The calibrating breathalyzer comprises an alcohol sensor, a non-volatile memory, a processing unit or processor, a display and a housing to house these components. The processing unit can calibrate the breathalyzer using the user's body as a simulator based on the user's metabolism rate, type and amount of alcohol consumed by the user. The processing unit determines a sample time to receive a breath sample from the user based on a time to a predetermined calibration point from the drinking start time calculated using the user's metabolism rate and the determined maximum alcohol level. The BAC % measurement based on the user's breath sample at the sample time is used as a reference point in calibrating the breathalyzer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The claimed invention relates generally to a breathalyzer, more specifically to a calibrating breathalyzer and an apparatus for calibrating a breathalyzer using the user's body as a simulator.

RELATED ART

The availability and accessibility of the breathalyzer for both professional use (as in clinical, industrial, healthcare or workplace settings) and personal use (as in the domain of general consumers) has been expanding greatly, and with this expansion the necessity for all breathalyzers to be periodically recalibrated has created many interruptions in the market, as breathalyzers must currently be mailed or delivered to select service center locations where calibration can be done using a simulation system, making the breathalyzer unavailable to the user during this calibration period, and increasingly overwhelming the service centers as the market grows. The claimed invention remedies this situation by providing a method to calibrate (or re-calibrate) the breathalyzer that greatly reduces or even eliminates the time and cost involved in shipping and handling of breathalyzers and maintenance of service centers, as well as the time and utility lost by the end user.

A typical breathalyzer consists primarily of an alcohol sensor component, processing unit (or CPU), and a display unit to show results. Typically, a breath alcohol sensor is calibrated to match select calibration points using standard specifications (controlled alcohol solutions), and the processing unit (or CPU) determines BAC % based on linear calculation using the calibration points. Over time and usage (generally after several hundred tests and or after certain period of time passed), every breath alcohol sensor will require re-calibration as undesirable residue and foreign substances including, but not limited to, saliva, cigarette smoke residue and food particles, change electrical value of the alcohol molecule detected by the sensor. The current system of calibration (or re-calibration) of breathalyzers by service centers takes place when a consumer or end user, with a breathalyzer in need of calibration, contacts a breathalyzer retailer. The retailer, in turn, directs the end user to ship the breathalyzer to an appropriate service center location. Upon receiving the breathalyzer, the service center uses controlled alcohol solutions in order to re-calibrate the device according to standard specifications. When this re-calibration is complete, the breathalyzer is shipped back to the end user. This procedure for re-calibration is time-consuming and costly in terms of shipping and handling of packages, labor hours and lost utility for the end user. There are currently over 100 retailers (online and offline) and/or distributors sell breathalyzer units to consumers and end users, whereas fewer than ten (10) service center locations exist to perform traditional breathalyzer re-calibrations. Due to this discrepancy, the overall increase in sales of breathalyzer units are overwhelming the service centers with requests for re-calibration (which are both necessary and periodic for each breathalyzer), causing ever increasing delays in the processing and delivery of breathalyzers.

Typically, the breathalyzer is calibrated using a simulator with standard alcohol solution(s), or with a dry gas cylinder. Both methods require special tool and standard solutions or gas to calibrate the breathalyzer. Accordingly, the end users must send their breathalyzers to third-party service center for calibration of their breathalyzers or purchase the special tools, e.g., a simulator to recalibrate the breathalyzers themselves.

The traditional re-calibration system and procedure involves multiple transactions and/or communications among several entities. Typically an end user (general consumer, owner or operator of a breathalyzer) contacts the retailer from which the breathalyzer was purchased in order to report that the breathalyzer is in need of re-calibration. Currently, the large majority of all breathalyzer retailers are unable to perform re-calibration themselves, so either the retailer accepts breathalyzers requiring re-calibration from end users and ships them in bulk to a breathalyzer service center, or the retailer directs the end user to ship the breathalyzer requiring re-calibration directly to the service center. When the service center receives breathalyzers requiring re-calibration, detailed records of receipts, shipments, customer and retailer (vendor) data must be kept and maintained in order to minimize errors in processing and shipping the re-calibrated breathalyzer. Further, any problems that may arise are complicated to resolve, as these problems involve several parties that are not current with the specific situation of the end user (e.g. a single re-calibration may involve a retailer, distributor, service center and end user). With the multiple communications, transactions, record-keeping, processing and shipping that may be involved with each re-calibration, a steady increase in delays, costs and other problems can be seen in the breathalyzer market, because re-calibrations are unavoidable and periodically necessary.

