FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the general domain of smart devices. In particular, the invention relates to a smart mask for delivery of oxygen to a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are various masks available and known in the market, most of which are dumb, as in, they are passive devices which lack any functionality apart from serving as a mask for delivery of gases, such as oxygen to a user. Such devices and users using such devices have no control over amount of oxygen received/dispensed, or control of the microenvironment created within the space between the mask and the nose/mouth of the user.

While there are some smart masks known in the art, as described in Korean patent application number KR101913485B1 which discloses a smart mask to calculate the adsorption amount of contaminants; or as described in Korean patent application number KR101654413B1 which discloses a smart mask having humidifying and heating function; or as described in Chinese patent application number CN201426909Y which discloses a mask for real-time monitoring and delivery of oxygen-air mixing for medical purposes.

There is a lack in the art of any smart mask, which conceivably may be used for supply of oxygen in a non-medical setting, and which further can monitor and regulate in real time supply of oxygen, while maintaining optimum user requirements and aesthetics.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a smart mask 100 for supply of oxygen to a user, comprising at least one module selected from the group consisting of: (a) auto-ventilation system 101; (b) Sp0 ₂ sensor 102; (c) dust filter 103; and (d) breathing pattern sensor 104.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a smart mask 100 for supply of oxygen to a user which is optimized for oxygen supply while at the same time providing user flexibility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present invention. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.

Fig. 1-4 depicts schematic of the smart mask 100 comprising various modules as described in the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Those skilled in the art will be aware that the invention described herein is subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention described herein includes all such variations and modifications. The invention includes all such steps, features, and methods referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all such combinations of steps or features.

Specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention by any manner.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

The present invention provides a smart mask 100 comprising at least one module selected from the group consisting of: (a) auto-ventilation system 101; (b) at least one SpC>2 sensor 102; (c) at least one dust filter 103; and (d) at least one breathing pattern sensor 104.

The at least one breathing pattern sensor 104 can detect at least one of volume of air inhaled, volume of air exhaled, rate of air inhalation, rate of air exhalation, and moisture content of air exhaled. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one breathing sensor 104 can detect volume of air inhaled, volume of air exhaled, rate of air inhalation, rate of air exhalation, and moisture content of air exhaled. In an embodiment, the breathing sensor 104 is a single sensor that can detect one or more of volume of air inhaled, volume of air exhaled, rate of air inhalation, rate of air exhalation, and moisture content of air exhaled. In an embodiment, the breathing sensor 104 comprises a sensor 104a for detecting a Any of the sensors 104, 104a, 104b, and 104c can detect and collect data in real-time.

The smart mask 100 is further enabled to receive oxygen from an external source. In order to receive oxygen from an external source, the smart mask is provisioned with at least one inlet valve 105to which one end of a flexible pipe/hose can be attached. The other end of the flexible pipe/hose can be attached to an external source of oxygen. The smart mask 100 of the present invention further comprises a storage module 106. In an embodiment, the storage module 106 is an electro-magnetic device located in the smart-mask 100. The electro-magnetic device is connected to at least one module selected from the group consisting of: (a) auto-ventilation system 101; (b) SpC>2 sensor 102; (c) dust filter 103; (d) breathing pattern sensor 104; and (e) inlet valve 105 via at least one communication module 107. In an embodiment, the communication module 107 is a wireless connection. In an embodiment, the communication module 107 is a wired connection. In an embodiment, the communication module 107 can be a combination of wireless and wired connection. In an embodiment, the wireless connection can be any of infrared based communication, wi-fi communication, Bluetooth, and Near Field Communication. In an embodiment, the electro-magnetic device is a solid-state storage device.

The smart mask 100 of the present invention also can have at least one microprocessor 108 which is capable of receiving data/information generated by each of the modules via the communication module 107 in order to couple each of the modules with each other to achieve synchronicity and optimize smart mask functionality.

The storage module 106 is enabled to collect and store information/data generated by any of the module selected from the group consisting of: (a) auto-ventilation system 101; (b) SpC>2 sensor 102; (c) dust filter 103; (d) breathing pattern sensor 104; and (e) inlet valve 105. In an embodiment, the storage module 106 can receive information/data from each of the modules directly. In another embodiment, the storage module 106 can receive data/information from the modules via the at least one microprocessor 108 (not shown). In yet another embodiment, the storage module 106 can receive information/data concurrently with the at least one microprocessor 108. In an embodiment, the storage module 106 is further connected to a data transfer module 109. The data transfer module 109 is enabled to transfer the information/data generated by any of the module selected from the group consisting of: (a) auto-ventilation system 101; (b) SpC>2 sensor 102; (c) dust filter 103; (d) breathing pattern sensor 104; and (e) inlet valve 105 from the storage module 106 to an external storage device 110. In an embodiment, the external storage device 110 is cloud-based. In another embodiment, the external storage device 110 is an electro-magnetic device such as solid-state device or any device known in the art capable of storage and retrieval of information. In an embodiment, the data transfer module 109 is enabled for wireless transfer. In another embodiment, the data transfer module 109 is enabled for wired transfer. In an embodiment, the data transfer module 109 can be remotely accessed to initiate information/data transfer from storage module 106 to external storage 110. The frequency of data transfer can be a pre-set time period or can be user or administrator defined.

The auto-ventilation system module 101 of the smart mask 100 of the present invention comprises (a) at least one detector 111; and (b) at least one vent apparatus 112. The auto ventilation system module 101 further comprises a communication module 107a to communicate between the at least one detector 111 and the at least one vent apparatus 112. The communication module 107a can be wireless or wired.

In an embodiment, the at least one detector 111 of the auto-ventilation system module 101 detects moisture content of the air-space between the mask and the user nose and/or mouth via a sub-detector 111a (not shown). In an embodiment, the at least one detector 111 of the auto ventilation system module 101 detects CO2 content of the air-space between the mask and the user nose and/or mouth via a sub-detected 111b (not shown). In an embodiment, the at least one detector 111 of moisture content, and C0 ₂ content are at least two different detectors. In an embodiment, a single detector detects the moisture content and C0 ₂ of the air-space between the mask and the user nose and/or mouth. In an embodiment, a first detector 111a (not shown) detect moisture content and a second detector 111b (not shown) detects the CO2 content of the air-space between the mask and the user nose and/or mouth.

In an embodiment, the at least one vent apparatus 112 is an electro-mechanical device which opens for sufficient amount of time to the exterior of the smart mask to release moisture when the moisture content within the air-space between the mask and the user nose and/or mouth exceeds a threshold limit. The threshold limit can be pre-determined or user-defined.

In an embodiment, the at least one vent apparatus 112 is an electro-mechanical device which opens for sufficient amount of time to the exterior of the smart mask to release C0 ₂ when the CO2 content within the air-space between the mask and the user nose and/or mouth exceeds a threshold limit. The threshold limit can be pre-determined or user-defined.

In an embodiment, the electro-mechanical device 112 is a flap. In an embodiment, there is one flap. In another embodiment, there are at least two flaps. The flaps may be symmetrically or asymmetrically placed along an axis of the smart mask 100.

In an embodiment, the at least one vent apparatus 112 is a fan. The fan actuates for a sufficient amount of time to release moisture when the moisture content within the air-space between the mask and the user nose and/or mouth exceeds a threshold limit. The threshold limit can be pre determined or user-defined. In another embodiment, the fan actuates for a sufficient amount of time to release CO2 when the CO2 content within the air-space between the mask and the user nose and/or mouth exceeds a threshold limit. The threshold limit can be pre-determined or user- defined.

In an embodiment, there is one fan. In an embodiment, there are at least two fans. In the case there are two or more fans, each fan may be independently actuated of each other. The fans may be symmetrically or asymmetrically placed along an axis of the smart mask 100.

In an embodiment, the vent apparatus 112 is a combination of electro-mechanical device such as a flap, and fan. The combination may comprise at least one flap and at least one fan.

The vent apparatus 112 may be controlled by receiving inputs from at least one other module as described in the present invention.

The SpC>2 sensor module 102 of the smart mask 100 of the present invention is a relative SpC>2 sensor, which detects and estimates amount of oxygen in the blood using light wavelength. Technology known in the art may be employed to enable the SpC>2 sensor module 102 suitable for the smart mask of the present invention.

