FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fan assembly and a computer-implemented method of controlling a fan assembly comprising a motor-drive impeller.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A conventional domestic fan typically includes a set of blades or vanes mounted for rotation about an axis, and drive apparatus for rotating the set of blades to generate an airflow. The movement and circulation of the airflow creates a 'wind chill' or breeze and, as a result, the user experiences a cooling effect as heat is dissipated through convection and evaporation. The blades are generally located within a cage which allows an airflow to pass through the housing while preventing users from coming into contact with the rotating blades during use of the fan.

US 2,488,467 describes a fan which does not use caged blades to project air from the fan assembly. Instead, the fan assembly comprises a base which houses a motor-driven impeller for drawing an airflow into the base, and a series of concentric, annular nozzles connected to the base and each comprising an annular outlet located at the front of the nozzle for emitting the airflow from the fan. Each nozzle extends about a bore axis to define a bore about which the nozzle extends.

Each nozzle is in the shape of an airfoil may therefore be considered to have a leading edge located at the rear of the nozzle, a trailing edge located at the front of the nozzle, and a chord line extending between the leading and trailing edges. In US 2,488,467 the chord line of each nozzle is parallel to the bore axis of the nozzles. The air outlet is located on the chord line, and is arranged to emit the airflow in a direction extending away from the nozzle and along the chord line.

Another fan assembly which does not use caged blades to project air from the fan assembly is described in WO 2010/100451 . This fan assembly comprises a cylindrical base which also houses a motor-driven impeller for drawing a primary airflow into the base, and a single annular nozzle connected to the base and comprising an annular mouth/outlet through which the primary airflow is emitted from the fan. The nozzle defines an opening through which air in the local environment of the fan assembly is drawn by the primary airflow emitted from the mouth, amplifying the primary airflow. The nozzle includes a Coanda surface over which the mouth is arranged to direct the primary airflow. The Coanda surface extends symmetrically about the central axis of the opening so that the airflow generated by the fan assembly is in the form of an annular jet having a cylindrical or frusto-conical profile.

WO 2010/046691 also describes a fan assembly. The fan assembly comprises a cylindrical base which houses a motor-driven impeller for drawing a primary air flow into the base, and an annular nozzle connected to the base and comprising an annular air outlet through which the primary air flow is emitted from the fan. The fan assembly comprises a filter for removing particulates from the air flow. The filter may be provided upstream from motor-driven impeller, in which case particulates are removed from the air flow prior to passing through the impeller. This protects the impeller from debris and dust that may be drawn into the fan assembly and which may damage the fan assembly. Alternatively, the filter may be provided downstream from the motor-driven impeller. In this configuration it is possible to filter and clean the air drawn through the motor-driven impeller, including any exhaust emissions, prior to progression through the elements of the fan assembly and supply to the user.

WO 2016/128732 describes a fan assembly similar to those of WO 2010/100451 and WO 2010/046691 . The fan assembly is provided with air inlets that extend around the entire circumference of the body of the fan in order to maximise the area available for air to be drawn into the fan assembly. The fan assembly is therefore also provided with a tubular, barrel-type filter that fits concentrically over the body of the fan and surrounds the entire circumference of the fan body upstream from the air inlets, and a nozzle that is removably mounted on the body. The filter is not connected to either the body or the nozzle but is securely held in place by the nozzle when mounted on the body, and can only be removed from the fan assembly after removal of the nozzle. This arrangement provides that the filter may simply be lowered onto the body before being secured in place by the engagement of the nozzle with the body and further provides that the filter can easily be removed from the body after removal of the nozzle in order to allow for cleaning or replacement of the filter.

The fan assemblies described in each of WO 2010/100451 , WO 2010/046691 , and WO 2016/128732 each comprise a plurality of user-operable buttons that enable a user to operate the fan. WO 2012/017219 then also describes a fan assembly, in the form of a portable fan heater, which is provided with a plurality of user-operable buttons for enabling a user to control various functions of the fan assembly and that is also provided with a display for providing the user with a visual indication of a temperature setting of the fan assembly. Similarly, GB25091 11 describes a fan assembly that is provided with a user interface circuit comprising both a user- actuable switch for operating the fan assembly and a display for displaying a current operational setting of the fan assembly. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According a first aspect there is provided a fan assembly comprising a motor-driven impeller arranged to generate an airflow, an air outlet arranged to emit the airflow from the fan assembly, at least one filter assembly that is arranged to purify the airflow before the airflow is emitted from the fan assembly, a plurality of sensors arranged to measure a value for each of a plurality of air quality characteristic, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive, from the plurality of sensors, measured values for each of the plurality of air quality characteristics, for each of the measured air quality characteristics, identify one of a corresponding set of intervals within which the measured value falls, select an air quality index value associated with the identified interval, and generate a corresponding speed value using the selected air quality index value. The processor is then configured to set a speed of the motor-driven impeller in dependence upon the highest of the speed values.

The present invention provides a fan assembly that automatically adjusts the speed of the motor-driven impeller in dependence upon the current air quality. In particular, by providing that a speed value is calculated for each of the plurality of air quality characteristics, with the highest of these speed values then being used to set the speed of the motor-driven impeller, the present invention ensures that this automatic adjustment takes into account the maximum speed that may be required in order to react to sudden changes in any one of these air quality characteristics.

The fan assembly may further comprise a display arranged to present data to a user of the fan assembly, with the processor then being further configured to generate a graphic on the display that provides an indication of a current air quality index value. The processor may be configured to identify the highest of the selected air quality index values as a current overall air quality index value, and cause the display to display a time series plot of the current air quality index value and a number of preceding air quality index values.

The plurality of air quality characteristics may comprise any of a concentration of PM _{2 5} particles, a concentration of PM ₁₀ particles, a concentration of volatile organic compounds, a concentration of nitrogen dioxide, a concentration sulphur dioxide, and a concentration of ozone.

The plurality sensors may comprise one or more particulate sensors and one or more gas sensors. The one or more particulate sensors may be arranged to measure a value indicative of a concentration of particles with a diameter that is 2.5 pm or less and measure a value indicative of a concentration of particles with a diameter that is 10 pm or less. Alternatively, the one or more particulate sensors may be arranged to measure a value indicative of a concentration of particles with a median aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 pm and measure a value indicative of a concentration particles with a median aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 pm. The one or more gas sensors may be arranged to measure a value indicative of each of a concentration of volatile organic compounds and a concentration of nitrogen dioxide. The one or more gas sensors may comprise a reducing gas sensor and an oxidising sensor. The reducing gas sensor may then be arranged to provide a value indicative of a concentration of volatile organic compounds and the oxidising sensor may be arranged to provide a value indicative of a concentration of nitrogen dioxide.

In order to identify one of a corresponding set of intervals within which the measured value falls, the processor may be configured to obtain a set of intervals associated with the air quality characteristic from a memory, and compare the measured value for the air quality characteristic to the intervals in the set. In order to select an air quality index value associated with the identified interval, the processor may be configured to obtain an air quality index value associated with the identified interval from a memory.

In order to generate a corresponding speed value using the selected air quality index value, the processor may be configured to calculate a difference between the selected air quality index value and a target air quality index value, and use the calculated difference to generate a corresponding speed value. In order to generate a corresponding speed value using the selected air quality index value, the processor may be configured to input the selected air quality index value into a closed loop air quality controller that generates a corresponding speed value. The closed loop air quality controller may then be configured to implement a proportional- integral controller.

The processor may be further configured to generate a floating point speed value and convert the floating point speed value into an integer speed value, the integer speed value corresponding to one of a plurality of available speeds of the motor-driven impeller. The processor may then be further configured to set a speed of the motor-driven impeller to one of a plurality of available speeds, wherein each of the plurality of available speeds is associated with an integer speed value, and the processor is configured to generate a floating point speed value that is within the range covered by the integer speed values.

In order to set a speed of the motor-driven impeller in dependence upon the highest of the speed values, the processor may be configured to select the highest of the speed values, determine a difference between the selected speed value and a current speed value, determine if the difference exceeds a speed variation threshold, and only change the speed of the motor- driven impeller if the difference exceeds the speed variation threshold. In order to determine if the difference exceeds a speed variation threshold, the processor may be configured to, if the difference is positive, such that the selected speed value is greater than the current speed value, select a first speed variation threshold as the speed variation threshold, and, if the difference is negative, such that the selected speed value is less than the current speed value, select a second speed variation threshold as the speed variation threshold.

In order to set a speed of the motor-driven impeller in dependence upon the highest of the speed values, the processor may be further configured to determine if a time elapsed since a last change in the speed of the motor-driven impeller exceeds a change frequency threshold. If the time elapsed does exceed the change frequency threshold, then processor may be configured to select a speed corresponding to the selected speed value and changing the speed of the motor-driven impeller to the selected speed. If the time elapsed does not exceed the change frequency threshold, then processor may be configured to maintain a current speed of the motor-driven impeller

In order to determine if a time elapsed since a last change in the speed of the motor-driven impeller exceeds a change frequency threshold, the processor may be configured to determine a difference between the selected speed value and a current speed value. If the difference is positive, such that the selected speed value is greater than the current speed value, then processor may be configured to select a first change frequency threshold as the change frequency variation threshold. If the difference is negative, such that the selected speed value is less than the current speed value, then processor may be configured to select a second change frequency threshold as the change frequency variation threshold.