In order to alleviate the time and utility lost when sending a breathalyzer for re-calibration, some end users purchase multiple breathalyzers so that at least one breathalyzer is available for use while one or more other devices are undergoing service for re-calibration. Some end users cannot afford the increase in budget in order to implement this type of stopgap measure, so compromises are made either in terms of temporary suspension of breath alcohol tests or over-taxing breathalyzer units beyond the point of necessary re-calibration (thereby allowing the breathalyzer to display increasingly inaccurate readings). In many cases, end users elect not to use breathalyzers altogether primarily due to the complications of re-calibration. Re-calibration, though an absolute necessity in the breathalyzer market, is one of the main impediments to rapid expansion of the market, especially in workplace, clinical or other professional environments where both accuracy and continuous utility are required.

Accordingly, the claimed invention proceeds upon the desirability of providing significant benefits for both the breathalyzer service centers and the end users by practically eliminating the loss of time and utility for end users and reducing the number of labor hours and shipping costs for service centers, all while introducing an effective solution at a cost no greater than the current service center system.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the claimed invention to provide a significantly improved replacement for the traditional method of breathalyzer re-calibration that supports market security by reducing or eliminating the time and utility lost by the end user and that also expands the market by addressing the specific needs of industrial or clinical breathalyzer applications.

It is a further object of the claimed invention to provide a calibrating breathalyzer which solves aforementioned problems with the current breathalyzer.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the calibrating breathalyzer comprises an alcohol sensor, a non-volatile memory, a processing unit or processor, a display and a housing to house these components. The alcohol sensor receives a breath air sample and measuring percent blood alcohol concentration (BAC %) based on analysis of the breath sample. The non-volatile memory stores calibration data of the alcohol sensor comprising one or more reference values within the BAC % range of the breathalyzer can analyze and display. The processing unit operates the breathalyzer in two modes. In the calibration mode, the processing unit calibrates the breathalyzer using the user's body as a simulator by receiving information regarding a metabolism rate of the user, type and amount of alcohol consumed by the user, and a drinking start time; determining maximum alcohol level from the type and amount of the alcohol consumed by the user; determining a sample time to receive a breath sample from the user based on a time to a predetermined calibration point from the drinking start time calculated using the metabolism rate of the user and the maximum alcohol level; receiving a BAC % measurement from the alcohol sensor based on the breath sample provided by the user at the sample time to provide a reference value; and storing the reference value as the calibration data in the breathalyzer. In the operation mode, the processing unit provides a BAC % reading based on the BAC % measurement by the alcohol sensor and the calibration data stored in the non-volatile memory. The processing unit displays the BAC % reading and other information for the user on the display.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid processing unit of the breathalyzer alerts the user at a predetermined time before the sample time to provide the breath sample for calibrating the breathalyzer by an alarm, vibration, speaker, or a message on the display.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid breathalyzer further comprises one or more buttons on the housing to input information about the type and amount of alcohol consumed by the user. The processing unit provides a list of alcohol types on the display for selection by the user using the buttons and stores the selection of the user in the non-volatile memory.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid processing unit of the breathalyzer modifies the sample time by a predetermined lag time for alcohol to be present in user's circulatory system after alcohol consumption by the user.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid processing unit of the breathalyzer determines the metabolism rate of the user based on the maximum alcohol level and BAC % measurements of the user's breath samples over a predetermined period of time.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid processing unit of the breathalyzer receives BAC % measurement from the alcohol sensor based on the breath sample provided by the user at a predetermined interval until a statistically significant number of measurements are obtained to determine the metabolism rate of the user.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid processing unit of the breathalyzer alerts the user to provide the breath sample at the predetermined interval by an alarm or a message on the display.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid breathalyzer is one of the following: a portable breathalyzer, a coin-operated breathalyzer, a key-chain breathalyzer or a car ignition breathalyzer.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid breathalyzer further comprises a heating unit to warm up the alcohol sensor to a predetermined temperature.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid alcohol sensor of the breathalyzer detects changes in conductivity according to varying levels of alcohol concentration in said breath sample.