Field

[001] The present disclosure relates to healthcare devices/solutions, and particularly to air quality monitoring devices and systems comprising the same. Background

[002] There is an increasing concern over living and working conditions, specifically the adverse health effects of poor indoor and outdoor air quality or other environmental factors or conditions thereof. In this regard, guidelines and rules to monitor and regulate air quality have been established in different countries. It is thus desirable to have a high quality device combined with a normalized approach for monitoring air quality.

Disclosure

[003] There is disclosed an air quality monitoring device, comprising a plurality of sensors of different types for obtaining values of different environmental parameters from an ambient air sample; a control unit for receiving values from sensors reflecting environmental parameters and processing (sort, analyse and interpret) the obtained values based on a predetermined algorithm to determine an environmental score by effecting a non-linear weighting placed on more polluted measurements and public health guidelines. This environmental score is shown directly on the device as a macro level warning / status of the environmental situation / air quality via a coloured light indicator on the device on a scale consisting of more than 3 colors, such colour having a readily recognisable health implication as opposed to a numeric value without any comparable standard. The environmental score is also provided to the user's smartphone, tablet or notebook computer providing detailed information on each of the environmental parameters displayed via colour coded charts and numerical values.

[004] The present disclosure discloses an air quality monitoring device, comprising:

a plurality of sensors of different types for obtaining values of different environmental parameters from an ambient air sample;

a control unit for receiving obtained values of the environmental parameters and processing, including sorting, analysing and interpreting, the obtained values based on a predetermined algorithm to determine an environmental score by effecting a non-linear weighting placed on more polluted measurements in order to provide/output a macro level warning/status on environmental situation or air quality; and a first level indicator for obtaining/receiving and showing/depicting the environmental score and/or the macro level warning/status via providing a color indication having a readily recognized health implication rather than a numeric value;

wherein the device is configured to operate and interchange between a portable mode and a static mode; when the device is operated in the portable mode, the control unit is adapted to acquire concurrently at set intervals positioning data and timestamp while receiving the obtained values and/or the environmental score to produce and store data and then transfer the data to a webserver or a cloud server for indication of air quality or pollution level in a geographic location preferably on a map with a preset accessibility (e.g. preferably only accessible by those devices and/or people with granted permission); and

when the device is operated in the static mode, the control unit is adapted to transfer at set intervals an aggregated data of obtained values, timestamp, and/or the environmental score to a webserver or a cloud server to build up a set of historical data with a preset accessibility (e.g. preferably only accessible by those devices and/or people with granted permission); and to connect and drive directly an air conditioning or regulating unit to operate based on the environmental score.

[005] In some embodiments, the control unit is adapted to process the environmental score to provide a micro level warning/status on environmental situation or air quality, and the air quality monitoring device further comprise a second level indicator for obtaining/receiving and showing/depicting the environmental score and/or the micro level warning/status via providing a precise reading on the normalized US EPA scale rather than a plain numeric value for each of measurements to enhance meaningfulness, usability and comparability of the reading.

[006] In some embodiments, when the device is operated in the portable mode, the control unit is adapted to connect to a first external apparatus or initiate an embedded GPS unit to acquire concurrently at set intervals GPS data and timestamp while receiving the obtained values and/or the environmental score to produce and store data and then transfer the data to a webserver or a cloud server for indication of air quality or pollution level in a geographic location preferably on a map, and which data, environmental score, air quality or pollution level, geographic location, and/or the map could be obtained by users being granted access to the data transferred to the webserver or the cloud server; and when the device is operated in the static mode, the control unit is adapted to transfer at set intervals an aggregated data of obtained values, timestamp, and/or the environmental score to a webserver or a cloud server to build up a set of historical data obtainable by users being granted access to the data transferred to the webserver or the cloud server; and to connect and drive directly a second external apparatus or initiate an embedded air conditioning or regulating unit to operate based on the environmental score.