The fan assembly may further comprise an air inlet through which an airflow is drawn into the fan assembly by the motor-driven impeller. The at least one filter assembly may then be mounted over the air inlet. The fan assembly may further comprise a further air inlet through which a further airflow is drawn into the fan assembly and into contact with the plurality of sensors. The fan assembly may comprise a nozzle mounted on a fan body, the motor-driven impeller being housed within the fan body, the air outlet being provided by the nozzle, and the nozzle being arranged to receive the airflow from the fan body and to emit the airflow from the air outlet. The plurality of sensors may be housed within the fan body and the fan body may then comprise both the air inlet and the further air inlet. The nozzle may comprise a base that connects to an upper end of the fan body and the plurality of sensors are enclosed within the base of the nozzle. The fan body may then comprise the air inlet and base of the nozzle comprise the further air inlet.

According a second aspect there is provided a computer implemented method of controlling a fan assembly comprising a motor-drive impeller. The method comprises using a plurality sensors to measure a value for each of a plurality of air quality characteristics of sampled air or a sampled flow of air and, using a processor to, for each of the measured air quality characteristics, identify one of a corresponding set of intervals within which the measured value falls, select an air quality index value associated with the identified interval, and generate a corresponding speed value using the selected air quality index value, and set a speed of the motor-driven impeller in dependence upon the highest of the speed values.

The method may further comprise generating a graphic on the display that provides an indication of a current air quality index value. The method may then further comprise identifying the highest of the selected air quality index values as a current overall air quality index value, and causing the display to display a time series plot of the current air quality index value and a number of preceding air quality index values.

The plurality of air quality characteristics may comprise any of a concentration of RM _{2 5} particles, a concentration of PM ₁₀ particles, a concentration of volatile organic compounds, a concentration of nitrogen dioxide, a concentration sulphur dioxide, and a concentration of ozone.

The plurality sensors may comprise one or more particulate sensors, and one or more gas sensors. The one or more particulate sensors may then measure a value indicative of a concentration of particles with a diameter that is 2.5 pm or less and measure a value indicative of a eoncentration of particles with a diameter that is 10 pm or less. Alternatively, the one or more particulate sensors may then measure a value indicative of a concentration of particles with a median aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 pm and measure a value indicative of a concentration of particles with a median aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 pm. The one or more gas sensors may measure a value indicative of each of a concentration of volatile organic compounds and a concentration of nitrogen dioxide.

The step of identifying one of a corresponding set of intervals within which the measured value falls may comprise obtaining a set of intervals associated with the air quality characteristic from a memory, and comparing the measured value for the air quality characteristic to the intervals in the set. The step of selecting an air quality index value associated with the identified interval may comprise obtaining an air quality index value associated with the identified interval from a memory.

The step of generating a corresponding speed value using the selected air quality index value may comprise using a difference between the selected air quality index value and a target air quality index value to determine a corresponding speed value. The step of generating a corresponding speed value using the selected air quality index value may comprise providing the selected air quality index value as an input to a closed loop controller that outputs a corresponding speed value. The closed loop controller may implement proportional-integral control.

The method may further comprise generating a floating point speed value and converting the floating point speed value into an integer speed value, the integer speed value corresponding to one of a plurality of available speeds of the motor-driven impeller. The processor may then be further configured to set a speed of the motor-driven impeller to one of a plurality of available speeds, wherein each of the plurality of available speeds is associated with an integer speed value, and the method may then comprise generating a floating point speed value that is within the range covered by the integer speed values.

The step of setting a speed of the motor-driven impeller in dependence upon the highest of the speed values may comprise selecting the highest of the speed values, determining a difference between the selected speed value and a current speed value, determining if the difference exceeds a speed variation threshold, and only changing the speed of the motor-driven impeller if the difference exceeds the speed variation threshold. The step of determining if the difference exceeds a speed variation threshold may further comprise, if the difference is positive, such that the selected speed value is greater than the current speed value, selecting a first speed variation threshold as the speed variation threshold and, if the difference is negative, such that the selected speed value is less than the current speed value, selecting a second speed variation threshold as the speed variation threshold.

The step of setting a speed of the motor-driven impeller in dependence upon the highest of the speed values may further comprise determining if a time elapsed since a last change in the speed of the motor-driven impeller exceeds a change frequency threshold. If the time elapsed does exceed the change frequency threshold, the method may comprise selecting a speed corresponding to the selected speed value and changing the speed of the motor-driven impeller to the selected speed. If the time elapsed does not exceed the change frequency threshold, the method may comprise maintaining a current speed of the motor-driven impeller. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates schematically an embodiment of a fan assembly suitable for implementing the methods described herein;

Figure 2a is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of the methods described herein;

Figure 2b is a flow diagram illustrating another embodiment of the methods described herein; Figure 3a is a front view of an embodiment of a fan assembly;

Figure 3b is a left side view of the fan assembly of Figure 3a;

Figure 4 is a right side cross-section view, taken along line A- A in Figure 3a;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view through the nozzle of the fan assembly, taken along line B-B in Figure 3b;

Figure 6 then shows an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-section view of Figure 4;

Figures 7a and 7b are perspective views of a main body section of the fan assembly of Figures 3a and 3b;

Figure 8a is an exploded view of the filter assembly of the fan assembly of Figures 3a and 3b; Figure 8b is a rear perspective view of a perforated shroud suitable for use with the filter assembly of Figure 8a;

Figure 9 is an exploded view of the nozzle of the fan assembly of Figures 3a and 3b; and Figure 10 is a rear perspective view of the valve of the fan assembly of Figures 3a and 3b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There will now be described a fan assembly that automatically adjusts the speed of the motor- driven impeller in dependence upon the current air quality. The term“fan assembly” as used herein refers to a fan assembly configured to generate and deliver an airflow for the purposes of thermal comfort and/or environmental or climate control and particularly, but not exclusively, to a domestic fan for creating air circulation and air current in a room, in an office or other domestic environment. Such a fan assembly may be capable of generating one or more of a dehumidified airflow, a humidified airflow, a purified airflow, a filtered airflow, a cooled airflow, and a heated airflow.

Figure 1 illustrates schematically an embodiment of a fan assembly suitable for implementing the methods described herein. The fan assembly 100 is implemented as a combination of mechanical components, computer hardware and software, and comprises a motor-driven impeller 1 10 arranged to generate an airflow, an air outlet 120 arranged to emit the airflow from the fan assembly 100, at least one filter assembly 170 that is arranged to purify the airflow before the airflow is emitted from the fan assembly, a plurality of sensors 131 -133 arranged to detect/measure a value for each of a plurality of air quality characteristics/parameters of the ambient air and a computer processor 150 configured to control the fan assembly 100. In particular, the processor 150 is configured to automatically control the speed of the motor-driven impeller in dependence upon on the measurements received from the plurality of sensors 131 - 133. Preferably, the fan assembly 100 further comprises an electronic display 140 that is arranged to present data to a user of the fan assembly 100, and the is processor 150 then also configured to generate a graphic on the electronic display 140 that provides an indication of the air quality of the ambient air based on the measurements received from the plurality of sensors 131 -133.

In order to automatically control the speed of the motor-driven impeller in dependence upon on the measurements received from the plurality of sensors 131 -133 the processor 150 is configured to implement a method in which, for each measurement occurrence, the measurements received from the plurality of sensors 131 -133 are each converted into a speed value, with the speed of the motor-driven impeller then being set in dependence upon the highest of these speed values. Figure 2a is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of such a method. According to the method, for each measurement occurrence:

A1 . The processor 150 receives, from the plurality of sensors 131 -133, measured values for each of the plurality of air quality characteristics.

A2. The processor 150 then, for each of the plurality of air quality characteristics, identifies one of a corresponding set of ranges/intervals within which the measured value falls/lies.

A3. The processor 150 then, for each of the plurality of air quality characteristics, selects an air quality (AQ) index value associated with the identified range/interval.

A4. The processor 150 then, for each of the plurality of air quality characteristics, generates a speed value using the selected air quality index value.

A5. The processor 150 then selects the largest/highest of the speed values.

A6. The processor 150 then uses the selected speed value to determine if the speed of the motor-driven impeller should be changed.

As described above, in order to implement this method each of the plurality of air quality characteristics has a corresponding set of ranges/intervals, with each range/interval in the set being associated with a different air quality index value. Each air quality characteristic therefore has a corresponding plurality of consecutive/contiguous ranges/intervals to ensure that a value measured by the corresponding sensor(s) will fall/lie within one and only one of the ranges/intervals in the set, with consecutive ranges/intervals being associated with consecutive air quality index values. By way of example, the table below illustrates an example of a set of ranges and associated air quality index values for one air quality characteristic.

It is therefore preferable that fan assembly further comprises a memory 160 configured to store, for each of the air quality characteristics, a set of ranges/intervals and an associated air quality index value for each of the ranges/intervals in the set.

Optionally, for one or more of the plurality of air quality characteristics, the set of ranges/intervals corresponding to the air quality characteristics can vary in size. In this case, at least one of the set of ranges/intervals will be smaller in size than another of the set of ranges/intervals. For example, in the table given above, the first of the set of intervals has a size of 12, the second of the set of intervals has a size of 9, the third of the set of intervals has a size of 7 etc.

