Abstract:
A system, device, and method for determining whether an individual has consumed, is intoxicated, or is otherwise impaired by alcohol is disclosed. Further, a device capable of positively identifying the person who provides the impairment test is disclosed. The impairment detection and interlock system disclosed accomplishes this with the use of a video camera that selectively saves images, and an attitude evaluator and, in some embodiments, an exposure evaluator, which ensures that the video camera captures the identity of the tester. A device holster may also be used to facilitate video surveillance.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to devices commonly referred to as “sobriety interlocks,” which are connectable to a vehicle, such as a car or a truck, and which normally operate to disable the vehicle from starting if it is determined, through the delivery of a breath alcohol test, that the intended user has recently consumed alcohol. More particularly, the present invention relates to an alcohol interlock device which is able to positively identify the tester who provides an impairment sample before the vehicle is allowed to start, as well as the tester who provides subsequent samples while operating the vehicle. The invention also relates to identifying testers who must provide samples for alcohol abstinence monitoring. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The operation of motor vehicles by individuals who are impaired or under the influence of alcohol is a major safety problem. In addition, the operation of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol can not only put the operator in severe danger, but can also affect the safety of others, such as the drivers and passengers in other vehicles. 
     Recognizing the seriousness of driving while under the influence, many laws have been written prohibiting such conduct and providing various methods for dealing with such offenses when they occur. For example, a court or licensing authority may suspend the driving privileges of someone who is convicted of driving while under the influence of alcohol or may require that a sobriety interlock system be installed in his or her vehicle. Additionally, a state may require repeat offenders to install such devises as a condition of having their license reinstated. Finally, abstinence from the use of any alcohol may be a condition of a repeat offender&#39;s parole or probation. 
     A sobriety interlock device, when installed in an individual&#39;s vehicle, requires that the individual pass a sobriety test before the vehicle can be started. However, since the use of impairment detection interlocks is normally done outside the presence of law enforcement or any other supervising authority, and since a penalty may be attributed to a failed test, e.g., the vehicle will not start and a condition of parole may be violated, there can be a temptation to tamper with the impairment detectors to attempt to fraudulently affect its results. For example, a sobriety interlock that uses a breath sample to determine intoxication could be defeated if someone who is not intoxicated, like a child, provides the sample. Once the clean sample is provided, and the vehicle starts, the impaired driver then drives away. If the designated tester has been drinking, he or she may ask someone who is sober to take the test for them and thus circumvent the interlock. Accordingly, there is a need to identify who is taking the test, whether the tester passed or failed, to minimize circumvention and to be able to impose violation sanctions. 
     Additionally, when a term of probation or parole requires alcohol abstinence or prohibits a person from attempting to operate a vehicle after consuming alcohol or after being impaired by alcohol, failing a breath test can result in incarceration. However, with past systems, when a test detected prohibited levels of alcohol, the intended tester, e.g., the owner of the vehicle, could simply argue that someone else took and failed the test and thus avoid incarceration. 
     To deter fraudulent testing or circumvention some systems require random retesting while the vehicle is in operation. However, just as a sober individual, like a child, can fraudulently take the initial test before the vehicle is allowed to start, that same individual could also ride along with the driver and fraudulently take a driving retest. Additionally, some systems require a user to perform a certain identifying act, such as a sequence of blows. However, breath pulse codes can be copied by others and, therefore, do not provide definite proof of the identity of the impairment tester. 
     Impairment detection systems are also used in conjunction with home confinement, or during an individual&#39;s probation. For example, as a term of probation, or as a term of a home confinement sentence, an individual may be required to periodically take a test for alcohol. Accordingly, a similar situation develops in that the identity of the user providing the sample must be confirmed. In an attempt to monitor and provide positive identification of the individual providing the sample, video cameras have been used. However, such monitoring can be less than desirable due to the amount of storage required by a video stream, the bandwidth required for transmission of such a video stream, and the requirement for a human monitor to review the video stream. The in home systems used for alcohol abstinence are typically not designed to be portable and generally cost more to operate than vehicle interlock systems. Moreover, the use of a camera in an automobile, or in a home, can further be defeated due to adverse lighting conditions or poor camera angles. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a detection device to positively identify the individual who is subject to an impairment analysis. There is also a need for an impairment detection device that can desirably archive the requisite data to positively identify the impairment tester. There is also a need to deter circumvention of impairment detection systems. There is also a need to provide a low cost system for abstinence monitoring systems. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the applicant&#39;s invention to improve the identification of the user of an impairment detection device. It is also an object of the applicant&#39;s invention to deter easy circumvention of an interlock system. It is another object of the applicant&#39;s invention to provide an improved impairment detection device for use in probation or home confinement situations. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention achieves these objects and overcomes the foregoing and other shortcomings and drawbacks of interlock systems and methods heretofore known. The present invention comprises a camera built into the hand-held alcohol sampling portion of an interlock device, which records the image of an individual as he is providing a breath sample. 