The breathing pattern sensor module 104 of the smart mask 100 of the present invention detects the inhalation and exaltation cycle of breathing by a user using the said smart mask 100. In an embodiment, the breathing pattern sensor 104 is coupled with the auto-ventilation system module 101 to synchronize activation of the auto-ventilation system module 101 to optimize moisture and/or CO2 levels in the air-space between the mask and the user nose and/or mouth. In an embodiment, the breathing pattern sensor module 104 functions to optimize oxygen flow into the mask when the mask is enabled to receive purified oxygen from an external source. In the event the mask is enabled to receive purified oxygen from an external source, in an embodiment, the breathing pattern sensor module 104 upon detecting exhalation cycle of breathing by the user, shuts off oxygen flow into the mask from the external oxygen source for the duration of the exhalation cycle.

In an embodiment, the breathing pattern sensor module 104 is coupled with the Sp0 ₂ module 102. In the event the smart mask 100 is enabled to receive purified oxygen from an external source, in an embodiment, the breathing pattern sensor module 104 upon detecting below threshold level of oxygen in the blood, during inhalation cycle can increase rate of flow of oxygen from an external source into the smart mask 100.

In the event the smart mask 100 is enabled to receive purified oxygen from an external source, the breathing pattern sensor module 104 is coupled to both auto-ventilation system module 101 and the SpC>2 module 102 to optimize oxygen availability, moisture content, and CO2 concentration. The dust filter module 103 of the smart mask 100 of the present invention is provisioned to trap dust particles in the air and prevent said particles from entering the air-space between the smart mask and nose and/or mouth of the user. In an embodiment, the dust filter module 103 is a HEPA filter. In an embodiment, the dust filter module 103 further filters bacteria and virus. In an embodiment, the dust filter module 103 traps pollen. In an embodiment, the dust filter module

103 is modular and can be replaced by user. In an embodiment, the dust filter module can be manually cleaned by the user. In an embodiment, the dust filter module 103 can send a signal to the user regarding its efficiency to prompt the user to change or clean it. In an embodiment, the dust filter 103 is positioned in conjunction with the at least one vent apparatus 112.

The smart mask 100 of the present invention can modulate oxygen delivery to user nose/mouth in real time based on module/sensor feedback in real-time. In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a smart mask 100 comprising an auto-ventilation module 101 and storage module 106 as substantially described in the specification herein.

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a smart mask 100 comprising a SpC>2 sensor 102 module and storage module 106 as substantially described in the specification herein.

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a smart mask 100 comprising a breathing pattern sensor 104 and storage module 106 as substantially described in the specification herein.

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a smart mask 100 comprising a dust filter module 103 and a storage module 106 as substantially described in the specification herein.

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a smart mask 100 comprising an auto-ventilation system module 101, SpC>2 sensor module 102, breathing pattern sensor module

104 and a storage module 106 as substantially described in the specification herein.

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a smart 100 mask comprising an auto-ventilation system module 101, Sp0 ₂ sensor module 102, breathing pattern sensor module 104, dust filter module 103 and a storage module 106 as substantially described in the specification herein.

In an embodiment, the various modules of the smart mask 100 as described herein can be accessed via a mobile application. In an embodiment, the mobile application can access the information/data stored in the storage module of the smart mask. In an embodiment, the functional parameters of the modules of the smart mask can be modulated by user and/or administrator via mobile application 113. The mobile application in an embodiment may be present on a cellular device.

The features of the smart mask 100 as substantially described herein can be activated manually by a user using a mobile application 113 or when the smart mask detects supply of oxygen from external source.

It should be noted that the above disclosure is non-limiting and modifications and variations are possible without departing from the sprit or scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES

The examples are not intended to take restrictively to imply any limitations to the scope of the present invention.

In an exemplary example of the present invention, the smart mask 100 of the present invention comprises: (a) auto-ventilation system 101; (b) Sp0 ₂ sensor 102; (c) breathing pattern sensor 104; and (d) storage module 106. Each of the 4 modules are as substantially as described in the detailed description of the invention. The smart mask 100 is also provisioned to allow flow of oxygen into the mask 100 via inlet value 105 from an external oxygen source into the mask.