The air quality characteristics that are measured by the plurality of sensors 131-133 preferably comprise levels of potential air pollutants present in the ambient air. For example, these air quality characteristics may comprise any of a concentration of PM _{2 5} particles, a concentration of PM ₁₀ particles, a concentration of volatile organic compounds, a concentration of nitrogen dioxide, a concentration sulphur dioxide, and a concentration of ozone. The plurality of sensors therefore preferably comprises one or more particulate sensors 131 and one or more gas sensors 132, 133.

The term“PM”, or particulate matter, as used herein refers to condensed phase (solid or liquid) particles suspended in the atmosphere. The term“PM ₂₅ ”, also known as fine particulate matter, is typically used to refer to particles with a diameter that is generally 2.5 pm or less, and the term“PM ₁₀ ” is typically used to refer to particles with a diameter that is generally 10 pm or less. However, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defines PM _{2 5} as particles which pass through a size-selective inlet with a 50% efficiency cut-off at 2.5 pm aerodynamic diameter and PM ₁₀ as particles which pass through a size-selective inlet with a 50 % efficiency cut-off at 10 pm. PM _{2 5} can therefore also be used to refer to particles with a median aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 pm, and PM ₁₀ to particles with a median aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 pm.

The one or more particulate sensors 131 can therefore be arranged to measure a value indicative of a mass concentration for particles with a diameter of 2.5 pm or less and to measure a value indicative of a mass concentration for particles with a diameter of between 2.5 and 10 pm. Alternatively, the one or more particulate sensors 131 could be arranged to measure a value indicative of each of a mass concentration of particles with a median diameter of 2.5 pm and to measure a value indicative of a mass concentration of particles with a median diameter of 10 pm.

The one or more gas sensors 132, 133 could then be arranged to measure a value indicative of each of a concentration of volatile organic compounds and a concentration of nitrogen dioxide. In addition, the one or more gas sensors 132, 133 could be further arranged to measure a value indicative of one or each of a concentration sulphur dioxide and a concentration of ozone. For example, the one or more gas sensor 132, 133 could comprise a reducing gas sensor 132 and an oxidising sensor 133. The reducing gas sensor 132 would preferably be configured to provide/output a value indicative of a concentration of volatile organic compounds and the oxidising sensor 133 would preferably be configured to provide/output a value indicative of a concentration of nitrogen dioxide. Optionally, the fan assembly may also further comprise any of a temperature sensor 134 and a humidity sensor 135.

In a preferred embodiment, the motor-driven impeller 110 can be set to any one of a plurality of predefined speeds. In other words, the motor-driven impeller 1 10 can be set to any one of a set number of available speed settings. In this case, it is then preferable that each of these available speeds is associated with a corresponding speed index value. These speed index values will therefore comprise a sequence of consecutive values/a graduated range of values that form a scale representing the range of different speed levels that can be selected. For example, the fan assembly 100 may be configured with ten different speed settings/available speeds, with the speed index values then being integers from 1 to 10. Speed index value 1 may then correspond to a relatively low rotational speed of the motor, for example in the range from 4,000 to 5,000 rpm, whereas speed index value 10 may correspond to a relatively high rotational speed of the motor, for example in the range from 6,000 to 7,000 rpm.

Figure 2b is a flow diagram illustrating a specific embodiment of the method of automatically controlling the speed of the motor-driven impeller 1 10 in dependence upon measured values for each of a plurality of air quality characteristics, wherein the motor-driven impeller 1 10 can be set to any one of a plurality of predefined speeds that are each associated with a corresponding speed index value. In this embodiment, the method comprises, for each measurement occurrence:

B1 . Obtaining measured values for each of the plurality of air quality characteristics.

B2. For each of the plurality of air quality characteristics, identifying one of a corresponding set of ranges/intervals within which the measured value falls/lies.

B3. For each of the plurality of air quality characteristics, selecting an air quality index value associated with the identified range/interval.

B4. For each of the plurality of air quality characteristics, generating a speed control value using the selected air quality index value by inputting the selected air quality index value into a closed loop air quality controller. The set-point of this closed loop air quality controller is a target air quality index value, with the closed loop air quality controller being configured to output a speed control value. In this regard, the speed control value is a number within the range covered by the available speed index values that can therefore be used to select one of the available speed index values. For example, if the available speed index values are integers from 1 to 10, then each of the speed control values could be a floating point number in the range from 1 to 10, with a speed control value then being used to select one of the integer speed index values by rounding up or rounding down the floating point speed control value to the nearest integer. The closed loop air quality controller calculates a difference between the selected air quality index value and a target air quality index value, and uses the calculated difference to determine the speed control value. Preferably, the closed loop air quality controller is configured to implement proportional-integral control.

B5. Selecting the highest of the speed control values.

B6. Determining if the difference between the selected speed control value and a current speed index value exceeds a speed variation threshold. Preferably, this step involves applying a different speed variation threshold depending upon whether or not the selected speed control value is greater than or less than the current speed index value (i.e. whether the selected speed control value indicates that a speed increase or decrease is recommended). In this case, this step will then further comprise:

a. if the difference indicates that the selected speed control value is greater than the current speed index value, selecting a first speed variation threshold as the applicable speed variation threshold; and

b. if the difference indicates that the selected speed control value is less than the current speed index value, selecting a second speed variation threshold as the applicable speed variation threshold.

The first speed variation threshold will be different to the second speed variation threshold. For example, first speed variation threshold could be set to 0.2 whilst the second speed variation threshold is set to 0.5. In the subsequent steps, the speed of the motor-driven impeller is then only changed if the difference exceeds the applicable speed variation threshold. In this example, this is achieved by setting a target speed control value in dependence upon whether or not the applicable speed variation threshold is exceeded.

B7. If the difference exceeds the applicable speed variation threshold, then the selected speed control value is set as a target speed control value.

B8. If the difference does not exceed the applicable speed variation threshold, then the target speed control value is set to the current speed index value. By setting the target speed control value to the current speed index value the subsequent processing will result in no change in the speed of the motor-drive impeller.

B9. The target speed control value is then used to select a target speed index value.

As described above, the speed control value is a number within the range covered by the available speed index values that can therefore be used to select one of the available speed index values. For example, if the target speed control value is a floating point number, then the target speed control value can be used to select one of the integer speed index values by rounding up or rounding down the floating point target speed control value to the nearest integer.

B10. Determining if a time elapsed since a last change in the speed of the motor-driven impeller exceeds a change frequency threshold. Preferably, this step involves applying a different change frequency threshold depending upon whether or not the target speed index value is greater than or less than the current speed index value (i.e. whether the target speed index value indicates that a speed increase or decrease is recommended). In this case, this step will then further comprise:

a. if the difference is positive, such that the target speed index value is greater than the current speed index value, selecting a first change frequency threshold as the applicable change frequency variation threshold; and b. if the difference is negative, such that the target speed index value is less than the current speed index value, selecting a second change frequency threshold as the applicable change frequency variation threshold.

The first change frequency variation threshold will be different to the second change frequency variation threshold. For example, the first change frequency variation threshold could be set to 1 s (i.e. a change frequency of 1 hertz) whilst the second change frequency variation threshold is set to 1 minute (i.e. a change frequency of 0.016 hertz). In the subsequent steps, the speed of the motor-driven impeller is then only changed if the difference exceeds the applicable change frequency threshold.

B1 1 . If the time elapsed does exceed the applicable change frequency threshold, selecting a speed corresponding to the target speed index value and changing the speed of the motor-driven impeller to the selected speed. The time at which this change is made is then also stored for use in subsequent occurrences of step B10.

B12. If the time elapsed does not exceed the change frequency threshold, maintaining a current speed of the motor-driven impeller.

In addition, in order to generate a graphic on the electronic display 140 that provides an indication of the air quality, the processor 150 may also configured to implement a method in which, for each measurement occurrence, the measurements received from the plurality of sensors 131 -133 are each converted into an air quality (AQ) index value, with the highest of these air quality index values then being identified as the current overall air quality index value. In this regard, the overall air quality index value is that which is considered to represent the current air quality, and the overall air quality index value could therefore also be referred to as the primary or representative air quality index value. The processor 150 will then generate instructions that cause the electronic display 140 to display a time series plot of the current overall air quality index value and a number of preceding overall air quality index values.

In order to cause the electronic display 140 to display a time series plot of the current overall air quality index value and a number of preceding overall air quality index values, the processor 150 could be configured to, for each of the preceding overall air quality index values and the current overall air quality index value, generate a segment, section or point on the display 140 representing the overall air quality index value within the time series plot. For example, the segment, section or point generated on the electronic display 140 can comprise one or more pixels of the display 140 that form a portion of the time series plot that represents the corresponding overall air quality index value. Preferably, the processor 150 would be configured to repeat/perform the step of causing the display to display a time series plot of the current overall air quality index value and a number of preceding overall air quality index values with a frequency of 10 hertz or less, and preferably with a frequency of 1 hertz or less. Consequently, the plurality of sensors 131 -133 are preferably configured to repeat/perform measurement of a value for each of a plurality of air quality characteristics with a frequency of 10 hertz or less, and preferably with a frequency of 1 hertz or less.

As described above, the fan assembly comprises at least one filter assembly that is arranged to purify the airflow before the airflow is emitted from the fan assembly. The fan assembly can therefore be said to be an air purifying fan assembly. Preferably, the fan assembly further comprises an air inlet through which air is drawn into the fan assembly by the motor-driven impeller, with the at least one filter assembly being mounted over the air inlet. The fan assembly may then also comprise a separate further air inlet through which air is drawn into the fan assembly and into contact with the plurality of sensors.