     The present invention utilizes a video camera to receive the image of the individual who is the subject of an impairment test and analysis. Moreover, in an effort to minimize fraudulent test activity, the present invention can further provide an exposure evaluator or monitor to evaluate whether the video images are properly exposed. The present invention further provides an attitude evaluator to ensure that the device is property positioned before, during, and after a test to ensure an acceptable identifying camera angle. The present invention can also utilize a holster whereby the camera can be required to be positioned so as to enable surveillance of the driver. Finally, the device provides for a timing module and calculator whereby only certain images corresponding to critical times during a test need to be saved. 
     The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention shall be made apparent from the accompanying drawings and the descriptions thereof. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an impairment detection and interlock system with user identification according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the impairment detection device with tester identification, as shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an impairment detection and interlock system with user identification according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the impairment detection device with tester identification, as shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 3 is a flow chart of the process performed by an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the process performed by another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of showing the use of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1,  1 A,  2 , and  2 A in the context of a home driveway test. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As shown in FIG. 1, the system  10  includes a hand-held device  12  adapted for sampling a user&#39;s breath through a mouthpiece  14  through which a user  16  provides a breath sample. The mouthpiece  14  may be disposable and can be configured so as to be required to be locked in the device  12  before a test can be taken. The mouthpiece  14  may also be constructed of a material, such as hard plastic, that will be resistant to bending. 
     To determine a user&#39;s  16  blood-alcohol content (BAC) from his or her breath, breath-sampling devices  12  typically require a “deep-lung” breath sample. Hence, the air that must be blown into the mouthpiece  14  generally must comprise alveolar air, which occurs when an expiratory breath substantially exhausts the lungs. Since, breath expired from upper portions of the respiratory tract does not necessarily have an alcohol level proportional to that of the bloodstream, the breath-sampling or breath testing device  12  is adapted so as to prevent the processing of shallow exhalations, e.g., when a user  16  blows only short puffs of air expelled from the upper portions of his or her respiratory tract. One embodiment of the present invention ensures that a proper air sample will be given by including a pressure sensor in the device  12 , which can determine when a deep-lung breath has been given. Typically, a user  16  is required to blow and hum for about five seconds. 
     The device  12  includes a video camera  18  positioned and adapted so as to have a camera angle α, which captures the identifying facial features  20  of a user  16  during an impairment test. In addition, the camera  18  further captures at least a portion  22  of the hand-held sampling device  12  and/or mouthpiece  14  to positively link the impairment sample tested and analyzed with the impairment tester  16 . The field of view  24  of the camera  18  will also be such as to sufficiently record the location of the user  16  during the impairment test, e.g., whether he or she is sitting in the driver&#39;s seat  26 , the passenger seat, or is outside of the vehicle  28 . 
     In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1A, an exposure monitor  29  is operatively connected to the camera  18 , and can evaluate whether any video images are overexposed, e.g., a flashlight is shined in the camera lens, or underexposed, e.g., a thumb or other covering is placed over the lens, such that an identifiable image of a human face  20  is not captured by the camera  18 . 
     The device  12  also contains an attitude evaluator  30 , or attitude switch, which may utilize a standard mercury or roll ball switch known in the industry, which ensures that the unit  12  is properly orientated and positioned before, during, and after an impairment test. Specifically, the unit  12  is designed not to function if a user  16  were to invert the unit, or otherwise twist or turn it, such that the camera  18  would no longer be positioned to capture a user&#39;s face  20 . Thus, a user  16  cannot take and pass a test which would allow the vehicle to start if the unit  12  is not properly positioned so as to capture an image of the user&#39;s face. Additionally, if the unit  12  was not properly positioned during a driving retest, violation sanctions, such as sounding the horn  25  or flashing lights  27 , could be imposed. 
