CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Patent Application Serial No. 17/515,330 filed 29 October 2021 and entitled “SMART MASKS”, which is a continuation in part of United States Patent Application Serial No. 17/242,266 filed 27 April 2021 and entitled “SMART MASKS,” which claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/022,211 filed on 8 May 2020 and entitled “FACE MASK AND SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE,” and to United States Patent Application Serial No. 17/300,299 filed on 10 July 2020 and entitled “SMART MASKS,” and to United States Patent Application 17/300,298 filed on 3 December 2020 and entitled “SMART MASKS.” United States Patent Application Serial No. 17/515,330 is also a continuation in part of United States Patent Application Serial No. 17/300,299 filed on 10 July 2020 and entitled “SMART MASKS.” United States Patent Application Serial No. 17/515,330 is also a continuation in part of United States Patent Application Serial No. 17/300,298 filed on 3 December 2020 and entitled “SMART MASKS.” United States Patent Application Serial No. 17/515,330 is also a continuation in part of United States Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/781,201 filed on 28 April 2021 and entitled “SMART MASK.” United States Patent Application Serial No. 17/515,330 also claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/188,310 filed on 13 May 2021 and entitled “SMART PUCKS AND REPLACEABLE FACE SEALS FOR FACE MASKS,” and to United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/240,813 filed on 3 September 2021 and entitled “TRACKING USAGE OF MASK FILTER VIA QR CODE.” The entire contents of each of the above applications is incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Protective respirators or masks are pieces of fabric, kits, or equipment worn on the head and face to protect the wearer from inhaling hazardous atmospheres, including fumes, vapors, gases, or particulate matter such as dust and airborne microorganisms. Protective respirators or masks come in many different configurations and ratings. The primary ratings are N, P, and R. Following the letter rating is a number, generally, 95, 99, or 100, which relates to how much the filter has been measured to remove of particulate matter of 0.3 microns in diameter or greater. “N” represents “Not oil resistant”, “R” represents “Resistant to oil”, and “P” represents “Oil Proof’. “95” indicates that the mask removes 95% of all particles that are at least 0.3 microns in diameter, “99” indicates that the mask removes 99% of all particles that are at least 0.3 microns in diameter, and “100” represents that the mask removes 99.97% of all particles that are at least 0.3 microns in diameter.

[0003] In the past, such protective masks are mostly worn by professionals (e.g., healthcare professionals and construction professionals). However, since the COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, many countries required their citizens to wear masks while in public during the pandemic. A growing number of U.S. states have also mandated the use of masks and face coverings while in public during the pandemic. Fabric masks and disposable paper masks are the most popular. However, many of these masks either do not have sufficient breathability or cannot provide sufficient protection. Wearing such a mask can also interfere with a user’s capability of listening to music, answering phone calls, etc. [0004] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that is further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] The embodiments described herein are related to smart devices and protective respirators or masks (hereinafter referred to as smart masks) that are configured to protect a wearer from inhaling hazardous atmospheres.

[0007] A smart mask includes a face covering, an attachment member, an air quality sensor, and a controller. The face covering is configured to cover a face area of a wearer. In some embodiments, the face covering includes a replaceable face seal configured to (1) accommodate different sizes, shapes, and/or skin conditions of wearers’ faces, and/or (2) have different textures, maintenance requirements, or functions based on wearers’ desire.

[0008] The attachment member is configured to attach the face covering onto the face area of the wearer. The air quality sensor is configured to obtain data associated with nearby air quality. The controller is configured to process the data obtained by the air quality sensor to determine current air quality. In response to determining that the current air quality is worse than a predetermined threshold, the controller is configured to generate a notification. [0009] In some embodiments, the air quality sensor is configured to detect a level of biogenic volatile organic compound (bVOC). In some embodiments, the bVOC includes at least one of ethane, isoprene, ethanol, acetone, and/or carbon monoxide.

[0010] In some embodiments, the smart mask further includes a breathing pattern monitor configured to obtain data associated with breathings of a wearer. In some embodiments, the breathing pattern monitor includes a pressure sensor embedded in the face covering configured to detect a change of pressure between a face of the wearer and the face covering. In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to analyze data associated with the change of pressure between the face of the wearer and the face covering to identify one of a plurality of breathing patterns. In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to identify one of a plurality of well-being states of the wearer based on the identified breathing pattern. In response to detecting a particular well-being state, the controller is configured to generate a notification.

[0011] In some embodiments, the smart mask further includes one or more fans configured to draw outside air into the face area. The controller is further configured to adjust a speed of the one or more fans based on the data associated with breathings of the wearer, identified breathing pattern, or identified well-being state.

[0012] In some embodiments, the smart mask further includes a receptacle configured to receive a filter for filtering air drawn into the face area. In some embodiments, the air quality sensor is embedded in the receptacle.

[0013] In some embodiments, the receptacle includes a near-field communication (NFC) reader, the filter includes an NFC tag encoded with an identifier of the filter, and the NFC reader of the receptacle is configured to read the NFC tag of the filter in response to receiving the filter. In some embodiments, in response to reading the NFC tag of the filter, the controller is configured to receive the identifier of the filter from the NFC reader, and start a timer associated with the filter for tracking a service life of the filter. In some embodiments, when the timer is up or is about to be up, the controller is configured to generate a notification, notifying the wearer that the service life of the filter is ending or near ending, or prompting the wearer to replace the filter.

[0014] In some embodiments, the receptacle further includes an LED ring around an edge of the receptacle. In some embodiments, the LED ring includes a circular housing configured to house a plurality of LEDs. In some embodiments, the circular housing is a circular translucent plastic housing configured to diffuse light generated by the plurality of LEDs. In some embodiments, the air quality sensor is embedded near the LED ring.

[0015] In some embodiments, the receptacle is further configured to receive a puck configured to cover the filter. In some embodiments, the receptacle includes a magnet piece, and the puck includes a metal piece configured to be magnetically attached to the receptacle. In some embodiments, the puck includes an edge configured to reflect light emitted by the plurality of LEDs to generate a glow effect around the edge of the puck.

[0016] In some embodiments, the smart mask further includes an LED indicator disposed on a front side of the face covering and configured to generate different light patterns, indicating different statuses of the smart mask. In some embodiments, the LED indicator includes a plurality of different colored LEDs configured to generate different colored light patterns. In some embodiments, the plurality of LEDs include a red LED, a green LED, a blue LED, and a white LED.

[0017] The embodiments described herein also include a filter cartridge configured to fit in a face mask having a receptacle for receiving the filter for filtering inhale air. The filter includes an outer frame and a filtering material disposed inside the outer frame. The filter cartridge also includes an NFC tag encoded with an identifier of the filter or a uniform resource locator (URL) of a webpage associated with the filter cartridge. In some embodiments, the filtering material includes at least one of (1) charcoal, (2) copper-woven fabric, (3) pleated paper or cloth, (4) fiberglass, and/or (5) a UV blocking material.

[0018] In some embodiments, the filter cartridge further includes an inner frame configured to carry and release a substance for (1) cold, flu, or allergy relief, (2) aromatherapy, (3) order-blocking, and/or (4) humidifying or misting.

[0019] The embodiments described herein also include a mobile device. The mobile device is configured to receive an identifier associated with a filter cartridge from a smart mask when the filter cartridge is received by the smart mask. The mobile device is further configured to register the filter in a data structure based on the identifier. In response to registering the filter, the mobile device is configured to cause a timer associated with the filter cartridge to be set. When the timer is up, the mobile device is configured to generate a notification reminding a user to replace the filter cartridge with a new filter cartridge.

[0020] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the teachings herein. Features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features can be obtained, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting in scope, embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and details through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] Figure 1 A illustrates a wearer wearing an example smart mask that incorporates the principles described herein;

[0023] Figure IB illustrates a perspective view of the example smart mask;

[0024] Figure 1C illustrates various technical components of the example smart mask;

[0025] Figure ID illustrates a front view of the example smart mask being worn by a wearer;

[0026] Figure IE illustrates a front view of the example smart mask not being worn;

[0027] Figure IF illustrates a right-side view of the example smart mask being worn by a wearer;

[0028] Figure 1G illustrates a left-side view of the example smart mask being worn by a wearer;

[0029] Figure 1H illustrates a right-side view of the example smart mask not being worn;

[0030] Figure II illustrates a left-side view of the example smart mask not being worn;

[0031] Figure 1 J illustrates an enlarged view of a left controller and a right controller of the example smart mask;

[0032] Figure IK illustrates a back view of the example smart mask;

[0033] Figures IL and IM illustrate a right-side view and a left side view of the example smart mask;

[0034] Figure IN illustrates a top view of the example smart mask;

[0035] Figure 10 illustrates a bottom view of the example smart mask; [0036] Figure 2A illustrates a back side view of a back frame of a face covering body of the example smart mask;

[0037] Figure 2B illustrates a back side view of a back frame of the face covering body of the example smart mask;

[0038] Figure 2C illustrates a perspective view of the back frame of the face covering body of the example smart mask;

[0039] Figure 2D illustrates an example embodiment of the back frame of the face covering body;

[0040] Figure 2E illustrates an example embodiment of the back frame of the face covering body;

[0041] Figure 2F illustrates an enlarged back side view of a right side of the back frame of the face covering body;

[0042] Figure 2G illustrates an enlarged back side view of a left corner of the back frame of the face covering body having a microphone embedded thereto;

[0043] Figure 2H illustrates a front side view of a front frame of the face covering body; [0044] Figure 21 illustrates a perspective view of the front frame of the face covering body;

[0045] Figure 2J illustrates a bottom side view of the front frame of the face covering body;

[0046] Figure 2K illustrates a front side view of the back frame of the face covering body;

[0047] Figure 2L illustrates a back side view of the face covering body including the back frame;

[0048] Figure 2M illustrates a back side view of the face covering body with the back frame being removed;

[0049] Figure 2N illustrates a perspective view of a corner of the face covering body showing a charging port;

[0050] Figures 20 illustrates a side view of the face covering body including the back frame;

[0051] Figure 2P illustrates a side view of the face covering body with the back frame removed.

[0052] Figure 2Q illustrates a cross-sectional view of the face covering body including the back frame; [0053] Figure 2R illustrates a cross-sectional view of the face covering body with the back frame removed;

[0054] Figure 2S illustrates a side view of the face covering body showing a charging cable inserted in the charging port;

[0055] Figure 2T illustrates a bottom view of a portion of the face covering body showing the charging cable being inserted in the charging port;

[0056] Figure 2U is an exploded view of the face covering having an outer frame, a back frame, and a front frame;

[0057] Figure 3 A illustrates an example embodiment of the face covering body having an inhale filtration subsystem and an exhale filtration subsystem;

[0058] Figure 3B illustrates an example embodiment of the inhale filtration subsystem. [0059] Figures 3C and 3D illustrate an example embodiment of an intake filter cartridge configured to be received by one or more receptacles of the face covering body;

[0060] Figure 3E illustrates an example fan that may be included in an air circulation subsystem of the face covering body;

[0061] Figure 3F illustrates an example embodiment of the back frame of the face covering body having one or more inhale vent areas allowing the outside air to flow into a face area of the face covering body;

[0062] Figure 3G illustrates an example embodiment of the front frame of the face covering body having one or more inhale vent areas allowing the outside air to flow into the face area of the face covering body;

[0063] Figure 3H illustrates an example embodiment of the back frame of the face covering body having an exhale vent area;

[0064] Figure 31 illustrates an enlarged view of a bottom area of the back frame of the face covering body having an exhaust filter attached thereto;

[0065] Figure 3J illustrates a bottom view of the face covering body showing one or more exhaust slots disposed at the bottom of the front frame;

[0066] Figure 3K illustrates an example embodiment of an intake filter;

[0067] Figure 3L illustrates an example embodiment of an exhaust filter;

[0068] Figure 3M illustrates another example embodiment of an intake filter having multiple internal splines at a center thereof;

[0069] Figure 3N illustrates another example embodiment of an exhaust filter having a tab at a center area of a side thereof; [0070] Figure 30 illustrates the front frame of the face covering body having an intake filter and an exhaust filter embedded therein;

[0071] Figure 3P illustrates the back frame of the face covering body having an intake filter and an exhaust filter embedded therein;

[0072] Figure 3Q illustrates an example embodiment of structures of the intake filter of Figure 3M;

[0073] Figure 3R illustrates an example embodiment of structures of an exhaust filter of Figure 3N;

[0074] Figure 3S illustrates another example embodiment of the inhale filtration subsystem using an intake filter of Figure 3M;

[0075] Figure 3T illustrates an example of embodiment of a plastic washer having a flat portion and a tubular portion configured to be placed between a puck cover and an intake filter;

[0076] Figure 3U illustrates an example of embodiment of a plastic and/or TPE rubber washer pad configured to be placed between a puck cover and an intake filter;

[0077] Figure 3 V illustrates an example of a protrusion portion having a spline portion and a male screw portion configured to receive an intake filter and a puck;

[0078] Figure 3W illustrates an enlarged view of the male screw portion of Figure 3X;

[0079] Figure 3X illustrates an example embodiment of the male screw portion configured to be coupled to the spline portion of the protrusion portion of Figure 3 V;

[0080] Figure 3 Y illustrates an example embodiment of the spline portion configured to receive the male screw portion of the protrusion portion of Figure 3V;

[0081] Figure 3Z illustrates an example of a puck having a female screw configured to attach to the male screw portion of the protrusion portion of Figure 3V;

[0082] Figure 3AA illustrates an enlarged view of the female screw of the puck of Figure 3Z;

[0083] Figure 3 AB illustrates a side view of the puck having an arched profile;

[0084] Figure 3 AC illustrates an operation of securing a puck onto a rack via the center male screw;

[0085] Figure 4A illustrates a front frame of the face covering body having an aperture for allowing outside sound to reach a microphone coupled to the back frame;

[0086] Figure 4B illustrates a back frame of the face covering body having an aperture allowing sound from the face area to reach the microphone coupled to the back frame; [0087] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate a right-side perspective view and a left side perspective view of a front frame having a light subsystem glowing through the edge of puck(s);

[0088] Figure 5C illustrates an example embodiment of the light subsystem having a center LED;

[0089] Figure 5D illustrates an example embodiment of the light subsystem having an LED ring;

[0090] Figure 6A illustrates a perspective view of the face covering body having a pair of earbuds attached thereto via cables;

[0091] Figure 6B illustrates a back view of the face covering body having the pair of earbuds attached thereto via cables;

[0092] Figure 6C illustrates a front view of the face covering having the pair of earbuds attached thereto via cables;

[0093] Figure 6D illustrates an exploded view of an example earbud;

[0094] Figure 6E illustrates different perspective views of the earbud of Figure 6D;

[0095] Figure 6F illustrates an example embodiment of a non-removable earbud having a wire connected to the face covering body;

[0096] Figure 7 illustrates an example architecture of the smart mask;

