• The Alcohol Checker case has been developed by Japanese firm Thanko
  • It has a built-in battery that can be used to charge a dying handset
  • Users can blow onto the breathalyser to receive an alcohol blood reading
  • The case also glows red, green or yellow to warn people not to drive

By Victoria Woollaston

PUBLISHED: 10:34 EST, 2 October 2013 | UPDATED: 11:15 EST, 2 October 2013

A new iPhone case has been developed that not only can be used to charge an iPhone - it has its very own built-in breathalyser fitted to the back.

Created by Japanese firm, Thanko, users breathe into the test hole for three to five seconds and blood alcohol readings are displayed on a display on the rear of the case within 20 seconds.

The result, measured in grams per litre, is displayed as a percentage. Alternatively, the display will light up red, yellow or green to warn people if they're over the safe driving limit.

To get a blood alcohol reading from the Japanese Alcohol Checker case, pictured, users blow onto the test hole on the back of the case for up to five seconds.

To get a blood alcohol reading from the Japanese Alcohol Checker case, pictured, users blow onto the test hole on the back of the case for up to five seconds. After 20 seconds, the reading, measured in grams per litre appears on a small display, shown as a percentage

The display will also light up red, pictured left, or green, pictured right, to warn people if they're over the driving limit, or it is safe to get in the car. When the screen glows yellow, users are borderline over the limit and should stop drinking and wait a while before checking the reading again, and getting in the car

THE PHONE CASE THAT CAN BE CHARGED BY HAND

Illinois-based Mipwr Dynamo cases connect to an iPhone's battery charging point and contain a hidden push lever that when squeezed creates an electrical charge.

The electricity is created by electromagnetic conduction inside the case and a minute of squeezing produces around 30 seconds of charge.

If the screen glows red, it means it is not safe to drive, while a green screen means driving will be within the legal limit.

When the screen glows yellow, users are borderline over the limit and should stop drinking and wait a while before checking the reading again, and getting in the car.

To enable the breathalyser, the user can click the Check Alcohol button on the app.

The Alcohol Checker case also charges a phone using a built-in 1,800 mAh battery.

The case works in the same way as a docking station and users can switch between using the phone's battery, to using the power in the case.

The breathalyser is powered completely by the case, too, meaning it doesn't use up the handset's battery life.

It weighs 72 grams and is 15mm thick. The current model has been designed to fit the iPhone 5, but Thanko is working on versions for other phones.

The Alcohol Checker case also charges a phone using a built-in 1,800 mAh battery.

The Alcohol Checker case also charges a phone using a built-in 1,800 mAh battery. The case works in the same way as a docking station and users can switch between using the phone's battery, to using the power in the case. The breathalyser is powered completely by the case

Hiroyasu Yamamitsu, 47, CEO of Thanko said: 'After drinking alcohol it's difficult to know whether people can drive a car or not.

'People need to check if they're safe to drive and there's nothing more convenient than having one built in to your phone's case.'

Although the case claims to measure blood alcohol level, it should not be used to determine a safe driving limit as a standalone device.




 

The comments below have not been moderated.

Too bulky.

OMG just dont drink and drive. A miscalculation by one of these damned things will end up costijg someone their life

Why not just put a breathalyser in the car if you're that insistent on drinking and driving just on the limit.

Fantastic for those who need it.

Does it also stop you sending drunken texts you regret in the morning?

I would love this. I certainly would never drink and drive, but would use this device the next day after drinking, which is the time I bet most people are caught out without realising they are still over

Just don't drink if you are driving. No safe limit

Just don't bloody drink if you have the car. It's not difficult, it's not rocket science...just don't drink! grab a soft drink instead.

And i bet it wouldnt charge the phone if its been updated to ios7 because it is not sold by apple

No excuses now!

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