     The interlock system  10  further contains an indicator  31  whereby a user  16  is prompted to begin a test. As shown, the indicator  31  could reside on the hand-held device  12  and consist of a light, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), which could begin flashing to indicate a test is required. The LED could also provide feedback to a user, such as glowing solid, to indicate that the proper air sampling pressure is being applied to the mouthpiece  14 . 
     Other forms of prompting and feedback could also be adapted as part of the present invention. For example, the indicator  31  could be a solid or flashing multicolored LED, or could consist of multiple LEDs, either of which could prompt a tester  16  to begin an impairment test. Such an indicator  31  can also inform a tester  16  that a proper sample has been given, can inform the tester  16  that the analysis sequence is underway, and can provide the impairment test results to the tester  16 . It should also be appreciated that other indicators to prompt a user  16  to commence a test and/or provide feedback of that test could be used. For example, in a situation where a vehicle impairment detection and interlock system  10  is also being used to monitor an individual  16  during his or her term of probation, parole, or limited or full home confinement, the system  10  could be programmed to prompt a user  16  for a sample at random or at specific times throughout the day by sounding the vehicle&#39;s  28  horn  25 . In addition to a horn  25 , a test prompter could also be a regular or cellular telephone or pager (not shown). In sum, a user  16  could be prompted to begin an impairment test with an audio or visual indicator. 
     System  10  can be programmed to turn-on at specific times during the day in preparation for a test. For example, if a tester  16  always starts his or her car  28  at the same time of day, such a leaving for work or returning home from work, the system  10  can be programmed to begin warming up for the test a few minutes before these routine times. Similarly, if a tester  16  is required to take tests at set times throughout the day, the system  10  can be programmed to be ready at those times. This “instant on” capability reduces the total test time and eliminates any unnecessary warm-up delay, which typically increases in colder weather. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 1, the sampling device  12  of the interlock system  10  would typically be attached to a processor  32  via a flexible cord  34 . The processor  32  will analyze a sample provided by an individual and determine whether an impairment condition exists. If the analyzer/interlock function  36  of the processor  32  determines an impairment condition exists, the vehicle&#39;s  28  ignition  38  will remain disabled. However, if the analyzer/interlock  36  determines no impairment exists, the ignition  38  of the vehicle  28  will be enabled and allow a driver  16  to start the engine. 
     The processor  32  will typically contain a data memory whereby the video images captured by the camera  18  and data corresponding to the date and time of the impairment test will be recorded. Such data can later be retrieved for analysis by a monitoring service via a cable, disk, memory card, or wireless connection, e.g., infra-red (IR), radio frequency (RF), or the like, and can be forwarded to law enforcement, employers, or the court system for appropriate actions. While such memory may be located in the processor box  32 , it should be appreciated that such a memory module could equally be contained in the hand-held unit  12 . 
     FIGS. 2 and 2A show alternative embodiments of the system  10 . Many of the components shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A are like the components of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A and, as such, are identified with the same numbers. 
     As shown, the handheld device  12   a  is properly gripped below the camera lens  18 , allowing for an increased unobstructed view of a tester&#39;s  16  face. In this embodiment, the camera lens  18  will typically be set back about 10.16 cm (4″) to 15.24 cm (6″) from the tip  37  of the mouthpiece, so as to allow the field of view  24  to capture the face of the tester  16 . Additionally, as shown, a holster  39  for the device  12   a  is mounted in the vehicle  28 , e.g., on the dash. When the device  12   a  is holstered, the field of view  24  of the camera  18  will capture a broad, panoramic view of the driver&#39;s seat  26  area. The holster  39  can also contain a standard electronic or magnetic connection or switch, or other like contact sensor (not shown), which is well known in the industry, whereby a determination can be made whether and when the device  12   a  is holstered. 
     Additional components, known in the industry, can be added to the system  10  to provide for added capabilities. For example, a global positioning system (GPS)  33  can be incorporated into the system  10 , whereby the exact location of the vehicle  28  when a violation occurred could be recorded. Such a capability may provide corroborating evidence of the tester&#39;s  16  identity, e.g., if the location happens to be in the tester&#39;s  16  garage  41 , or may provide useful geographical information for legal jurisdictional purposes. Additionally, a system  10  that also has wireless communication transmitter, e.g., a radio function, could be effective in notifying the monitoring facility or law enforcement of a failed impairment test. If the system  10  also had a GPS capability, law enforcement could be dispatched to the location of the vehicle  28  when there was a failed test. This capability could be extremely beneficial to intercept someone who is driving while impaired. Additionally, a system  10  with a wireless communication transceiver, e.g., cellular telephone, enabling two way communication, could also be used by the monitoring facility to dynamically order a recall of the system  10  or lock the ignition, in response to a violation. Finally, a system  10  with a wireless communication receiver could be used by a monitoring facility to dynamically request random alcohol tests. 