Figures 3a to 10 therefore illustrate an embodiment of a free-standing, air purifying fan assembly 1000. Figures 3a and 3b are external views of the fan assembly 1000, and Figures 4 and 5 show sectional views through lines A-A and B-B of Figures 1 a and 1 b respectively. Figure 6 then shows an enlarged sectional view of the body 1 100 of the fan assembly 1000.

The fan assembly 1000 comprises a body or stand 1 100 comprising an air inlet 1 1 10 through which a primary airflow enters the body 1 100, at least one removable purifying/filter assembly 1200 mounted on the body 1 100 over the air inlet 1 1 10, and a nozzle 1300 mounted on an air vent/opening 1 1 15 through which the primary airflow exits the body 1 100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 1300 comprises a first air outlet 1310 for emitting the primary airflow from the fan assembly 1000, a second air outlet 1320 for emitting the primary airflow from the fan assembly 1000, and a valve 1400 that is arranged to direct the primary airflow to one or both of the first air outlet 1310 and the second air outlet 1320 in dependence upon the position of a valve member 1410 of the valve 1400.

The nozzle 1300 comprises an interior passage 1330 for conveying air from an air inlet 1340 of the nozzle 1300 to one or both of the first air outlet 1310 and the second air outlet 1320. The nozzle 1300 also defines a central/inner opening/bore 1500 through which air from outside the fan assembly 1000 is drawn by the primary airflow emitted from the first outlet 1310 and which combines with the emitted airflow to produce an amplified airflow. The nozzle 1300 therefore forms a loop that extends around and surrounds the bore 1500.

The second air outlet 1320 of the nozzle 1300 is arranged to receive the airflow from the interior passage 1330 and to emit the airflow without drawing air from outside the fan assembly through the opening/bore 1500 defined by the nozzle 1300, thereby producing a non-amplified airflow. In the illustrated embodiment, the second air outlet 1320 is arranged to direct the emitted the airflow such that it substantially radiates/divaricates away from the fan assembly 1000. In particular, the second air outlet 1320 is arranged to direct the non-amplified airflow such that it substantially radiates/divaricates away from a central axis (X) of the opening/bore 1500 defined by the nozzle 1300, i.e. at an angle of between 30 degrees and 150 degrees away from the central axis (X) of the opening/bore 1500 defined by the nozzle 1300. Preferably, the second air outlet 1320 is arranged to direct the non-amplified airflow substantially perpendicularly away from the central axis (X) of the opening/bore 1500 defined by the nozzle 1300, i.e. at an angle from 45 to 135 degrees away from the central axis (X) of the opening/bore 1500 defined by the nozzle 1300, and more preferably at an angle from 70 to 1 10 degrees from the central axis (X) of the opening/bore 1500 defined by the nozzle 1300. The second air outlet 1320 would therefore be arranged to direct the non-amplified airflow in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which air is drawn through the bore 1500.

As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the body 1 100 comprises a substantially cylindrical main body section 1 120 mounted on a substantially cylindrical lower body section 1 130. The main body section 1 120 has a smaller external diameter than the lower body section 1 130. The main body section 1 120 has a lower annular flange 1 121 that extends radially/perpendicularly away from the lower end of the main body section 1 120. The outer edge of the lower annular flange 1 121 is substantially flush with the external surface of the lower body section 1 130. The removable purifying/filter assemblies 1200 are then mounted on the main body section 1 120, resting on the lower annular flange 1 121 of the main body section 1 120. The main body section 1 120 further comprises an upper annular flange 1 122 that extends radially/perpendicularly away from an opposite, upper end of the main body section 1 120. The outer edge of the upper annular flange 1 122 is then substantially flush with the external surface of a base/neck 1350 of the nozzle 1300 that connects to upper end of the main body section 1 120.

The fan assembly 1000 comprises two separate purifying assemblies 1200a, 1200b that are configured to be located on and cover two opposing halves of the main body section 1 120. Each purifying assembly 1200 therefore substantially has the shape of a half cylinder/tube that can therefore be located concentrically over the main body section 1 120, resting on the lower annular flange 1 121 of the main body section 1 120. Accordingly, Figure 7a shows the main body section 1 120 with one of the purifying assemblies 1200a removed and with the other of the purifying assemblies 1200b mounted on the far side of the main body section 1 120.

Figure 8a illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a filter assembly 1200 suitable for use with the fan assembly of Figures 3a to 7b. In this embodiment, each filter assembly 1200 comprises a filter frame 1210 that supports one or more filter media. Each filter frame 1210 substantially has the shape of a semi-cylinder with two straight sides that are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter frame 1210 and two curved ends that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the filter frame 1210. The one or more filter media are arranged so as to cover the surface area defined by the filter frame 1210.

The filter frame 1210 is provided with a first end flange 121 1 that extends radially/perpendicularly away from a first curved end of the filter frame 1210 and a second end flange 1212 that extends radially/perpendicularly away from an opposite, second curved end of the filter frame 1210. Each filter frame 1210 is then also provided with a first side flange 1213 that extends perpendicularly away from a first side of the filter frame 1210, from a first end of the first end flange 121 1 to a first end of the second end flange 1212, and a second side flange 1214 that extends perpendicularly away from a second side of the filter frame 1210, from a second end of the first end flange 121 1 to a second end of the second end flange 1212. The first end flange 121 1 , second end flange 1212, first side flange 1213 and second side flange 1214 are integrally formed with one another to thereby form a ridge or rim that extends around the entire periphery of the filter frame 1210. The flanges 121 1 -1214 provide surfaces to which the filter media can be sealed (e.g. using glue on the downstream side of filter assembly 1210) and also provide surfaces that allow the filter frame 1210 to form a seal with the main body 1 120 of the fan assembly 1000 (e.g. with corresponding flanges on the main body section 1 120) to prevent air from leaking into or out of the fan body 1 100 without passing through the filter media.

Each filter assembly 1200 further comprises a flexible seal 1230 provided around the entirety of an inner periphery of the filter frame 1210 for engaging with the main body section 1 120 to prevent air from passing around the edges of the filter assembly 1200 to the air inlet 1 1 10 of the main body section 1 120. The flexible filter seal 1230 preferably comprises lower and upper curved seal sections that substantially take the form of an arc-shaped wiper or lip seal, with the each end of the lower seal section being connected to a corresponding end of the upper seal section by two straight seal sections that each substantially take the form of a wiper or lip seal. The upper and lower curved seal sections are therefore arranged to contact the curved upper and lower ends of the main body section 1 120, whilst the straight seal sections are arranged to contact one or other of two diametrically opposed, longitudinal flanges 1 123a, 1 123b that extend perpendicularly away from the main body section 1 120. Preferably, the filter frame 1210 is provided with a recess (not shown) that extends around the entirety of the inner periphery of the filter frame 1210 and that is arranged to receive and support the seal 1230. In the illustrated embodiment, this recess extends across an inner surface of both the first side flange 1213 and second side flange 1214, and across an inner edge of both the first end and the second end of the filter frame 1210.

One or more filter media 1221 , 1222 are then supported on the outer, convex face of the filter frame 1210, extending across the area between the first and second flanges 121 1 , 1212 and the first second side flanges 1213, 1214. In the illustrated embodiment, each filter assembly 1200a, 1200b comprises a particulate filter media layer 1221 covered with an outer mesh layer 1222 attached on the outer face of the filter frame 1210. Optionally, one or more further filter media can then be located within the inner, concave face of the filter frame 1210. For example, these further filter media could comprise a first chemical filter media layer covered by a second chemical filter media layer that are both located within the inner face of the filter frame 1210. These further filter media could either be attached to and/or support on the inner, concave face of the filter frame 1210 or alternatively could be mounted on to the main body section 1 120, resting on the lower annular flange 1 1 1 1 of the main body section 1 120 beneath each filter assembly 1200a, 1200b. In either case, the filter frame 1210 will be formed so that it defines a space within the inner, concave face of the filter frame 1210 within which these further filter media can be accommodated when the filter assembly 1200 is mounted onto the main body section 1 120.

As shown in Figure 7a, a perforated shroud 1240 that is substantially in the shape of a half cylinder is then attached concentrically to the filter frame 1210 so as to cover the purifying assemblies 1200 when located on the main body section 1 120. Figure 8b illustrates a rear perspective view of a perforated shroud 1240 suitable for use with the fan assembly of Figures 3a to 7b. The perforated shrouds 1240 each comprise an array of apertures which act as an air inlet 1241 of the purifying assembly 1200 in use of the fan 1000. Alternatively, the air inlet 1241 of the shroud 1240 may comprise one or more grilles or meshes mounted within windows in the shroud 1240. It will also be clear that alternative patterns of air inlet arrays are envisaged within the scope of the present invention. The shrouds 1240 protect the filter media 1221 -1224 from damage, for example during transit, and also provides a visually appealing outer surface for the purifying assemblies 1200, which is in keeping with the overall appearance of the fan assembly 1000. As the shroud 1240 defines the air inlet 1241 for the purifying assembly 1200, the array of apertures are sized to prevent larger particles from entering the purifying assembly 1200 and blocking, or otherwise damaging, the filter media 1221 -1224.