[0097] Figure 8 illustrates example control interface(s) that may allow a wearer to control or interface with the smart mask via voice commands, a terminal device, and/or a cloud service;

[0098] Figure 9A illustrates a schematic diagram of an example system of the smart mask;

[0099] Figure 9B illustrates a diagram of example inner connect! on(s) on a circuit board; [00100] Figure 9C illustrates an example flexible printed cables (FPC) connector having multiple pins;

[00101] Figure 9D illustrates an example embodiment that a female connector part is on the circuit board, and a male connector part is on the FPC;

[00102] Figure 9E illustrates a schematic diagram of the FPC that connects the circuit board(s);

[00103] Figure 9F illustrates a schematic diagram of multiple control buttons on the PFC; [00104] Figure 9G illustrates an outline of an example printed circuit board (PCB) and its connectors; [00105] Figure 9H is a graph illustrating sensitivity of an example speaker or earphone at different frequencies;

[00106] Figure 91 is a graph illustrating total harmonic distortion (THD) of an example speaker or earphone at different frequencies;

[00107] Figure 9J illustrates schematic diagrams of example circuits for battery management and protection;

[00108] Figure 9K illustrates schematic diagrams of example circuits for connecting and controlling the fan and LED via the FPC connector;

[00109] Figure 9L illustrates an example battery cell that may be embedded in the smart mask;

[00110] Figures 9M and 9N illustrate both sides of an example printed circuit board (PCB) having various connectors;

[00111] Figure 10A illustrates an example home page of a mobile application for controlling and interfacing with the smart mask;

[00112] Figure 10B illustrates an example air control interface of the mobile application for controlling an air circulation subsystem of the smart mask;

[00113] Figure 10C illustrates another example home page of a mobile application for controlling and interfacing with the smart mask;

[00114] Figure 11 illustrates another example embodiment of a face covering;

[00115] Figure 12 illustrates an example embodiment of the smart mask having an interchangeable and/or replaceable face seal;

[00116] Figure 13 illustrates an example embodiment of a face covering having an air quality sensor embedded in a receptacle thereof;

[00117] Figures 14A and 14B illustrate another example embodiment of a face covering having an air quality sensor disposed on a filter holder configured to hold a filter cartridge;

[00118] Figure 14C further illustrates an example embodiment of a face covering comprising a receptacle, a filter cartridge, a filter holder, an air quality sensor, and a puck;

[00119] Figure 15A illustrates an example face covering having a pressure sensor embedded therein;

[00120] Figure 15B illustrates an example process of converting the pressure data into a breathing pattern;

[00121] Figure 15C illustrates a plurality of different breathing patterns that correspond to different well-being states of the wearer; [00122] Figures 16A-16C illustrate an example embodiment of a smart mask having a breathing pattern monitor and a fan that can be automatically controlled based on a breathing pattern detected by the breathing pattern monitor;

[00123] Figure 17A illustrates an example embodiment of a filter cartridge having an NFC tag embedded therein;

[00124] Figure 17B illustrates another example embodiment of a filter cartridge having an NFC tag embedded therein;

[00125] Figure 17C illustrates an example embodiment of the receptacle having an NFC reader configured to read an NFC tag of a filter cartridge in response to receiving the filter cartridge;

[00126] Figure 18 illustrates a system for tracking a service life of a filter cartridge;

[00127] Figure 19 illustrates a system with a server computer system for tracking a service life of a filter cartridge;

[00128] Figure 20 illustrates an example architecture of a mobile device;

[00129] Figure 21 illustrates an example architecture of a server computer system;

[00130] Figure 22 illustrates an example embodiment of setting one or more timers at a mobile device or a server computer system for generating notifications.

[00131] Figure 23 illustrates an example data structure that links user accounts data, filter cartridge usage data, and purchase transaction data;

[00132] Figure 24A illustrates an example user interface of a mobile application showing a timer associated with a filter cartridge;

[00133] Figure 24B illustrates an example user interface of a mobile application configured to scan an NFC tag associated with a filter cartridge;

[00134] Figures 25 illustrates different types of filter cartridges;

[00135] Figures 26A-26E further illustrate an example embodiment of receptacles and a corresponding filter cartridge configured to be received by the receptacles;

[00136] Figures 27A and 27B illustrate an example embodiment of a receptacle including an LED ring;

[00137] Figures 27C and 27D illustrate different views of an example puck;

[00138] Figure 27E illustrates another embodiment of a LED ring having a circular housing that houses a plurality of LEDs;

[00139] Figure 27F illustrates a front side of a face covering with the LED ring being lit up; [00140] Figures 28A and 28B illustrate examples of a smart mask having an LED indicator disposed near one or more controls of the smart mask;

[00141] Figure 28C illustrates an enlarged view of an LED indicator;

[00142] Figure 28D illustrates an example of light patterns corresponding to functions and/or statuses of a smart mask;

[00143] Figure 28E illustrates an example of different LED colors and statuses of a LED ring;

[00144] Figures 28F and 28G illustrate examples of signals generated by a combination of a LED indicator and a LED ring;

[00145] Figure 29A illustrates a back view of a face covering with an exhaust filter cartridge embedded therein;

[00146] Figure 29B illustrates a side view of the face covering with an exhaust filter cartridge embedded therein;

[00147] Figures 29C-29D illustrate different views of an exhaust filter cartridge;

[00148] Figure 30 illustrates a back view of an example face covering having a microphone disposed thereon; and

[00149] Figure 31 illustrates an example computing system in which the principles described herein may be employed;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00150] The embodiments described herein are related to smart devices and protective respirators or masks (hereinafter referred to as smart masks) that are configured to protect a wearer from inhaling hazardous atmospheres.

[00151] Figures 1 A through 10 illustrate an example embodiment of the smart mask 100. Figure 1 A illustrates that the smart mask 100 is being worn by a wearer. Figure IB further illustrates a perspective view of the smart mask 100. As illustrated, the smart mask 100 includes a face covering 140 configured to cover the nose and mouth of the wearer when it is worn. The smart mask 100 also includes an attachment member 150 configured to attach the face covering 140 on the wearer’s face. The attachment member 150 has an adjustable contour that ergonomically fits any wearer. In some embodiments, the attachment member 150 is attached or attachable to opposing sides of the face covering 140 and is configured to extend around a head of a wearer. The surface material(s) of the attachment member 150 and the face covering 140 is water-resistant, skin-friendly, and lightweight. In some embodiments, the attachment member 150 further includes two openings 152 that allow the wearer’s ears to pass through and to receive earbuds 122. The earbuds 122 are parts of an audio subsystem of the smart mask 100 configured to be controlled by voice commands and/or by the physical controllers 130 disposed on the face covering 140. As described herein, the controllers 130 may control one or more operations of the smart mask 100.

[00152] In some embodiments, the face covering 140 has a vertical line of symmetry and the air circulation subsystems 110R, 110L and the one or more controls 130R, 130L are arranged symmetrically across the line of symmetry. In some embodiments, the one or more controls 130R, 130L comprise a plurality of buttons disposed on the right side of the face covering 140 between the attachment member 150 and the first air circulation subsystem 110R and a plurality of buttons disposed on the left side of the face covering 140 between the attachment member 150 and the second air circulation subsystem 110L. In some embodiments, each plurality of buttons is arranged in a vertical column.

[00153] In some embodiments, the face covering 140 comprises a fabric material 142 that is configured to cover the wearer’s nose and mouth and extend under the wearer’s chin and over the wearer’s cheeks. In some embodiments, the face covering 140 further comprises a sub-covering 144. The sub-covering 144 can be formed of a generally rigid material. The sub-covering 144 can be sized to cover the wearer’s nose and mouth. In some embodiments, the fabric material 142 extends out from under the sub-covering 144 around a substantial portion of the perimeter of the sub-covering 144. The first and second air circulation subsystems 110R, 110L may be mounted in the sub-covering 144. Similarly, the one or more controls 130R, 130L may be mounted on the sub-covering 144. A charging port 190 may also be mounted to the sub-covering 144.

[00154] The face covering 140 also comprises a seal 146 disposed on an interior surface thereof. The seal 146 is configured to create a seal between the face covering 140 and the wearer’s face. In some embodiments, a portion of the seal 146 is configured to extend over a wearer’s nose and out from underneath the sub-covering 144 so that at least a portion of the seal 146 is visible when the face covering 140 is worn by a wearer.

[00155] In some embodiments, the structure of the mask is waterproof, e.g., IP54 waterproof. In some embodiments, the structure of the mask is also anti-drop, e.g., withstanding 1.5 m drop on marble floor without function and/or structure damage, and/or cosmetic condition meets specific standards.

[00156] Notably, the smart mask 100 is not only a piece of personal protective equipment, but also a piece of techwear. Figure 1C further illustrates various technical components of the smart mask 100, including (but not limited to) an air circulation subsystem 110, an audio subsystem 120, a light subsystem 170, a noise reduction subsystem 180, and a power charging port 190. In some embodiments, the air circulation subsystem 110 includes an inhale filtration subsystem and an exhale filtration subsystem 160. The air circulation subsystem 110 includes one or more fans configured to draw outside air into the face covering. The inhale filtration subsystem includes an intake filter or filter cartridge configured to filter the outside air before the outside air enters the face area inside the face covering 140. The exhaust subsystem 160 includes an exhaust filter or filter cartridge configured to filter the exhale air before the exhale air exits the face covering 140. The audio subsystem 120 includes one or more speakers or one or more earbuds configured to receive audio signals from other computing devices and play the received audio signals to the wearer. The one or more speakers or one or more earbuds may be connected to the face covering 140 or the attachment member 150. The audio subsystem 120 may also include one or more microphones configured to receive user’s voice, allowing the user to give voice commands, receive phone calls, or perform other functions that requires a microphone.

[00157] The noise reduction subsystem 180 includes a noise reduction microphone configured to receive surrounding noise (including, but not limited to, noise generated by the fans of the air circulation subsystem, or noise generated by vehicle, airplane, or any surrounding machine) and provide feedback or feedforward to the audio subsystem 120 to cause the audio subsystem 120 to emit a sound wave with the same amplitude of the surrounding noise but with inverted phase to the surrounding noise to cancel out the surrounding noise. The light subsystem 170 includes one or more LED light(s) that may be embedded anywhere on the face covering or the attachment member 150. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the light subsystem 170 is coupled to the air circulation subsystem 110. In some embodiments, the light subsystem 170 include first and second light subsystems 170R, 170L. The first light subsystem 170R may extend or be disposed around a perimeter of the first air circulation subsystem 110R and the second light subsystem 170L may extend or being disposed around a perimeter of the second air circulation subsystem 170L.

[00158] In embodiments, the air circulation subsystem 110, the light subsystem 170, the noise reduction subsystem 180, and/or the audio subsystem 120 are powered via one or more rechargeable lithium batteries. A power charging port 190 is disposed at a lower side of the face covering 140 configured to charge the one or more rechargeable lithium batteries. Further, in embodiments, these electronic components can be continuously used while the batteries are being charged. Additional details about each of these components are further described below with respect to the rest of the figures.

[00159] Figures ID and IE illustrate a front view of the smart mask 100 when the smart mask 100 is worn or not worn by a wearer. Figures IF and 1G illustrate a right-side view and a left side view of the smart mask 100, when the smart mask 100 is worn by a wearer. Figures 1H and II illustrate a right-side view and a left side view of the smart mask 100 when the smart mask 100 is not worn.

[00160] As illustrated in Figures ID through II, the smart mask 100 includes a face covering 140, an attachment member 150, an air circulation subsystem 110R on the right side of the face covering 140, an air circulation subsystem 110L on the left side of the face covering 140, an exhaust subsystem 160, an audio subsystem 120R, 120L, a light subsystem 170R, 170L, one or more controller(s) 130R, 130L, an ANC subsystem 180, and a charging port 190. The face covering 140 is configured to cover a face area of a wearer. The attachment member 150 is configured to attach the face covering 140 onto the face area of the wearer. The air circulation subsystem 110R, 110L is configured to draw outside air into the face area, such that the wearer can breathe easily, and the air in the face area is kept cool and dry. In embodiments, the air circulation subsystem 110R, 110L may further be coupled to an inhale filtration subsystem (which will be further described later with respect to Figures 3A-3G) configured to filter the outside air before the outside air is drawn into the face area of the face covering. In some embodiments, the air circulation subsystems 11 OR, 110L protrude out from an outer surface of the face covering 140.

[00161] The exhaust subsystem 160 is configured to purge the exhaled air out of the face area. In some embodiments, the exhaust subsystem 160 may also be coupled to an exhale filtration subsystem (which will be further described later with respect to Figures 3H-3J) configured to filter the exhale air before releasing the exhale air out of the face covering. The ANC subsystem 180 includes an ANC microphone (which will be further described later with respect to Figures 4A and 4B) configured to receive surrounding noise and provide feedback or feedforward to the audio subsystem 120. The light subsystem 170R, 170L includes one or more LED lights (which will be further described later with respect to Figures 5A-5D) configured to create a flow effect around the air circulation subsystem 11 OR, 110L. The control ler(s) 13 OR, 130L are configured to control the air circulation subsystem 110R, 110L, the audio subsystem 120R, 120L, and the ANC subsysteml80. [00162] The air circulation subsystem 11 OR and 110L includes a right portion 11 OR placed on a right side of the face covering 140, and a left portion 110L placed on a left side of the face covering 140. The exhaust subsystem 160 is placed below the air circulation subsystem 110R, 110L. The audio subsystem 120R, 120L, includes a pair of earbuds 120R and 120L. The attachment member 150 may be a selectively adjustable band, including one or more adjustable buckles 152R and 152L configured to adjust the size of the band.

[00163] Further, referring to Figures 1H and II, in some embodiments, each of the pair of earbuds 120R, 120L further includes a magnetic portion or a metal portion 122R or 122L, and the attachment member 150 also includes a pair of magnetic portions or metal portions 154R, 154L near the pair of earbuds on the right side 150R or left side 150L, such that when the earbuds are not worn, they are configured to be secured to the corresponding magnetic portion or metal portion 154R, 154L of the attachment member 150.

[00164] In some embodiments, each side of the air circulation subsystem 11 OR or 110L includes a fan configured to draw outside air into the face area of the face covering. In some embodiments, each side of the air circulation subsystem 11 OR or 110L further includes an inhale filtration subsystem, including (but not limited to) a filter receptacle, a filter, and a removable puck 111R or 11 IL. The filter receptacle is configured to receive a filter cartridge for filtering the outside air before the air is drawn into the face area. The filter cartridge may be designed to meet various standard ratings, such as N95, N99, or N100. The fan is configured to draw outside air through the corresponding filter cartridge into the face area. The fan not only can help a wearer to breathe easily, but also prevent moisture and heat from building up in the face area. The removable puck 111R or 11 IL is configured to cover the corresponding filter cartridge or fan.