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, apparatus for calibrating a breathalyzer using a user's body as a simulator comprises an input device, a processor, a memory and a display. The input device receives information regarding a metabolism rate of the user, type and amount of alcohol consumed by the user, and a drinking start time. The processor determines a maximum alcohol level from the type and amount of the alcohol consumed by the user, determining a sample time to receive a breath sample by the breathalyzer from the user based on a time to a predetermined calibration point from the drinking start time calculated using the metabolism rate of the user and the maximum alcohol level. The processor receives a BAC % measurement taken by the breathalyzer based on the breath sample provided by the user at the sample time to provide a reference value. The memory stores the reference value in the breathalyzer. The processor displays the reference value to be inputted by the user into the breathalyzer on the display to provide a calibration data which is stored in the breathalyzer and used by the breathalyzer to provide BAC % reading to the user.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid processor of the apparatus alerts the user at a predetermined time before the sample time to provide the breath sample to the breathalyzer by an alarm or a message on the display.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid processor of the apparatus provides a list of alcohol types on the display for selection by the user using the input device and the memory stores the selection of the user.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid processor of the apparatus modifies the sample time by a predetermined lag time for alcohol to be present in user's circulatory system after alcohol consumption by the user.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid processor of the apparatus determines the metabolism rate of the user based on the maximum alcohol level and BAC % measurements of the user's breath samples taken by the breathalyzer over a predetermined period of time.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid processor of the apparatus alerts the user to provide the breath sample to the breathalyzer at a predetermined interval by an alarm or a message on the display until a statistically significant number of measurements are obtained to determine the metabolism rate of the user.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid apparatus is one of the following processor based device: a personal digital assistant, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, a personal computer, GPS navigation system and other comparable electronic device.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprises computer executable code for calibrating of a breathalyzer using a user's body as a simulator. The code comprises instructions for the processor based device to (1) receive information regarding a metabolism rate of the user, type and amount of alcohol consumed by the user, and a drinking start time; (2) determine a maximum alcohol level from the type and amount of the alcohol consumed by the user by the processor based device, (3) determine a sample time to receive a breath sample by the breathalyzer from the user based on a time to a predetermined calibration point from the drinking start time calculated by the processor based device using the metabolism rate of the user and the maximum alcohol level; (4) receive a BAC % measurement taken by the breathalyzer based on the breath sample provided by the user at the sample time to provide a reference point; (5) store the reference point as an original reference point for a first calibration of the breathalyzer and as a new reference point for subsequent calibration of the breathalyzer; and (6) display the reference point to be inputted by the user into the breathalyzer to provide calibration data which is stored in the breathalyzer and used by the breathalyzer to provide BAC % reading to the user.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid code further comprises instructions for alerting the user at a predetermined time before the sample time to provide the breath sample to the breathalyzer by an alarm or a message on the display of the processor based device.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid code further comprises instructions for providing a list of alcohol types on the display of the processor based device for selection by the user and storing the selection of the user.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid code further comprises instructions for determining the metabolism rate of the user based on the maximum alcohol level and a series of BAC % measurements of the user's breath samples taken by the breathalyzer over a predetermined period of time.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid code further comprises instructions for alerting the user to provide the breath sample to the breathalyzer at a predetermined interval by an alarm or a message on the display of the processor based device until a statistically significant number of measurements are obtained to determine the metabolism rate of the user.

The traditional re-calibration system and procedure involves multiple transactions and/or communications among several entities. Typically an end user (general consumer, owner or operator of a breathalyzer) contacts the retailer from which the breathalyzer was purchased in order to report that the breathalyzer is in need of re-calibration. Currently, the large majority of all breathalyzer retailers are unable to perform re-calibration themselves, so either the retailer accepts breathalyzers requiring re-calibration from end users and ships them in bulk to a breathalyzer service center, or the retailer directs the end user to ship the breathalyzer requiring re-calibration directly to the service center. When the service center receives breathalyzers requiring re-calibration, detailed records of receipts, shipments, customer and retailer (vendor) data must be kept and maintained in order to minimize errors in processing and shipping the re-calibrated breathalyzer. Further, any problems that may arise are complicated to resolve, as these problems involve several parties that are not current with the specific situation of the end user (e.g. a single re-calibration may involve a retailer, distributor, service center and end user). With the multiple communications, transactions, record-keeping, processing and shipping that may be involved with each re-calibration, a steady increase in delays, costs and other problems can be seen in the breathalyzer market, because re-calibrations are unavoidable and periodically necessary.