     The flow chart shown in FIG. 3 depicts the representative processing performed by an embodiment of the impairment detection and interlock system  10 . The process begins with a tester  16  being prompted (Block  40 ) to take an impairment test, e.g., provide a sample of alveolar gas. Typically, this prompting will occur when the tester  16  attempts to start the vehicle  28  by turning the ignition switch  38 . This prompting may be from a flashing LED  31 , an audio prompt, or the like. Additionally, if the system  10  unitizes a holster  39 , the tester  16  may be prompted to ensure that the device  12   a  is properly placed in the holster  39  prior to beginning the testing sequence. 
     When the tester  16  is prompted for a sample (Block  40 ), the video camera  18  begins recording (Block  42 ). In an embodiment of the present invention with an exposure evaluator  29 , as the video camera  18  is recording, the video exposure evaluator  29  determines whether the video images are properly exposed (Block  44 ). If the video images are not properly exposed, which may occur if the tester  16  attempts to tamper with the impairment test by shining a flashlight in the camera lens to overexpose an image or somehow blocking the camera lens to underexpose the image, the video images generally are not saved (Block  46 ), and the impairment test must begin again (Block  42 ). Alternatively, while not shown in FIG. 3, the non-image, i.e., that which is over or underexposed, could be saved as evidence of tampering with the system  10 , which is typically a violation of a condition of probation or use of the system  10 . 
     If the video images are properly exposed (Block  44 ), or in an embodiment without an exposure evaluator  29 , the attitude evaluator  30  next determines whether the device  12  is properly orientated and positioned (Block  48 ). Here again, if the device  12  is not properly positioned, no video images are saved (Block  46 ), and the video camera  18  begins recording anew (Block  42 ). However, if the device  12  is properly positioned and orientated (Block  48 ), a determination is next made whether a proper sample, suitable for analysis, was received (Block  50 ). If a proper sample was not received (Block  50 ), a determination is made whether the allotted time for testing has expired (Block  52 ). If the allotted time for testing has not expired (Block  52 ), the evaluation sequence, beginning with the evaluation of whether the video images are properly exposed (Block  44 ), begins again. If the allotted time for testing has expired (Block  52 ), no video images are saved (Block  46 ), and the process begins again (Block  42 ). In other words, an individual&#39;s  16  dilatory conduct would not defeat the impairment detection and interlock system  10  by using up all of the video image storage memory before an impairment sample was provided. 
     If a proper sample sufficient for impairment analysis was received (Block  50 ), the user  16  is provided an indication that a proper sample was received and recorded. (Block  54 ). Also, an image from the recorded video stream corresponding to the time the sample was received will be saved (Block  56 ). In other words, according to the principles of the present invention, only specific photos or images corresponding to specific times of key events during the impairment testing sequence need to be saved. Thus the need for the capability and memory for archiving large video clips is unnecessary. 
     In addition to saving a video image from the time at which the individual  16  provided a proper sample (Block  50 ), the system  10  will also calculate the time at which an earlier photo will be archived, corresponding to the time the impairment test was initiated (Block  58 ). In other words, in a breath-sampling device  12 , a pressure sensor determines when a proper sample has been provided and a timer/calculator determines the earlier time at which an image corresponding to the initiation of the test should be saved. Once this determination is made, an image corresponding to the initiation of the impairment test is also saved (Block  60 ). Moreover, any temporarily saved video streams prior to the time that a valid sample was received could, at this point, be deleted or overwritten by a video stream recording the events occurring while the sample is being analyzed (Block  62 ). Nevertheless, in an embodiment of the present invention with an exposure evaluator  29 , another determination is made whether the video camera  18  is continuing to receive properly exposed images (Block  64 ). If the images recorded by the video camera  18  are not properly exposed (Block  64 ), no video images are saved (Block  66 ), and the user  16  is again prompted for a sample (Block  40 ). If the video images are properly exposed (Block  64 ), or in an embodiment of the present invention without an exposure evaluator  29 , another determination is next made whether the device  12  is still properly orientated and positioned (Block  68 ). If the device  12  is no longer properly orientated or positioned (Block  68 ), no video images are saved (Block  66 ), and the user  16  is prompted to begin the impairment test again (Block  44 ). If, however, the device  12  remains properly orientated and positioned (Block  68 ), then an image will also be saved at the conclusion of the impairment analysis (Block  70 ). It should be appreciated, that in an embodiment of the system  10  utilizing a holster  39 , the determination of whether the device  12   a  is properly positioned after the test may be determined by whether the device  12   a  has been placed back in its holster  39 . 