[00165] As illustrated in Figures ID through II, the smart mask 100 further includes one or more controllers 130R and 130L. Figure 1J further illustrates an enlarged view of the right controller(s) 130R and the left controller(s) 130L of the smart mask 100. In embodiments, one or more right controllers (e.g., buttons) 130R are positioned on the right side of the face covering, and one or more left controllers (e.g., buttons) 130L are positioned on the left side of the face covering 140. Referring to Figure 1J, the left controller(s) 130L is configured to control the audio subsystem 120R, 120L. In embodiments, the left controller(s) 130L includes a volume up button 132L, a volume down button 136L, and a center button 134L. A wearer may use the volume up button 132L or volume down button 136L to control the volume of the audio subsystem. A wearer may use the center button 134L to pause or play a song or audio file. A wearer may also use the controllers 132L, 134L, and/or 136L to fast-forward, rewind, and/or skip a song or audio file, by pressing or tapping the controllers 132L, 134L, and/or 136L once, twice, three times, and/or long- pressing, etc.

[00166] On the other side, the right controller(s)130R are configured to control the air circulation subsystem 110, the active noise cancellation (ANC) subsystem 180, and the light subsystem 170. In embodiments, the controller 130R includes a fan button 132R, an ANC button 134R, and a light button 136R. A wearer may use the fan button 132R to turn on or off the air circulation subsystem 110, use the ANC button 134R to turn the ANC subsystem on or off, and use the light button 136R to turn on or off the light subsystem. In some embodiments, the air circulation subsystem 110 includes one or more fan(s), which may be configured to operate at different speeds (e.g., low, medium, high, etc.), and the fan button 132L may further be used to control the speed of the fan(s). In some embodiments, the light subsystem may include one or more light source(s) configured to emit a light beam at different intensities, and the light button 134L may further be used to control the intensities of the light.

[00167] As illustrated in Figures 1A-1J, the face covering 140 of the smart mask 100 includes a body which is at least partially covered by water resistant, skin-friendly, and lightweight material or fabric. Inside the fabric, various structural elements may be implemented to allow the above-described technical components to be embedded in the body of the face covering 100. In some embodiments, the body of face covering may include a front frame configured to receive and secure various technical components, a back frame, and an outer frame configured to receive the back frame. The front side is a side exposed to the outside when the smart mask 100 is worn by the user. The back side is a side that covers a user’s face when the smart mask 100 is worn by the user.

[00168] Figures 2A-2G illustrate various back side views of exemplary structural elements of a body 200 of a face covering of a smart mask (hereinafter also referred to as the “face covering body”). Figures 2H-2K illustrate various front side views of exemplary structural elements of the face covering body 200.

[00169] Figures 2A and 2D illustrate a back side of the face covering body 200, showing an outer frame 210 and a back frame 230. The outer frame 210 constitutes an outer edge of the face covering body 200. The back frame 230 is mounted on the outer frame 210. The outer frame 210 and the back frame 230 are configured to cover a face of a user. The back frame 230 includes a center area 222, a left fan area 224, a right fan area 226, and a bottom exhale area 228. The center area 222 has a concave portion that has a contour similar to users’ nose. The left and right fan areas 224 and 226 are substantially planar. The direction and angle of the left and right planar fan areas 224, 226 are configured to fit to a shape of users’ face. Further, each of the left and right fan areas 224, 226 also has a vent area that includes one or more apertures to allow inhale air to come in. The bottom exhale area 228 also has an opening configured to allow exhale air to pass out. In embodiments, the back frame 230 is mounted on the outer frame 210 via snap-on latches and/or one or more screws. [00170] Figures 2B, 2C, and 2E further illustrates views of the face covering body 200 when the back frame 230 is removed. When the back frame 230 is removed, a back side of a front frame 250 is shown. Various electronic components are housed between the front frame 250 and the back frame 230. As illustrated in Figures 2B, 2C, and 2E, one or more circuit board(s) 242, 244, one or more fans 252, 254, and an exhaust filter 260 of the exhaust subsystem are disposed between the front frame 250 and the back frame 230. The circuit board(s) 242, 244 may be a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to support and electrically connect the different electronic components using conductive tracks, pads, and other features. One or more processor(s) may also be coupled to the circuit board(s) 242, 244 to control the different electronic components. Further, the circuit board(s) 242, 244 may also be coupled to a rechargeable battery 247. These rechargeable batteries 247 may be 5-volt batteries configured to power the different electronic components, such as the fan(s) 224, 227, the earbuds or speakers, the microphone(s), and the processor(s).

[00171] Referring to Figure 2C, each fan 252, 254 is configured to be inserted and secured in the corresponding opening of the front frame 250. Figures 2F and 2G illustrate enlarged perspective views of the back side of the front frame 250. A charging port 246 is connected to the right-side circuit board 244 configured to charge the batteries 247 coupled to the circuit board 242, 244. The charging port 246 may be any standard port, including (but not limited to) a USBC port, a micro-USB port.

[00172] Referring to Figure 2E, the back side of the front frame 250 also has an aperture coupled to an ANC microphone 249. The ANC microphone 249 may be placed on or next to the circuit board 242 and/or the fan 252. The ANC microphone may also be powered by the batteries 247 coupled to the circuit board 242. The ANC microphone is configured to detect various noise, such as the noise generated by the fan, and send the detected noise to the audio subsystem via the circuit board 242. 244. [00173] In some embodiments, the front frame 250 is further coupled to one or more magnetic portions 248, and the frame of the filter cartridge 282, 284 includes a metal portion configured to be attracted secured by the magnetic portion(s) 248.

[00174] Figures 2H-2K illustrate different front side views of structural elements of the face covering 200. Figures 2H-2J illustrate a front side of the front frame 250. As illustrated, a top portion of outer frame 210 is attached to the front frame 250. The front frame 250 includes a center portion 253, a left portion 255, a right portion 256, a left edge 258, and a right edge 259. At each of the left edge portion 258 and 259, there are a plurality of small openings, each of which is configured to allow a control button 130R, 130L connected to the circuit board 242, 244 to pass through.

[00175] Referring to figures 21 and 2J, on each of the left portion 254 and right portion 256, there is a larger opening having a bracket 292, 294 attached thereto. The bracket 292. 294 may constitute a filter receptacle configured to receive an intake filter cartridge 282, 284. At the same time, the bracket 292, 294 may also be a support portion for the light subsystem configured to hold one or more LED lights. In embodiments, each bracket 292. 294 is circular shaped, and an LED light 296, 298 is mounted at the center of the bracket 292, 294. Alternatively, in some embodiments, multiple LED lights are disposed along the outer edge of the frame to form a ring. The intake filter cartridge 280 is annular shaped configured to fit the bracket 292, 294. The hollow center and/or the outer edge of the annular intake filter cartridge 282, 284 allows the LED light 296, 298 to pass through. The pucks 272, 274 are configured to cover and hold the corresponding filter cartridge 282, 284 in place.

[00176] Further, to allow air to flow into the intake filter cartridge 282, 284, each puck 272, 274 is configured to be secured at a position that is slightly above the edge of the bracket 292, 294 (and/or the edge of the opening of the outer frame 210), such that a gap is formed between each puck 272, 274 and the edge of the corresponding opening of the outer frame 210. The gap, a particular texture of the pucks 272, 274 and/or a particular texture of the outer frame 210 allow the LED light 296, 298 to shine through to create a glowing effect. Figures 2L2J further illustrate that each of the puck 272, 274 is removably attached on the edge of the opening of the outer frame 210. In embodiments, each puck 272, 274 may have a plurality of snap-on latches or serrated edges configured to engage with the edge of the opening of the outer frame 210 or the bracket 290. [00177] Referring to Figure 2E, in some embodiments, a magnetic component 248 is included on each side of the circuit board 242, 244, or the front frame 250. The position of the magnetic component 248 is near and/or under the bracket 292, 294 of Figures 21, 2J. In embodiments, the filter cartridge 282, 284 may include a metal frame configured to be attracted by the magnetic component 248 placed under the bracket 292, 294 to help secure the filter cartridge 282, 284 in place.

[00178] As illustrated in Figures 2K, the various electronic components are disposed between the front frame 250 and the back frame 230. When the front frame 250 is removed, the various electronic components and the back frame 230 would be exposed. As illustrated, one or more fans 252, 254, the circuit board, and a plurality of control buttons are exposed. A charging cable is inserted into the charging port configured to charge the batteries coupled to the circuit board. Various electrical cords, conductive tracks 257, and/or pads are configured to connect the batteries, the circuit board, the fans 252, 254, the ANC microphone, the audio subsystem, and/or control buttons to each other.

[00179] Figures 2L-2T further illustrate perspective views of various components of the face covering body 200. Figures 2L, 20, and 2Q illustrate different perspective views of the back frame 230 of the face covering body 200. Figures 2M, 2P, and 2R illustrate different perspective views of the face covering body 200 when the back frame 230 is removed. Figures 2N, 2S, and 2T illustrate different perspective views of different portions of the face covering body 200 near the charging port. As illustrated, each fan is mounted under the corresponding light frame, filter cartridge, and puck. When the fan is turned on, the outside air is drawn through the filter cartridge into the interior side of the face covering body 200. On the other side, the exhaled air passes through the exhaust subsystem to the front side of the mask.

[00180] Figure 2U illustrates an exploded view of the face covering body 200, including an outer frame 210, a back frame 230, and a front frame 250. The back frame 230 is placed between the outer frame 210 and the front frame 250. The front frame 250 is configured to receive the inhale filtration subsystem and the LED light subsystem. The fan(s), printed circuit board(s), and an exhale filtration subsystem are housed between the front frame 250 and the back frame 230 and coupled to the back frame 230.

[00181] Turning now to Figures 3 A-3 J, the illustrated are the inhale filtration subsystem 310 (corresponding to the air circulation subsystem 110 of Figures. 1D-1I), including the inhale filtration subsystem and the exhaust subsystem 320 (corresponding to the exhaust subsystem 160 of Figures 1D-1I) in more details. Referring to Figure 3 A, the inhale filtration subsystem 310 includes an intake filter or filtering cartridge configured to filter the outside air before the outside air enters the face area of the face covering; and the exhale subsystem 320 includes an exhaust filter or filtering cartridge configured to filter the exhale air before the exhale air exits the face covering. The intake filter corresponds to the filter 282, 284 of Figures 21 and 2J. The exhaust filter corresponds to the filter 260 of Figures 2B-2C and 2E. In some embodiments, the intake filter(s) for the inhale filtration subsystem 310 is a triplelayered antimicrobial antiviral copper-woven DEKA Fab filter configured to kill 99.9% of bacteria.

[00182] Figure 3B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the inhale filtration subsystem 310 configured to be embedded in an opening of the front frame 230 of the face covering body 200. In embodiments, the inhale filtration subsystem 310 includes a bracket 312 (corresponding to the bracket 292, 294 of Figures 21 and 2J), a filter cartridge 314 (corresponding to the filter cartridge 282, 284 of Figures 21 and 2J), and a puck 316 (corresponding to the puck 272, 274 of Figures 21 and 2J). The bracket 312 is a circular shaped bracket having a protrusion portion at the center. The filter cartridge 314 is an annular shaped filter configured to fit on the bracket 312. The protrusion portion of the bracket 312 is configured to pass through the hollow center of the annular shaped filter cartridge 314 to secure the filter cartridge 314 in place. The puck 316 is configured to hover over the filter cartridge 314, i.e., substantially cover the filter but leave a gap between the filter cartridge 314 and the puck 316 to allow inhale air to flow through.

[00183] In some embodiments, the protrusion portion of the bracket 312 further includes an LED light 318 (which corresponds to the LED light 296, 298 of Figures 2I-2J). The LED light 318 is configured to shine through the gap between the puck and the filter to create a glow effect. In some embodiments, the puck 316 may be transparent or semi-transparent, such that the LED light 318 may at least partially shine through the puck 316. In some embodiments, multiple LED lights are evenly disposed along the outer edge of the bracket 312 to form a ring, and the ring of the LED lights is configured to shine through the edge of the puck 316.

[00184] Figure 3C further illustrates an outer frame 210 of the face covering body 200, on which the pucks 316 are removed. When the pucks 316 are removed, the filter cartridge(s) 314 (314R or 314L) is exposed to a user, and the user can easily replace the filter cartridge(s) 314 if needed. In some embodiments, each bracket or the corresponding area of the back frame further includes a magnetic portion (e.g., magnetic portion 248 of Figure 2E), and each filter cartridge 314 includes a metal frame 313 configured to be attracted by the magnetic portion, as illustrated in Figure 3D.

[00185] The filter cartridge 314 may be made from various materials including (but not limited to) (1) an FDA-approved antimicrobial DEKA Fab filtration material, (2) an FDA- approved DEKA Fab copper-woven Cupron fibers, (3) polypropene infused copper oxide DEKA fab filter, (4) active antiviral filtration material, (5) antimicrobial filtration material, (6) uniquely antimicrobial and antiviral filtration material, and/or (7) high-quality breathable filtration material. In some embodiments, the filter cartridge 314 is configured to eliminate 99.9% of bacterial and/or 99.9% of all aerosol-based pathogens. In some embodiments, the filter cartridge 314 has a bacterial filtration efficiency (BEF) greater than 98%. In some embodiments, the filter cartridge 314 has a sub-micron particulate efficiency (PFE) at 0.1 um and/or greater than 98%. In some embodiments, the filter cartridge 314 has a breathability of 122mm Hg. In some embodiments, the filter cartridge 314 may be washable and/or replaceable.

[00186] The inhale filtration subsystem 310 is configured to filter the outside air drawn into the face area of the face covering body 200 by the air circulation subsystem. Figures 3E-3G further illustrate the air circulation subsystem in detail. The air circulation subsystem includes one or more fans 322, corresponding to the fans 252, 254 of Figures 2B, 2C. The fan 322 includes a nose, a plurality of blades 325, and a mounting frame 323. In some embodiments, the fan 322 may be configured to run at multiple speeds. In some embodiments, the fan 322 may have a quiet mode, in which the ANC subsystem is automatically turned on. The fan 322 is configured to be mounted on the back frame 230, the circuit board 242, 244, or a separate frame structure coupled to the back frame 230.

[00187] The fan may have a dimension of 25x25x6 mm. the fan may be rated as about 5 volts and 13000 RPM ±15% at rated voltage. The air flow of the fan may be about 3.0 CFM, and the acoustic noise of the fan may be about 24.8 dB(A).

[00188] The air circulation subsystem also includes one or more inhale vent areas on each of the outer frame 210 and back frame 230 of the face covering 200 to allow the air to flow through. Figures 3F and 3G further illustrate a back frame 230 and a front frame 250 of the face covering body 200. Referring to Figure 3F, the back frame 230 includes two inhale vent areas 326, each of which having a plurality of openings corresponding to the shape of the fan blades. Referring to Figure 3G, the front frame 250 also includes two inhale vent areas, each of which having a plurality of openings corresponding to the shape of the fan blades. In particular, each of the inhale vent area 326 or 328 is disposed at each of the left side and right side of the back frame 230 or the front frame 250 corresponding to the area where the fan 252, 254 is disposed. Each of the inhale vent areas 326, 328 is configured to allow the air blown by the fan(s) 322 to flow through from the outside of the face covering body 200 into the face area of the face covering body 200.