[007] In some embodiments, the sensors are exposed to the ambient air sample and use light scattering method to evaluate pollutants in the ambient air sample and to produce the values of different environmental parameters; and/or the predetermined algorithm is adapted to process the obtained values by modelling the ambient air sample by a sine wave model of a plurality of sine waves of different frequency and amplitude to deduce the characteristics of pollutants within the air ambient sample.

[008] In some embodiments, further comprising a luminosity sensor, a sound sensor, a temperature sensor, and/or a humidity sensor to measure respective light, noise, temperature, and humidity conditions and the environmental score is computed at least partly based on at least one of the respective conditions.

[009] In some embodiments, the first external apparatus comprises a smartphone, a tablet type computer, and/or a notebook type computer, capable of providing GPS data as well as remotely receiving and storing detailed data from the air quality monitoring device; and/or the second external apparatus and/or the air conditioning unit comprises a fan, an air conditioner, and/or an air purifier; and/or

the air quality monitoring device is connected to the first external apparatus via wireless communication protocol including Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi and/or the second external apparatus via common Machine-to- Machine protocol; and/or

the control unit is adapted to combine the obtained values of the environmental parameters with corresponding environmental data obtainable from respective official websites in order to forecast environmental parameters and/or environmental score.

Figures

[0010] The disclosure will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying Figure, in which:

Figure 1 is schematic view of an example air quality monitoring device.

Description

[0011] The present disclosure provides healthcare devices / solutions providing the user or the public accurate, real-time information on the quality of air they breathe in locations where, according to the present disclosure, the portable air quality monitoring device is placed or visited temporarily, or installed permanently. [0012] The portable air quality monitoring device might connect with various external devices (e.g. a smart phone, tablet, or notebook computers) to enhance the user interface enabling the user or the public to get reliable information on which to make appropriate decisions regarding their current and/or future behavior (such as opening windows to increase ventilation or turning on air conditioning or regulating devices like air conditioners / air purifiers, or the like) and as a result improve the quality of the air they breathe and their health in general.

[0013] In some embodiments, home appliances are directly connected with and controlled or driven by the air quality monitoring device to operate to readily improve the quality of the ambient air.

[0014] The example air quality monitoring device as shown in Figure 1 contains a number of air inlet openings and sensors 1-5 of different types for obtaining values of different environmental parameters from an ambient air sample, wherein the sensors monitor the air quality that users breathe in real-time against a number of environmental parameters and process the data provided by these sophisticated sensors through a proprietary algorithm. The environmental parameters are PM2.5 (Particulate Matter), VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), temperature, humidity and could also include the value, amount, concentrations or density of CO, C02, N02, S02, 02, 03, as well as other known pollutants in the ambient air.

[0015] The air quality monitoring device further comprise a control unit for receiving obtained values of the environmental parameters and processing (sort, analyse and interpret) the obtained values based on a predetermined algorithm to determine an environmental score by effecting a non-linear weighting placed on more polluted measurements and public health guidelines.

[0016] In some embodiments, the air quality monitoring device comprises, among other, a luminosity sensor, a sound sensor, a temperature sensor, and/or a humidity sensor to measure respective light, noise, temperature, and humidity conditions and the environmental score is computed at least partly based on at least one of the respective conditions.

[0017] In some embodiments, the control unit is adapted to process the environmental score to provide a macro level warning/status on environmental situation or air quality, and the air quality monitoring device further comprise a micro level warning/status indicator for obtaining/receiving and showing/depicting the environmental score via providing a precise reading on the normalized US EPA scale rather than a plain numeric value for each type of measurement, to enhance meaningfulness, usability and comparability of the reading.