The main body section 1 120 comprises a perforated housing 1 124 that contains various components of the fan assembly 1000. The perforated housing 1 124 comprises the array of apertures which act as the air inlet 1 1 10 of the body 1 100 of the fan assembly 1000. The purifying assemblies 1200 are then located upstream from the air inlets 1 1 10 of the main body section 1 120, such that the air drawn into the main body section 1 120 by the impeller 1 150 is filtered prior to entering the main body section 1 120. This serves to remove any particles which could potentially cause damage to the fan assembly 1000, and also ensures that the air emitted from the nozzle 1300 is free from particulates. In addition, this also serves to remove various chemical substances from that could potentially be a health hazard so that the air emitted from the nozzle 1300 is purified. In this embodiment the air inlets 1 1 10 comprise an array of apertures formed in the main body section 1 120. Alternatively, the air inlets 1 1 10 could comprise one or more grilles or meshes mounted within windows formed in the main body section 1 120. The main body section 1 120 is open at the upper end thereof to accommodate the air vent/opening 1 1 15 through which the primary airflow is exhausted from the body 1 100.

The lower body section 1 130 comprises a further housing containing other components of the fan assembly 1000. The lower body section 1 130 is mounted on a base 1 140 for engaging a surface on which the fan assembly 1000 is located. Specifically, the base 1 140 supports the fan assembly 1000 when located on a surface with the nozzle 1300 uppermost relative to the base 1 140. The lower body section 1 130 houses a pan drive gear (not shown) that is engaged by a pan pinion (not shown). The pan pinion is driven by an oscillation motor 1 160 housed within the bottom of the main body section 1 120. Rotation of the pan pinion by the oscillation motor 1 160 therefore causes the main body section 1 120 to rotate relative to the lower body section 1 130. A mains power cable (not shown) for supplying electrical power to the fan assembly 1000 extends through an aperture 1 131 formed in the lower body section 1 130. The external end of the cable is then connected to a plug for connection to a mains power supply.

The main body section 1 120 may be tilted relative to the lower body section 1 130 to adjust the direction in which the primary airflow is emitted from the fan assembly 1000. For example, the upper surface 1 132 of the lower body section 1 130 and the lower surface 1 125 of the main body section 1 120 may be provided with interconnecting features which allow the main body section 1 120 to move relative to the lower body section 1 130 while preventing the main body section 1 120 from being lifted from the lower body section 1 130. For example, the lower body section 1 130 and the main body section 1 120 may comprise interlocking L-shaped members. In this embodiment, the upper surface 1 132 of the lower body section 1 130 is concave and the lower surface 1 125 of the main body section 1 120 is correspondingly convex. At least a portion of the two surfaces will therefore remain adjacent to one another, and the interconnecting features will remain at least partially connected, when the main body section 1 120 is tilted relative to the lower body section 1 130.

As described above, the main body section 1 120 houses the oscillation motor 1 160 that drives the pan pinion that is engaged with the pan drive gear within the lower body section 1 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the oscillation motor 1 160 is housed within the bottom of the main body section 1 120, adjacent to the convex lower surface 1 125 of the main body section 1 120, as shown in Figure 6. Together the oscillation motor 126, the pan pinion and the pan drive gear provide an oscillation mechanism for oscillating the main body section 1 120 relative to the lower body section 1 130. This oscillation mechanism is controlled by a main control circuit 1 170 of the fan assembly 1000 in response to control inputs provided by a user.

The mains power cable passes through the lower body section 1 130 with the internal end of the mains power cable then being connected to a power supply unit 1 180 housed towards the bottom of the main body section 1 120. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 1 180 is mounted on a power supply mount 1 181 that is fixed above the oscillation motor 1 160. A power supply cover 1 182 is then positioned over the power supply unit 1 180 to enclose and protect the power supply unit 1 180. In this embodiment, the power supply cover 1 182 is substantially domeshaped to minimize any disturbance of the primary airflow that enters the fan assembly 1000 through the air inlet 1 1 10 and to assist in guiding primary airflow. Optionally, a heat sink (not shown) can be provided on the upper surface of the power supply cover 1 182 to assist in dissipating heat generated by the power supply unit 1 180. Mounting the heat sink on the upper surface of the power supply cover 1 182 locates the heat sink within the path of the primary airflow that enters the body 1 100 through the air inlet 1 1 10 such that the primary airflow will further assist in dissipating heat generated by the power supply unit 1 180.

The main body section 1 120 houses the impeller 1 150 for drawing the primary airflow through the air inlet 1 1 10 and into the body 1 100. Preferably, the impeller 1 150 is in the form of a mixed flow impeller. The impeller 1 150 is connected to a rotary shaft 1 151 extending outwardly from a motor 1 152. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 1 152 is a DC brushless motor having a speed which is variable by the main control circuit 1 170 in response to control inputs provided by a user, as shown in Figure 6. The motor 1 152 is housed within a motor bucket 1 153 that comprises an upper portion 1 153a connected to a lower portion 1 153b. The upper portion 1 153a of the motor bucket further comprises a diffuser 1 153c in the form of an annular disc having curved blades.

The motor bucket 1 153 is located within, and mounted on, an impeller housing 1 154 that is mounted within the main body section 1 120. The impeller housing 1 154 comprises a generally frusto-conical impeller wall 1 154a and an impeller shroud 1 154b located within the impeller wall 1 154a. The impeller 1 150, impeller wall 1 154a and an impeller shroud 1 154b are shaped so that the impeller 1 150 is in close proximity to, but does not contact, the inner surface of the impeller shroud 1 154b. A substantially annular inlet member 1 155 is then connected to the bottom of the impeller housing 1 154 for guiding the primary airflow into the impeller housing 1 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the air vent/opening 1 1 15 through which the primary airflow is exhausted from the body 1 100 is defined by the upper portion of the motor bucket 1 153a and the impeller wall 1 154a, as shown in Figures 4, 6, 7a and 7b.

A flexible sealing member 1 156 is attached between the impeller housing 1 154 and the main body section 1 120. The flexible sealing member 1 156 prevents air from passing around the outer surface of the impeller housing 1 154 to the inlet member 1 155. The sealing member 1 156 preferably comprises an annular lip seal, preferably formed from rubber.

As described above, the nozzle 1300 is mounted on the upper end of the main body section 1 120 over the air vent 1 115 through which the primary airflow exits the body 1 100. The nozzle 1300 comprises a neck/base 1350 that connects to upper end of the main body section 1 120, and has an open lower end which provides an air inlet 1340 for receiving the primary airflow from the body 1 100. The air inlet 1340 of the nozzle 1300 is provided by a circular opening located centrally within the lower end of the base 1350 of the nozzle 1300. The air inlet 1340 of nozzle 1300 aligns with the air vent 1 1 15 of the main body section 1 120, with the air vent 1 1 15 being provided by a circular opening located centrally at the upper end of the main body section 1 120.

As shown in Figures 3a, 3b, 4 and 6, the base 1350 of the nozzle 1300 has an external surface that tapers inwardly from the lower end of the base 1350, where the base 1350 is attached to the main body section 1 120, to the upper end of the base 1350. At the lower end of the base 1350 the external surface of the base 1350 of the nozzle 1300 is then substantially flush with the outer edge of the upper annular flange 1 122 of the main body section 1 120. The base 1350 therefore comprises a housing that covers/encloses any components of the fan assembly 1000 that are provided on the upper surface 1 122 of the main body section 1 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the main control circuit 1 170 is mounted on the upper surface of the upper annular flange 1 122 that extends radially away from the upper end of the main body section 1 120, as shown in Figures 6 and 7b. The main control circuit 1 170 is therefore housed within base 1350 of the nozzle 1300. The main control circuit 1 170 comprises a processor and a memory. The memory is configured to store the various programs/algorithms that are implemented by the processor and/or and any other data that may be of use. For example, the data stored by the memory may include, for each of the air quality characteristics, a set of ranges/intervals and an associated air quality index value for each of the ranges/intervals in the set. The data stored by the memory may also include a number of different speed settings/available speeds of the motor-drive impeller and their associated speed index values, and coefficients and/or fixed inputs for use by a closed loop air quality controller, such as a target air quality index value. The processor is then configured to perform the processing required to implement the above described methods.

In addition, an electronic display 1 180 is also mounted on the upper annular flange 1 122 of the main body section 1 120 and therefore housed within base 1350 of the nozzle 1300, with the display 1 180 being visible through an opening or at least partially transparent window 1351 provided in the base 1350. For example, the electronic display 1 180 could be provided by an LCD display that is mounted on the upper annular flange 1 122 and aligned with transparent window 1351 provided in the base 1350. The electronic display 1 180 is arranged to present data to a user of the fan assembly 1000 and is connected to the main control circuit 1 170 so that the processor can generate a graphic on the electronic display 1 180 that provides an indication of the air quality of the ambient air.

In addition, a plurality of sensors 1 191 , 1 192 are mounted on the upper surface of the upper annular flange 1 122 and consequentially housed within base 1350 of the nozzle 1300. These sensors 1 191 , 1 192 are arranged to detect/measure a value for each of a plurality of air quality characteristics of the ambient air and to send the measures values to the processor provided by the main control circuit 1 170. In particular, these sensors 1 191 , 1 192 include one or more particulate sensors 1 191 and one or more gas sensors 1 192 that are connected to the main control circuit 1 170. The base 1350 of the nozzle 1300 is therefore provided with one or more air inlets 1352 through which ambient air is drawn into the fan assembly 1000 and into contact with the plurality of sensors 1 191 , 1 192.

