Abstract:
An automobile carbon monoxide detection and control device is provide that interfaces with various elements of a vehicle to allow for shutoff or control of a vehicle&#39;s motor or windows as a function of carbon monoxide level.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document Number 456,988 filed on Jun. 1, 1999. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to carbon monoxide sensing devices and, more particularly, to carbon monoxide sensing system for motor vehicles 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following patents disclose a method and apparatus for remote measurement of exhaust gas: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,831,267* issued in the name of Jack et al.; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,975* issued in the name of Jack et al.; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,418,366* issued in the name of Jack et al.; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,371,367* issued in the name of DiDomenico et al; and 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,924,095* issued in the name of Swanson, Jr. 
     Also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,764,150* issued in the name of Fleury et al. describes a carbon monoxide sensor and processor with an audible and visual alarm. 
     Further, U.S. Pat. No. 5,739,756* issued in the name of Margulies discloses a carbon monoxide detection system for motor vehicles. 
     Also, the following patents describe a carbon monoxide detector and deactivating mechanism for engines: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,703** issued in the name of James et al.; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,397** issued in the name of Shelef et al.; and 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,221,206** issued in the name of Haas. 
     Consequently, a need has therefore been felt for an improved but less complex mechanism that allows for the use of vehicle carbon monoxide sensors that interlock with various conventional elements of the vehicle. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved carbon monoxide sensing system. 
     It is a feature of the present invention to provide an improved carbon monoxide sensing system for use with vehicles. 
     Briefly describe according to one preferred embodiment, the present invention operates in the same manner similarly as conventional carbon monoxide sensors found inside of homes. A dash mounted display continually informs the driver of the status of the system, current carbon monoxide level and the ability to test the system. The ability to always see the current level of carbon monoxide is important during winter driving, where long periods of idling with the windows closed up may result in elevated levels of carbon monoxide, that though not deadly, certainly impact the occupant&#39;s health. An interlock to the ignition system of the vehicle allows for the automatic shutdown of the engine upon sensing dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, as well as the inability to start the engine until the carbon monoxide levels have returned to a safe level. 
     One advantage of the present invention will allow for preventing accidental and intentional deaths from carbon monoxide as well as provides for the increased health of motor vehicle occupants by making them aware of carbon monoxide levels, thus allowing them time to take steps to reduce them. 
     Further, an engine interlock feature will allow for automatically shutting the engine on dangerously high carbon monoxide levels, and preventing vehicles from restarting until levels have receded to safe level. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 automobile carbon monoxide 
                 115 
                 antenna 
               
               
                   
                 detection and control device 
                 120 
                 first wireless link 
               
               
                 15 
                 automobile dashboard 
                 125 
                 radio reception tower 
               
               
                 20 
                 automobile 
                 130 
                 central monitoring station 
               
               
                 25 
                 carbon monoxide sensors 
                 135 
                 land based communication 
               
               
                 30 
                 control panel 
                   
                 path 
               
               
                 35 
                 audible alarm horn 
                 140 
                 emergency response vehicle 
               
               
                 40 
                 numeric readout 
                 145 
                 public service frequency 
               
               
                 45 
                 motion sensor 
                 150 
                 second wireless link 
               
               
                 50 
                 power indicator light 
                 155 
                 satellite 
               
               
                 55 
                 help summoned indicator light 
                 160 
                 third wireless link 
               
               
                 60 
                 power window activation 
                 165 
                 first functional block 
               
               
                   
                 indicator light 
                 170 
                 first operational block 
               
               
                 65 
                 warning indicator light 
                 175 
                 second functional block 
               
               
                 70 
                 alarm indicator light 
                 180 
                 second operational block 
               
               
                 75 
                 test pushbutton 
                 185 
                 third functional block 
               
               
                 80 
                 motor vehicle electrical power 
                 190 
                 fourth functional block 
               
               
                   
                 source 
                 195 
                 third operational block 
               
               
                 85 
                 ignition switch 
                 200 
                 calculation block 
               
               
                 90 
                 ground connection 
                 205 
                 fifth functional block 
               
               
                 95 
                 engine shutdown relay 
                 210 
                 fourth operational block 
               
               
                 100  
                 power window electric motors 
                 215 
                 sixth functional block 
               
               
                 105  
                 speed detection sensor 
                 220 
                 fifth operational block 
               
