Cell-All Could Put Chemical Sensors Everywhere
Everywhere there is a cell phone, that is. First-generation lab prototypes will be demonstrated tomorrow in San Diego by the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate.
The ubiquitous cell phone has become the nation's bad guy in recent months because of the spurt of attention, legislation, and a high-profile summit about distracted driving. But a demonstration taking place tomorrow could bring some positive press. New technology that would add chemical sensing capabilities to cell phones has been developed by three researchers as first-generation laboratory prototypes that will be demonstrated at the San Diego State University Regional Technology Center at 2 p.m. Pacific time.
This program, named Cell-All, "is designed to provide greater detection capabilities in areas where people congregate," according to the announcement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate. "The concept allows for chemical agent detectors to ultimately be everywhere where there are cellular telephones. At the option of the cell phone owner, the GPS in the phone could provide sensor location information to emergency operation centers. While still years from implementation, researchers are working on the proof of concept before attempting full-scale miniaturization. This demonstration will provide a look at the state of the science to date."
Taking part will be representatives of the DHS Science & Technology Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA); NASA Ames Research Center; and Qualcomm Inc., Rhevision Technology Inc., and Seacoast Science. The location is the SDSU Chemical Sciences Laboratory Building, Room 122, at the corner of College Avenue and Canyon Crest Drive in San Diego.