[00189] The face covering body 200 also includes an exhaust subsystem having an exhale filtration subsystem. Figures 2H-2J illustrate the exhaust subsystem and the exhale filtration subsystem in further details. Figure 3H illustrates a back frame 230 of the face covering body 200, and an exhale vent area 332 is disposed at a lower portion of the back frame 230. The exhale vent 332 allows the exhale air to pass through. Figure 31 illustrates a back frame 230 of the face covering body 200 having an opening, and an exhaust filter or filter cartridge 324 is disposed at the opening. The exhaust filter or filter cartridge 324 is configured to filter the exhale air before the exhale air exists the face covering body 200. As illustrated, the exhaust filter 324 may be a DEKA FAB filter having a dimension of 26mm x 26mm. Figure 3 J illustrates a bottom view of the face covering body 200. One or more slot-shaped filter exhausts or vents 326 are disposed at a bottom area of the outer frame 210. The vent area 326 of the outer frame 210 are configured to let the filtered inhale air to be drawn into the face covering body 200.

[00190] In embodiments, the inhale and exhale filtration subsystems include two intake filters and one exhaust filter. Each of the two intake filters and the exhaust filter may be made from HEPA grade filter pleated material to maximize air intake and exhaust efficiency. Figure 3K further illustrates another example embodiment of intake filter. In some embodiments, an outer diameter of the intake filter is about 42 mm, an inner diameter of the intake filter is about 10 mm, and a thickness of the intake filter is about 9 mm. In some embodiments, the intake filter is made from H12 HEPA having a BEF level greater than 98. The sealing method of the intake filter may include thermoplastic elastomer TPE overmolding with 2 mm thickness. The breathing filter area is about 40-50 cm ² .

[00191] Figure 3L illustrates another example embodiment of exhaust filter. In embodiments, the exhaust filter has a size of about 22 mm long, 10 mm wide, and 12 mm height. The exhaust filter may also be made from H12 HEPA having BEF level greater than 98. In embodiments, the sealing method may be thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) overmolding with 1 mm to 1.5 mm thickness; and the breathing filter area is about 10-15 cm ² . [00192] Figure 3M illustrates another example embodiment of intake filter having a plurality of internal splines in a center thereof. The internal splines are configured to receive a structure having a plurality external splines, such that the internal splines and external splines engage to each other to prevent the intake filter from rotating. Figure 3N illustrates another example embodiment of an exhaust filter having a tab at a center area of a side wall. The tab positioned at a center area allows easier removal or replacing of the exhaust filter from the face covering.

[00193] Figure 30 illustrates a front view of the front frame of the face covering having two intake filters of Figure 3M and an exhaust filter of Figure 3N installed therein. Figure 3P illustrates a back view of the back frame of the face covering having two intake filters of Figure 3M and an exhaust filter of Figure 3N installed therein.

[00194] Figure 3Q illustrates an example of structures of the intake filter having a ring and a pleated portion filled inside the ring. In some embodiments, the ring is made from TPE or sponge. The pleaded portion is made from fabric sheets, such as (but not limited to) polyester or cotton sheets.

[00195] Figure 3R illustrates an example of structures of the exhaust filter having a shell and a pleated portion filled inside the shell. The shell may be a box shaped having substantially rectangular sides. In some embodiments, the shell is made from TPE. The pleated portion is made from fabric sheets, such as (but not limited to) polyester or cotton sheets.

[00196] Figure 3S illustrates an intake filtration system implement an intake filter of Figure 3M. As illustrated, the front frame has an opening, through which a protrusion portion having multiple external splines configured to receive the intake filter. The external splines correspond to the internal splines of the intake filter to prevent the intake filter from rotating.

[00197] In some embodiments, a washer may be placed between the puck or cover and the intake filter. Figures 3T and 3U illustrate examples of washer configured to provide a cushion between the intake filter and the puck cover. In Figure 3T, a washer having a flat top and a tubular portion configured to fit inside the center of the intake filter. Note, this type of washer is likely preferable to be used with the intake filter that has a smooth hollow center. Figure 3U illustrates a flat washer having a small hollow center configured to provide a cushion between the intake filter and the protrusion portion that receives the intake filter. Note, this type of washer is likely preferable to be used with the intake filter having splines at the center.

[00198] In some embodiments, the protrusion portion for receiving the intake filter and the puck further includes a male screw portion; the puck further includes a female screw portion; and the female screw portion of the puck and the male screw portion of the protrusion portion are configured to be attached to each other.

[00199] Figure 3 V illustrates an example of male screw portion of a protrusion portion having a spline portion and a male screw portion. Figure 3W illustrates an enlarged view of the screw portion. As illustrated, the screw portion is at a tip of the protrusion portion. A spline portion of the protrusion portion is below the screw portion having multiple external splines. In embodiments, the intake filter has a hollow center with multiple internal splines that configured to fit the multiple external splines of the spline portion. An annular-shaped washer is placed on top of the intake filter, and the screw portion protrudes through the hollow center of the annular-shaped washer. Various mechanism may be implemented to form the spline portion and the screw portion.

[00200] Figures 3X and 3Y illustrate an example embodiment of the spline portion and the screw portion. As illustrated in Figure 3X, the screw portion has a screw end and a cylindrical end. As illustrated in Figure 3Y, the spline portion has a hollow center that is configured to receive the cylindrical end of the screw portion.

[00201] Figure 3Z illustrates an example of a puck having a female screw portion configured to be coupled to the male screw portion of Figure 3W. Figure 3AA illustrates an enlarged view of the female screw portion of the puck. Figure 3AB illustrates a side view of the puck having an arched profile. In some embodiments, the arched profile has a height about 5 mm.

[00202] Figure 3 AC illustrates an operation of attaching the puck having a female screw portion onto a protrusion portion having a male screw portion. As illustrated, the puck is rotated to cause the female screw to be attached to the male screw portion to cover the intake filter, yet to leave a small space between the intake filter and the puck via the washer.

[00203] Figure AD illustrates additional examples of puck that has a female screw portion. In some embodiments, the puck includes a puck cover and a screw nut coupled to the puck cover. In some embodiments, the female screw is a 5 mm screw nut with a click feel recess. In some embodiments, the click feel recess includes a plastic pin configured to interfere with attachment between the male screw portion and the female screw portion to provide the click feeling. In some embodiments, the puck is colored or coated via an anodizing process.

[00204] As previously discussed, the face covering body 200 also includes an ANC subsystem configured to automatically cancel certain noise (e.g., the noise generated by the fan). The ANC subsystem includes an ANC microphone 249 coupled to the back frame 230 or the circuit board 242, 244. Figure 4 A illustrates a front side of the back frame 230 of the face covering body 200, having an aperture 410 configured to allow sound (generated from the outside of the face covering body 200, such as ambient noise) to pass through and reach the microphone 249 (see Figure 2E) coupled to the back frame 230. Figure 4B illustrates the back side of the back frame 230 of the face covering body 200, also having an aperture 420 configured to allow sound (from the face area of the face covering body 200, such as voice command) to pass through to reach the microphone 249 coupled to the back frame 230 (see Figure 2E).

[00205] In some embodiments, more than one microphone is implemented in the smart mask, and the microphones 249 are not only configured to receive the noise generated inside and outside of the smart mask, but also configured to receive voice of the wearer. For example, the noise reduction system allows the wearer’s voice during phone calls to be clearer and/or eliminates mask-muffled phone calls. In some embodiments, two electret condenser microphone (ECM) miniature condenser microphones are implemented, and each of which is placed in one side of the back frame 230 of the face covering body 200. In some embodiments, one or more micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) microphone(s) are implemented as part of the noise reduction subsystem. In some embodiments, a Qualcomm® cVc audio 8 ^th generation technology is implemented. In some embodiments, Qualcomm® aptX™ is supported. In some embodiments, quad-core processing, dual core 32-bit processor application subsystem, a dual core Qualcomm® Kalimba™ Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Audio subsystem, and/or processors having extremely low power design may be implemented. In some embodiments, an embedded ROM, RAM, and/or external Q- SPI Flash memory is used in the audio subsystem and/or the ANC subsystem. In some embodiments, the ANC subsystem is a comprehensively programmable digital ANC subsystem designed for reduced eBoM through highly integrated SoC design.

[00206] Also, as previously discussed, the face covering body 200 may include one or more light subsystems. Figures 5A-5C illustrate example embodiments of the light subsystems. As illustrated, a light source is placed under each puck 510 (corresponding to the puck 272, 274 of Figure 21, 2J) and configured to shine through the edge 520 of the puck 510. Referring to Figure 5C, when the puck 510 is removed, a bracket540 (corresponding to the bracket292, 294 of Figures 21-2 J) and the light source 530 (corresponding to the LED light 296, 298) are exposed to the user. The light source 530 may be a LED light configured to be attached to a center of the bracket 540. The LED light may be configured to emit a light of different colors, wavelengths, patterns, and/or intensities. A user may be allowed to control the color, wavelengths, pattern, and/or intensity of the light via the control button 136R. In some embodiments, the puck 510 may also be transparent or semi-transparent, such that the light emitted by the light source 530 may also at least partially shine through the puck 510. In some embodiments, the light may be configured to indicate the on/off or speed status of the fan(s). In some embodiments, the light may also be configured to indicate the on/off status of the audio subsystem. In yet some embodiments, the light may also be configured to indicate the power level of the battery and to prompt the user to charge the smart mask 100 when the power level is low.

[00207] In some embodiments, the light may be an LED ring. Figure 5D illustrates an example LED ring, along which there are a plurality of LED lights. For example, in some embodiments, 12 pieces of 1.6x0.8x0.6mm LEDs may be evenly distributed on a circular shaped printed circuit board (PCB).

[00208] In some embodiments, the LED lights may have different daytime and/or nighttime glow power settings. In some embodiments, the LED lights may be configured to create various special light effects, such as glowing effect created by a particular texture of the pucks and/or a particular surface texture of the inner side or outer side of the pucks, and/or flashing effect created by flashing the LED lights at a particular frequency or pattern. [00209] Additionally, in some embodiments, the light subsystem may further include one or more ultraviolet LED light configured to emit ultraviolet light for sanitizing the filter(s), the fan(s), and the various surfaces of the components of the face covering body 200.

[00210] Finally, the smart mask 100 also includes an audio subsystem. The audio subsystem may include a pair of earbuds. Figures 6A-6C illustrates an example embodiment of the audio subsystem 600, which may be a pair of built-in high sound quality Bluetooth earbuds 612, 614 that are coupled to the face covering body 200. In some embodiments, each of the earbuds 612, 614 may be configured to be removably secured at a magnetic docking station 622, 624 that is coupled to the attachment member 150 of the smart mask 100. In some embodiments, the docking station 622, 624 may include contact connections for charging the earbud 612, 614. Alternatively, the earbuds are connected to the batteries inside the face covering via cables.

[00211] Further, the earbuds 612, 614 may also be configured to receive signals from the ANC microphone to generate a sound wave with the same amplitude but with inverted phase to the surrounding noise to cancel out the surrounding noise. In some embodiments, the earbuds 612, 614 are voice assistant ready. In some embodiments, a single tap at a control button (or any control buttons) would allow the user to accept phone calls. In some embodiments, a user can also turn on and off noise cancellation mode by pressing the ANC button. In some embodiments, the earbuds are configured to receive audio boom sounds via Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.

[00212] Figures 6D further illustrate an exploded view of an example earbud 612. The earbud 612 includes an ear tip 631, an ear pad 632, a cap 633 a cone 634, an ear cup 635, and a disk 636. The ear pad 632 may include a dust film preventing dust from getting into the interior of the earbud. Between the cap 633 and the disk 636, there may be various electronic components, including (but not limited to) a micro driver, a printed circuit board, a processor, a battery, and/or an antenna.

[00213] Figure 6E further illustrates two perspective views of the earbud 612 of Figure 6D. The ear tip 631 may have a plurality of different sizes, such as small, medium, and large. The ear tip 631 may be made from silicone, having VDI18 mold texture. The cap 633, the ear cup 635, the cone 634, and the disc 636 may be made from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), having VDI18 mold texture. There may be an acoustics mesh coupled to the cap 633 and under the ear tip 631. In some embodiments, the earbud 612 also has a cable 637 configured to connect the earbud 612 to the audio subsystem’s printed circuit board inside the mask. In some embodiments, the cable is about 2.2 mm diameter, wrapped by fabric.

[00214] In some embodiments, the two earbuds are designed as non-detachable. As illustrated in Figure 6F, each of the earbuds includes a cable connected to the audio subsystem board. The length of the cable may have a few predetermined sizes, such as small/medium size of 120 mm, medium/large size of 140 mm.

[00215] Note, even though the embodiments illustrated in the figures use rechargeable batteries, it is not necessary that rechargeable batteries are required. In some embodiments, the smart mask 100 may be configured to be powered by disposable batteries. Also, there may be any number of batteries embedded in the face covering body 200. For example, a separate battery may be coupled to each of the left side and/or right side of the face covering 200.

[00216] Further, in some embodiments, a temperature sensor may be coupled to at least one of the earbuds 120 to detect an inner-ear temperature of the wearer. In some embodiments, a heart rate monitor may be coupled to the attachment member 150 to detect a heart rate of the wearer. In some embodiments, the network interface(s) is configured to connect to a user terminal (e.g., a mobile device) and/or a cloud service to transmit status data and/or grant control of the smart mask 100 to the user terminal. For example, the user terminal may be required to install a mobile app associated with the smart mask 100. After installing the mobile app, the user terminal is allowed to receive various status data and sensor data from the smart mask 100, and the user terminal is also able to control the smart mask 100 via the mobile app, such as turn on or off the air circulation subsystem, turn on or off the light sources, and/or turn on or off the audio subsystem.

[00217] Figure 7 illustrates an example architecture of the smart mask 700, which corresponds to the smart mask 100 of Figures 1 A through 6D. As illustrated in Figure 7, the smart mask 700 includes a face covering 740, an attachment member 730, an air circulation subsystem 710, an inhale filtration subsystem 714, an exhaust subsystem 720, an audio subsystem 770, an ANC subsystem 774, a light subsystem 780, one or more power source(s) 760, and one or more controlled s) 750. The face covering 740 is configured to cover a face area of a wearer. The attachment member 730 is configured to attach the face covering 740 onto the face area of the wearer. The air circulation subsystem 710 is powered by at least one of the one or more power source(s) 760 and configured to filter outside air and draw the filtered outside air into the face area. The exhaust subsystem 720 is placed below the air circulation subsystem and configured to purge exhaled air out of the face area. The one or more controlled s) 750 is configured to control the smart mask 700, including but not limited to the air circulation subsystem 710, the audio subsystem 770, the ANC subsystem 774, and the light subsystem 780.

