U.S. patent application number 14/728481 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-21 for protective case with integrated breathalyzer.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kyle Shane Roberts. Invention is credited to Kyle Shane Roberts.
Application Number | 20160021228 14/728481 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55071516 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160021228 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roberts; Kyle Shane |
January 21, 2016 |
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.
Inventors: |
Roberts; Kyle Shane; (Las
Vegas, NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Roberts; Kyle Shane |
Las Vegas |
NV |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55071516 |
Appl. No.: |
14/728481 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62025184 |
Jul 16, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
422/84 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/72544 20130101;
H04M 1/185 20130101; H04M 1/21 20130101; H04B 1/3888 20130101; G01N
33/4972 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04M 1/21 20060101
H04M001/21; H04B 1/3888 20060101 H04B001/3888; G01N 33/497 20060101
G01N033/497 |
Claims
1. A protective case with integrated breathalyzer for a portable
computing device comprises: a protective case; a wireless
communication device; a breath interface; a microcontroller; an
alcohol sensor module; the microcontroller, the alcohol sensor
module, and the wireless communication device being mounted within
the protective case; the microcontroller being electronically
connected to the wireless communication device and the alcohol
sensor module; the breath interface being integrated into the
protective case; the breath interface being in fluid communication
with the alcohol sensor module; a breathalyzer assembly; the
breathalyzer assembly comprises a housing; the alcohol sensor
module being mounted within the housing; the housing being attached
into the protective case; a first rail; a second rail; a first
recession; a second recession; the first recession traversing into
the protective case from the receptive cavity; the second recession
traversing into the protective case from the receptive cavity; the
first recession and the second recession being positioned opposite
to each other about the receptive cavity; the first rail being
adjacently connected to the housing; the second rail being
adjacently connected to the housing, opposite the first rail; the
first rail being engaged to the first recession; the second rail
being engaged to the second recession; and wherein the alcohol
sensor module being a Metal Oxide (MOX) based gas sensor
module.
2. The protective case with integrated breathalyzer for a portable
computing device as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the breath
interface comprises a plurality of holes; and the plurality of
holes traversing into the protective case, adjacent to the alcohol
sensor module.
3. The protective case with integrated breathalyzer for a portable
computing device as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a bottle opener;
the bottle opener comprises a cap-receptive cavity, a
cap-engagement lip, fulcrum region; the cap-receptive cavity
traversing into the protective case; the fulcrum region being
adjacently connected to a rim of the cap-receptive cavity; the
cap-engagement lip being adjacently connected to the rim; and the
fulcrum region and the cap-engagement lip being positioned opposite
to each other across the cap-receptive cavity.
4. The protective case with integrated breathalyzer for a portable
computing device as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the breath
interface comprises a mouthpiece and a duct; the mouthpiece being
adjacently connected into the protective case; the duct traversing
through the protective case; an input of the duct being adjacently
positioned to the mouthpiece; an output of the duct being
adjacently positioned to the housing; and the housing being
separable.
5. The protective case with integrated breathalyzer for a portable
computing device as claimed in claim 4 comprises: a receptive
cavity; the receptive cavity traversing into the protective case;
and the housing being attached into the receptive cavity.
6. (canceled)
7. The protective case with integrated breathalyzer for a portable
computing device as claimed in claim 4 comprises: the breathalyzer
assembly further comprises an insulating layer, a filter screen,
and a plurality of air vents; the insulating layer being internally
superimposed over the housing; the plurality of air vents laterally
traversing into the housing and through the insulating layer; the
plurality of air vents being adjacently positioned to the output of
the duct; and the filter screen being adjacently connected across
the plurality of vents.
8. The protective case with integrated breathalyzer for a portable
computing device as claimed in claim 4 comprises: a
mouthpiece-receptive cavity; the mouthpiece comprises a breath
channel; the mouthpiece-receptive cavity traversing into the
protective case; the mouthpiece being pivotally connected to a
bottom surface of the mouthpiece-receiving cavity; the breath
channel laterally traversing through the mouthpiece; an input of
the breath channel being positioned offset from the bottom surface;
and an output of the breath channel being positioned adjacent to
the bottom surface.