Various other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the ensuing detailed description, and the novel features will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The Breath Alcohol Testing Device is also commonly called a “breathalyser” or a “breathalyzer” (hereinafter breathalyzer), and includes both portable (PBT or Portable Breath Tester), stationary (coin-operated breathalyzer or similar) units, car engine immobilizing breath alcohol tester, and alcohol tester installed on other electronic device, such as a cell phone, a tablet, a lap-top, a personal digital assistant, a GPS navigation device, etc.

Turning now toFIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the breathalyzer's processor, microcontroller, microprocessor, processing unit or signal processing unit100(collectively referred to herein as the “processor” or “processing unit”) is connected to an alcohol sensor200, a heating unit210and a non-volatile memory220. As shown inFIG. 2, the sensor circuitry11of the alcohol sensor200, a heating circuitry13of the heating unit210and a memory circuitry15of the non-volatile memory220are on a printed circuit board (PCB)60and connected to the CPU circuitry30of the processing unit100. The non-volatile memory unit220can be EEPROM, flash drive, NAND and the like to store initial factory calibration data for the alcohol sensor200. The sensor circuitry11of the alcohol sensor200is operable to detect changes in conductivity according to varying levels of alcohol concentration. The heating unit210is operable to warm up the alcohol sensor200to a pre-determined temperature. The non-volatile memory unit220stores initial factory calibration data, which is used by the breathalyzer's processor or processing unit100to recalibrate the breathalyzer1000. The memory circuitry15can include various pins, such as pin7labeled as “W/P,” which means “write-protect,” to prevent the non-volatile memory unit220from losing the calibration data.

The sensor circuitry11comprises a variable resistor which varies depending on how much alcohol is in the air near or in close proximity to the alcohol sensor200. The more alcohol is in the air, the lower the resistance. That is, breathalyzer1000measures the alcohol in the breath by measuring the resistance. Instead of measuring the resistance, the breath alcohol sensor200can measure the voltage level between the sensor circuitry11and the load resistor R1. The sensor circuitry11and the load resistor essentially forms a voltage divider, and the lower the resistance of the sensor circuitry11, the higher the sensor voltage reading. It is generally known that breath and blood alcohol content differ by a factor of 2100. That is, for every mg of alcohol in the breath, there are 2100 mg of alcohol in the blood. So BAC % (blood alcohol content or concentration percentage) equals breath mg/L*0.21. Accordingly, the non-volatile memory220additionally stores sensor voltage readings and resistance measurements of various predetermined BAC % and breath mg/L.

Returning toFIG. 2, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the breathalyzer's processor or processing unit100communicates with the sensor circuitry11through a pin3and communicates with the memory circuit15through pins4and5to retrieve, e.g., the calibration data from the non-volatile memory220.