[0018] The first level (macro) indicator is a light indicator C arranged on the device for showing a range of colours to indicate air quality ranging from Green (Good), Yellow (Moderate), Orange (Unhealthy for Sensitive groups), Red (Unhealthy), Purple (Very Unhealthy) to Brown (Hazardous) based on US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Air Quality standards, which are also consistent with WHO (World Health Organization) standards. The first level indicator is configured for obtaining or receiving the environmental score from the control unit and for depicting the environmental score and/or the macro level warning/status via providing a color indication having a readily recognized health implication rather than a numeric value that might be only recognized by those well trained and skilled in the art.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second (micro) level is indicated through an application or an App built on multiple operating systems including Wndows, MacOSX, Android and iOS run on a smart phone, tablet, notebook, or desktop computers to get readings for each environmental parameter. Specifically, the readings are similarly colour coded as per the macro level but offer a precise reading on the normalized US EPA scale (0 - 500) to enhance meaningfulness, usability and comparability thereof, as would be described in details in the table below. Preferably, users will be able to set various alarms/alerts based on various levels of the environmental parameters, on top of existing predetermined alerts.

[0020] The foregoing data will be stored in the webserver or cloud server to enable users to access their own data, up to at least 1 year, via both web browsers / website and App.

[0021] In some embodiments, the air quality monitoring device is configured to operate and interchange between a portable mode (outdoors and in public spaces) and a static mode (primarily home or work). When the device is operated in the portable mode, the control unit is adapted to connect to a first external apparatus and initiate an embedded GPS unit to acquire concurrently at set intervals GPS data and timestamp while receiving the obtained values and/or the environmental score. All those data are stored and then transfer to a webserver or a cloud server for indication of air quality or pollution level in a geographic location preferably on a map, and which aggregated data, environmental score, air quality or pollution level, geographic location, and/or the real-time map could be obtained by anyone through the App or website as this is considered public information, when available. When the device is operated in the static mode, the control unit is adapted to transfer at set intervals data of obtained values, timestamp, and/or the environmental score to a webserver or a cloud server to build up a set of historical data relevant to and obtainable only by that user (or users who have been granted access to that device's output) and to connect and drive directly a second external apparatus such as environment related home appliances or initiating an embedded air conditioning unit to operate based on the environmental score, on any designated specific pollutant. Any user can see their own individual data as well as the aggregated data per regional sectors, the latter which is accessible by anyone in real-time. [0022] In some embodiments, the first external apparatus comprises a smartphone, a tablet type computer, and/or a notebook type computer, capable of providing GPS data. The second external apparatus comprises for example a fan, an air conditioner, and/or an air purifier. Preferably, the air quality monitoring device is connected to the first external apparatus via wireless communication protocol including Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi and/or the second external apparatus via common M2M (Machine-to-Machine) protocol.

[0023] In some embodiments, the control unit is adapted to combine the obtained values of the environmental parameters with corresponding environmental data obtainable from respective official websites in order to forecast environmental parameters and/or environmental score.

[0024] When the device is in portable mode, the data will also be aggregated for graphic representation on the map showing pollution hotspots in the geographic location. The map and pollution hotspots will be freely available for users and the public alike based on regionally aggregated data from other users using the air quality monitoring device of the present disclosure as well as official data sources, from governmental related organizations. Other competing devices will be able to upload data to the website once the quality of their data is approved by the company allowing quality measures on this website.

[0025] In some embodiments, the air quality monitoring device is battery powered and power management is optimized, as it is specifically designed for outdoor as well as indoor use. The energy footprint of the device is minimized to keep it as environmentally responsible as possible. While the device is designed to be optimally used with a phone/tablet/computer, it can function as a standalone device and provide key environmental information to its users.

[0026] Alternatively, the air quality monitoring device is adapted to be plugged into a power socket, and provide information on air quality through the colour-coded light indicator with a dedicated optimized power management system also operating, as in the portable / battery powered mode.

[0027] According to the present disclosure, the accuracy of the air quality monitoring device comes not only from the quality of the sensors used inside the device but just as importantly, the proprietary algorithm that has been developed, implemented and tested over years in various conditions.