[00218] The inhale filtration subsystem 714 includes one or more vent areas in each of the front frame and back frame and a filter cartridge placed in the air path between the vent areas of the front frame and back frame to filter the air flowing through the vent areas.

[00219] In embodiments, the air circulation subsystem 710 includes an inhale filtration subsystem 714 that includes one or more fan(s), which may be configured to run at different speeds. Each of the one or more fan(s) is powered by at least one of the one or more power source(s) 760 and configured to draw outside air through the inhale filtration subsystem into the face area.

[00220] In some embodiments, the one or more fan(s) includes a left fan placed on a left side of the face area and a right fan placed on a right side of the face area. The inhale filtration subsystem 714 includes a left filter cartridge and a right filter cartridge, each of which corresponds to the left fan and the right fan. In some embodiments, the inhale filtration subsystem 714 also includes one or more filter receptacle(s) (each of which is configured to receive a filter cartridge, and one of more puck(s) (each of which is configured to substantially cover a corresponding filter cartridge). For example, in embodiments, the one or more puck(s) includes a left puck and a right puck, and the one or more filter receptacles includes a left receptacle and a right receptacle. The left receptacle is configured to receive the left filter cartridge, and the right receptacle is configured to receive the right filter cartridge. The left puck is configured to cover the left filter cartridge, and the right puck is configured to cover the right filter cartridge. In some embodiments, each of the one or more filter receptacle(s) may further include a magnetic portion configured to hold a metal frame of a filter cartridge in place magnetically. In some embodiments, each of the one or more filter receptacle has a circular-shaped recess configured to receive a circularshaped filter cartridge. In some embodiments, each of the one or more fan(s) is configured to operate at different speeds, and the controller 750 is configured to control a speed of the one or more fan(s).

[00221] In some embodiments, the air circulation subsystem 710 also includes an exhale filtration subsystem 716 configured to filter the exhale air before the exhale air exits the face covering 740

[00222] In some embodiments, the smart mask 100 also includes an audio subsystem 870. The audio subsystem 770 is also powered by at least one of the one or more power source(s) 760 and configured to receive a sound signal wirelessly from a user terminal. The controller 750 is further configured to control the audio subsystem 770. In some embodiments, the audio subsystem 770 includes one or more speakers (e.g., a pair of speakers) or one or more earbuds (e.g., a pair of earbuds) 772. In some embodiments, the one or more speakers or earbuds 772 are Bluetooth speakers or Bluetooth earbuds that are configured to receive sound signals from a user terminal via BLE beacons. In some embodiments, each of the earbuds 772 includes a magnetic portion or a metal portion, and the attachment member 730 also includes a pair of magnetic portions or metal portions corresponding to the pair of earbuds, such that when the pair of earbuds are not in use, each of the pair of earbuds is configured to be secured to the corresponding magnetic portion or metal portion of the attachment member 730 magnetically.

[00223] In some embodiments, the audio subsystem 770 also includes an ANC subsystem 774. The ANC subsystem 774 includes an ANC microphone configured to receive voice inputs and/or surrounding noise. The surrounding noise is used to generate feedback or feedforward to the audio subsystem 770, such that the audio subsystem 770 can emit a sound wave with the same amplitude but with inverted phase to the surrounding noise to cancel out the surrounding noise. The one or more controlled s) 750 is further configured to turn on and off the ANC subsystem 774. In some embodiments, when the ANC subsystem 774 is turned off, the microphone 776 can still be used as a regular microphone configured to receive and process voice command(s) from a user. In some embodiments, more than one microphone is implemented in the audio subsystem 770. At least one of the microphones is part of the ANC subsystem 774, and at least another one of the microphones is used for receiving voice from users.

[00224] In some embodiments, the smart mask 700 further includes a light subsystem 780. The light subsystem 780 may include one or more ultraviolet (UV) light source(s) 782 (e.g., one or more UV LEDs) and/or indicator light source(s) 784 (e.g., one or more white or color LEDs). The UV light source(s) 782 and the indicator light source(s) 784 are also powered by at least one of the one or more power source(s) 760. Each of the one or more UV light source(s) 782 and/or the indicator light source(s) 784 may be coupled to a corresponding one of the one or more puck(s), a corresponding one of the one or more filter receptacle(s), and/or a controller. In some embodiments, one or more ultraviolet light sources(s) 782 is positioned around each filter. The UV light source(s) 782 is configured to disinfect the face covering, the filter receptacle, the puck and/or an area around the filter cartridge. The indicator light source(s) 784 may be configured to indicate whether the corresponding fan is on or off, or merely to cause the corresponding puck to glow.

[00225] In some embodiments, the smart mask 700 may also include a temperature sensor 790 and/or a heart rate monitor 792. The temperature sensor 790 may be coupled to at least one of the earbud(s) 772 to detect the inner-ear temperature of a wearer. The heart rate monitor 792 may be coupled to the attachment member 730 to detect a heart rate of the wearer. [00226] In some embodiments, the one or more power source(s) 760 are one or more batteries. For example, each of the earbud(s) may be powered by a separate set of batteries, operating at around 3-4 volts DC power, and each of the fan(s) may be powered by a separate set of batteries, operating at around 5 volts DC power. In some embodiments, the one or more batteries are rechargeable batteries, and the control interface 800 also includes one or more charging port(s) 762 (e.g., USBC port, micro-USB port) for charging the rechargeable batteries.

[00227] In some embodiments, some of the controlled s) 750 may be as simple as a power switch. In some embodiments, the controller(s) 750 may be a computing system that includes one or more processor(s) 752, one or more network interface(s) 754, and one or more control interface(s) 756. A control interface is an interface 756 that allows a user or wearer to interact with the various components of the smart mask 700.

[00228] Figure 8 further illustrates an example control interface(s) 800 that corresponds to the control interface(s) 756 of Figure 7. As illustrated in Figure 8, the control interface(s) 800 includes controller buttons 810, which correspond to the controllers 13 OR and 130L illustrated in Figures 1A through IF and Figures 1J and IK. These controller buttons 810 may include one or more sound controlled s) 812, one or more fan controlled s) 814, one or more light controlled s) 816, and one or more ANC controlled s) 818. When the smart mask 100, 700 includes additional components (e.g., a microphone 776, a heart rate monitor 792, a temperature sensor 790, etc.), additional contact controllers may be implemented to control these additional components.

[00229] In some embodiments, the control interface(s) 800 may also include a voice control 820 that is configured to receive and process voice commands from a wearer. In some embodiments, the voice control 820 may simply be able to recognize a few preprogrammed commands, such as “turn on the fan”, “turn on the light”, etc. In some embodiments, the voice control 820 may include a smart Al component that is configured to process natural language voice commands and perform complex tasks based on the processed natural language voice commands. The control interface(s) 800 may also use wireless interface(s) to communicate with a cloud service 860 and/or a mobile application installed on a user terminal 850 to allow a user to control the smart mask 100, 700 via the mobile application.

[00230] Figure 9A illustrates a schematic diagram of an example system of the smart mask 100, 700. The Bluetooth audio subsystem of Figure 9A corresponds to the audio system illustrated in Figures 6A-6F. In embodiments, the Bluetooth audio subsystem provides full Bluetooth earphone functions to the mask. Users may place phone calls clearly without removing the mask. Meanwhile, users can enjoy high-quality music while wearing a mask. In embodiments, the Bluetooth audio subsystem may include a computer processor having various build-in feed-forward ANC features.

[00231] In particular, the processor is designed to meet the demand for robust, high quality, wireless Bluetooth listening experiences in small devices with low power consumption for longer audio playback. In some embodiments, the processor is also designed to support voice assistants through cloud services. In some embodiments, the processor also features digital active noise canceling (ANC) technology integrated in the system on the chip (SoC) to eliminate the need for an external ANC solution.

[00232] In some embodiments, the Bluetooth audio subsystem (also referred to as the audio subsystem or the earphone subsystem) shares the main battery with the mask subsystem (including the air circulation subsystem and the light subsystem). In some embodiments, the audio subsystem directly takes power from the battery cell and keeps monitoring the battery level. In some embodiments, the audio subsystem is also configured to send the battery level to the user’s mobile terminal (e.g., a mobile phone), allowing the mobile terminal to display the battery level to the user. In some embodiments, when the battery level is lower than a predetermined threshold (e.g., 20%), the audio subsystem generates an alarm. The alarm may be a voice notification and/or a light notification (e.g., having at least one of the LED lights flashes red).

[00233] In some embodiments, the internal structure of the mask is designed to have the left side battery, fan, and LED ring connect to the audio system board, which, in turn, connects the fan controller and power board located at the right side of the mask through flexible printed cables (FPC). As such, other than the connectors, no additional circuit on the audio subsystem board is required for the batteries, fans, and/or LED rings.

[00234] In some embodiments, power is supplied from the charging port to support the audio subsystem in a charging state. FPC is used to connect the audio subsystem board and the mask board. The control buttons and indication LEDs are connected to the audio subsystem board via the FPC. Figure 9B illustrates a diagram of example inner connection(s) on a printed circuit board for the smart mask. [00235] Various FPC connectors may be used to connect the audio subsystem and the mask subsystem. Table-1 (below) illustrates a list of FPC connectors that may be included for connecting the audio subsystem and the mask subsystem. Table-1

[00236] Figure 9C illustrates an example FPC connector, having multiple pins. Table-2 below illustrates a list of pin sequences of the FPC connectors, corresponding to the pins of Figure 9C. Table-2

[00237] Further, as illustrated in Figure 9D, a female connector part is on the printed circuit board, and a male connector part is on the FPC connectors. Figure 9E further illustrates a schematic diagram of the FPC connectors that connects the audio subsystem and the mask subsystem. [00238] In some embodiments, the control buttons, including volume up/volume down, multi -function buttons, red/white LED indicator(s), are connected to the FPC connectors. Figure 9F illustrates a schematic diagram of multiple control buttons connected to the FPC connectors. Table-3 below shows a list of example signals defined at the FPC connectors.

[00239] Table-4 below lists example definitions of a list of battery connector pins.

[00240] Table-5 below lists example definitions of a list of fan connector pins.

[00241] Table-6 below lists example definitions of a list of LED ring connector pins.

Table-6

[00242] Figure 9G illustrates an outline of a printed circuit board and its connectors. In some embodiments, there may be a multi -function control button on the printed circuit board configured as a power on/off control. In embodiments, there are multiple buttons on each of the left side and right side of the mask. On one side of the mask, there is a multi -function control button or ANC button. The audio subsystem can be turned on/off by long-pressing the multi -function control button for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds). In some embodiments, the multi -function control button is configured to control the power of the audio subsystem only. In some embodiments, the multi -function control button is also configured to control ANC related functions, such as switching the audio subsystem between ANC mode, ambient mode, or off mode. In some embodiments, ANC and ambient modes may also be controlled by voice commands via Bluetooth to the audio subsystem board.

[00243] There are multiple buttons on another side of the mask for controlling the fan(s), ANC, and/or LED lights. The fan button may be configured to control various speeds of the fan. For example, a first press of the fan button causes the fan to run at a high speed, a second press of the fan button causes the fan to run at a medium speed, and a third press of the fan button causes the fan to run at a low speed, and a fourth press of the fan button causes the fan to power off. The ANC button is configured control the different ANC mode, ambient mode, and off mode. The LED button is configured to turn on or off the LED light or ring.

[00244] In some embodiments, two microphones are implemented. A first microphone is placed inside the mask towards the user for receiving the user’s voice. In some embodiments, to avoid the direct breath from the user into the first microphone, the first microphone is positioned at one side of the mouth. A second microphone is configured to enable environment noise cancellation. The environment noise include noise from the fan or ambient noise (such as noise generated by wind, motor, or vehicle). In some embodiments, at least one of the microphones (especially the first microphone) is capable of working in a highly humid environment, due to the moisture generated by breath.

[00245] In some embodiments, there are three working modes associated with ANC functions, including an ANC mode, an ambient mode, and an off mode. Users can switch between the three modes by pressing the ANC button. In some embodiments, when the ANC mode is on, the noise reduction level is about 30dB. In some embodiments, the ANC mode is the default mode when the earphone is powered up. The ambient mode may be used to provide additional awareness in an outdoor environment. When the ambient mode is on, external sound can be collected by a microphone and played from the speaker or earphone. For example, when a user is making a conversation with others, the user may choose to use the ambient mode without having to remove the earphone. The off mode is designed for users who may want to use the earphone as a regular Bluetooth earphone without ANC features. In the off mode, both the ANC and ambient functions are turned off.

[00246] In some embodiments, when a user presses the ANC button, a voice prompt is generated, notifying the user which mode is activated. Table-7 below illustrates the functions and voice prompts for different modes. In some embodiments, when the earphone is powered up, the ANC mode is on by default.

Table-7

[00247] Radio frequency (RF) performance of the audio subsystem includes working distance, connection stability, anti-interference, and cross body performance. In some embodiments, working distance in an open space is at least 15 meters, and the Bluetooth earphone is designed to be able to keep stable connections in a complex radio environment, having complex WIFI and Bluetooth coverage. Also, the audio subsystem is designed to have no connection issues when a user puts their phone in a pocket at any posture.

[00248] In some embodiments, the acoustic frequency range of the audio subsystem is in a range about 20Hz to 20KHz. In some embodiments, the speaker(s) or earphone(s) are dynamic speakers about 10.7 mm; the sensitivity of the speaker(s) or earphone(s) is about 113 dB SPL +/- 3dB at reference ImW at IKhz; total harmonic distortion (THD) is less than 1%; and impedance is about 32 Ohm. In some embodiments, the microphone(s) is omnidirectional. Figure 9H illustrates a graph illustrating the sensitivity of an example speaker or earphone at different frequencies. Figure 91 is a graph illustrating THD of an example speaker or earphone at different frequencies.

[00249] In some embodiments, a few different methods may be configured to cause the earphone to enter a pairing mode. For example, in some embodiments, when the earphone is powered up the first time, or after a factory reset, the earphone enters the pairing mode. In some embodiments, every time the earphone is powered up, the earphone first tries to reconnect to a previously paired device. If after a predetermined period (e.g., 15 seconds), the earphone still cannot reconnect to the previously paired device, the earphone enters the pairing mode automatically. In some embodiments, a user can press and hold the Bluetooth multi -function button for a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) from the power off state to make the audio subsystem to enter the pairing mode. In embodiments, the pairing time is about 3-5 seconds. If a connection is lost in the middle of the connection due to link loss (e.g., weak signal), the Bluetooth audio subsystem may be configured to try to reconnect within a predetermined period (e.g., 10 minutes). If the earphone cannot be reconnected to the lost device within the predetermined period, the earphone may also enter the pairing mode. In some embodiments, when the earphone is in the pairing mode for a predetermined period (e.g., 90 seconds) without being able to pair with any device, the earphone is automatically powered off.

[00250] In some embodiments, users are allowed to restore the Bluetooth audio subsystem to a factory condition. For example, a user may press and hold both ANC button and volume up button for a predetermined period to cause the Bluetooth audio subsystem to reset to the factory condition. When the Bluetooth audio subsystem is reset to the factory condition, all the previous pairing histories are cleared. In some embodiments, the Bluetooth audio subsystem cannot be reset when a charger is plugged in, though the audio subsystem is able to work continuously when the charger is plugged in. In some embodiments, when the charger is plugged in, the audio subsystem maintains its current working state (i.e., without resetting, power on, or power off). After the charger is plugged in, a user is allowed to manually perform normal operations, including (but not limited to) power on or off, play music, or make phone calls.

[00251] In some embodiments, the control buttons for the Bluetooth audio subsystem may include multiple tact switches connected to the Bluetooth audio subsystem through FPC cable(s). In some embodiments, at least four buttons are formed on the mask for controlling the Bluetooth audio subsystem, including a volume up button, a volume down button, a multi -function button (for controlling play/pause/Bluetooth power), and an ANC button. Table-8 illustrates various statuses, operations, and actions of each of the control buttons.

Table-8

[00252] In some embodiments, various voice prompts may be played accompanying the operations of the control buttons. For example, when the mask subsystem is powered on, a voice prompt of “mask on” may be played. When the audio subsystem enters a pairing mode, a voice prompt of “ready for pairing” may be played. When a device is paired, a voice prompt of “connected” may be played. When a connection is lost, a voice prompt of “disconnected” may be played. When the battery is low, a voice prompt of “battery low” may be played. When the ANC mode is on, a voice prompt of “noise cancellation on” may be played. When the ambient mode is on, a voice prompt of “ambient on” may be played. When the ANC mode and ambient mode are both off, a voice prompt of “noise cancellation off’ may be played. In some embodiments, when the user adjusts the volume, a sound indication, such as a beep, is played. In some embodiments, when the maximum or minimum volume is reached, a certain sound (e.g., two beeps) may be played. In some embodiments, when the minimum volume is reached, and the user continues to press the volume down button, the headphone may be set to a silent mode.

[00253] In some embodiments, various LED indication logic may be implemented. For example, there may be a green LED on the wearer’s left side underneath the buttons for fan, ANC button, and/or puck lights. The green LED may be placed on the FPC cable that connects with the fan button, indicating the status of the fan. For example, when the fan is on, the green LED is on. There may also be different colored LEDs (e.g., a white LED and a red LED), indicating the status of the mask subsystem and Bluetooth audio subsystem. Table-9 below illustrates the operation corresponding to the LED lights indications.

Table-9

[00254] Further, when the Bluetooth audio subsystem is connected to a smart device (e.g., a mobile phone), the Bluetooth audio subsystem may be controlled over-the-air (OTA) through a mobile app. For example, the Bluetooth audio subsystem may be updated via OTA firmware update. In some embodiments, the audio subsystem is configured to keep monitoring the battery level and sending the battery level to the connected smart device. When the battery level is lower than a predetermined threshold (e.g., 20%), a voice prompt of “battery low” may be played, and/or a red LED is caused to flash. [00255] In some embodiments, the mask subsystem is configured to manage battery charging and protection, fan, LED ring driver, and the control thereof. Figure 9J illustrates schematic diagrams of example circuits for battery management and protection. Figure 9K illustrates schematic diagrams of example circuits for connecting the fan and LED to the FPC connector. Figure 9L illustrates an example battery cell that may be embedded in the smart mask 100. The battery cell may have a capacity of about 735mAh with nominal voltage of about 3.85 volts.

[00256] Because the power consumption of the audio subsystem is less than the mask subsystem, it is advantageous to place the main battery and charging circuit in the mask subsystem. The power of the audio subsystem is supplied from the mask subsystem. In some embodiments, the supply voltage is about 3.7 volts and/or in a range of about 3 volts and 4.6 volts, and the supply current is about 30 mA.

[00257] In some embodiments, there is no charging function on the audio subsystem. The battery charging is performed in the mask subsystem, though the earphone can continue working when the battery is being charged. When the battery is being charged, a charging cable (e.g., a USB charging cable) is inserted into the charging port. In some embodiments, the puck LED(s) blink one or more times to show that power has been established. The LED(s) may remain on until the power is fully charged (e.g., 100% charged); and when the battery is fully charged (i.e., 100% charged), the LED(s) are turned off.

[00258] Figures 9M and 9N illustrate both sides of an example printed circuit board (PCB) having various connectors. The PCB may include a 20-pin FPC connector, a battery connector, a fan connector, a LED ring connector, and an earbud connector. In embodiments, there is a 4 mm clearance in front of each connector in the connector plug direction.

[00259] Figures 10A-10C illustrate example mobile application user interfaces 1000A- 1000C. Figure 4A illustrates an example home page (or default view) 1000A of the mobile application. From the home page of the user interface 1000 A, a user can navigate to various control functions of the smart mask 100, 700. For example, the wearer can tap the heart rate icon 1010A to review his/her current heart rate. Alternatively, or in addition, the heart rate monitor is configured to record the wearer’s heart rate over a period, and the wearer can tap the heart rate icon 1010A to review his/her heart rates over the period. Similarly, the wearer can tap the temperature icon 1020 A to review his/her current body temperature or body temperatures over a period. Further, the wearer may tap the sound control icon 1030 A, the air control icon 1040A, or the light control icon 1050A to enter a separate control interface for controlling the audio subsystem, the air circulation subsystem, and/or the light subsystem.

[00260] In some embodiments, an image 1060A of the smart mask may also be shown in the user interface 1000 A, and the wearer may touch the different parts of the image 1060 A of the smart mask to initiate the control of the corresponding component of the smart mask. For example, the wearer may touch the puck(s) shown on image 1060 A to initiate the control function of the air circulation subsystem and/or the light subsystem. As another example, the wearer may also touch the earbud(s) to initiate the control function of the audio subsystem.

[00261] Figure 10B illustrates an example air control interface 1000B that includes a toggle switch that allows a user to turn on or off the air circulation subsystem. The air control interface 1000B also includes a slider that allows the user to control the speed of the fan. In some embodiments, the user can move a bar to any point of the slider 1020B. In some embodiments, the user can move the bar to a few discrete places, such as at low, medium, high marks.

[00262] Figure 10C illustrates another example user interface 1000C, which only has three control buttons, namely, a sound control button 1010C, an air control button 1020C, and a light control button 1010C. In some embodiments, each of the sound, air, light control buttons 1010C-1030C may be configured to simply turning on or off the sound, air, and/or light subsystem. In some embodiments, when each of the sound, air, light control buttons 1010C-1030C is touched, a separate control user interface is displayed, e.g., the user interface 1000B of Figure 10B. Similar to the user interface 1000A of Figure 10A, the image 1060C of the smart mask in Figure 10C may also be allowed to interact with the user.

[00263] In some embodiments, a wearer first pair the smart mask 100 with a mobile device via the mobile application. After the smart mask 100 is paired with the mobile device, the wearer may then stream music, make calls, and control in mask fans, LED lights, and/or ANC subsystem via the mobile application. In some embodiments, the wearer may also control sound including volume and equalization via the mobile application. In some embodiments, the mobile application may also generate real time notification for filter change and battery life. In some embodiments, the mobile application may also have a chatbot walkie-talkie mode that allows the user to use voice commands to control the smart mask 100 and/or interact with the mobile device. [00264] Note, the user interfaces illustrated in Figures 10A-10C are merely schematic examples. Similar or different user interfaces may be implemented to achieve similar or different functions depending on the model and/or components of the smart mask.

[00265] Figure 11 illustrates another example embodiment of a face covering 1100, which corresponds to the face covering 140 of Figures 1A through 10. The face covering 1100 includes a face seal 1110, a face plate 1120, and a front cover 1140. In some embodiments, the face covering 1100 further includes one or more receptacles 1130 and a USB plug 1150. The receptacles 1130 are disposed between the face plate 1120 and the front cover 1140. The USB plug 1150 is disposed at an edge of the front cover 1140. The USB plug 1150 is configured to receive a USB charging cable for charging a battery of the smart mask. In some embodiments, each receptacle 1130 is configured to receive a filter or filter cartridge.

[00266] In some embodiments, the face seal 1110 includes a silicon cover molded onto the face plate. In some embodiments, the face plate 1120, the receptacle(s) 1130, the USB plug 1150, and/or the front cover 1140 are made from injection-molded polycarbonate (PC). In some embodiments, the front cover 1100 is made from injection molded thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[00267] In some embodiments, the face seal 1110 is interchangeable and/or replaceable. Figure 12 illustrates an example embodiment of the smart mask 1200 having a face seal 1210 that is interchangeable and/or replaceable. In some embodiments, different face seals are configured to accommodate different shapes, sizes, and/or skin conditions of wearers’ faces. In some embodiments, different face seals are configured to have different textures, maintenance requirements, and/or functions based on a wearer’s desire. For example, in some embodiments, the face seal 1210 may be configured to moisturize skin. In some embodiments, the face seal 1210 is configured to be allergy-friendly. In some embodiments, the face seal 1210 is made from a washable fabric, thicker or thinner materials, and/or different colored and/or patterned materials. In some embodiments, the face seal 1210 is made from medical -grade silicone. In some embodiments, the face seal 1210 further includes an FDA-approved coating.

[00268] In some embodiments, the smart mask further includes an air quality sensor configured to generate data associated with surrounding air quality. In some embodiments, the air quality sensor is configured to periodically measure the surrounding air quality. In some embodiments, the air quality sensor is further configured to transmit the data related to the surrounding air quality to the controller of the smart mask and/or a mobile device. In response to receiving the data from the air quality sensor, the controller of the smart mask or the mobile device is configured to suggest actions based on the surrounding air quality. In some embodiments, the mobile device is further configured to visualize the surrounding air quality, e.g., via a mobile app. in some embodiments, the transmission of the data to the mobile device is performed via a wireless connection, such as (but not limited to) a BLE interface, a WiFi interface, and/or an NFC interface, and/or a wired connection, such as (but not limited to) a USB connection.

[00269] In some embodiments, the controller of the smart mask and/or the mobile device is further configured to convert the data associated with surrounding air quality into an indoor air quality (IAQ) index. The controller of the smart mask and/or the mobile device is configured to generate a notification based on the IAQ index. For example, in some embodiments, when the IAQ index is in a range of 0 -50, the IAQ is deemed as excellent; when the IAQ index is in a range of 51-100, the IAQ is deemed as good; when the IAQ index is in a range of 101-150, the IAQ is deemed as lightly polluted; when the IAQ index is in a range of 151-200, the IAQ is deemed as moderately polluted; when the IAQ index is in a range of 201-250, the IAQ is deemed as heavily polluted; when the IAQ index is in a range of 251-350, the IAQ is deemed as severely polluted; and when the IAQ is greater than 351, the IAQ is deemed as extremely polluted.

[00270] In some embodiments, the air quality sensor is further configured to detect levels of biogenic volatile organic compounds (bVOC), such as Ethane, Isoprene, Ethanol, Acetone, and/or carbon Monoxide. In some embodiments, a level of bVOC is measured based on their molar fraction. In some embodiments, when a mass per volume (ppm) of a particular bVOC reaches a predetermined threshold, the controller of the smart mask and/or the mobile device is configured to generate a notification. For example, ethane may have a predetermined threshold of 5 ppm; isoprene, 2-methyl-l, 3 butadiene, and/or ethanol may have a predetermined threshold of 10 ppm; acetone may have a predetermined threshold of 50 ppm, and carbon monoxide may have a predetermined threshold of 15 ppm.

[00271] The air quality sensor may be disposed at different locations of the smart mask, as long as the location has sufficient access to the surrounding air. In some embodiments, the air quality sensor is embedded in the receptacle 1130 of the face covering 1100. Figure 13 illustrates an example embodiment of a face covering 1300 having an air quality sensor 1310 embedded in a receptacle 1320 thereof (which corresponds to the receptacle 1130 of the face covering 1100 of Figure 11).

[00272] Figures 14A and 14B illustrate another example embodiment of a face covering 1400 having an air quality sensor 1430 disposed on a filter holder 1420 configured to hold a filter cartridge 1410 in place. As illustrated in Figures 14A and 14B, the filter cartridge 1410 is configured to be inserted into a receptacle 1450 of the face covering 1400. The filter holder 1420 is configured to be placed on top of the filter cartridge 1410 and the receptacle 1450 to hold the filter cartridge 1410 in place. The air quality sensor 1430 is disposed on top of the filter holder 1420. A puck 1440 is configured to be attached to the filter holder 1420 to cover the air filter sensor 1430. In some embodiments, the puck 1440, the air filter sensor 1430, and the filter holder 1420 are assembled together as a single cover piece, and a user can simply open and close the cover piece to replace the filter cartridge 1410.

[00273] Figure 14C further illustrates an example embodiment of a face covering comprising the receptacle 1450, the filter cartridge 1410, the filter holder 1420, the air quality sensor 1430, and the puck 1440. As illustrated in Figure 14C, the air quality sensor 1430 is connected to a main board 1460 via a pair of wires 1462. In some embodiments, the air quality sensor 1430 may also be connected to the main board via one or more pogo pins. [00274] In some embodiments, the smart mask further includes a breathing pattern monitor configured to monitor a wearer’s breathing pattern. In some embodiments, the breathing pattern monitor includes a pressure sensor embedded in the face plate 1220 of the face covering 1100. Figure 15A illustrates an example face covering 1500 (which corresponds to the face covering 1100 of Figure 12) having a pressor sensor 1510 embedded therein. The pressure sensor 1510 is configured to capture data associated with pressure between the face of the wearer and the face covering 1500A, which can then be processed by the controller of the smart mask and/or a mobile device to identify a breathing pattern of the wearer and/or well-being state of the wearer.

[00275] Figure 15B illustrates an example process of converting the pressure data into a breathing pattern. When a wearer is inhaling, the pressure between the face covering 1500A and the face of the wearer increases; when the wearer is exhaling, the pressure between the face covering 1500A and the face of the wearer decreases. Based on the fluctuation of the pressures, the controller of the smart mask and/or the mobile device can determine a rate and/or depth of respiration of the wearer, which forms a breathing pattern. The breathing pattern can further be analyzed to determine a well-being state of the wearer. [00276] Figure 15C illustrates a plurality of different breathing patterns that correspond to different well-being states of the wearer. For example, when a eupnea breathing pattern is detected, e.g., a respiration rate is between 12 and 20 per minute, it is likely that the wearer is in a normal state. When a bradypnea breathing pattern is identified, e.g., a respiration rate is lower than 10 breaths per minute, it is likely that the wearer is in CVA diabetic coma and/or in sleep, and/or the wearer has a head injury, increased ICP, a metabolic disorder, opioid overdose. When a tachypnea breathing pattern is identified, e.g., the breathing of a wearer is fast, shallow, and a respiration rate is greater than 24 breaths per minute, it is likely that the wearer is being anxious, exercising, having a fever, and/or being shocked. When a hyperpnea breathing pattern is identified, e.g., the breathing of a wearer is deep and regular, and a respiration rate is at a normal rate, it is likely that the wearer is having diabetic ketoacidosis or emotional stress. When a Kussmaul breathing pattern is identified, e.g., breathing of a wearer is regular, rapid, and deep, it is likely that the wearer is having diabetic ketoacidosis, metabolic acidosis, and/or renal failure and/or is exercising. When a hypopnea breathing pattern is identified, e.g., breathing of a wearer is shallow and regular, and a respiration rate of the wearer is at a normal rate, it is likely that the wearer is being anxious, obese, and/or in shock, and/or having asthma, hyperventilation, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, sedatives, and/or tonsilitis. When an ataxic breathing pattern is identified, e.g., breathing of a wearer is irregular, disorganized, and varying in depth, it is likely that the wearer is having a stroke, cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and/or medullary brain trauma. When a biot breathing pattern is identified, e.g., breathing of a wearer is irregular, disorganized with periods of apnea, it is likely that the wearer had brain trauma, central nerve system (CNS) disorder, CVA, opioid overdose, and/or spinal meningitis. When a Cheyne-stokes breathing pattern is identified, e.g., breathing of a wearer includes increasing depth followed by apnea, it is likely that the wearer has altitude sickness, brain stem injury, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, chronic heart failure (CHF), CVA, increasing increased intracranial pressure (ICP), metabolic encephalopathy, and/or uremia. When an air trapping breathing pattern is identified, e.g., breathing of a wearer includes increasing expiratory difficulty, it is likely that the wearer has asthma, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, chronic bronchitis, and/or emphysema. When an obstructive breathing pattern is identified, e.g., breathings of a wearer includes prolonged expirations, it is likely that the wearer has asthma, and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When a sighing breathing pattern is identified, e.g., breathing of a wearer includes regular breathing with frequent deep breaths, it is likely that the wearer is anxious and/or fatigue, and/or has asthma and/or hyperventilation syndrome. When an apneustic breathing pattern is identified, e.g., breathings of a wearer includes prolonged inspirations and expirations, it is likely that the wearer has brain stem lesion, CVA, and/or brain stem injury. When an agonal breathing pattern is identified, e.g., breathings of a wearer includes occasional reflex driven gasps, it is likely that the wearer has anoxia, cardiac arrest, cerebral ischemia, and/or hypoxia. When an apnea breathing pattern is identified, e.g., absence of breathing, it is likely that the wearer is having CVA, brain trauma, and/or deceased.

[00277] In some embodiments, the controller of the smart mask or the mobile device is further configured to identify normal or abnormal breathing patterns based on each particular wearer’s historical breathing patterns. For example, each person’s base breathing rate can be different. In some embodiments, the smart mask or the mobile device is configured to train a machine learning model to identify normal or abnormal breathing patterns based on each wearer’s historical breathing patterns.

[00278] In some embodiments, the controller and/or the mobile device are further configured to recommend actions based on an identified breathing pattern and/or well-being state. For example, when a breathing pattern indicates that an anxiety level of a wearer is high, the analysis application can suggest doing relaxation activities like mediation.

[00279] In some embodiments, the smart mask further includes one or more fans. In some embodiments, a speed of the one or more fans can be switched automatically based on data detected via the breathing pattern monitor.

[00280] Figures 16A-16C illustrate an example embodiment of a smart mask having a breathing pattern monitor and a fan that can be automatically controlled based on a breathing pattern detected by the breathing pattern monitor. For example, as shown in Fig. 16B, in response to determining that the wearer is fairly relaxed, the fan is adjusted to low speed. As shown in Fig. 16C, in response to determining that the wearer is getting anxious, the fan is adjusted to high speed.

[00281] In some embodiments, the facemask and/or the fan(s) have an auto mode and/or a manual mode. When the smart mask and/or the fan(s) are in the auto mode, the speed of the fan(s) is adjusted based on a resistance of breathing of a wearer detected by a pressure sensor of the breathing pattern monitor to ensure there is sufficient airflow for the wearer. In some embodiments, when the smart mask and/or the fan(s) are in the manual mode, a wearer can adjust a speed of the fan manually, such as (but not limited to) among three different speeds, namely, high, medium, and low. In some embodiments, the mode can be looped through by pressing the fan button shown in Figure 16A with a predetermined logic. For example, an example of a predetermined logic can be auto mode -> high -> medium -> low -> off.

[00282] In some embodiments, the filter cartridge configured to be inserted into the receptacle 1130 of the face covering 1100 further includes an NFC tag encoded with an identifier of the filter cartridge and/or a URL associated with the filter cartridge. Figure 17A illustrates an example embodiment of a filter cartridge 1700A having an NFC tag 1710A embedded therein. As illustrated, the NFC tag 1710A is customized to be in a shape outlining a bottom of the filter cartridge 1700A and disposed at the bottom of the filter cartridge 1700A. Figure 17B illustrates another example embodiment of a filter cartridge 1700B having an NFC tag 1710B embedded therein. As illustrated in Figure 17B, the NFC tag 1710B is disposed at a center of the filter cartridge 1700B. In some embodiments, a thickness of the NFC tag 1710A or 1710B is about 0.3 mm, and a color of the NFC tag 1710A or 1710B can also be customized.

[00283] The NFC tag 1710A or 1710B is readable by any NFC reader. For example, a mobile device having an NFC reader is configured to read the NFC tag of the filter cartridge. In response to reading the NFC tag, the mobile device may be configured to open the mobile app associated with the smart mask or be directed to a webpage associated with the filter cartridge and/or the smart mask.

[00284] In some embodiments, the receptacle 1130 of the smart mask also includes an NFC reader configured to read the NFC tag of the filter cartridge. Figure 17C illustrates an example embodiment of the receptacle 1700C having an NFC reader 1710C configured to read an NFC tag 1710A of filter cartridge 1700A (or an NFC tag 1710B of filter cartridge 1700B) in response to receiving the filter cartridge 1700A or 1700B.

[00285] In some embodiments, in response to reading an NFC tag 1710A or 1710B of filter cartridge 1700A or 1700B, a timer associated with the filter cartridge is set by the controller of the smart mask or the mobile device. When the timer is up (or is about to be up), the smart mask or the mobile device is configured to generate a notification. In some embodiments, the notification is indicated by an LED light, a beeper, and/or via a mobile app. In some embodiments, the mobile device is configured to show a number of usage hours or the percentage of the service life of the filter cartridge by receiving the signal from the mask after scanning the NFC tag by the mobile device. In some embodiments, wearers can scan a brand-new filter cartridge by using their NFC-enabled mobile device to load information like a quick start guide to learn about the filter cartridge. In some embodiments, in response to installing the filter cartridge into the facemask, the NFC tag is read by the facemask, and a service life of the filer is automatically measured by the facemask or the mobile device.

[00286] Figure 18 illustrates a system 1800 for tracking a service life of a filter cartridge. The system 1800 includes a filter cartridge 1810 with an NFC tag 1820 (which corresponds to the filter cartridge 1700A, 1700B of Figures 17A or 17B), a smart mask 1850 (which corresponds to the smart mask 100 of Figures 1A-1O), and a mobile device 1840. In some embodiments, the smart mask 1850 includes an NFC reader configured to read the NFC tag 1820 and extract an identifier 1830 from the NFC tag 1820. The smart mask 1850 is further configured to be paired with the mobile device 1840 and transmit data read from the NFC tag 1820 to the mobile device 1840. In some embodiments, the mobile device 1840 is also configured to read the NFC tag 1820 associated with the filter cartridge 1810 and extract an identifier 1830 from the NFC tag 1820. The identifier 1830 may be assigned by a manufacture of the filter cartridge or a distributor of the filter cartridge. In some embodiments, the identifier 1830 is a unique identifier 1830, such that each filter cartridge has a different unique identifier 1830.

[00287] In response to obtaining the identifier 1830 from the NFC tag 1820, smart mask 1850 or the mobile device 1840 is configured to register the filter cartridge 1810 in a data structure based on the identifier 1830. In response to registering the filter cartridge 1810, smart mask 1850, or the mobile device 1840 then causes a timer associated with the registered filter cartridge 1810 to be set. The length of the timer may be set by the wearer, the manufacture, and/or the distributor of the filter cartridge. Generally, the length of the timer is related to a recommended service life of the filter cartridge. When the timer is up, the smart mask 1850 or the mobile device 1840 is configured to generate a notification, reminding a user to replace the filter cartridge 1810 with a new filter cartridge. When the user replaces the filter cartridge 1810 with a new filter cartridge (which is associated with a new NFC tag), the new NFC tag can again be read by the smart mask 1850 and/or the mobile device 1840 to cause a new timer to be set. This process may repeat as many times as necessary. For example, each time the user replaces a used filter cartridge with a new filter cartridge, the process may repeat. [00288] In some embodiments, the mobile device 1840 is further configured to receive a user input, indicating adding a new filter cartridge when a new filter cartridge is to be used. In some embodiments, a mobile application is installed at the mobile device 1840 configured to receive the user input. In response to receiving the user input, the mobile device 1840 activates a reader configured to read the NFC tag 1820 associated with the to-be-added filter cartridge.

[00289] In some embodiments, the system for tracking a service life of a filter cartridge further includes a server computer system. Figure 19 illustrates such a system 1900, including a filter cartridge 1910 (corresponding to the filter cartridge 1810) associated with an NFC tag 1920 (corresponding to the NFC tag 1820), a smart mask 2170 (corresponding to the smart mask 100 of Figures 1A-1O) and a mobile device 1940 (corresponding to the mobile device 1840) configured to read the NFC tag 1920. The system 1900 further includes a server computer system 1960 configured to communicate with the mobile device 1940 and/or the smart mask 1970 over a network 1950. In some embodiments, the smart mask 1970 and/or the mobile device 1940 functions as a user agent configured to read the NFC tag 1920, extract the identifier 1930 from the NFC tag 1920, and transmit the identifier 1930 to the server computer system 1960, causing the server computer system 1960 to set a timer. [00290] In some embodiments, a user can install a mobile application or access a web application via a web page. The user can also use the mobile application or the web application to register a user account with the server computer system 1960. Once a user account is registered, the server computer system 1960 assigns an identifier to the user account. When the user opens up the mobile application or the web application, the user can interact with the mobile application or the web application to add a filter cartridge.

[00291] After reading the NFC tag 1920 and extracting the identifier 1930 from the NFC tag 1920, the smart mask 1970 and/or the mobile device 1940 transmits the identifier 1930 associated with the NFC tag 1920 and the identifier associated with the user account to the server computer system 1960. In response to receiving the identifier 1930 associated with the NFC tag 1920 and the identifier associated with the user account, the server computer system 1960 registers the filter cartridge 1910 with the corresponding user account and sets a timer associated with the registered filter cartridge 1910.

[00292] In some embodiments, when the timer is up, the server computer system 1960 is configured to send a message to the mobile device 1940 via the network 1950. In response to receiving the message from the server computer system 1960, the smart mask 1970 and/or the mobile device 1940 is configured to generate a notification (e.g., play a sound, display a notification icon, send a text message), reminding the user to replace the filter cartridge 1910 with a new filter cartridge. When the user replaces the filter cartridge 1910 with a new filter cartridge (which is associated with a new label), the new label is read by the mobile device 1940, and the new filter cartridge can be registered, and a new timer is set to track the service life of the new filter cartridge.

[00293] Notably, there may be many different users associated with many different user accounts, and the server computer system 1960 is configured to register different filter cartridges for each user account, and set different timers for different users.

[00294] The mobile device 1840, 1940 may be a mobile phone, a tablet, or any handheld device. Figure 20 illustrates an example architecture of a mobile device 2000. The mobile device 2000 includes one or more processors 2010, one or more memories 2020, one or more storage devices 2030, and one or more readers 2040. The one or more readers 2040 are configured to read a label associated with a filter cartridge (e.g., a disposable face mask or a disposable filter cartridge). An operating system 2050 is installed on the storage devices 2030 and loaded in the memories 2020. Further, one or more applications 2052 are also installed on the storage devices 2030. At least one of the applications 2052 is a filter cartridge tracking application 2054 configured to track a service life of a filter cartridge.

[00295] Figure 21 illustrates an example architecture of a server computer system 2100. The server computer system 2100 may include one or more computer systems that host one or more data systems, web applications, and mobile applications. The server computer system 2100 includes one or more processors 2110, one or more memories 2120, and one or more storage devices 2130. An operating system 2140 is installed on the one or more storage devices 2130 and loaded in the one or more memories 2120. One or more applications 2150 are also installed and/or hosted by the server computer system 2140.

[00296] In some embodiments, the one or more applications 2150 include a user data management application 2152 configured to manage user data. For example, in some embodiments, the user data management application 2152 is configured to register new user accounts and update existing user accounts. In some embodiments, the one or more applications 2150 further includes a shopping application 2156 configured to allow users to order new filter cartridges. In some embodiments, one or more applications 2150 also include a timer application 2154 configured to set one or more timers for each of the user accounts. In some embodiments, a new timer is set when a user starts to use a new filter cartridge. Such a timer may be an N-hour timer, where N is a natural number. In some embodiments, N is a number between 2 and 96. When such a time is up, the timer application 2154 sends a first message to a mobile device of the user, causing the mobile device to generate a first notification reminding the user to replace the currently being used filter cartridge with a new filter cartridge. In some embodiments, a new timer is set when a user orders a new set of filter cartridges. Such a timer may be M-day timer, where M is a natural number. In some embodiments, M is a number between 3 and 180. When such a timer is up, the timer application 2154 sends a second message to a mobile device of the user, causing the mobile device to generate a second notification reminding the user to purchase more new filter cartridges.

[00297] Figure 22 illustrates an example embodiment of setting one or more timers at a smart mask 1850, 1970, a mobile device 1840, 1940, 2000, or a server computer system 1960, 2100 for generating notifications. The horizontal arrow represents a time axis 2220. A timer on the right side of the time axis 2220 occurs after a timer on the left side of the time axis 2220. As illustrated, a first timer 220-1 starts at time Ti l and ends at time T12, lasting N hours, where 2<N<96. The first timer 220-1 is set when a label associated with a first filter cartridge is read by the mobile device 1840, 1940, 2000. When the first timer 220- 1 is up at time T12, a first notification 221-1 is generated to remind the user to replace the first filter cartridge with a second filter cartridge.

[00298] When a label associated with the second filter cartridge is read by the smart mask 1850, 1970, and/or the mobile device 1840, 1940, 2000 at time T21, a second timer 220-2 is set. The second timer 220-2 starts at time T21 and ends at time T22. When the second timer 220-2 is up at time T22, a second notification 221-2 is generated to remind the user to replace the second filter cartridge with a third filter cartridge.