     If the impairment analysis determines that an individual&#39;s  16  BAC exceeds a predetermined limit (Block  72 ), the ignition  38  of the vehicle  28  remains disabled (Block  74 ). However, if the impairment sample is below the limit (Block  72 ), the ignition  38  is enabled (Block  76 ), and the user  16  is permitted to start and operate the motor vehicle  28 . 
     In addition, while only the archiving of a sequence of three images for a particular impairment test has been shown, in alternative embodiments, any number of images could be saved. However, the saving, with a time and date stamp, of the photo of the individual  16  who initiated the test, blew the test if a breath-sampling device was employed, and the individual  16  who was in possession of the device  12  when the sample was processed and analyzed should be sufficient for law enforcement or other supervisory purposes. Moreover, as discussed, the presence of the device  12  or mouthpiece  14  in each photo will link the photos to the impairment test result and the corresponding identity of the tester  16 . Additionally, in a system  10  with a holster  39 , the panoramic surveillance images recorded when the device  12   a  is in the holster  39  at the beginning and at the end of the test may also be saved. Finally, the results of the test, i.e., the tester&#39;s  16  blood alcohol, and whether the tester  16  passed or failed the test, is also saved. 
     Once the vehicle  28  is started, in a system  10  utilizing a holster  39 , the driver  16  will typically be alerted if the device  12   a  is removed from the holster  39 . This warning may be an audio or visual indicator and will typically be of an escalating nature. In other words, should the device  12   a  be accidentally or inadvertently dislodged from the holster  39 , an adequate notice to the driver  16  will be provided to allow him or her to promptly replace the device  12   a  in the holster  39 . However, if the device  12   a  is not promptly holstered, or if it is repeatedly removed from the holster  39 , the system  10  may record a tamper violation and begin sounding the horn  25  and flashing the vehicle&#39;s  28  lights  27 . 
     The flow chart shown in FIG. 4 depicts the representative processing performed by the impairment detection and interlock system  10  in a situation where an impairment test is conducted while the vehicle  28  is being operated, i.e., started and/or being driven, or an impairment test is requested of an individual  16  who is under a home confinement sentence, i.e., a driveway  77  test, such as shown in FIG.  5 . For a driving test, as before, the user  16  is prompted (Block  78 ) to begin an impairment test. This prompting may be from a flashing LED  31 , or, in the context of a driveway  77  test, may be the sounding of a vehicle&#39;s  28  horn  25 . A tester  16  may also be prompted to take a driveway  77  test by a telephone call or page from a monitoring facility. Alternatively, a tester  16  may be notified that driveway  77  tests will be required at certain time intervals or certain times, such as “high risk” times for alcohol detection, like early in the morning. 
     When the tester  16  is prompted (Block  78 ), the video camera  18  begins recording a temporary stream of video images (Block  80 ). As before, in an embodiment of the present invention with an exposure evaluator  29 , the exposure evaluator  29  determines whether the video images are properly exposed (Block  82 ). If the video images are not properly exposed, the video stream is not saved (Block  84 ), and the camera  18  begins temporarily saving a new video stream (Block  80 ). Alternatively, while not shown in FIG. 4, the non-image, i.e., that which is over or underexposed, could be saved as evidence of tampering with the system  10 , which is typically a violation of a condition of probation or use of the system  10 . 
