (104), characterized in that the processor (106) is configured to:
receive the captured speech of the driver from the input unit (102);
analyze the captured speech for identification of vocal abnormalities through a machine learning algorithm;
activate the detection unit (104), upon identification of the vocal abnormalities in the captured speech; and
activate an alert unit (108) upon detection of the intoxicant particulates in the surroundings.
2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor (106) is configured to evaluate an intoxication score of the driver based on a concentration of the detected intoxicant particulates and an intensity of the identified vocal abnormality.
3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a form factors of the device (100) is selected from a portable handheld form, a clip-on wearable form, or a combination thereof.
4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vocal abnormalities are selected from a slurred speech, delayed responses, abnormal intonations, or a combination thereof.
5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detection unit (104) comprise an alcohol vapor sensor.
6. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input unit (102) comprise a microphone.
7. A method (200) for real-time detection of intoxication in drivers, the method (200) is characterized by steps of:
receiving a captured speech of a driver from an input unit (102);
analyzing the captured speech for identification of vocal abnormalities through a machine learning algorithm;
activating a detection unit (104), upon identification of the vocal abnormalities in the captured speech; and
activating an alert unit (108) upon detection of the intoxicant particulates in the surroundings.
8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the vocal abnormalities are selected from a slurred speech, delayed responses, abnormal intonations, or a combination thereof.
9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the detection unit (104) comprise an alcohol vapor sensor.
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the input unit (102) comprise a microphone.
Date: March 13, 2025
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant