Mobile Phone Breath Analyzer

TOKYO, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- A mobile phone with a breath analyzer is getting popular among transport firms in Japan as it can help the companies conduct tele-checks on the drivers' breath to prevent drunk driving.

The system, developed by a major mobile phone operator NTT DoCoMo Inc, has been introduced to 15 companies since its launch about three months ago. Dozens more bus and transport companies also mull buying it, the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper said Sunday.

To use it, the driver first makes a video-phone call to his or her company and breathes into the analyzer connected to the phone. The video image showing the driver blowing into the analyzer and data regarding the alcohol concentration on his or her breath are transmitted to the firm and confirmed by the computer there.

If the alcohol concentration level exceeds the limit, 0.15 milligram per liter in Japan, a warning letter in red is displayed on the screen.

As the company can see video image, it is almost impossible for the driver to have someone else breath into the analyzer for him. The system, costing about 270,000 yen (about 2,290 U.S. dollars), therefore can allow companies conduct accurate tests even when drivers were on long hauls and could not return to office, the report said.

Editor: Yao Runping Source: www.chinaview.cn

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New device combats drunk driving in Japan

TOKYO, Oct. 1 (UPI) - A new cell phone device is proving popular with bus and transport companies in the fight against drunk driving in Japan, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported.

The device consists of a cell phone attached to a breath analyzer developed by NTT DoCoMo Inc. As public awareness of the dangers of intoxicated driving is growing throughout Japan, the Construction and Transport Ministry has tightened administrative punishments for transport companies, the report said. One of the measures was a possible suspension in business for companies that allowed employees to drive while intoxicated.

To use the new system, the driver makes a video-phone call to the company, then breathes into the analyzer connected to the cell phone. The video image of the driver blowing into the analyzer and data recording the alcohol level on his or her breath are transmitted to the company and confirmed there by computer.

The Yomiuri Shimbun reported the new measures have motivated companies to become more serious about preventing drivers from operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Source: http://www.upi.com