9. The protective case with integrated breathalyzer for a portable
computing device as claimed in claim 8 comprises: a trip switch;
wherein the mouthpiece and the protective case are in an operative
configuration; the output of the breath channel being in fluid
communication with the input of the duct; the trip switch being
integrated into the protective case, adjacent to the
mouthpiece-receiving cavity; the trip switch being electronically
connected to the microcontroller; and the trip switch being
operatively engaged to the mouthpiece.
10. The protective case with integrated breathalyzer for a portable
computing device as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a button switch;
the button switch being integrated into the protective case; and
the button switch being electronically connected to the
microcontroller.
11. The protective case with integrated breathalyzer for a portable
computing device as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a portable power
source; the portable power source being mounted within the
protective case; and the portable power source being electrically
connected to the microcontroller.
12. The protective case with integrated breathalyzer for a portable
computing device as claimed in claim 11 comprises: a recharging
port; the recharging port being mounted within the protective case;
and the recharging port being electrically connected to the
portable power source.
13. (canceled)
14. A protective case with integrated breathalyzer for a portable
computing device comprises: a protective case; a wireless
communication device; a breath interface; a microcontroller; an
alcohol sensor module; the microcontroller, the alcohol sensor
module, and the wireless communication device being mounted within
the protective case; the microcontroller being electronically
connected to the wireless communication device and the alcohol
sensor module; the breath interface being integrated into the
protective case; the breath interface being in fluid communication
with the alcohol sensor module; the breath interface comprising a
plurality of holes; the breath interface comprises a plurality of
holes; the plurality of holes traversing into the protective case,
adjacent to the alcohol sensor module; a bottle opener; the bottle
opener comprises a cap-receptive cavity, a cap-engagement lip,
fulcrum region; the cap-receptive cavity traversing into the
protective case; the fulcrum region being adjacently connected to a
rim of the cap-receptive cavity; the cap-engagement lip being
adjacently connected to the rim; and the fulcrum region and the
cap-engagement lip being positioned opposite to each other across
the cap-receptive cavity.
15. (canceled)
16. The protective case with integrated breathalyzer for a portable
computing device as claimed in claim 14 comprises: a button switch;
the button switch being integrated into the protective case; and
the button switch being electronically connected to the
microcontroller.
17. The protective case with integrated breathalyzer for a portable
computing device as claimed in claim 14 comprises: a portable power
source; the portable power source being mounted within the
protective case; and the portable power source being electrically
connected to the microcontroller.
18. The protective case with integrated breathalyzer for a portable
computing device as claimed in claim 17 comprises: a recharging
port; the recharging port being mounted within the protective case;
and the recharging port being electrically connected to the
portable power source.
19. The protective case with integrated breathalyzer for a portable
computing device as claimed in claim 14 comprises: wherein the
alcohol sensor module being a MOX based gas sensor module;
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 driving under the influence
of alcohol claim thousands of lives per year and cost the U.S.
hundreds of billions of dollars in damages. In recent years, a flux
of programs and laws have been implemented, aimed at increasing
awareness and reducing the instances of such behaviors. Programs
include television advertisements, educational lectures, and social
gatherings meant to educate the general public about the
consequences of drinking under the influence. 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.
[0006] The present invention utilizes a fun and novel apparatus
which promotes safe drinking and driving habits. The present
invention integrates an easy to use and accurate breathalyzer into
a protective case, in particular for a mobile device or computer
tablet. The present invention allows the user to become aware of
their relative sobriety as well as play an educational and fun game
that is directly customized to their inebriated state.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A shown in
FIG. 2.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the present invention in the closed configuration.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment
of the present invention in the operative configuration.
[0012] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a side-view of the breathalyzer assembly.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective sectional view taken along the line
B-B shown in FIG. 7.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a front view of the mouthpiece component of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 10 is sectional view taken along the line C-C shown in
FIG. 9.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the present invention,
depicting the electric and electronic connections in between the
electrical components.
[0018] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the alternative embodiment
of the present invention, depicting the fluid connections between
the mouthpiece, duct, and alcohol sensor module.
DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION
[0019] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of
describing selected versions of the present invention and are not
intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0020] The present invention is a protective case for a portable
computing device that includes an integrated breathalyzer and
gaming feature. In particular, the present invention determines the
blood alcohol concentration (BAC), of a user by analyzing a breath
sample from the user. An alcohol sensor is integrated into the
protective case and measures the concentration of alcohol in a
user's breath sample. This concentration is then wirelessly
transmitted to a coupled portable computing device where it is
utilized for a variety of software applications. One of 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.
Alternative software application use the information to customize a
game for the user on the portable computing device; these games
promote safe drinking and driving habits. While the present
invention is described and illustrated as a case for a smart phone,
this in no way is meant to limit the scope of the invention. The
protective case and the associated games may be modified and
adapted to a wide variety of portable computing devices. Portable
computing devices include, but are not limited to, tablets,
laptops, and various smart phones; smart phones include mobile
phones of different shapes, sizes, makes, and operating
systems.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the present
invention comprises a protective case 1, an alcohol sensor module
7, a breath interface 32, a wireless communication device 9, a
microcontroller 13, a button switch 34, and a portable power source
30. The protective case 1 houses and physically protects the
portable computing device, as well as contains the various
components of the present invention. The alcohol sensor module 7 is
an integrated circuit that measures the amount of alcohol particles
present in a provided quantity of gas, more specifically the breath
sample of the user. The alcohol sensor module 7 is mounted within
the protective case 1. The breath interface 32 is the medium by
which the user supplies his or her breath sample onto the alcohol
sensor module 7 for analysis and processing. As such, the breath
interface 32 is integrated into the protective case 1 and is in
fluid communication with the alcohol sensor module 7. In the
preferred embodiment, the breath interface 32 is a plurality of
holes 33. The plurality of holes 33 traverses into the protective
case 1, adjacent to the alcohol sensor module 7; more specifically,
the plurality of holes 33 are located directly on top of the
alcohol sensor module 7 as can be seen in FIG. 2. This exposes the
alcohol sensor module 7 to the external environment and therefore
allows a user to blow a breath sample directly onto the alcohol
sensor module 7 as seen in FIG. 3. The wireless communication
device 9 allows for information to be wirelessly transferred in
between the microcontroller 13 and the coupled portable computing
device. The wireless communication device 9 is mounted within the
protective case 1, out of sight of the user. Various different
methods and components may be utilized for transmitting the data
from the microcontroller 13 to the portable computing device.
[0022] The portable power source 30 is mounted within the
protective case 1 and is electrically connected to the
microcontroller 13. The portable power source 30 provides the
necessary electrical energy for the present invention. Preferably,
the portable power source 30 is a rechargeable battery that is
electrically connected to a recharging port 31. The recharging port
31 is mounted within the protective case 1 and allows the user to
easily and quickly recharge the portable power source 30. The
microcontroller 13 distributes and controls the flow of electricity
to the various electrical components, seen in FIG. 11, in order to
execute the functions of the present invention. More specifically,
the microcontroller 13 is electronically connected to the wireless
communication device 9 and the alcohol sensor module 7. The
microcontroller 13 and the wireless communication device 9 are
mounted within the protective case 1 as not to alter the handling
characteristics of the protective case 1. The button switch 34
turns the present invention on and off. The button switch 34 is
integrated into the protective case 1 and is also electronically
connected to the microcontroller 13; preferably positioned on the
side of the protective case 1 in order to prevent accidental
actuation.
[0023] The alcohol sensor module 7 uses a semiconductor sensing
element in order to measure the alcohol concentration in a sample
of gas, in particular the user's breath sample. More specifically,
the alcohol sensor module includes a metal oxide gas sensor. This
type of module is ideal because it is highly sensitive, fast,
responsive, has a relatively long life span, is small in size, and
has a relatively low cost. The alcohol sensor module 7 also
includes the necessary supporting circuitry required for the
operation of the semiconductor sensing element. The supporting
circuitry records the change in resistance, and performs other
similar functions. The electrical resistance of the semiconductor
sensing element proportionately changes according to the alcohol
concentration in the sample of gas. More specifically, the change
in resistance of the semiconductor sensing element is inversely
proportional to the alcohol concentration of the sample of gas.