Typically, the user purchases the breathalyzer1000for work (e.g., a police officer can use it for sobriety testing), clinical studies, personal use, etc. After many repeated uses, the breathalyzer generally requires re-calibration due to electrical drifting of one or more components of the alcohol sensor200and/or other problems discussed herein. Typically, the breathalyzer1000requires re-calibration after being used for 200-2000 times (varying depend on the type of alcohol sensor and other factors noted herein). Alternatively, the alcohol sensor200or the processing unit100of the breathalyzer can perform tests periodically or upon request by the operator (i.e., pressing a button310or using a pin hole310on the housing of the breathalyzer) to determine if the alcohol sensor200requires re-calibration. An inquiry is made to determine if the breathalyzer1000requires re-calibration. If the inquiry is answered in the negative, the breathalyzer1000can be used to calculate or measure BAC %. However, if the inquiry is answered in the affirmative, the user can initiate re-calibration of the breathalyzer1000. Alternatively, the user is alerted by an alarm or a message on the LED or LCD display300on the breathalyzer1000indicating that the breathalyzer1000requires recalibration, and the user can initiate re-calibration by pressing a button on the housing of the breathalyzer1000or inputting yes to re-calibration when prompted by the message on the LED or LCD display300on the breathalyzer1000.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, when the user initiates re-calibration, the breathalyzer1000enters a calibration mode. In the calibration mode, the processor or processing unit100reads the initial factory calibration data for the alcohol sensor200from the non-volatile memory220. The initial factory calibration data can include one or more predetermined BAC's %, and corresponding sensor voltage measurements and resistance measurements. For each predetermined BAC %, the breathalyzer1000applies the corresponding stored sensor voltage, and then measures the resistance. If the measured resistance is different from the stored resistance measurement for one or more predetermined BAC %'s, then the processor/processing unit100recalibrates the breathalyzer1000by adjusting the correspondence or relationship between the BAC %, resistance and the sensor voltage. Further, the processor/processing unit100replaces the stored resistance measurement in the non-volatile memory220with the measured resistance value. Alternatively, for each predetermined BAC %, the breathalyzer1000applies the corresponding stored resistance, and then measures the sensor voltage. If the measured sensor voltage is different from the stored sensor voltage measurement for one or more predetermined BAC's %, then the processor/processing unit100recalibrates the breathalyzer1000by adjusting the correspondence or relationship between the BAC %, the resistance, and the sensor voltage. Further, the processor/processing unit100replaces the stored sensor voltage measurement in the non-volatile memory220with the measured sensor voltage value.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the calibrating breathalyzer1000determines the change in the relationship between BAC %, resistance and sensor voltage. The breath alcohol sensor measurement is then recalibrated to account for this change in the relationship between BAC % resistance and sensor voltage.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the calibrating breathalyzer1000can be recalibrated by the end user without requiring any special tools (e.g., simulator with either standard alcohol solution(s) or dry gas) or without utilizing third party services. The claimed calibrating breathalyzer1000essentially utilizes the human body as the simulator and operator's breadth air after consumption of predetermined volume of alcohol (e.g., BAC %) as the standard alcohol solution or dry gas, thereby eliminating the current inefficient and costly calibration process. As soon as one drinks alcohol, the alcohol moves within the body through the circulatory system. As the body begins to metabolize the alcohol based on the user's metabolism rate, the alcohol level in the body decreases gradually over time. The processor100predicts or determines how long after the consumption of the alcohol (hereinafter the “elapsed time”), the user's breath will contain approximately one of the predetermined BACs % based on the user's metabolism rate. It is appreciated that the required calibration points can be predetermined at the factory or established by the user before initiating the self-calibration process. The claimed breathalyzer1000can employ one or more calibration values or points, e.g., 0.005 BAC %, 0.01 BAC %, etc. That is, the claimed invention proceeds upon the desirability of utilizing the end user's or operator's body as a simulator or cylinder by recording and/or determining the period of time required to reach the predetermined calibration point(s) after consuming the predetermined volume (and/or level) of alcohol.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, after receiving the information regarding the type, amount and time of the alcohol consumed by the user, the processor100sets the timer to zero and alerts the user to provide a breath sample when the timer nears the elapsed time. The processor100stores the measured BAC % as a reference value or a calibration data in the non-volatile memory220and provides BAC % measurement during the normal operation mode based on linear calculation using the stored reference point or calibration data. Details of BAC % calculation are set forth in a document issued by the DOR/NHTSA on October 1994, entitled “Computing of BAC Estimate,” which is incorporated herein in its entirety. The processor100repeats this process other predetermined BAC % or calibration points. For example, if there are two predetermined calibration points, then the processor100determines the elapsed time1for the first calibration point and the elapsed time2for the second calibration point based on the user's metabolism rate. The processor100sets the timer to zero and alerts the user to provide a first breath sample when the timer nears the elapsed time1and a second breath sample when the timer nears elapsed time2. The processor100stores the measured BAC's % at these two elapsed times as reference points in the non-volatile memory220and provides BAC % measurement during the normal operation mode based on linear calculation using the stored reference points. It is appreciated that the maximum BAC % for calibration must exceed the highest reference point.