               
                 110  
                 wireless transmitter 
                 225 
                 seventh functional block 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the automobile carbon monoxide detection and control device  10  shown in an installed state on a motor vehicle dashboard according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a front view of the control panel associated with the automobile carbon monoxide detection and control device  10 ; 
     FIG. 3 is an electrical block diagram of the present invention depicting major electrical components; 
     FIG. 4 is a pictorial representation of the wireless radio frequency link as used with the automobile carbon monoxide detection and control device  10 ; and 
     FIG. 5 is a flow diagram depicting the internal logic and control of the automobile carbon monoxide detection and control device  10 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the FIGS. 1 through 5. 
     1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, an automobile carbon monoxide detection and control device  10  is shown in an installed state upon an automobile dashboard  15  of an automobile  20 . The automobile dashboard  15  is located in close proximity to the driver of the automobile  20  so that it may be easily viewed. A pair of carbon monoxide sensors  25  are located directly beneath the automobile dashboard  15 , one per side as shown. It is envisioned that multiple sensors will allow for alarm verification and the prevention of false or inaccurate readings by the comparison of level readings from each of the sensor. While two carbon monoxide sensors  25  are disclosed in FIG. 1, it is for illustrative purposes only and the quantity is not intended to be a limiting factor. 
     Referring next to FIG. 2, a front view of the control panel  30  is depicted. In the upper right-hand corner of the control panel  30  is an audible alarm horn  35 . The audible alarm horn  35  provides a two-stage audible warning indication of the level of carbon monoxide as detected by the carbon monoxide sensors  25  (not shown in this FIG.) The audio level of the audible alarm horn  35  is such that it will be readily heard by all occupants of the automobile  20  (not shown in this FIG.) Located below the audible alarm horn  35  is a numeric readout  40 . The numeric readout  40  continuously displays the relative concentration of carbon monoxide in a parts per million format. With the use of the numeric readout  40  the occupants can determine the relative severity of the carbon monoxide levels and the rate at which they are rising and/or falling. Located at the lower right-hand corner of the control panel  30  is a motion sensor  45 . The motion sensor  45  is envisioned to be of the infrared detection type, though it can be seen by those familiar in the art that other types such as ultrasonic or microwave could also be used with equal effectiveness. The motion sensor  45  is used to determine if someone is inside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle and is used to initiate additional actions as will be described herein below. Located in the lower left hand corner of the control panel  30  is a power indicator light  50  which functions in a customary manner and is envisioned to be active whenever the ignition key of the vehicle is in any position other than the off position. Located above the power indicator light  50  is a help summoned indicator light  55  which indicates that a request for help has been dispatched through a cellular phone link, a satellite link or radio link. The procedure for requesting outside assistance will be described in greater detail herein below. Located above the help summoned indicator light  55  is a power window activation indicator light  60 . The power window activation indicator light  60  is used to signify that certain conditions have been achieved and the windows of the automobile  20  (not shown in this FIG.) have been lowered. Above the power window activation indicator light  60  is a warning indicator light  65  which is used to indicate that carbon monoxide levels have reached a level that, while not life threatening, are of a level that close monitoring is required. Directly above the warning indicator light  65  is an alarm indicator light  70  which indicates life threatening levels of carbon monoxide. The levels at which the warning indicator light  65  and the alarm indicator light  70  activate are beyond the scope of this patent and are continually being refined and tweaked by research and testing laboratories. It is envisioned that the warning and alarm levels would be internally adjustable by qualified technicians. The warning indicator light  65  and the alarm indicator light  70  work in conjunction with the audible alarm horn  35  to provide both audible and visual indication of high levels of carbon monoxide. This is envisioned to be advantageous to those drivers who may be audibly impaired. Finally, located in the upper left hand corner of the control panel  30  is a test pushbutton  75 , which is used to test all sensing and alarm features as described in this FIG. 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, an electrical block diagram depicting the major electrical interconnections of the automobile carbon monoxide detection and control device  10  is shown. A power connection to the control panel  30  is made to a motor vehicle electrical power source  80 , such as a battery, through an ignition switch  85 . The ignition switch  85  provides power to the control panel  30  at all times except when the automobile  20  (not shown in this FIG.) shown in this FIG.) is in the “OFF” position. The return power path is provided by a ground connection  90 . The ground connection  90  serves as a return path for all external devices as well. Both carbon monoxide sensors  25  (as shown in FIG. 1) are wired into the control panel  30  as shown. There is also a connection from the control panel  30  to an engine shutdown relay  95 . The engine shutdown relay  95  allows the automobile carbon monoxide detection and control device  10  to shut down the automobile  20  (not shown in this FIG.) should dangerous levels of carbon monoxide persist. To further combat high levels of carbon monoxide, a connection is made from the control panel  30  to a plurality of power window electric motors  100 . This connection allows the automobile carbon monoxide detection and control device  10  to automatically lower the power windows (if so equipped) of the automobile  20  (not shown in this FIG.) However, this action will only occur if the vehicle is moving above a certain speed. This is due to the fact that carbon monoxide levels may actually rise inside the automobile  20  (not shown in this FIG.) should the windows be lowered while the vehicle is at a standstill or while moving slowly. This detection of the minimal speed is performed by a speed detection sensor  105  which is also connected to the control panel  30 . The final connection from the control panel  30  is made to a wireless transmitter  110  which transmits a request for help via the use of an antenna  115 . It is envisioned that the wireless transmitter  110  would utilize conventional cellular telephone protocols, but other means such as satellite, general radio frequencies, amateur radio frequencies and the like could also be utilized with equal effectiveness. 