One or more further electronic components 1 193 can also mounted on the upper surface of the upper annular flange 1 122 and consequentially housed within base 1350 of the nozzle 1300. These additional electronic components 1 193 may further comprise one or more wireless communication modules, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth etc., and one or more further sensors, such as an infrared sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor etc., and any associated electronics. Any such additional electronic components would then also be connected to the main control circuit 1 170.

In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 1300 has an elongate annular shape, often referred to as a stadium shape, and defines an elongate opening 1500 having a height greater than its width. The nozzle 1300 therefore comprises two relatively straight sections 1301 , 1302 each adjacent a respective elongate side of the opening 1500, an upper curved section 1303 joining the upper ends of the straight sections 1301 , 1302, and a lower curved section 1304 joining the lower ends of the straight sections 1301 , 1302.

The nozzle 1300 therefore comprises an elongate annular outer casing section 1360 that is concentric with and extends about an elongate annular inner casing section 1370. In this example, the inner casing section 1360 and the outer casing section 1370 are separate components; however, they could also be integrally formed as a single piece. The nozzle 1300 also has a curved rear casing section 1380 that forms the rear of the nozzle 1300, with an inner end of the curved rear casing section 1380 being connected to a rear end of the inner casing section 1370. In this example, the inner casing section 1370 and the curved rear casing section 1380 are separate components that are connected together, for example, using screws and/or adhesives; however, they could also be integrally formed as a single piece. The curved rear casing section 1380 has a generally elongate annular cross-section perpendicular to the central axis (X) of the inner bore 1500 of the nozzle 1300, and a generally semi-circular cross-section parallel to the central axis (X) of the inner bore 1500 of the nozzle 1300.

The inner casing section 1370 has a generally elongate annular cross-section perpendicular to the central axis (X) of the inner bore 1500 of the nozzle 1300, and extends around and surrounds the inner bore 1500 of the nozzle 1300. In this example, the inner casing section 1370 has a rear portion 1371 and a front portion 1372. The rear portion 1371 is angled outwardly from the rear end of the inner casing section 1372 away from the central axis (X) of the inner bore 1500. The front portion 1372 is also angled outwardly from the rear end of the inner casing section 1370 away from the central axis (X) of the inner bore 1500, but with a greater angle of inclination than that of the rear portion 1371 . The front portion 1372 of the inner casing section 1370 therefore tapers towards the front end of the outer casing section 1360, but does not meet the front end of the outer casing section 1360, with the space between the front end of the inner casing section 1370 and the front end of the outer casing section 1360 defining a slot that forms a first air outlet 1310 of the nozzle 1300. The outer casing section 1360 then extends from the front of the nozzle 1300 towards an outer end of the curved rear casing section 1380, but does not meet the outer end of the curved rear casing section 1380, with the space between a rear end of the outer casing section 1360 and the outer end of the curved rear casing section 1380 defining a slot that forms a second air outlet 1320 of the nozzle 1300.

The outer casing section 1360, inner casing section 1370 and curved rear casing section 1380 therefore define an interior passage 1330 for conveying air from the air inlet 1340 of the nozzle 1300 to one or both of the first air outlet 1310 and the second air outlet 1320. In other words, the interior passage 1330 is bounded by the internal surfaces of the outer casing section 1360, inner casing section 1370 and curved rear casing section 1380. The interior passage 1330 may be considered to comprise first and second sections which each extend in opposite directions about the bore 1500, as the air that enters the nozzle 1300 through the air inlet 1340 will enter the lower curved section 1304 of the nozzle 1300 and be divided into two air streams which each flow into a respective one of the straight sections 1301 , 1302 of the nozzle 1300.

The nozzle 1300 further comprises two curved seal members 1365 each for forming a seal between the outer casing section 1360 and the inner casing section 1370 at the top and bottom curved sections 1303, 1304 of the nozzle 1300, so that there is substantially no leakage of air from the curved sections of the interior passage 1330 of the nozzle 1300. The nozzle 1300 therefore comprises two elongate first air outlets 1310a, 1310b each located on a respective elongate side of the central bore 1500. In this embodiment, the nozzle 1300 is therefore provided with a pair of first air outlets 1310a, 1310b for emitting the primary airflow that are located on the opposite elongate sides of the nozzle 1300/opening 1500 towards the front of the nozzle 1300.

The nozzle 1300 then further comprises a pair of heater assemblies 1390a, 1390b within the interior passage 1330, each heater assembly 1390a, 1390b being adjacent to a respective one of the pair of first air outlets 1310a, 1310b. Each heater assembly 1390a, 1390b comprises a plurality of heater elements 1391 supported within a frame 1392, with the frame 1392 then being mounted within the interior passage 1330 of the nozzle 1300 adjacent to the respective first air outlet 1310a, 1310b. The frame 1392 of each heater assembly 1390a, 1390b is therefore arranged, when mounted within the interior passage 1330, to direct the airflow through the heating elements 1391 and out of the corresponding first air outlet 1310a, 1310b. To do so, the portion of the frame 1392 that is between the heater elements 1391 and the corresponding first air outlet 1310a, 1310b tapers towards the air outlet, with a narrow end of the frame 1392 being fitted within the corresponding first air outlet 1310a, 1310b provided in the forward facing edge of the nozzle 1300. This tapered portion of the frame 1392 therefore acts as an airflow guide member as it funnels the primary airflow towards the first air outlet 1310a, 1310b and forms the duct 131 1 of the first air outlet 1310a, 1310b.

As shown in Figure 5, each of first air outlets 1310a, 1310b is therefore provided with a corresponding first airflow channel 1312a, 1312b within the interior passage 1330 of the nozzle 1300 that is defined by the frame 1392 of the corresponding heater assembly 1390. The first airflow channels 1312a, 1312b are each arranged to direct the airflow towards the corresponding first air outlet 1310a, 1310b. The air inlet into the first airflow channel 1312a, 1312b, as defined by inner edge of the frame 1392 of the heater assembly 1390, is substantially perpendicular to the central axis (X) of the bore/opening 1500.

In order for the airflow emitted from the pair of first air outlets 1310a, 1310b to draw air from outside the fan assembly 1000 and combine with this air to produce an amplified airflow, the first air outlets 1310a, 1310b are arranged to direct the emitted the airflow in a direction that is substantially parallel to the central axis (X) of the opening/bore 1500 defined by the nozzle 1300, i.e. at an angle from -30 to 30 degrees away from the central axis, preferably at an angle from -20 to 20 degrees away from the central axis, and more preferably at an angle from -10 to 10 degrees away from the central axis. To do so, the first air outlets 1310a, 1310b are arranged such that a duct 131 1 of each first air outlet 1310a, 1310b is substantially parallel to the central axis (X) of the opening/bore 1500 defined by the nozzle 1300.

The second air outlet 1320 is then arranged such that a duct 1321 of the second air outlet 1320 is substantially perpendicular relative to the central axis (X) of the opening/bore 1500 defined by the nozzle 1300. As a consequence, the non-amplified airflow emitted from the second air outlet 1320 will be directed substantially perpendicularly away from the central axis (X) of the opening/bore 1500 defined by the nozzle 1300. As illustrated in Figure 5, the duct 1321 of the second air outlet 1320 extends from the interior passage 1330 that carries the primary airflow received from the body 1 100 to the external periphery of the nozzle 1300 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the air drawn through the bore 1500.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, a baffle 1420 is provided within the interior passage that defines a second airflow channel 1322 within the interior passage 1330 that is arranged to direct the primary airflow towards the second air outlet 1320. The baffle 1420 extends into the interior passage 1330 from an interior surface of the nozzle 1300 that at least partially defines the interior passage 1330, with the second airflow channel 1322 being a section of the interior passage 1330 that is on one side of the baffle 1420. In particular, the second airflow channel 1322 comprises a section of the interior passage 1330 that is bounded by the baffle 1420 and by a portion of the interior surface of the nozzle 1300 that is adjacent to the second air outlet 1320.

The baffle 1420 is provided by a baffle wall that extends into the interior passage 1330 from the curved rear casing section 1380. The baffle wall 1420 is connected to the outer end of the curved rear casing section 1380 and has a front portion 1421 and a rear portion 1422. The rear portion 1422 of the baffle wall 1420 is angled inwardly from the outer end of the curved rear casing section 1380 towards the central axis (X) of the bore 1500. The front portion 1421 is then angled relative to the rear portion 1422 so that the front portion 1421 is parallel to the outer casing section 1360, with the majority of the front portion 1421 overlapping the outer casing section 1360. The portion of the interior passage 1330 that is located between the front portion 1421 of the baffle wall 1420 and the overlapping portion of the outer casing section 360 therefore forms the second airflow channel 1322 within the interior passage 1330, with the angled rear portion 1422 of the baffle wall 1420 providing the duct 1321 of the second air outlet 1320 that is substantially perpendicular relative to the central axis (X) of the opening/bore 1500 defined by the nozzle 1300. The air inlet into the second airflow channel 1322, as defined by front end of the baffle wall 1421 and the inner surface of the outer casing section 1360, is substantially perpendicular to the central axis (X) of the opening/bore 1500 defined by the nozzle 1300.

