Originating in Australia in the 1980s, E-Nose technology was developed by scientists at the CSIRO, the University of Sydney and UNSW. These pioneering scientists are now members of E-Nose Pty Ltd.
Their inventions include air pollution monitors and the graffit-e-nose™, which was shown on the ABC’s New Inventors last November.
The graffit-e-nose™ comprises an array of chemical sensors specifically for paint solvents and a computer. It mimics the action of a dog’s nose, identifying airborne chemicals in graffiti smells, such as spray paint, marker pens or liquid boot polish at a distance of at least 45 metres away.
The device is invisible to vandals, so they will not know where and when they are being sniffed. Once detected, a silent SMS message is sent from the graffit-e-nose™ to appropriate security personnel.
While previously they would almost always get away with it, the graffiti vandal now risks being caught in the act. This is a world first for Australia.
A graffit-e-nose™ recently deployed at a graffiti plagued scout hall in Sutherland Shire, New South Wales, resulted in two arrests and saw a decrease in attacks at the site.
Similar deterrence has occurred at a community centre in Newcastle and at a skate park in Campbelltown.
As a result, substantial savings have already been realised by the councils in terms of cleanup and paint costs.
The arrests have also led to a decrease in graffiti attacks across a much wider area, benefiting the community in which the apprehended tagger operated.
Local police are impressed.
The graffit-e-nose™ costs a fraction of the amount of ratepayers money currently being spent on graffiti cleanup and could save Australians over $100 million per annum – money that would be better spent elsewhere.
For further information contact E-Nose on (02) 9209 4083 or visit www.e-nose.info
*Copy supplied by E-Nose
