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27 Nov 2006 18:06:25 A mobile that helps protect users from toxic gases In recent times many models of cell phones that perform a variety of novel functions have been introduced. Cell phones that get locked up and become useless once they are stolen or lost have been developed. Another model of cell phone screams when it is lost or misplaced. Here is a new cell phone that warns or cautions the user about the environmental conditions around. When the user steps down from a flight and starts walking towards the exit, his mobile phone starts ringing. But, it is not from a caller. The phone is informing the user that the quality of air around is bad for him. It will be of considerable significance in case he is suffering from asthma or allergy. The user can take out an inhaler or other medicines. This is possible with a mobile phone that is capable of reading a sensor or carrying out diagnostic functions, anytime and anywhere, even if there is no phone service. Gentag, US, is the firm that has developed this application. Handset manufacturers using the new Gentag technology can configure their devices to identify the presence of substances such as pollen grain and any kind of chemicals in the atmosphere, including toxic gases released by terrorists or criminals and carbon monoxide emission from vehicles. The patent obtained by Gentag encompasses a number of personal wireless devices including PDAs, cell phones, pagers and watches in the form of low-cost customisable wireless-sensor readers to identify environmental threats. This can be used by individual consumers, industrial houses and governmental agencies. The main purpose of this technology is to allow individuals with sensitivity to multiple chemicals to use their cell phones to identify specific chemicals that cause allergies so that the problems can be alleviated. It would also help in the reduction of asthma attacks as the problem is affecting increasing number of people all over the world. According to WHO estimates, the average rate of incidence for asthma on a global scale is rising by 50 per cent every decade. The latest Gentag patent is one of the major advancements in the creation of 'smart-cell-phone' technology that combines low-priced, smart-sensor modules, wireless-sensor readers, wireless networks and geo-location devices for different applications. The patent entitled 'Method and Apparatus for Wide Area Surveillance of a Terrorist or Personal Threat' is one more application in the cell phone segment that increases their usefulness. Content Team -- BSNL Portal -- Intelligroup Asia Pvt. Ltd. |
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