In the illustrated embodiment, the baffle wall 1420 extends up the elongate sides 1301 , 1302 of the interior passage 1330 and around the upper curved section 1303, as shown in Figure 3a to 5. The elongate sides of the baffle wall 1420 are generally straight; whilst the lower ends of the baffle wall 1420 extend only partially into the lower curved section 1304 until they meet the interior surface of the lower curved section 1304 of the interior passage 1330 so that the primary airflow cannot enter the second airflow channel 1322 via this lower end. A gasket 1423 provided on the front end of the baffle wall 1420 also extends around the lower edge of the baffle wall 1420 to improve the seal formed between the baffle wall 1420 and the interior surface of the lower curved section 1304 of the interior passage 1320.

In addition, the baffle wall 1420 further comprises a projection 1424 at the peak/centre of upper curved section 1303 that extends from the outward facing surface of the baffle wall 1420 to the inner surface of the outer casing section 1360 thereby separating the adjacent portion of the second airflow channel 1322 from the interior passage 1330 and splitting the opening/inlet from the interior passage 1330 into the second airflow channel 1322 into two sections, each opening/inlet section extending up one of the elongate sides 1301 , 1302 and partially around the upper curved section 1303 of the interior passage 1330 until they reach the projection 1424 at the peak of the upper curved section 1303.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fan assembly 1000 then comprises a valve 1400 that is arranged to direct the primary airflow to one or both of the first air outlets 1310a, 1310b and the second air outlet 1320. To do so, the valve 1400 comprises a pair of valve members 1410a, 1410b that are arranged to direct the primary airflow to one or both of the first air outlets 1310a, 1310b and the second air outlet 1320 in dependence upon the position of a pair of valve members 1410a, 1410b. Each valve member 1410a, 1410b is therefore arranged to be moveable between a first end position in which the valve member directs the primary airflow to a corresponding one of pair of first air outlets 1310a, 1310b and prevents/obstructs the airflow from reaching the second air outlet 1320, and a second end position in which the valve member directs the primary airflow to the second air outlet 1320 and prevents/obstructs the airflow from reaching the corresponding first air outlet 1310a, 1310b. When the valve members 1410a, 1410b are located in-between the first end position and the second end position, the valve members direct a first portion of the primary airflow to the first air outlets 1310a, 1310b and a second portion of the primary airflow to the second air outlet 1320. The closer the valve members 1410a, 1410b to the first end position the greater the proportion of the primary airflow that comprises the first portion that is directed to the to the first air outlets 1310a, 1310b. Conversely, the closer the valve members 1410a, 1410b to the second end position the greater the proportion of the primary airflow that comprises the second portion that is directed to the to the second air outlet 1320.

In the illustrated embodiment, the valve 1400 is provided within the interior passage 1330 of the nozzle 1300. Consequently, each valve member 1410a, 1410b is arranged to close-off the second airflow channel 1322 from the remainder of the interior passage 1330 when in the first end position so as to substantially prevent the airflow from entering the second airflow channel 1322, and to close-off a corresponding first airflow channel 1312a, 1312b from the remainder of the interior passage 1330 when in the second end position so as to substantially prevent the airflow from entering the first airflow channel 1312a, 1312b.

Each valve member 1410a, 1410b is therefore arranged so that, in the first end position, the valve member 1410a, 1410b abuts/is seated against both the interior surface of the nozzle 1300 that is adjacent to the second air outlet 1320 and the baffle 1420 to thereby substantially close- off the corresponding inlet section of the second airflow channel 1322 from the remainder of the interior passage 1330. The gasket 1423 provided on the front end of the baffle wall 1420 improves the seal formed between a valve member 1410a, 1410b and the baffle 1420 when the valve member 1410a, 1410b is in the first end position. Each valve member 1410a, 1410b is also arranged so that, in the second end position, the valve member 1410a, 1410b abuts/is seated against the inner periphery/edges of the frame 1392 of the corresponding heater assembly 1390 to thereby substantially close-off the corresponding first airflow channel 1312a, 1312b from the remainder of the interior passage 1330, as illustrated in Figure 5. The shape of each valve member 1410a, 1410b therefore substantially corresponds to/conforms with/correlates with that of the aligned section/portion of the interior passage 1330. As shown in Figure 9, which provides an exploded view of the nozzle 1300, each valve member 1410a, 1410b is therefore generally J-shaped, having an elongate section and a curved end, and also has a generally J-shaped cross-section comprising an elongate section and a curved end.

In order to move the valve members 1410a, 1410b to any position from the first end position to the second end position the fan assembly 1000 is provided with a valve motor 1430 that is arranged to cause movement of the valve members 1410a, 1410b in response to signals received from the main control circuit 1 170. As shown in Figure 10, the valve motor 1430 is arranged to rotate a pinion 1431 that engages with a curved or arc-shaped rack 1440, with rotation of the valve motor 1430 causing rotation of both the pinion 1431 and the rack 1440, and with the valve 1400 being configured such that rotation of the rack 1440 results in movement of the valve members 1410a, 1410b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the valve motor 1430 is mounted on the baffle wall 1420 within the interior passage 1330 at the peak/centre of upper curved section 1303, with the baffle wall 1420 then being attached to the rear casing section 1380. A rotating shaft 1432 of the valve motor 1430 then projects towards the rear casing 1380, with the axis of the rotation of the shaft 1432 being parallel to the centre axis (X) of the bore/opening 1500. The pinion 1431 is mounted upon the rotating shaft 1432, with the teeth of the pinion 1431 engaging the arc-shaped rack 1440 whose shape substantially corresponds to/conforms with/correlates with that of the upper curved section 1303 of the interior passage 1330.

As the nozzle 1300 has an elongate annular shape, the rack 1440 has the shape of a minor arc wherein the rack 1440 subtends an angle that is less than 180 degrees. Specifically, the arcshaped rack 1440 will extend around the majority of the upper curved section 1303 of the interior passage 1330 defined by the nozzle 1300, with the ends of the arc-shaped rack 1440 each being aligned with the respective elongate sides 1301 , 1302 of the interior passage 1330 when mounted within the nozzle 1300 As described above, the inlets into each of the first airflow channels 1312a, 1312b and the corresponding inlet sections of the second airflow channel 1322 are aligned with one another and are substantially parallel to the central axis (X) of the opening/bore 1500 of the nozzle 1300. Consequently, in order for the valve members 1410a, 1410b to close off the second airflow channel 1322 when in the first end position and to close off the first airflow channels 1312a, 1312b when in the second end position, the valve members 1410a, 1410b are each arranged to move in a direction that is substantially parallel to the central axis (X) of the opening/bore 1500. The valve 1400 is therefore configured such that the rotation of the rack 1440 is translated into movement of the valve members 1410a, 1410b in a direction that is parallel to the central axis (X) of the opening/bore 1500.

In order to translate the rotation of the rack 1440 into movement of the valve members 1410a, 1410b in a direction that is parallel to the central axis (X) of the bore 1500, the arc-shaped rack 1440 illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 is provided with a pair of surfaces 1441 a, 1441 b that project from the rack 1440 in a direction that is parallel to the centre axis (X) of the bore 1500, with each of these projecting surfaces 1441 a, 1441 b being curved so as to follow the curvature of the arc-shaped rack 1440, and with the rack 1440 being configured such that the pair of surfaces 1441 a, 1441 b are located on opposite sides of the pinion 1431 when the pinion 1431 is engaged in the rack 1440. Each of these projecting surfaces 1441 a, 1441 b is then provided with a linear cam in the form of a cam slot 1442a, 1442b that extends across the curved surface at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the axis of the rotation of the rack 1440, and that is arranged to be engaged by a follower pin 141 1 a, 141 1 b that projects from the corresponding valve member 1410a, 1410b, with the cam slots 1442a, 1442b provided on both of the projecting surfaces being angled in the same direction.

In addition, a first of a pair of valve actuators 1450a is rotatably connected/attached to a first end of the arc-shaped rack 1440 and a second of the pair of valve actuators 1450b is rotatably connected/attached to an opposite, second end of the arc-shaped rack 1440. Each valve actuator 1450a, 1450b is elongate (being arranged to extend along the elongate sides 1301 , 1302 of the interior passage 1330) and is provided with an upper cam slot 1451 provided towards the upper end of the valve actuator 1450a, 1450b and a lower cam slot 1452 provided towards the lower end of the valve actuator 1450a, 1450b. The upper and lower cam slots 1451 , 1452 extend across the corresponding valve actuator 1450a, 1450b at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the centre axis (X) of the bore 1500 and are each arranged to be engaged by a follower pin 1412, 1413 that projects from the corresponding valve member 1410a, 1410b. The cam slots 1451 a, 1452a on a first of the valve actuators 1450a are angled upwards as the cam slots extend from the back to the front of the valve actuator 1450a, whereas the cam slots 1451 b, 1452b on a second of the valve actuators 1450b are angled downwards as the cam slots extend from the back to the front of the valve actuator 1450b.

Each valve member 1410a, 1410b therefore comprises three follower pins 141 1 , 1412, 1413 that are arranged to engage with the cam slot 1442 provided on the corresponding portion of the rack 1440 and the upper and lower cam slots 1451 , 1452 provided on the corresponding valve actuator 1450a, 1450b respectively.

