Mobile Phone Breath Sensor for Non-Invasive Substance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breath measurement devices require users to actively blow into them, making the detection of substances in human breath inconvenient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device, such as a mobile phone, equipped with a sensor near the microphone that detects substances in the breath during a phone call, allowing for unconscious and non-invasive detection by utilizing the device's existing functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated breath measurement device is used, then detection accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring active user blowing
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile phone is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a communication device and a breath analysis device. The sensor unit detects substances in breath during normal phone calls without requiring the device to be a dedicated breath measurement tool, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects substances in breath during phone calls without requiring active user participation beyond normal calling behavior. The controller automatically activates the sensor and processes detection results, making the breath analysis function self-service and eliminating the need for separate blowing operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a breath measurement device is used, then detection function is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring separate detection device
Solution Approach 1:
The breath detection function is merged with the mobile phone by integrating a sensor unit and controller into the existing phone structure. The sensor is positioned near the microphone to utilize the phone's existing form factor, combining communication and detection functions into a single device rather than requiring separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile phone serves dual purposes as both a communication device and a breath analysis device. This multi-functionality approach allows the detection function to be added without requiring a completely separate specialized device, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection capability.
3Reliability
If sensor is activated continuously, then detection capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is activated periodically based on detection needs rather than continuously. The controller activates the sensor when substance detection is required and deactivates it when not needed, implementing periodic operation that maintains detection capability while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor activation state is dynamic rather than static. The controller adjusts the sensor's operational state based on real-time detection requirements, switching between active and inactive states to optimize the balance between detection capability and energy consumption rather than maintaining a fixed continuous operation mode.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the detection of substances in the user's breath without requiring additional user operations, providing a convenient and non-invasive method for healthcare and diagnostic purposes.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that is provided near the sound input unit and detects a substance contained in a gas
Data Source
AI summary
According to one of aspects, an electronic device used for a phone call includes: a sound input unit to which a sound is input during a phone call; and a sensor that is provided near the sound input unit and detects a substance contained in a gas.