     If the images are being properly exposed (Block  82 ), or in an embodiment without an exposure evaluator  29 , a determination is made whether the device  12  is properly positioned and orientated (Block  86 ). If the device  12  is not properly orientated (Block  86 ), no video images are saved (Block  84 ), and the process begins again (Block  80 ). However, if the device  12  is properly orientated (Block  86 ), and if a proper sample suitable for analysis was received (Block  88 ), the user  16  is so informed (Block  90 ) through, for example, an LED  31 . As before, an image from the video stream corresponding to the time the sample was actually provided, as indicated by a pressure sensor in a breath test, is saved (Block  92 ). A prior image corresponding to the time the test was initiated is also calculated (Block  94 ) and saved (Block  96 ). While the sample is being analyzed (Block  98 ), in an embodiment with an exposure evaluator  29 , another determination is made whether the video images are still being properly exposed (Block  100 ). In addition, while the sample is being analyzed (Block  98 ), another determination is made whether the device  12  is still properly orientated and positioned (Block  102 ). In an embodiment of the system  10  utilizing a holster  39 , the determination of whether the device  12   a  is properly positioned after the test may be determined by whether the device  12   a  has been placed back in its holster  39 . If the images are not properly exposed or the device  12  is not properly positioned, the video images are not saved (Block  104 ) and, if the time for testing has not expired (Block  106 ), the user  16  is again prompted to begin the test (Block  78 ). If, however, the time for testing has expired (Block  106 ), the impairment detection and interlock system  10  initiates a violation procedure (Block  108 ). A violation procedure (Block  108 ) will also be initiated if the time for testing has expired (Block  110 ) prior to a user  16  giving a proper sample (Block  88 ). If the time for testing has not expired (Block  110 ), the evaluation sequence, beginning with the evaluation of whether the video images are property exposed (Block  82 ), begin again. However, if a driver  16  is operating a vehicle  28  and is prompted (Block  78 ) to provide a sample and ignores that prompt, after a certain predetermined amount of time (Block  110 ) a violation procedure will be initiated (Block  108 ). Likewise, if the impairment detection and interlock system  10  wakes up and prompts a user  16  at home to give an impairment sample (Block  78 ) and the individual  16  ignores the request for a test, after a period of time ( 110 ), a violation procedure will also be initiated (Block  108 ). 
     In a driving context, the violation procedure (Block  108 ) could consist of sounding the horn  25  and/or flashing the lights  27 . Similar attention-getting devices could be employed in the driveway  77  context, where a user  16  may initially be prompted for a sample (Block  78 ) by the impairment detection and interlock system  10  sounding the vehicle&#39;s  28  horn  25 , which may also continue to honk if the user  16  ignores the request for a test. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention with an exposure evaluator  29 , if the video images are properly exposed (Block  100 ), and if, in all embodiments, the device  12  remains properly positioned (Block  102 ) while the sample is being analyzed (Block  98 ), then an image is saved at the conclusion of the analysis process (Block  112 ). If the impairment sample exceeds the limits for alcohol (Block  114 ), the appropriate impairment action begins (Block  116 ). In a driving test, this may consist of sounding the horn  25  or flashing the vehicle&#39;s  28  lights  27  to attract attention. In the context of a driveway  77  test, the failed impairment test is recorded and can be accessed for the appropriate disciplinary action. However, if the impairment limit has not been exceeded (Block  114 ), the user  16  receives an appropriate indication (Block  118 ) and, in the context of a driving test, may continue operating the vehicle  28  as normal, or, in the context of a driveway  77  probation test, may simply return to his or her house  120 . 
     It should be appreciated that in addition to the sanction of the vehicle  28  not starting or the flashing the lights  27  and sounding the horn  25  the system  10  may also order an early recall for as a result of a violation. In other words, a user  16  may be alerted that her or she must return the system  10  to the monitoring facility within a certain time period, or the system  10  may go into lock-out mode, requiring the monitoring facility to “unlock” the vehicle. If the user  16  waits until the system  10  goes into lock-out mode, the vehicle  28  may have to be towed to the monitoring facility. 
     FIG.  5 . Further illustrates the use of the present invention for a driveway  77  test. The ability to use the same impairment detection system  10  as both an interlock as well as in alcohol abstinence monitoring can have significant cost savings. Such abstinence tests could be at random or set times during the day. In either case, the system  10  could be programmed to warm-up prior to the test to minimize the testing time. Additionally, the system can record that a required test was not taken, if such happens to be the case. Finally, another advantage of using interlock system  10  for abstinence testing is that a tester  16 , need not necessarily be confined to his or her house  120 , but rather need only to be near their vehicle  28 . 
     While the present invention has been illustrated by description of various embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspect is, therefore, not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative example shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant&#39;s general inventive concept. 
     This has been a description of the present invention, along with the preferred method of practicing the invention currently known to the inventor. However, the invention itself should be defined only by the claims.