[0028] The macro level indicator, displayed as a coloured light on the device, is a computed environmental score based on the different measurements provided by the sensors with a non-linear weighting placed on more polluted measurements in order to provide/output a macro level warning/status on environmental situation or air quality. [0029] For users who want more detailed information, they can read the levels for each environmental parameter through their smartphone, tablet / notebook / desktop computers via smart proximity radio frequency (Bluetooth) connectivity. The App will have a standard, yet customisable set of alarms which can be sent to the smart phone or computer, with recommendations based on levels of the environmental parameters. The User will have the choice to add new rules of alarms as well as delete previously added rules of alarms, or disable standard alarms.

[0030] In some embodiments, the alarm is a call to action based on criteria of 1) fixed values of measured pollutants; and/or 2) relative values: based on a user-defined difference between the measured value and a value derived from an external source such as www.aqicn.org reporting of PM 2.5. The alarm would take the form of either 1) push or normal notification sent to users' phones / computer via the App or similar application; or 2) direct control of another machine residing in the user's domestic or working location (such as, turn on a fan, an air conditioner, and/or an air purifier at desired speed).

[0031] When the device is used outdoor, it will be designated as in the 'Portable' mode as opposed to the 'Static' mode when being used indoor.

[0032] According to the present disclosure, the device is selectively operated in the Portable Mode, during which the device will take multiple environmental readings at set intervals and record these either in the device's memory or transferred to a phone / tablet and transferred to the cloud server subject to Bluetooth / Wi-Fi availability.

[0033] When travelling outside with the device, all data will be recorded on a smartphone / tablet through proximity radio frequency (Bluetooth) with GPS and timestamp. Once a W-Fi connection is re-established with the phone, all data stored on the phone will be sent to the cloud for data storage and analysis.

[0034] In some embodiments, the device might comprise an embedded wireless communication unit to send data via mobile data network , such as 3G/4G network, for example.

[0035] Data collected when travelling outside i.e. in Portable mode will be stored individually. The data will be used in calculations such as average by regional sectors for use on the air quality map. Each user will be able to see their own data on top of the averaged sectors map.

[0036] According to the present disclosure, the device is also selectively operated in Static Mode during which the device is located at home or office or any other applicable location, data will automatically be sent to the cloud server without transit through mobile device App, through existing user's router or wireless /wired network. The user will be able to see evolution of the historical data with the App or dedicated program/software, as well as with any web browser run on any operating systems, where allowed.

[0037] When the device is operated in 'Static Mode' and if W-Fi is not available, the device will store at least 3 months' worth of data on dedicated internal storage. Once W-Fi is made available again, all data stored on the device will be sent to the cloud or web server preferably via W-Fi network.

[0038] In some embodiments, the dedicated App or software has been created with user- friendly visual graphic representations of each environmental parameter against standardized levels as well as displaying temperature and humidity. The user can share air quality information on any social media with one-click button from the App or software, wherever they are, with the device or web browser run on various computing devices.

[0039] The levels, as mentioned above, are based on US EPA standards for most pollutants and are disclosed in the table below.

[0040] Table for color coding of level indication

[0041] All collected data will be analysed and stored in the cloud or web server. The data will be analysed with other data such as wind, rain, pollution sources and other macro information found on official websites with a machine learning automation in order to provide forecast data of various environmental parameters.

[0042] According to the present disclosure, each user can own multiple devices, by virtue of each device being uniquely identified by its Core ID. Likewise each device has one single owner who can grant data access rights to other users. One user can monitor multiple devices as well as multiple users can monitor one or more devices preferably via wireless communication.

[0043] In some embodiments, each device will be monitored remotely and firmware updates will be proposed and performed either upon user acceptance or automatically if desired by the user.

[0044] In some embodiments, the device will be able to communicate with other machines via common M2M (Machine-To-Machine) protocol and language in order to control them and optimize energy footprint of those machines, as well as their filter usage. Standard rules will be implemented. The user will however have the choice to modify or duplicate them to other devices.