This characteristic allows for accurate measurement of alcohol
concentration in a gas. The alcohol sensor module 7 measures the
change in electric resistance of the semiconductor sensing element
once it is exposed to the sample of gas, the breath sample, and
outputs a corresponding voltage. The microcontroller 13 utilizes
the voltage to calculate the BAC value. The BAC value is then
wirelessly transmitted to the coupled portable computing device via
wireless communication device 9. The BAC value is then used as
input for the software application of the present invention for
various functions for the user. The preferred alcohol sensor module
7 is a Metal Oxide (MOX) based gas sensor module. Additionally, the
present invention also utilizes a hotplate fabricated using robust
silicon dioxide membrane which includes a tungsten based heating
element for the MOX gas sensor. In particular, the preferred
alcohol sensor module 7 is the CCS803 gas sensor due to its
ultra-low power consumption, fast response time, and miniature
size. The CCS803 gas sensor is capable to detect Ethanol in the
range of 10 to 600 parts per million. Alternative methods and
devices may be used for the alcohol sensor module 7. For example,
in one embodiment of the present invention a tin oxide (SnO2) based
sensor module is used.
[0024] To operate the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the user simply actuates the button switch 34 on the
protective case 1, aligns his or her lips adjacent to the plurality
of holes 33, and blows for a predetermined amount of time. This
provides the alcohol sensor module with a breath sample to
analyze.
[0025] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a
breathalyzer assembly 2 is used to house and protect the alcohol
sensor module 7 as seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6. The breathalyzer
assembly 2 comprises a separable housing 3, an insulating layer 4,
a plurality of air vents 6, and a filter screen 5. As such, the
alcohol sensor module 7 is mounted within the separable housing 3;
the separable housing 3 physically protects the alcohol sensor
module 7. The separable housing 3 is in turn attached into the
protective case 1, preferably in a flush manner so as not to
interfere with the handling characteristics of the proactive case
1. In this embodiment, the breath interface 32 comprises a
mouthpiece 8 and a duct 10 to allow the user to provide the breath
sample to the alcohol sensor module 7. The mouthpiece 8 is
adjacently connected into the protective case 1 and is the physical
interface which the user may place his or her lips upon when
providing the breath sample for the present invention. The duct 10
traverses through the protective case 1 with an input 11 of the
duct 10 being adjacently positioned to the mouthpiece 8 and an
output 12 of the duct 10 being adjacently positioned to the
separable housing 3. The duct 10 puts the mouthpiece 8 and the
separable housing 3 in fluid communication with each other. The
insulating layer 4 is internally superimposed over the separable
housing 3 as seen in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. The insulating layer 4
protects the protective case 1 and the user from possible high
temperatures produced by the alcohol sensor module 7. The type of
material used for the insulating layer 4 may vary depending on the
type of the alcohol sensor module 7 used. The plurality of air
vents 6 traverses laterally into the separable housing 3 and
through the insulating layer 4. The plurality of air vents 6 is
adjacently positioned to the output 12 of the duct 10 such that the
user's breath sample may flow into the separable housing 3 to reach
the alcohol sensor module 7. The filter screen 5 prevents
contaminates such as smoke, dust, and debris from reaching the
alcohol sensor module 7; and is adjacently connected across the
plurality of air vents 6.
[0026] The separable housing 3 acts as a cartridge for the present
invention and allows the user to replace the alcohol sensor module
7 without requiring the user to buy a new protective case 1. This
is useful if the alcohol sensor 7 module malfunctions or breaks. In
some embodiments, the present invention may utilize an alternative
alcohol sensor module 7 that has a limited amount of uses and
requires the user to replace the cartridge, more specifically the
breathalyzer assembly. The separable housing 3 is attached to the
protective case 1 through the use of a receptive cavity 19 and a
track system. The receptive cavity 19 traverses into the protective
case 1, preferably into the backing of the protective case 1 for
quick and easy access. The receptive cavity 19 is sized and shaped
to the separable housing 3 such that the separable housing 3 sits
flush with the exterior surfaces of the protective case 1 as seen
in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6. The separable housing 3 is attached into the
receptive cavity 19 through the use of a first rail 20, a second
rail 21, a first recession 22, and a second recession 23. Both the
first recession 22 and the second recession 23 traverse into the
protective case 1 from the receptive cavity 19 and are positioned
opposite to each other across the receptive cavity 19. The first
rail 20 and the second rail 21 are positioned on the separable
housing 3 complimentary to the location of the first recession 22
and the second recession 23, respectively. The first rail 20 is
adjacently connected to the separable housing 3. The second rail 21
is adjacently connected to the separable housing 3, opposite the
first rail 20. The separable housing 3 is attached to the
protective case 1 by the first rail 20 being engaged to the first
recession 22 and the second rail 21 being engaged to the second
recession 23. This design allows the separable housing 3 to slide
in and attach to the protective case 1 quickly and easily without
requiring any tools. The user simply aligns the first rail 20 and
the second rail 21 to the respective first recession 22 and second
recession 23 and slides the separable housing 3 towards the center
of the protective case 1 until the separable housing 3 sits flush
with the adjacent side and back surface of the protective case 1 as
seen in FIG. 4. Alternative attachment/fastening means may also be
utilized including, but not limited to, magnets, latches, buttons,
and adhesive.