Typically, the user purchases the breathalyzer for work (e.g., a police officer can use it for sobriety testing), clinical studies, personal use, etc. After many repeated uses, the breathalyzer generally requires re-calibration as discussed herein. When the standard breathalyzer requires re-calibration, the user contacts the retailer and the retailer directs the user to an appropriate service center. The user then ships the standard breathalyzer to the service center for re-calibration. Upon receipt of the standard breathalyzer, the service center calibrates the standard breathalyzer, e.g., using the simulation system, and ships the re-calibrated breathalyzer back to the user, thereby enabling the user use the standard breathalyzer to calculate or measure BAC %.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, after consuming predetermined volume and/or level of alcohol, the user can operate the claimed breathalyzer1000in the calibration mode to initiate the calibration of the claimed breathalyzer1000. In the calibration mode, the processor100self-calibrates the breathalyzer1000utilizing the user's body as a simulator based on information received from the user. After consuming the alcohol, the user enters the type and amount of alcohol consumed, e.g., one 12 ounce bottle or can of beer (5% alcohol by volume), one 5 ounce glass of wine (12% alcohol by volume) or one 1.5 ounce shot of hard liquor (40% alcohol by volume), etc., into the breathalyzer100using the buttons or pin holes310. Preferably the user selects the type of alcohol consumed from a list on the display300using the buttons/pin holes310and enters the amount, e.g., two 12 ounce cans of beer, and how long ago (i.e., time elapsed between the consumption of the alcohol and entry of such information into the breathalyzer1000). That is, the processor100displays a list of alcohol types on the display300and the user selects the type of alcohol consumed using the buttons/pin holes310. The processor100stores the user's selection in the non-volatile memory220, and requests the user to enter the number, volume or amount of the selected alcohol consumed by the user on the display300, which is also stored in the non-volatile memory220. Further, the user enters the time when the user started drinking the selected alcohol or the start time into the breathalyzer1000using the buttons310. In accordance with an exemplary aspect of the claimed invention, the processor100determines the total drinking time in minutes. Since it takes time before alcohol circulates in the user's blood after consumption, this lag time, which is generally approximately 5˜10 minutes, is used to modify the start time. The processor uses the modified start time to set timer to zero in measuring/calculating the elapsed time(s) for the calibration point(s).

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the processor100calculates or receives the user's metabolism rate and stores it in the non-volatile memory220, preferably, this is performed before the breathalyzer1000is used for the first time. After consuming the alcohol, the user enters the type and amount of alcohol consumed, e.g., one 12 ounce bottle or can of beer (5% alcohol by volume), one 5 ounce glass of wine (12% alcohol by volume) or one 1.5 ounce shot of hard liquor (40% alcohol by volume), etc., into the breathalyzer100using the buttons310. Preferably the user selects the type of alcohol consumed from a list on the display300using the buttons310and enters the amount, e.g., two 12 ounce cans of beer. That is, the processor100displays a list of alcohol types on the display300and the user selects the type of alcohol consumed using the buttons310. The processor100stores the user's selection in the non-volatile memory220, and requests the user to enter the number, volume or amount of the selected alcohol consumed by the user on the display300, which is also stored in the non-volatile memory220. As the body begins to metabolize the alcohol, the alcohol level in the body decreases gradually over time based on the user's metabolism rate. The processor100can determine the maximum alcohol level from the type and amount of alcohol consumed by the user, e.g., two 12 ounce cans of beer or one 1.5 ounce shot of hard liquor, etc. After receiving the user's entry regarding the alcohol consumption, the processor100periodically, e.g., every five or ten minutes, requests the user to provide the breath samples until sufficient number of measurements are obtained. It is appreciated that the range of BAC % measurements should be statistically significant to determine the user's metabolism rate. The processor100can determine the user's metabolism rate based on the maximum alcohol level and the BAC % measurements. That is, since the decrease in user's BAC % measurements (i.e., percent alcohol in the user's blood) correlates with user's metabolism rate, the processor100can determine the user's metabolism rate from the change and/or the rate of change in percent alcohol in the user's blood or BAC % measurements over time. It is appreciated that the processor100can employ other known methodologies to determine the user metabolism rate, such as based on user's weight, gender, frequency of alcohol consumption and personal variation.

After many repeated uses of the breathalyzer100to calculate or measure BAC %, the breathalyzer1000generally requires re-calibration as discussed herein. Typically, the breathalyzer1000requires re-calibration after being used for 100-3000 times (varying depend on the factors noted herein). Alternatively, the alcohol sensor200or the processing unit100of the breathalyzer1000can perform tests periodically or upon request by the operator (i.e., pressing a button on the housing of the breathalyzer1000) to determine if the alcohol sensor200requires re-calibration. The user can initiate self-calibration by operating the breathalyzer1000in the calibration mode. As noted herein, after consuming the alcohol, the user enters the type and amount of alcohol consumed, e.g., two 5 ounce glasses of wine or one 1.5 ounce shot of hard liquor, into the breathalyzer100using the buttons310. Preferably the user selects the type of alcohol consumed from a list on the display300using the buttons310and enters the amount, e.g., two 12 ounce cans of beer, and how long ago (i.e., time elapsed between the consumption of the alcohol and entry of such information into the breathalyzer1000). That is, the processor100displays a list of alcohol types on the display300and the user selects the type of alcohol consumed using the buttons310. The processor100stores the user's selection in the non-volatile memory220, and requests the user to enter the number, volume or amount of the selected alcohol consumed by the user on the display300, which is also stored in the non-volatile memory220. Further, the user enters the time when the user started drinking the selected alcohol or the start time into the breathalyzer1000using the buttons310. The processor100uses the start time modified by the lag time to set the timer to zero in measuring/calculating the elapsed time(s) for the calibration point(s).