[0045] In some embodiments, luminosity, sound, and other applicable sensors could be added to measure light pollution, noise pollution, and the like.

[0046] According to the present disclosure, all data transfers whether via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi are encrypted to the latest standard (Bluetooth smart encryption for Bluetooth and SSL for Wi-Fi) in order to guarantee data privacy when communicating with external apparatuses. Individual data will be only shown to the owner and users that have been granted access. Other users, via the website or dedicated App, will get computed averaged data by sectors as meaningful shareable information for the community, for example.

[0047] According to the present disclosure, the proprietary algorithm used by the air quality monitoring device has been designed to sort, analyse and interpret the information from all raw data sent by the sensors. The analogue signal can be modelled with a specific number of sine functions of different frequency and amplitude.

[0048] The sine model might be typically applied to particulate matter (PM). Analysis of the frequency allows the device to define the quantity of the relevant PM while amplitude is used to deduce the size of particles. The proprietary algorithm has optimised the number of sine functions of different frequencies and amplitudes to provide an accurate reading of the parameters to the device by using the following base formulae. [0049] 5(0 =∑ <;k=o hit)

[0050] where f _k (t) = A _k . sin (0

[0051] _w j†|-| — Amplitude of sine function f _k

[0052] w _k = Frequency of sine function f _k

[0053] In some embodiments, the sensors of the air quality monitoring device are constantly exposed to the air and are therefore measuring the pollution levels in real time by using the model of sine waves of different frequencies and amplitudes to record and express the level of pollution in a way in which it is meaningful to the end user - primarily in the International System of Units and then matched to WHO recommendations, on the normalized scale of US EPA Index for Air Quality score, as outlined above. This process is repeated constantly as the air sample changes. A step by step procedure of one single assessment of PM (Particulate Matter) would be as follows:

[0054] 1) Sensor is exposed to a current air sample including a range of PM;

[0055] 2) Sensor uses light scattering method through air sample to evaluate pollutants;

[0056] 3) Sensor reads light diffraction result from initial signal sent on dedicated receptor; and

[0057] 4) The device then aggregates this measurement & count of PM and translates that into a readable AQI, rather than reporting in micrograms per cubic metre, which is difficult for people to contemplate without a reference point. This serves to provide the user a measure or indication which they readily understand and can use to make decisions about their behaviour i.e. adapt sport intensity, stay outdoors with friends, go indoors for a coffee, or activate an air conditioning unit or ventilation device.

[0058] In some embodiments, the device has been configured to have the following characteristics denoted by respective numerals as depicted in Figure 1 , for example:

· Weight - less than 350 grams

• Dimensions - volume less than 0.5 litres

• A plurality of sensors 1-5 to capture a true representation of air quality

• One Central processing/control unit 6 and Core ID

• Additional memory for local data storage 7

• Additional memory for firmware management 8

• Rechargeable battery 9 • Proximity radio frequency (Bluetooth) 2.4 GHz (A)

• Radio frequency (Wi-Fi) 2.4 GHz (B)

• Light indicator (C) to show the level of air quality directly on the device

• Commonly used USB Port For recharging battery/powering the device

· Clip-on functionality to make it easily portable

• Shock-proof and IP56 (dust and splash-proof)

[0059] Features set out in the claims hereto (jointly and severally where appropriate) are to form part of this disclosure and are incorporated herein by reference.

[0060] While various examples or embodiments have been described herein, it should be appreciated that they are for illustration and are not for scope restriction. For example, while the colour indication is used in example applications herein, other non-text/numeric indication such as audio or graphical indication according to the essence of the present disclosure may be used without loss of generality. It should be appreciated that portions or parts of the various example embodiments can be excerpted for combination and/or mix-and-match where appropriate to form other variants without loss of generality.