[0027] The mouthpiece 8 is integrated into the protective case 1
through a mouthpiece-receptive cavity 24. The mouthpiece-receptive
cavity 24 traverses into the protective case 1 and is shaped to
receive the mouthpiece 8. The mouthpiece-receptive cavity 24 is
preferably positioned at the top right or left corner of the
backing of the protective case 1 as this design provides the user
easier access to the mouthpiece 8. The mouthpiece 8 is pivotally
connected to a bottom surface 28 of the mouthpiece-receptive cavity
24 and comprises a breath channel 25. The breath channel 25
laterally traverses through the mouthpiece 8 as seen in FIG. 9 and
FIG. 10; and facilitates the flow of air from the user's mouth to
the duct 10 and resultantly to the alcohol sensor module 7. An
input 26 of the breath channel 25 is positioned offset from the
bottom surface 28. An output 27 of the breath channel 25 is
positioned adjacent to the bottom surface 28, therefore offsetting
the input 26 and the output 27 of the breath channel 25 a certain
distance apart. The offset design allows the mouthpiece 8 and the
protective case 1 to be positioned into two configurations, an
operative configuration and a closed configuration.
[0028] In the operative configuration, the output 27 of the breath
channel 25 is positioned to be in fluid communication with the
input 11 of the duct 10; and the input 26 of the breath channel 25
is oriented away from the protective case 1, open to the
environment and the user as seen in FIG. 5. The fluid communication
is depicted in FIG. 12, a fluid schematic of the present invention.
Additionally, when the mouthpiece 8 and the protective case 1 are
positioned into the operative configuration, the associated
electronic components of the present invention are activated
through a trip switch 29, rather than a button switch 34 as seen in
the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The trip switch
29 is integrated into the protective case 1, adjacent to the
mouthpiece-receptive cavity 24, and is electronically connected to
the microcontroller 13. The trip switch 29 is also operatively
engaged to the mouthpiece 8. The trip switch 29 activates the
microcontroller 13 and the associated electronic components when
the mouthpiece 8 is rotated into the operative configuration.
Additionally, the trip switch 29 is used to begin measurement.
Furthermore, the trip switch 29 may also be used for wireless
communication pairing between the wireless communication device 9
and the portable computing device. In the closed configuration, the
input 26 of the breath channel 25 is oriented towards the input 11
of the duct 10 as seen in FIG. 4, closing off access to the duct
10.
[0029] To operate the alternative embodiment of the present
invention, the user first rotates the mouthpiece 8 180 degrees such
that the input 26 of the breath channel 25 is facing away from the
protective case 1. This movement triggers the trip switch 29, which
turns on the internal electronic components of the present
invention and begins to heat up the semiconductor sensing element
to the appropriate temperature. Next, the user simply blows into
the mouthpiece 8 for a certain amount of time. While the user blows
into the mouthpiece 8, the alcohol sensor module 7 measures the
alcohol concentration in the provided gas. This measurement is then
sent to the portable computing device by the wireless communication
device 9 where the BAC of the user is calculated and displayed.
[0030] As mentioned above, the present invention also includes a
software component which takes the raw data from the breathalyzer
assembly 2 and descriptive information from the user to accurately
determine the BAC of the user. The software components may be
implemented in the form of a software application on the portable
computing device. The portable computing device receives alcohol
concentration measurements from the breathalyzer assembly 2 and
feeds said information into the software application. Additionally,
the software application may also use descriptive information of
the user to more accurately predict the BAC of the user.