As the body begins to metabolize the alcohol based on the user's metabolism rate, the alcohol level in the body decreases gradually over time. Based on the information received from the user regarding the consumed alcohol, the processor100can determine the maximum alcohol level. Based on the user's stored metabolism rate and information received from the user regarding the consumed alcohol, the processor100can determine the elapsed time before the user's breath will contain one of the calibration points or predetermined BAC %. The claimed breathalyzer1000can employ one or more calibration points, e.g., 0.005 BAC %, 0.01 BAC %, etc.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, after receiving the information regarding the type, amount and time of the alcohol consumed by the user, the processor100sets the timer to zero and alerts the user to provide a breath sample when the timer nears the elapsed time. The processor100stores the measured BAC % as a new reference point or calibration data in the non-volatile memory220and provides BAC % measurement during the normal operation mode based on linear calculation using the reference point(s) stored in the non-volatile memory220. Although one calibration point is used in this example, it is appreciated that more than calibration point can be used to obtain multiple new reference points. The processor100provides BAC % measurement during the normal operation mode based on linear calculation using the new and original reference points.

Turning now toFIG. 3, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, apparatus500for calibrating a standard breathalyzer600using a user's body as a simulator comprises an input device510, a processor520, a memory530and a display540. It is appreciated that the calibrating apparatus500can be any processor based device, such as a personal digital assistant, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, a personal computer, a GPS navigation device, a digital camera and the like. The input device510, such as a keyboard, touchpad, mouse, buttons and the like, receives information regarding a metabolism rate of the user, type and amount of alcohol consumed by the user, and a drinking start time. Preferably, the processor520of the apparatus500provides a list of alcohol types on the display540for selection by the user using the input device510and the memory530stores the selection of the user. The processor520determines a maximum alcohol level from the type and amount of the alcohol consumed by the user. The processor520also determines a sample time to receive a breath sample by the breathalyzer600from the user based on a time to a predetermined calibration point from the drinking start time calculated using the metabolism rate of the user and the maximum alcohol level. Preferably, the processor520modifies the sample time by a predetermined lag time, e.g., 5 to 10 minutes, for the alcohol to be present in user's circulatory system after the alcohol is consumed by the user. The processor520receives a BAC % measurement taken by the breathalyzer600based on the breath sample provided by the user at the sample time to provide a reference point. Preferably, the processor520alerts the user at a predetermined time before the sample time to provide the breath sample to the breathalyzer600by an alarm or a message on the display540. The memory530stores the reference point for use as a calibration data by the breathalyzer600. The display540presents the reference point to be inputted by the user into the breathalyzer600to provide a calibration data which is stored in the breathalyzer600and used by the breathalyzer600to provide BAC % readings for the breath samples.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the processor520of the apparatus500can determine the metabolism rate of the user based on the maximum alcohol level and BAC % measurements of the user's breath samples taken by the breathalyzer600over a predetermined period of time, e.g., 1-3 hours, until one or more predetermined BAC % measurements or calibration points are reached. The processor520can alert the user to provide the breath sample to the breathalyzer600at a predetermined interval by an alarm or a message on the display540until a statistically significant number of measurements are obtained to determine the metabolism rate of the user.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as DVD, CD, memory stick, USB drive, and other known storage device, comprises computer executable code for calibrating of a breathalyzer600using a user's body as a simulator. The code comprises instructions for the processor based device500to (1) receive information regarding a metabolism rate of the user, type and amount of alcohol consumed by the user, and a drinking start time; (2) determine a maximum alcohol level from the type and amount of the alcohol consumed by the user by the processor based device500; (3) determine a sample time to receive a breath sample by the breathalyzer600from the user based on a time to a predetermined calibration point from the drinking start time calculated by the processor based device500using the metabolism rate of the user and the maximum alcohol level; (4) receive a BAC % measurement taken by the breathalyzer600based on the breath sample provided by the user at the sample time to provide a reference point; (5) store the reference value/point; and (6) display the reference point to be inputted by the user into the breathalyzer600to provide a calibration data which is stored in the breathalyzer600and used by the breathalyzer600to provide BAC % readings for the breath samples.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the computer executable code can be downloaded from a provider's website or web server800via a communications network or Internet, as shown inFIG. 