TruTouch’s technology combines the state-of-the-art in alcohol testing with an integral biometric identity verification capability. It is a 100% noninvasive, touch based measurement that offers significant improvements in safety and ease-of use relative to existing measurement approaches.
The TruTouch measurement is performed by transmitting light into the skin via contact with an optical touch pad, and collecting a portion of the light (near infrared) reflected back by the skin. The collected light is analyzed to determine the tissue alcohol concentration and to verify the user’s identity.
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TruTouch devices measure the 4000-8000 cm-1 (1.25-2.5 mm) spectral region.
Additional information regarding the TruTouch technology and its evaluation using
clinical and laboratory studies can be found in the following peer reviewed journal articles.
T. Ridder, S. Hendee, C. Brown, “Noninvasive Alcohol Testing using Diffuse Reflectance Near-Infrared Spectroscopy”, Applied Spectroscopy, 59(2), pp. 181-189, (2005).
DOI: 10.1366/0003702053085098
Abstract: A diffuse reflectance near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer was evaluated as a noninvasive alternative to breath and blood measurements for in vivo alcohol testing. A hybrid partial least squares (PLS) calibration was constructed using a combination of in vivo and in vitro spectral data. This model was subsequently evaluated for its performance in quantifying alcohol concentrations in vivo using a prospective validation study involving subjects who did not participate in the calibration. The validation study entailed induction of alcohol excursions in ten human subjects and comparison of the noninvasive NIR alcohol measurements to blood and breath alcohol measurements. Blood and breath alcohol measurements were performed at the time of each noninvasive NIR measurement (N = 372), establishing the noninvasive NIR measurement standard error relative to blood alcohol at 4.9 mg/dL (0.0049 %). Assessment of the hybrid calibration model's sensitivity and selectivity provided strong evidence that the hybrid calibration yielded measurements that were both sensitive to alcohol and independent of other absorbing analytes in human tissue.
C. Brown, T. Ridder, “A Framework for Multivariate Selectivity Analysis. Part 1: Theoretical and Practical Merits”, Applied Spectroscopy, 59(6), pp. 787-803, (2005).
DOI: 10.1366/0003702054280621
T. Ridder, C. Brown, B. Ver Steeg, “A Framework for Multivariate Selectivity Analysis.
Part 2: Experimental Applications”, Applied Spectroscopy, 59(6), pp. 804-815, (2005).
DOI: 10.1366/0003702054280739
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Takata has partnered with TruTouch Technologies (http://www.trutouchtech.com/UploadFiles/TruTouch%20Technology%20Overview.pdf) to develop alcohol detection systems for the automotive market.
Combining Takata’s electronic sensor technology and the TruTouch biometric intoxication detection technology, the partnership is developing a product that will work with push-button ignition systems to prevent the vehicle from starting if the driver’s blood alcohol level is above the legal limit.
The product uses an infrared measurement system. Drivers place their finger on the device, and within seconds, the system measures the alcohol concentration in the driver’s system.
http://www.takataesv.com/pages/trutouch.html
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NHTSA (National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration) Awards Takata-TruTouch $2.25M to Advance World’s First Touch-based In-Vehicle Alcohol Detection Device
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/
Imagine every time you go to start a vehicle it could potentially provide your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) in an instant, just from touching the ignition button. This scenario could be a reality within the decade, and the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) through Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) and The Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety (ACTS) recognizes this system’s capacity to save lives as an additional tool to help address one of the most significant road safety problems around the world. .
To aid with the continued advancement of the life-saving technology, a $2.25M award has been made to Takata in partnership with TruTouch Technologies to develop an in-vehicle solution that could help keep drunk drivers off the road, potentially saving hundreds-of-thousands of lives lost in alcohol-impaired crashes globally every year. As this technology advances and is incorporated into automobiles, it has the capacity to potentially help eliminate drunk driving.
“We are already enjoying tremendous success with this technology in the law enforcement, oil and drilling, military, and transportation markets,” said Dr. Richard D. Gill, President and CEO of TruTouch. “Together with Takata, our mission is to help eliminate alcohol-impaired dangers on the road and save lives. This NHTSA award will help expedite the work to adapt the technology for use in automotive applications where customers demand quick, accurate, and cost-effective in-vehicle solutions to ensure safe vehicle operation.”
“As a company solely dedicated to automotive safety, we are excited with the contract from DADSS/ACTS to develop the TruTouch sensors for use in automotive, commercial vehicle and heavy equipment applications,” added Kirk Morris, Vice President of Business Development of TK Holdings Inc., the NA subsidiary of Takata Corporation. “The objective is to develop tools to help intoxicated drivers from operating the vehicle if they are impaired, and to do so in a personal, non-intrusive manner.”
The TruTouch technology utilizes an advanced intoxication detection technology that measures a person’s alcohol level through the use of infrared light. With TruTouch, a person’s BAC is determined when placing their finger on a near infrared sensor that analyzes the alcohol concentration in his or her body. The device can produce accurate results in seconds and has a built-in biometric system to prevent tampering. The ultimate objective is to embrace this advanced technology and develop an automotive solution equipped to combat the global problem of alcohol related accidents. The Takata/TruTouch products require no user training, and no operator assistance.
About TruTouch Technologies
TruTouch Technologies, Inc. develops, manufactures and sells patented noninvasive biometric alcohol testing systems into both existing and emerging alcohol testing markets. Inspired by the potential to place its passive, durable systems virtually anywhere, TruTouch’s vision is to create a world where intoxication is routinely intercepted before it does harm.
Current and future TruTouch applications include:
Work Force Safety Systems for testing of on duty impairment by alcohol
Medical Diagnostic Systems
Alcohol Point-Of-Sale Liability Reduction Systems
Law Enforcement Systems
Industrial Safety Systems
Vehicle Safety Systems
www.trutouchtechnologies.com
