Protective case with integrated breathalyzer

Abstract

An apparatus includes a protective case for a portable computing device and an integrated alcohol sensor module for measuring the blood alcohol concentration of a user. The apparatus also includes a breath interface, a wireless communication device, an alcohol sensor module and a microcontroller. The protective case houses and protects the portable computing device and the internal electronic components. The breath interface allows the user to provide a breath sample to the alcohol sensor module. The alcohol sensor module measures the alcohol concentration of the breath sample. The microcontroller operates the alcohol sensor module and conveys the alcohol concentration measurements to the portable computing device via the wireless communication device. The microcontroller and the wireless communication device are both mounted within the protective case. The alcohol concentration measurement is used as input for a variety of software application which promote safe drinking and driving habits.

Description

[0001]The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62 / 025,184 filed on Jul. 16, 2014.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to portable computing device accessories.[0003]More specifically, the present invention is a protective case with an integrated breathalyzer which takes a user's breath sample as input and determines the blood alcohol concentration. Additionally, the present invention also embodies a gaming aspect that utilizes the information obtained from the breathalyzer to customize a gaming experience for the user to promote safe drinking and driving habits.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]In the United States, on average, a single household owns about 2.28 vehicles.[0005]This large amount of cars leads to various problems in a society and community, one of which is driving under the influence of alcohol. Every day, about 28 people die as a result of drunken driving accidents. Accidents caused by...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a protective case for a portable computing device that includes an integrated breathalyzer and gaming feature. The breathalyzer measures the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of the user by analyzing a breath sample from the user. The BAC is then wirelessly transmitted to the portable computing device and utilized for various software applications. The main software application takes the provided alcohol concentration measurement and in conjunction with the user's physical characteristics accurately determines and displays the BAC of the user, although the user characteristics are not a requirement. The protective case and the associated games promote safe drinking and driving habits. The invention is adaptable to a wide variety of portable computing devices and can be modified and adapted as needed.

Problems solved by technology

This large amount of cars leads to various problems in a society and community, one of which is driving under the influence of alcohol.

Accidents caused by driving under the influence of alcohol claim thousands of lives per year and cost the U.S. hundreds of billions of dollars in damages.

While drunk driving is a major problem in the U.S., most states do allow for marginal blood alcohol content while driving and because of this most people still drive under the influence because they believe that they are under the limit and are sober enough to operate a vehicle; this mindset is what leads to accidents, injuries, and deaths.

The problem becomes educating the public about safe habits and regulations instead of just abstinence.

Images