5or installed from a computer readable storage medium to a processor based device500to calibrate the standard breathalyzer600using the user's or operator's body as a simulator. The processor based device500can be a personal digital assistant, a cell or smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, a personal computer, a GPS navigation device, a digital camera or other comparable devices.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown inFIGS. 1-3, an alcohol testing unit700comprises at least the alcohol sensor200, and a sensor cover710comprising a plurality of holes and an input/output port720. Additionally, the alcohol testing unit700can comprises one or more buttons/pin holes310and/or a heating unit210. The alcohol testing unit700communicates with the processor based device500via the input/output port720. It is appreciated that input/output port720can be any standard computer interface, such as universal serial bus (USB) connector720. Although, not shown, the alcohol testing unit700can further comprises a communication unit730to wirelessly communicate with the processor based device500over a wireless network, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, Bluetooth and the like. The user provides a breath sample to the alcohol testing unit700by blowing through the sensor cover710and onto the alcohol sensor200positioned behind the sensor cover710. It is appreciated that the alcohol sensor200can be located elsewhere in the alcohol testing unit700and the user's breath sample can be directed to the alcohol sensor200via an optional air tube (not shown). The alcohol sensor200provides the BAC % measurement to the processor based device500running a breathalyzer application/program which can be downloaded onto the processor based device500from the provider's website/web server800or loaded from the non-transitory computer readable storage medium. That is, the claimed invention can convert any processor based electronic device500into a breathalyzer utilizing the alcohol testing unit700and the breathalyzer application/program. The external alcohol testing unit700can be re-calibrated using the user's body as a simulator as described herein.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the processor based device500comprises a built-in or internal alcohol testing unit700, thereby eliminating the need to connect (e.g., via a wireless or wired connection) the external alcohol testing unit700to the processor based device500. The processor based device500can be utilized both as a breathalyzer and a cell phone, a tablet, a GPS navigation system, a laptop, a PC, a digital camera, a personal digital assistant, etc. As shown inFIGS. 1,2and4, the user provides a breath sample to the processor based device500through the sensor cover710and onto the alcohol sensor200positioned behind the sensor cover710. It is appreciated that the alcohol sensor200can be located elsewhere in the alcohol testing unit700and the user's breath sample can be directed to the alcohol sensor200via an optional air tube (not shown). The built-in or internal alcohol testing unit700can be re-calibrated using the user's body as a simulator as described herein.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the user can access and utilize a calibration application from the provider's website or web server800to calibrate the breathalyzer using a web-enabled client device500, such as a laptop, a tablet, a cell or smart phone, a personal digital assistant, etc. After invoking the calibration application, using the web-enabled client device500, the user enters information regarding the user's metabolism rate, type and amount alcohol consumed by the user, and the drinking start time. Preferably, the web server800provides a list of alcohol types to the web-enabled client device500to display on the display540for selection by the user using the input device510of the web-enabled client device500. The user's selection can be stored in the memory of the web-enabled client device and/or the web server800. The web-enabled client device500transmits the entered information to the web server800over the Internet.

The web server800determines a maximum alcohol level from the type and amount of the alcohol consumed by the user. The web server800also determines a sample time to receive a breath sample by the breathalyzer600from the user based on a time to a predetermined calibration point from the drinking start time calculated using the metabolism rate of the user and the maximum alcohol level. Preferably, the web server800modifies the sample time by a predetermined lag time, e.g., 5 or 10 minutes, for the alcohol to be present in user's circulatory system after the alcohol is consumed by the user. The web server800receives a BAC % measurement taken by the breathalyzer600based on the breath sample provided by the user at the sample time to provide a reference point. Preferably, the web server800instructs the web-enabled client device500to alert the user at a predetermined time before the sample time to provide the breath sample to the breathalyzer600by an alarm or a message on the display540. The memory of the web-enabled client device500and/or web server800stores the reference point for use as a calibration data by the breathalyzer600. The display540presents the reference point to be inputted by the user into the breathalyzer600to provide a calibration data which is stored in the breathalyzer600and used by the breathalyzer600to provide BAC % readings for the breath samples.

The present invention, having been described, will make apparent to those skilled in the art that the same may be varied in many ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Any and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.