Smartphone Alcohol Tracking via Image Recognition and Breath Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current alcohol consumption tracking applications lack the ability to accurately monitor and modify drinking habits, often requiring manual input of drinks consumed, which can be inaccurate, and fail to provide support for long-term habit modification.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that uses a camera to identify beverage containers, a breathalyzer for BAC measurement, and a database to track and alert users on their alcohol consumption, generating alerts and suggestions based on set thresholds, and providing transportation support when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual input of drinks consumed is used for tracking, then the application can record alcohol consumption data, but the accuracy of tracking deteriorates due to user error and forgetfulness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of drink loggingVSAvoidaccuracy of consumption data

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service through automated drink logging by capturing images of beverage containers and automatically identifying them. The camera takes pictures of drinks, the system identifies the beverage type and alcohol content, and automatically logs the consumption without requiring manual user input, thus maintaining high accuracy while being fully automated

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual data entry with an optical recognition system. Instead of users physically typing or selecting drinks from lists, the system uses image capture and optical character recognition to automatically identify beverages and log their consumption, eliminating human error in the data entry process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If simple BAC calculation is provided, then the application can estimate blood alcohol level, but the ability to support long-term habit modification deteriorates due to lack of comprehensive management features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive alcohol management capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments alcohol management into distinct functional modules: automated drink logging through image recognition, BAC calculation engine, threshold monitoring system, alert generation module, and transportation support integration. Each module handles a specific aspect of alcohol management, making the complex system manageable while providing comprehensive functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal alcohol management platform that performs multiple functions: tracking consumption, calculating BAC levels, monitoring against thresholds, generating alerts, and coordinating transportation support. This multi-functional system adapts to various user needs and scenarios, providing comprehensive habit modification support without requiring multiple separate applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If alcohol consumption tracking is implemented, then users can monitor their drinking habits, but the ability to provide safe transportation deteriorates when users exceed BAC thresholds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of transportationVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by proactively monitoring alcohol consumption in real-time and generating alerts before the user reaches dangerous BAC levels. It also pre-arranges transportation support by automatically contacting designated drivers or ride-sharing services when thresholds are approached, preventing the need for intoxicated driving before it becomes a safety issue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary safety management system that acts as a mediator between the user's alcohol consumption and transportation needs. When BAC thresholds are exceeded, the system automatically contacts transportation providers or designated drivers, serving as an intermediary that ensures safe transportation arrangements without requiring the user to make decisions while impaired

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9549052B2System and method for managing alcohol consumption of a user using a smartphone application

Publication Date: 2017.01.17 CYBERLIVER

AI summary

A device for managing alcohol consumption of a user includes a camera that captures an image associated with a beverage container, a display unit, a memory unit that stores (a) a set of modules, and (b) a database, and (iv) a processor that executes (a) an alcohol content identification module, when executed by the processor, identifies (i) a type of drink in the beverage container and (ii) an alcohol content associated with the drink, (b) an alcohol consumption determination module, executed by the processor, determines an alcohol consumption by the user, (c) an alcohol consumption updating module, when executed by the processor, updates the alcohol consumption by the user in the database, and (d) an alert generation module, when executed by the processor, generates an alert when the alcohol consumption by the user is in proximity with the at least one of periodic threshold.