Samsung has invented a smartphone with a built-in breathalyzer. The smartphone has a 'gas sensor' that extends out from the phone and doubles as a phone microphone. Samsung's patent filing states that "The gas sensor portion may include a sensor module that analyzes the exhalation, a short-range transceiver unit that transmits data measured by the sensor module to the device main body, a sensor battery that supplies an electric power to the sensor module and the short-range transceiver unit, and a housing that receives the sensor module, the short-range transceiver unit, and the sensor battery, the housing rotatably connected to the moving body." Later in the patent Samsung says that the breathalyzer could be a part of a future stylus thus making the smartphone a part of the Note smartphone family.

Samsung's patent FIG. 1 below is a perspective view illustrating a portable device having an exhalation sensing function.

Samsung's patent FIG. 13 below illustrates a perspective view illustrating a state in which a gas detector projects when a user makes a call using a portable device having an exhalation sensing function; FIG. 14 is a view illustrating an exhalation sensing function selection screen of a portable device having an exhalation sensing function.

Samsung's patent FIG. 15 below is a view illustrating a state in which a user performs a precision measurement using a gas detector of a portable device having an exhalation sensing function; FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a sound waveform generated in a microphone of a gas detector of a portable device having an exhalation sensing function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when a user blows breath out.

This possible futures smartphone may be a Samsung Note design because the filing noted that "A space may be provided inside the moving body #110. Accordingly, components for performing different functions may be disposed inside the moving body. For example, the moving body may be implemented to function as a stylus pen, a thermometer, etc.

With tickets for drinking and driving climbing every year, adult consumers just might find the built-in breathalyzer a very handy feature to have in their smartphone. And considering that Samsung calls it a gas sensor, it may be at some point in time able to analyze other substances a user has on their breath.

Samsung's patent was published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in July 2017 and originally filed in June 2016.

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