     Referring next to FIG. 4, a pictorial representation of the wireless radio link between the various communication systems is depicted. In the event of an alarm condition, a first wireless link  120  leaves from the antenna  115  as provided on the automobile  20 . The first wireless link  120  is envisioned to be of the cellular telephone link, possibly of the variety of the emergency rescue systems commonly found on late model, higher end automobiles. The first wireless link  120  is received by a radio reception tower  125  nearest the vicinity of the automobile  20 . The signal then continues to a central monitoring station  130  via a land-based communication path  135 . The central monitoring station  130  then alerts an emergency response vehicle  140  via a public service frequency  145 . It is also envisioned that satellite-based communication could occur through the use of a second wireless link  150  to a satellite  155 . The satellite  155  will then communicate to a central monitoring station  130  through the use of a third wireless link  160 . The use of the satellite-based system will allow continuous coverage all over the earth, which would be more advantageous than cellular-based links which are not continuous. This FIG. is intended to depict how the automobile carbon monoxide detection and control device  10  would alert authorities via a wireless link and is not intended to eliminate the possibility of other wireless connection means or other means that may be developed in the future. 
     Referring finally to FIG. 5, a flow diagram depicting the internal logic and control functions of the automobile carbon monoxide detection and control device  10  is depicted. Whenever power is applied to the automobile carbon monoxide detection and control device  10 , the logic functions will begin at a first functional block  165  and follow through to a first operational block  170 . A negative response to the first operational block  170  will return operation to the first functional block  165 , which depicts the normal operating sequence with normal levels of carbon monoxide. However, a positive response will cause the to operation of the warning indicator light  65  (not shown in this FIG.) and the warning level of the audible alarm horn  35  (not shown in this FIG.) by the use of the second functional block  175 . The detection and warning sequence then continues with a second operational block  180  that monitors for dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. A negative response to this returns control to the first functional block  165 , where the process begins anew. A positive response however, dictates the beginning of many operations that begins with a third functional block  185 . The third functional block  185  causes the indication of the alarm indicator light  70  (not shown in this FIG.) and the warning level of the audible alarm horn  35  (not shown in this FIG.) The sequence then continues with the initialization of a countdown timer as depicted by a fourth functional block  190 . The progress and completion of the countdown timer are provided by a third operational block  195  and its associated negative response. Upon the completion of the third operational block  195  a positive response and the positive response of the third functional block  185  are summed together at a calculation block  200 . At this point, the vehicle is shutdown at a fifth functional block  205 . In this manner, after the alarm signal is first received, the operator of the motor vehicle will have a predetermined time period in which to shut down the vehicle before the automobile carbon monoxide detection and control device  10  (not shown in this FIG.) will shut the vehicle down on its own. Also at the point of the third functional block  185 , a check to make sure the vehicle is above a certain speed is made a fourth operational block  210 . A negative response allows the loop to continue and a positive response causes the power windows of the automobile  20  (not shown in this FIG.) to open at a sixth functional block  215 . A similar type loop checks to see if anyone is present inside the passenger compartment of the automobile  20  (not shown in this FIG.) at a fifth operational block  220  forces the request for emergency assistance via the wireless link at a seventh Functional block  225 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be used by the common user in a simple and effortless manner. The operation of the automobile carbon monoxide detection and control device  10  is best described in conjunction with FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG.  4  and FIG.  5 . 
     It is envisioned that the automobile carbon monoxide detection and control device  10  would be available as standard or optional equipment on new motor vehicles as a factory installed component. It is also envisioned that the automobile carbon monoxide detection and control device  10  could be made available in kit format for aftermarket use on existing vehicles. Once installed, the automobile carbon monoxide detection and control device  10  operates in a transparent manner that is simple and effortless to the common user. The automobile carbon monoxide detection and control device  10  is activated whenever the vehicle is operational, thus ensuring that its safety features will be available at all times even to those users who are not aware of its presence. 
     Once activated through the ignition switch  85  the automobile carbon monoxide detection and control device  10  simply monitors for dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in a manner similar to that used by common detectors used inside living quarters. A warning level is provided at minimal concentration of carbon monoxide. The operator of the automobile  20  will become aware of this condition through the audible alarm horn  35  and the warning indicator light  65 . At this point the user is responsible for reducing the level of carbon monoxide through various actions such as manually opening windows, shutting the vehicle down, increasing velocity or the like. Upon the continual increase of carbon monoxide levels, the automobile carbon monoxide detection and control device will activate the alarm indicator light  70  and the alarm signal of audible alarm horn  35 . A timer is then initialized that will shut the vehicle down after a predetermined time limit, thus ensuring the decrease of carbon monoxide levels. If the automobile  20  is moving, the power windows will be lowered so that fresh air may, enter the passenger compartment and a corresponding decrease in carbon monoxide levels. Finally, if movement is detected inside the vehicle with high levels of carbon monoxide concentrations, the automobile carbon monoxide detection and control device  10  will request outside help via emergency personnel via a wireless cellular link, a satellite link or the like. 
     The foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.