Patent for a cost-effective self-defence device for women featuring embedded hardware and software application, developed by an alumnus of Velalar College of Engineering and Technology, Erode, is going through accelerated clearance process, having qualified under the Startup India Action Plan of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year.
In a format specified by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, patent recommendation for the innovative product developed by K.Mohanraj, a BE - ECE graduate who had passed out in 2015, has been made through the Incubator managed by Adhiyaman College of Engineering.
The invention, Mr.Mohanraj explained was a quick responding, cost effective system for women to
protect themselves when they are alone in home or travel alone. The system consists of embedded hardware and software co-designed for the dedicated application.
When an authenticated user of the device finds that someone is approaching with wrong intentions, the user places the right or left thumb on the fingerprint scanner and presses the metal prongs on the attacker’s body.
The user’s thumb impression is enrolled using an optical scanner at the time of purchase. If the woman’s fingerprint is matched with the image in sensor’s memory, the controller produces high voltage pulse across the metal prongs and electric shock is applied to assailant’s body for three seconds to cause involuntary muscle contraction and extreme pain, thereby providing a means to immobilize the attacker.
The system also sends an SOS message with user’s address information and location data received from location unit (GPS), using transmitting unit (GSM) to the preloaded mobile numbers and also switches on the mini digital camera which records the video and audio of the crime scene. The device can be activated only by the owner, and the attacker will have no clue about the alert issued for help.
In all likelihood, the inventor will be able to get the patent for the product within a year,
Peter Stanley Bebington, Dean - Academics, Velalar College of Engineering and Technology, said.