In order to move the valve members 1410a, 1410b to any position from the first end position to the second end position, the main control circuit 1 170 sends a signal to the valve motor 1430 that causes the motor to rotate the shaft 1432 in one direction or the other, thereby causing rotation of the pinion 1431 provided on the shaft 1432. Engagement of the pinion 1431 with the arc-shaped rack 1440 therefore causes the rack 1440 to rotate in the same direction as the shaft 1432. Rotation of the arc-shaped rack 1440 therefore causes the angled cam slots 1442 provided on the curved surfaces 1441 a, 1441 b that project from the rack 1440 to move relative to the follower pin 141 1 of the corresponding valve member 1410a, 1410b that is engaged within the cam slot, with the angle of the cam slots 1442a, 1442b translating the rotational movement of the arc-shaped rack 1440 into linear movement of the valve members 1410a, 1410b in a direction that is parallel to the centre axis (X) of the bore 1500. In particular, rotation of the arc-shaped rack 1440 will cause both the projecting surfaces 1441 a, 1441 b to rotate in the same direction. In this regard, as the cam slots 1442a, 1442b provided on the curved surfaces 1441 a, 1441 b that project from the rack 1440 are angled in the same direction, rotation of the curved surfaces 1441 a, 1441 b in the same direction is translated into horizontal movement of the first valve member 1410a and second valve member 1410b in the same direction.

In addition, rotation of the arc-shaped rack 1440 results in vertical displacement of the first and second ends of the arc-shaped rack 1440 that in-turn causes vertical displacement of the valve actuators 1450a, 1450b that are rotatably connected to the ends of the arc-shaped rack 1440. In particular, rotation of the arc-shaped rack 1440 will cause upwards movement of one of the first and second ends of the arc-shaped rack 1440 and the connected valve actuator 1450a, 1450b, and downwards movement of the other of the first and second ends of the arc-shaped rack 1440 and the connected valve actuator 1450a, 1450b. Vertical displacement of the valve actuators 1450a, 1450b causes the angled cam slots 1451 , 1452 provided on the valve actuators 1450a, 1450b to move relative to the respective follower pins 1412, 1413 of the corresponding valve member 1410a, 1410b, with the angle of the cam slot 1451 , 1452 translating the vertical displacement of the valve actuators 1450a, 1450b into horizontal movement of the valve members 1410a, 1410b in a direction that is parallel to the centre axis (X) of the bore 1500. In this regard, as the cam slots 1451 a, 1452a provided on the first valve actuator 1450a are angled in the opposite direction to those provided on the second valve actuator 1450b, movement of the first valve actuator 1450a and the second valve actuator 1450b in opposing vertical directions is translated into horizontal movement of the first valve member 1410a and second valve member 1410b in the same direction.

To operate the fan assembly 1000 the user presses button on a user interface. The user interface may be provided on the fan assembly 1000 itself, on an associated remote control (not shown), and/or on a wireless computing device such as a tablet or smartphone (not shown) that communicates with the fan assembly 1000 wirelessly. This action by the user is communicated to the main control circuit 1 170, in response to which the main control circuit 1 170 activates the fan motor 1 152 to rotate the impeller 1 150. The rotation of the impeller 1 150 causes a primary airflow to be drawn into the body 1 100 through the air inlet 1 1 10 via the purifying assemblies 1200. The user may control the speed of the fan motor 1 152, and therefore the rate at which air is drawn into the body 1 100 through the air inlet 1 1 10, by manipulating the user interface. The primary airflow passes sequentially through the purifying assemblies 1200, air inlet 1 1 10, the impeller housing 1 154 and the air vent 1 1 15 at the open upper end of the main body section 1 120 to enter the interior passage 1330 of the nozzle 1300 via the air inlet 1340 located in the base 1350 of the nozzle 1300.

Within the interior passage 1330, the primary airflow is divided into two air streams which pass in opposite angular directions around the bore 1500 of the nozzle 1300, each within a respective straight section 1301 , 1302 of the interior passage 1330. As the air streams pass through the interior passage 1330, air is emitted through one or both of the first air outlets 1310a, 1310b and the second air outlet 320 in dependence upon the position of the valve members 1410a, 1410b of the valve 1400.

In the illustrated embodiment, when both of the valve members 1410a, 1410b provided in the interior passage 1330 are in the first end position, the elongate section of the generally J- shaped cross-section of the valve members 1410a, 1410b will be in contact with the gasket 1423 provided on the front end of the baffle wall 1420, whilst the curved end of the generally J- shaped cross-section of the valve member 1410a, 1410b will be in contact with the overlapping portion of the inner surface of the outer casing section 1360. The valve members 1410a, 1410b will therefore substantially close-off the inlets into the second airflow channel 1322 from the remainder of the interior passage 1330 so as to substantially prevent the airflow from entering the second airflow channel 1322, and will therefore direct the entirety primary airflow to the first air outlets 1310a, 1310b. When both of the valve members 1410a, 1410b provided in the interior passage 1330 are in the second end position, the elongate section of the generally J-shaped cross-section of the valve members 1410a, 1410b will be in contact with the inner periphery/edges of the frame 1392 of the corresponding heater assembly 1390a, 1390b. The valve members 1410a, 1410b will therefore substantially close-off the first airflow channels 1312a, 1312b from the remainder of the interior passage 1330, and will therefore direct the entirety primary airflow to the second air outlet 1320. When both of the valve members 1410a, 1410b are located in-between the first end position and the second end position, then both the first airflow channels 1312a, 1312b and the second airflow channel 1322 will be open to the remainder of the interior passage 1330, with a first portion of the primary airflow being directed to the first air outlets 1310a, 1310b and a second portion of the primary airflow being directed to the second air outlet 1320.

The emission of the primary airflow or a portion of the primary airflow from the first air outlets 1310a, 1310b in a direction that is substantially parallel to a central axis (X) of the opening/bore 1500 defined by the nozzle 1300 causes a secondary airflow to be generated by the entrainment of air from the external environment, specifically from the region around the nozzle 1300. This secondary airflow combines with the primary airflow emitted from the first air outlets 1310a, 1310b to produce a combined, amplified airflow that is projected forward from the nozzle 1300. In contrast, emission of the primary airflow from the second air outlet 1320 such that the primary airflow substantially radiates/divaricates away from the fan assembly 1000 prevents this airflow from drawing air from outside the fan assembly 1000 through the opening/bore 1500 defined by the nozzle 1300, thereby producing a non-amplified airflow.

It will be appreciated that individual items described above may be used on their own or in combination with other items shown in the drawings or described in the description and that items mentioned in the same passage as each other or the same drawing as each other need not be used in combination with each other. In addition, the expression "means" may be replaced by actuator or system or device as may be desirable. In addition, any reference to "comprising" or "consisting" is not intended to be limiting in any way whatsoever and the reader should interpret the description and claims accordingly.

Furthermore, although the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments as set forth above, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative only. Those skilled in the art will be able to make modifications and alternatives in view of the disclosure which are contemplated as falling within the scope of the appended claims. For example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-described invention might be equally applicable to other types of environmental control fan assemblies, and not just free standing fan assemblies. By way of example, such a fan assembly could be any of a freestanding fan assembly, a ceiling or wall mounted fan assembly and an in-vehicle fan assembly.

In addition, in the preferred embodiment described above, the computer implemented method is implemented by a fan assembly in which the plurality of sensors are enclosed within the base of the nozzle, such that the base of the nozzle is provided with an air inlet through which an airflow is drawn into contact with the plurality of sensors. However, in an alternative embodiment the plurality of sensors could be housed within the fan body rather than within the base of the nozzle. The fan body would then comprise both an air inlet through which an airflow is drawn into the fan assembly by the motor-driven impeller and a further air inlet through which a further airflow is drawn into contact with the plurality of sensors.

Furthermore, whilst in the preferred embodiment described herein the computer implemented method is implemented by a fan assembly incorporating the sensors and the processor, in alternative embodiments the method could be implemented by a stand-alone personal computer device (e.g. smartphone, tablet etc.) comprising the processor. The sensors could then be provided as integral components of the computer device, or as wired or wireless peripherals that are not integral but can be connected to the computer device. Such a stand-alone personal computer device could then be used by a user to monitor the air quality characteristics of ambient air surrounding a fan assembly using values measured by the sensors and to communicate with the fan assembly in order to automatically control the speed of the motor- driven impeller in dependence upon on the measurements received from the plurality of sensors. For example, the personal computer device could be wirelessly connected to the fan assembly so that the fan assembly can be controlled automatically by the personal computer device in dependence upon the monitored air quality.

Although the embodiments of the invention described with reference to the drawings comprise computer processors and processes performed by computer processors, the invention also extends to computer programs, particularly computer programs on or in a carrier, adapted for putting the invention into practice. The program may be in the form of source or object code or in any other form suitable for use in the implementation of the processes according to the invention. The carrier could be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the carrier may comprise a storage medium, such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a semiconductor ROM, or a magnetic recording medium, for example a floppy disc or hard disk. Further, the carrier may be a transmissible carrier such as an electrical or optical signal which may be conveyed via electrical or optical cable or by radio or other means. When a program is embodied in a signal which may be conveyed directly by a cable or other device or means, the carrier may be constituted by such cable or other device or means. Alternatively, the carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is embedded, the integrated circuit being adapted for performing, or for use in the performance of, the relevant processes.