Breathometer: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:51, 13 February 2025

Breathometer[edit]

A Breathometer device

The Breathometer is a portable device designed to measure the blood alcohol content (BAC) of an individual by analyzing their breath. It is a type of breathalyzer, which is commonly used by law enforcement and individuals to estimate the level of alcohol intoxication.

History[edit]

The Breathometer was introduced as a consumer-friendly alternative to traditional breathalyzers. It gained popularity due to its compact size and ability to connect to smartphones via Bluetooth technology. The device was initially funded through a crowdfunding campaign and later gained further attention through media exposure.

Functionality[edit]

The Breathometer works by detecting the presence of alcohol in a person's breath. When a user exhales into the device, it uses a sensor to measure the concentration of alcohol. This data is then transmitted to a smartphone app, which calculates the estimated BAC and provides feedback to the user.

Components[edit]

The main components of a Breathometer include:

Sensor: Detects alcohol molecules in the breath.
Bluetooth Module: Transmits data to a connected smartphone.
Power Source: Typically powered by a small battery.

Usage[edit]

To use the Breathometer, a person must:

1. Connect the device to their smartphone via Bluetooth. 2. Open the Breathometer app. 3. Exhale into the device for a few seconds. 4. View the BAC results on the app.

The app may also provide additional features such as estimated time to sobriety and suggestions for safe transportation options.

Limitations[edit]

While the Breathometer offers convenience, it is important to note that it may not be as accurate as professional-grade breathalyzers used by law enforcement. Factors such as calibration, environmental conditions, and user error can affect the accuracy of the readings.

Related pages[edit]

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-{{jpg-image}}
+== Breathometer ==
-The '''Breathometer''' was a device designed to measure [[blood alcohol content]] (BAC) from a breath sample. It was introduced to the market with the promise of providing an easy and accessible way for individuals to assess their own levels of intoxication and make informed decisions about their ability to drive or engage in other activities that could be dangerous under the influence of [[alcohol]]. The device connected to a [[smartphone]] via the headphone jack or Bluetooth and used a companion mobile app to display the BAC results.
+[[File:Breathometer.jpg|thumb|right|A Breathometer device]]
-The concept of the Breathometer gained significant public attention when its founder, Charles Michael Yim, appeared on the American television show ''[[Shark Tank]]'' in 2013. Yim successfully secured investment from all five "sharks," marking a notable moment in the show's history. This investment and the subsequent media exposure led to a surge in interest and sales for the Breathometer.
+The '''Breathometer''' is a portable device designed to measure the [[blood alcohol content]] (BAC) of an individual by analyzing their breath. It is a type of [[breathalyzer]], which is commonly used by law enforcement and individuals to estimate the level of alcohol intoxication.
-However, the Breathometer faced significant challenges and controversies. The [[Federal Trade Commission]] (FTC) later charged the company with false advertising, stating that the device's accuracy was not scientifically proven and that it could potentially give users a false sense of security about their ability to drive after drinking. In 2017, the company settled with the FTC, agreeing to refund customers and cease making claims about the device's accuracy without scientific evidence.
+== History ==
-The Breathometer case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of rigorous product testing and validation, especially for products that have significant safety implications. It also highlights the potential pitfalls of rapid product development and scaling in response to media exposure and consumer demand without adequate underlying scientific validation.
+The Breathometer was introduced as a consumer-friendly alternative to traditional breathalyzers. It gained popularity due to its compact size and ability to connect to [[smartphones]] via [[Bluetooth]] technology. The device was initially funded through a [[crowdfunding]] campaign and later gained further attention through media exposure.
-[[Category:Technology]]
+== Functionality ==
-[[Category:Alcohol]]
-[[Category:Consumer electronics]]
+The Breathometer works by detecting the presence of alcohol in a person's breath. When a user exhales into the device, it uses a sensor to measure the concentration of alcohol. This data is then transmitted to a smartphone app, which calculates the estimated BAC and provides feedback to the user.
-{{tech-stub}}
-{{No image}}
+=== Components ===
+The main components of a Breathometer include:
+* '''Sensor''': Detects alcohol molecules in the breath.
+* '''Bluetooth Module''': Transmits data to a connected smartphone.
+* '''Power Source''': Typically powered by a small battery.
+== Usage ==
+To use the Breathometer, a person must:
+. Connect the device to their smartphone via Bluetooth.
+. Open the Breathometer app.
+. Exhale into the device for a few seconds.
+. View the BAC results on the app.
+The app may also provide additional features such as estimated time to sobriety and suggestions for safe transportation options.
+== Limitations ==
+While the Breathometer offers convenience, it is important to note that it may not be as accurate as professional-grade breathalyzers used by law enforcement. Factors such as calibration, environmental conditions, and user error can affect the accuracy of the readings.
+== Related pages ==
+* [[Breathalyzer]]
+* [[Blood alcohol content]]
+* [[Alcohol intoxication]]
+* [[Smartphone]]
+[[Category:Alcohol measurement devices]]