Descriptive information may include, but is not limited to, age,
height, weight, race, gender, number of drinks consumed, and type
of drinks consumed. In one embodiment, the software application
takes the aforementioned information, calculates the BAC, and
displays the results to the screen of the portable computing
device. In another embodiment, the aforementioned information is
not required for the present invention to calculate and display the
BAC. The software application may also include additional features
which either entertain and or educate the user about drinking and
driving habits.
[0031] In one embodiment, the present invention also includes a
bottle opener 14 integrated into the protective case 1. The bottle
opener 14 allows the user to remove metal bottle caps from bottles,
increasing the versatility of the present invention. The bottle
opener 14 is preferably integrated into a backing of the protective
case 1 for easier access and increased leverage. The bottle opener
14 comprises a cap-receptive cavity 15, a cap-engagement lip 17,
and a fulcrum region 18. The cap-receptive cavity 15 traverses into
the protective case 1 and is sized to receive at least half of a
standard bottle cap. The fulcrum region 18 is adjacently connected
to a rim 16 of the cap-receptive cavity 15 as seen in FIG. 4. The
fulcrum region 18 is a flange protruding from the rim 16 towards
the center of the cap-receptive cavity 15 that engages the top of
the bottle cap and provides a pivot point about which the bottle is
rotated to remove the bottle cap. The cap-engagement lip 17 is
adjacently connected to the rim 16 and positioned opposite to the
fulcrum region 18 across the cap-receptive cavity 15. The
cap-engagement lip 17 is designed to engage the lower edge of the
rim of the bottle cap. To prevent deformation and structural
failure, it is preferred that the fulcrum region 18 and the
cap-engagement lip 17 be composed of a strong durable material.
Materials include, but are not limited to, steel, titanium, and
iron.
[0032] The present invention also includes a gaming feature. The
gaming feature uses the calculated BAC of the user to customize an
interactive and educational game for the user to play. In one
embodiment of the present invention, the gaming features includes
the user controlling a car on the portable computing device through
tilt technology in various environments. The game environment,
driving aspects, blurriness, and all around atmosphere are designed
to directly reflect the perspective of a driver with an equal
inebriation level as the user's BAC. For example, the higher the
user's BAC, the slower the car's reaction will be to the user's
input. Additionally, the car may begin to arbitrarily swerve in
various directions to simulate an inebriated driver. In one option,
the user must control the car and ensure that it does not veer out
of the lane while simultaneously avoiding obstacles such as ducks,
bikes, pedestrians, and other cars. Additionally, police cars may
intervene and or set up driving under the influence (DUI)
check-stations throughout each course that, if run into, will end
the game for the user. One particular version requires the user to
avoid obstacles and if three obstacles are hit then the user loses
the game. The ending score, dependent on distance traveled and
obstacles passed, is multiplied by [1/(0.2-BAC) 2)] where BAC is
the calculated readout at the beginning. Alternative means for
calculating the score may also be used. Any information from the
game and the present invention may be shared on social networks;
furthermore, in one embodiment, the user may play online with other
players. The main purpose of the gaming feature is to promote safe
drinking and driving habits. The game will most often end with the
statement "Games don't have consequences. Life's not a game. Don't
drink and drive.".
[0033] The gaming feature also includes a timer which prevents the
user from resetting the game before the sensor is ready for another
measurement; some types of alcohol sensors require time for
re-ionization. Additionally, the present invention may also
calculate and display the average time the user would need to sober
up. Simple charts based on sex, weight, height, etc. may also be
available and utilized in the present invention to further educate
the user on the effects of alcohol and driving under the influence.
Other games associated with the breathalyzer case may also be sold
to the user, each with their own purpose, designs, and
implementation.
[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the software
application aids the user in calling him/her a taxi cab. To
accomplish this, the software application may utilize the global
positioning system (GPS) location of the portable computing device
to hail a taxi cab to the location of the portable computing
device. The present invention may also be compatible with a variety
of transportation network companies to further facilitate
transportation for the user.
[0035] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its
preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other
possible modifications and variations can be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter
claimed.
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