Scientists Have Figured Out How to Use Lasers to Detect Drunk Drivers
Rahul Kalvapalle — June 10, 2014 — Lifestyle
Researchers at the Military University of Technology in Warsaw, Poland are developing a method by which high-intensity beams of light can be used to detect drunk drivers, by analyzing the presence of alcohol in vehicles.
The researchers used a technique known as 'stand-off detection,' which involves identifying substances at a distance. Stand-off detection is normally used to detect explosives and hazardous materials without having to get close to them, but the scientists think it could now be used to detect drunk drivers.
The scientists were able to shine a laser through a car's windows and have it reflect back via a mirror located on the other side of the car. The reflected laser light was analyzed by the scientists to determine how much alcohol vapor was present in the air inside the car.
Going forward, it would be possible to set up an automated system that takes a photo of the car showing its license plate number, which could be transmitted to police who could pull the car over and subject the driver to a breathalyzer test.
The researchers used a technique known as 'stand-off detection,' which involves identifying substances at a distance. Stand-off detection is normally used to detect explosives and hazardous materials without having to get close to them, but the scientists think it could now be used to detect drunk drivers.
The scientists were able to shine a laser through a car's windows and have it reflect back via a mirror located on the other side of the car. The reflected laser light was analyzed by the scientists to determine how much alcohol vapor was present in the air inside the car.
Going forward, it would be possible to set up an automated system that takes a photo of the car showing its license plate number, which could be transmitted to police who could pull the car over and subject the driver to a breathalyzer test.
Trend Themes
1. Stand-off Detection - Using high-intensity lasers to detect substances at a distance presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in law enforcement and security.
2. In-car Alcohol Detection - Developing methods to analyze alcohol vapor inside vehicles using lasers opens up possibilities for disruptive innovation in automotive safety technology.
3. Automated Law Enforcement - Implementing automated systems that combine license plate recognition and stand-off detection can lead to disruptive innovation in traffic safety and law enforcement.
Industry Implications
1. Law Enforcement - The use of stand-off detection technology in law enforcement can revolutionize the way contraband and illicit substances are detected and prevented.
2. Automotive - The integration of in-car alcohol detection technology using lasers has the potential to disrupt the automotive industry by improving safety features and reducing drunk-driving incidents.
3. Security - The application of stand-off detection techniques in security systems can create innovative solutions for detecting threats and preventing potential hazards.
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