Each of the modules 101, 102, and 104 are connected to the storage module 106 via dedicated communication module 107, which in preferred embodiment is wired. Each of the modules is also functionally connected to at least one microprocessor 108 which receives in real-time data/information generated/gathered by each of the modules. The at least one microprocessor 108 can send instructions to the modules individually or in combinations so as to synchronize their activity so as to optimize oxygen flow into the smart mask 100 and levels of moisture and C0 ₂ inside the smart mask. Information/data stored on the storage module 106 can be remotely accessed by the user or by the administrator by a wireless or wired mode of communication as known in the art to obtain information on module usage based on user characteristics. For example, in a non-limiting manner, information collected can be rate of breathing of user, frequency of use of smart mask by user, oxygen levels of user, amount of moisture and/C0 ₂ in mask of user during operation etc. The information may be used to propose to user modified breathing regime for general wellness and/or optimize delivery of external oxygen to the user.

In a non-limiting manner, in a preferred embodiment, the manner of flow of oxygen into the smart mask 100 (rate of oxygen delivered) is coupled to the various modules described herein. The flow of oxygen is optimized based on inhaling/exhaling cycle of breathing by user, whereby oxygen flow is stopped when user is exhaling and oxygen flow is started when user is inhaling. The operation of the auto-ventilation system 101 is also coupled to the flow of oxygen, whereby the excess moisture and/or C0 ₂ is vented out typically during the exhaling cycle of breathing. The SpC>2 module 102 is also coupled with oxygen flow so as to control the amount of oxygen delivered based on oxygen requirements by the body of the user. The synchronous function of the modules is carried out by the at least one microprocessor 108 located in the smart mask 100. Information collected by the storage module 106 from each of the modules is stored in the storage device in the mask, which preferably can be a solid-state device. The information in the device can be retrieved into a cloud or a local external device. Retrieval can be remotely or via a wire. For remote access, the mask is enabled to connect via cellular wi-fi, Bluetooth, or NFC.

The information collected can be analyzed to establish patterns of breathing and/or usage of oxygen. The information can be further used to improve general wellness of the user.

In a further example, as shown in Fig. 1, there is provided a smart mask 100 comprising an auto ventilation system module 101, a Sp0 ₂ sensor module 102, a breathing pattern sensor module 104, an inlet valve 105, storage module 106, and a data transfer module 109. The modules and the mask is further configured as substantially as described in this specification. Also shown in Fig. 1 is an external oxygen source, oxygen flow controller and a flow valve which connects to the smart mask 100 via a pipe for delivery of oxygen from the external source to mouth and/or nose of user using the smart mask 100.

As shown in Fig. 2, there is provided a breathing pattern sensor module 104 which comprises a sensor 104a for detecting volume of air inhaled and volume of air exhaled, a sensor 104b for detecting rate of air inhalation and rate of air exhalation, and a sensor 104c for detecting moisture content of air exhaled.

As shown in Fig. 3, there is provided an auto-ventilation system 101 which comprises at least one detector 111 and a vent apparatus 112 which communicate with each other via a preferably wired communication module 107a. The detector 111 comprises two sub-detectors 111a and 111b, each of which can detect moisture content and C0 ₂ content respectively in the space between the mask and the user nose/mouth. The vent apparatus 112 preferably comprises at least a vent/flap and a fan which is actuated when moisture and/or C0 ₂ level goes beyond threshold level. The detector module 111 and the vent apparatus 112 work in conjunction with each other to optimize user breathing conditions.

As seen in Fig. 4, there is depicted various modules 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 as described substantially hereinabove, each of which communicate with the storage module 106, which is preferably a solid-state device via a dedicated communication module 107. The communication module 107 is connected with the storage module 106 and modules 101-105 via wired means preferably. The storage module 106 can collect data/usage information/metrics from modules and can wirelessly communicate the same to an external storage device 110, which can be a server or a cloud-based server. The various modules can also be accessed remotely by a mobile application 113.