[00299] Again, when a label associated with the third filter cartridge is read by the smart mask 1850, 1970, and/or the mobile device 1840, 240, 300 at time T31, a third timer 220-3 is set. The third timer 220-3 starts at time T31 and ends at T32. Again, when the third timer 220-3 is up at time T32, a third notification 221-3 is generated to remind the user to replace the second filter cartridge with a fourth filter cartridge. This process may repeat as many times as necessary. For example, an Mth timer 221-N starts at time TM1 and ends at time TM2. When the Mth timer 220-M is up at time TM2, an Mth notification 221-M is generated, reminding the user to replace the Mth filter cartridge with an (M+l)th filter cartridge. [00300] In some embodiments, each of the timers 220-1, 220-2, . . . , and 220-M is an N- hour timer, such that the timer is up after N hours has passed, where N is a natural number. In some embodiments, N is a number between 2 and 96. For example, the timer may be an 8 hour timer, a 24 hour timer, etc. The length of the timer may be set by the manufacture of the filter cartridges, the distributor of the filter cartridges, and/or the user of the filter cartridges. For example, a manufacture of filter cartridges may recommend that the service life of a filter cartridge be 24 hours, a more cautious user of a filter cartridge may set the timer to be a shorter-1 ength timer (e.g., 8 hours), and a less cautious or more frugal user of the same filter cartridge may set the timer to be a longer-length timer (e.g., 24 hours).

[00301] In some embodiments, another timer 2230 is set for reminding a user to purchase additional filter cartridges. As illustrated, the timer 2230 has a length that is M times N-hour timers, where M is also a natural number. In some embodiments, M is a number between 5 and 180. As such, the timer 2230 is up after M N-hour timers are up, which causes another notification to be generated, reminding the user to purchase additional filter cartridges. In some embodiments, the timer 2230 is a multiple-day timer that is up every several days. In some embodiments, the timer 2230 is based on a total number of N-hour timers. For example, each box of filter cartridges includes 12 individual filter cartridges. After 12 N- hour timers, timer 2230 is up, reminding the user to purchase another box of filter cartridges. Alternatively, or in addition, after 30 days without the user ordering any filter cartridges, the timer 2230 is up, and a notification is generated to remind the user to purchase more filter cartridges.

[00302] Figure 23 illustrates an example data structure 2300 that links user accounts data 2310, filter cartridge usage data 2320, and purchase transactions data 2330. In some embodiments, each user can register a user account, and user data associated with each user is stored in a corresponding user account (which is also referred to as user accounts data 2310). The user accounts data 2310 may be stored in a first data structure (e.g., a first table). When each filter cartridge is added to a user account, a timer for the filter cartridge is set. Data associated with consumables usage (also referred to as filter cartridge usage data 2320) include (but are not limited to) the identifier of each filter cartridge, a start time of the timer, an end time of the timer, and/or a status of the timer. The filter cartridge usage data 2320 may be stored in a second data structure (e.g., a second table). Data associated with purchase transactions (also referred to as purchase transactions data 2330) include (but are not limited to) a purchase time, a number of filter cartridges that are purchased, an identifier of a user who purchased the filter cartridges. The purchase transactions data 2330 may be stored in a third data structure (e.g., a third table).

[00303] The first data structure (for storing the user accounts data 2310), the second data structure (for storing the filter cartridge usage data 2320), and the third data structure (for storing the purchase transactions data 2330) may be configured to link to each other, such that each user can use their user account to query purchase transactions and filter cartridges associated with the user account. Manufacture of the filter cartridges and the retailers of the filter cartridges can also query the purchase transactions data 2320 and filter cartridge usage data 2320 to identify consumer behavior.

[00304] Figure 24A illustrates an example user interface 2400A of a mobile application showing a timer associated with a filter cartridge. The user interface 2400A includes a visualization 2410A showing a count-down timer. As illustrated, the visualization 2410A is a sector of a circle. When the count down timer is started, the whole circle is shown in the user interface 2400A. As the timer counts down, the sector of the circle in the user interface 2400A reduces accordingly. Further, the time left may also be shown in textual format in or next to the sector of the circle. For example, if the count down timer is a 24-hour timer. After an hour passes, 23 hours are left. The sector of the circle that is 23/24 of the whole circle is shown in the user interface 2400A, and a textual phrase “23 hours left” is shown in the sector of the circle. In some embodiments, the user interface 2400A may also include additional selectable buttons 2420 A, 2430 A, 2440A configured to allow a user to buy filter cartridges, add a new filter cartridge (e.g., add a filter cartridge), and show the user how to use the filter cartridges or the mobile application.

[00305] Figure 24B illustrates an example user interface 2400B of a mobile application configured to scan an NFC tag associated with a filter cartridge. The user interface 2400B includes a visualization 2450B that shows a view of the camera. The camera is configured to capture an NFC tag 2452B associated with the filter cartridge. Similar to the user interface 2400A, the user interface 2400B may also include additional selectable buttons 2420B, 2430B, 2440B configured to allow a user to buy filter cartridges, add a new filter cartridge, and show the user how to use the filter cartridges or the mobile application. When the user touches the button 2430B, an NFC reader is activated, and the visualization 2450B shows an NFC reader interface.

[00306] In some embodiments, users can select different types of filter cartridges based on their desire. Figure 25 illustrates different types of filter cartridges which may be manufactured for different purposes and providing different functions. For example, in some embodiments, a filter cartridge is a charcoal filter cartridge or a copper-woven filter cartridge. In some embodiments, the filtering material includes pleated paper or cloth, fiberglass, and/or UV blocking material. In some embodiments, a filter cartridge further contains an additional substance for cold, flu, allergy relief and/or aromatherapy, odorblocking, and/or humidifying or misting. In some embodiments, a filter cartridge further contains CBD and/or THC substances for pain relief or recreational purposes. In some embodiments, a filter cartridge is further configured to block UV light, block certain odors, and/or humidify a nearby area.

[00307] Figures 26A - 26E further illustrate an example embodiment of receptacle(s) and a corresponding filter cartridge configured to be received by the receptacle(s). Figure 26 A illustrates a face covering 2600 A includes two receptacles 2610 A, 2620 A (corresponding to the receptacles 1230 of Figure 12), each of which is configured to receive a filter cartridge 2630A or 2640A. Figures 26B-26E illustrate example embodiments of filter cartridge 2630A, 2640A. The filter cartridge 2630A, 2640A includes an outer frame. Figures 26B and 26C illustrate examples of an outer frame 2600B, 2600C of filter cartridge 2630 A, 2640A. The outer frame 2600B is made from molded TPE. The outer frame 2600C is made from TPE with additives, such as (but not limited to) fragrance additives. The outer frame 2600B, 2600C is arch-shaped with a tap at a side for easy grab. Figures 26D and 26E illustrate that a filtering material is disposed inside the outer frame 2600B, 2600C to form a filter cartridge. As illustrated in Figure 26D, in some embodiments, the outer frame of filter cartridge 2600D is completely filled with filtering material. As illustrated in Figure 26E, filter cartridge 2600E further includes an inner frame 2610E. In some embodiments, the inner frame 2610E includes a dispensing system configured to contain and dispense a substance, such as (but not limited to) an aromatic substance, odor cleansing substance, and/or medicinal substance, including (but not limited to) CBD, asthma aid, etc. In some embodiments, the filtering material or the substance contained in the inner frame 2610E is configured to humidify or mystify the face area of the wearer.

[00308] In some embodiments, the receptacle 1130 of the intake filter cartridge further includes an LED ring. In some embodiments, the LED ring includes a circular housing configured to house a plurality of LEDs. Figures 27A and 27B illustrate an example embodiment of a receptacle 2700 (corresponding to the receptacle 1130 of Figure 12) including an LED ring 2710. The LED ring 2710 includes a circular housing configured to house a plurality of LEDs 2712 configured to emit light. In some embodiments, the plurality of LED lights include 12 LEDs.

[00309] In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figures 27A and 27B, a puck 2720 is configured to be attached to the receptacle 2700. In some embodiments, the receptacle 2700 includes a magnet piece, and the puck 2720 includes a metal piece configured to be magnetically attached to the receptacle. Figures 27C and 27D illustrate different views of an example puck 2720. In some embodiments, the puck 2720 includes an edge 2722 configured to reflect the light generated by the LEDs to create a glow along the edge 2722 of the puck 2720.

[00310] Figure 27E illustrates another embodiment of the LED ring 2710 having a circular housing. In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figure 27E, the circular housing is a circular translucent plastic housing configured to diffuse the light generated by the plurality of LEDs.

[00311] Figure 27F illustrates a front side of the face covering with the LED ring being lit up. In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figure 27F, light emitted by the LEDs 2712 is diffused by the housing and reflected by the edge 2722 of the puck 2720 to create a glowing ring 2730.

[00312] In some embodiments, the smart mask further includes an LED indicator configured to indicate functions and/or statuses of the smart mask, including (but not limited to) Bluetooth pairing status, on/off status, power status, and/or charging status. Figures 28A and 28B illustrate examples of a smart mask having an LED indicator 2810 A, 2810B disposed near one or more controls of the smart mask. The LED indicator can be in any shape, such as (but not limited to) oblong shaped (as shown in Figure 28A), or circular shaped (as shown in Figure 28B).

[00313] Figure 28C illustrates an enlarged view of an LED indicator 2800C (which corresponds to the LED indicator 2810A of Figure 28 A). In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figure 28C, the LED indicator includes a red LED 2810C, green LED 2820C, a blue LED 2830C, and a white LED 2840C. Notably, red, green, and blue are primary colors, and additional colors of light may be produced by mixing red, green, and blue LEDs 2810C, 2820C, 2830C. For example, yellow light can be produced by the red and green LEDs 2810C, 2820C, purple light can be produced by the red and blue LEDs 2810C, 2830C, and cyan light can be produced by the green and blue LEDs 2820C, 2830C. Further, blinking different colored LEDs at different frequencies would produce different light patterns, which can also be used as different indications.

[00314] Figure 28D illustrates examples of light patterns corresponding to functions and/or statuses of smart mask 2800D. In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figure 28D, when the smart mask 2800D is powered on, the white LED blinks; when the smart mask 2800D is in paring mode, the white and blue LEDs blink; when the smart mask 2800D is paired, the white LED turns on; when the smart mask 2800D is powered off, the blue LED blinks; when the fan of the smart mask 2800D is powered on, the green LED turns on; when the battery of the smart mask 2800D is low, the red LED turns on; when battery of the smart mask 2800D is charging, the yellow LED (a combination of red and green LEDs) blinks; and when the battery of the smart mask 2800D is fully charged, the green LED turns on.

[00315] In some embodiments, the LED indicator and the LED ring are both configured to generate signals indicating the functions and/or statuses of the smart mask. Figure 28E illustrates an example of different LED colors and statuses of LED ring. As illustrated, the LED indicator can have the white LED on, the yellow LED on (e.g., a combination of red and green LEDs on), the red LED on, the blue LED on, green LED on, and all LEDs off; and the LED ring can also be turned on or off.

[00316] Figures 28F and 28G illustrate examples of signals generated by a combination of the LED indicator and the LED ring. As illustrated, in some embodiments, when power is turned on, the white LED is blinking, and the LED ring is off. As illustrated in Figure 28F, in some embodiments, when the smart mask is in charging mode (i.e., a USB cable is plugged in), yellow LED pulses (i.e., blinking slowly), and the LED ring is turned on. In some embodiments, when the battery level is low while headphones are connected, the white LED is on, then the red LED is on, and the LED ring is off. In some embodiments, a voice notification is also generated via the headphones. In some embodiments, when the smart mask is in pairing mode, blue and white LEDs alternate, indicating that the smart mask is ready for pairing. In some embodiment, when the smart mask is turned on while no paired device is nearby, the smart mask automatically enters the pairing mode. In some embodiments, when the smart mask is paired with a device, the white LED is turned on. In some embodiments, when the headphones are turned on while charging, the yellow LED pulses, then the white LED blinks, and then blue and white LEDs alternate until the smart mask is paired with a device. [00317] As illustrated in Figure 28G, in some embodiments, when the battery level is low, e.g., < 20%, the red LED is turned on. In some embodiments, when the fan is powered on, the green LED is turned on. In some embodiments, when headphones are turned on while the LED ring is on, the green LED is turned on, then the white LED blinks, and then blue and white alternate until the smart mask is paired. In some embodiments, when the smart mask is fully charged, the green LED, and the LED ring are both turned on. In some embodiments, when the LED ring is turned on, the green LED is also turned on. In some embodiments, when headphones are turned on while the fan is also powered on, the green LED is turned on, then the white LED blinks, and then blue and while alternate until the smart mask is paired.

[00318] In some embodiments, the filter cartridge 2630A or 2640A is an intake filter cartridge configured to filter air drawn into the face area of the wearer. In some embodiments, the smart mask further includes a third receptacle configured to receive an exhaust filter cartridge for filtering air breath out by the wearer. Figures 29A through 29D illustrate an example embodiment of the third receptacle 2910 and a corresponding exhaust filter cartridge 2920.

[00319] Figure 29A illustrates a back view of a face covering 2900. Figure 29B illustrates a side view of the face covering 2900. A back side of the face covering 2900 has the third receptacle 2910 configured to receive an exhaust filter cartridge 2920. Figures 29C and 29D illustrate different views of the exhaust filter cartridge 2920. The exhaust filter cartridge 2920 is configured to optimize an efficiency and comfort for exhalation. In some embodiments, a breathing area of the exhaust filter cartridge 2920 is about 20 cm ² to 16 cm ² . In some embodiments, a resistance of the exhaust filter cartridge 2920 is about 350 pa to 300 pa.

[00320] In some embodiments, the exhaust filter cartridge 2920 also includes an NFC tag encoding an identifier of the exhaust filter cartridge 2920 or a URL of a webpage associated with the exhaust filter cartridge 2920; and the third receptacle 2910 also includes an NFC reader configured to read the NFC tag of the exhaust filter cartridge 2920. In some embodiments, the controller of the smart mask and/or a mobile device is also configured to set a timer in response to reading the NFC tag of the exhaust filter cartridge 2920, and when the timer is up or about to be up, the smart mask and/or the mobile device is also configured to generate a notification, prompting the wearer to replace the exhaust filter cartridge 2920. [00321] In some embodiments, LEDs may also be disposed next to the third receptacle 2910 to create various light effects. In some embodiments, a breathing pattern monitor may be embedded in or near the third receptacle 2910. In some embodiments, additional sensors may also be embedded in or near the third receptacle 2910 to detect additional biometric data, such as whether the wearer is likely to be infected with certain virus and/or bacteria, and/or wearer’s temperatures.

[00322] In some embodiments, the smart mask includes at least one microphone. The at least one microphone includes a first microphone on an inside of the face covering toward a wearer for capturing a voice of the wearer. Figure 30 illustrates a back view of an example face covering 3000 having a first microphone 3010 disposed thereon. The first microphone 3010 is positioned away from an area where the breathing sound of nostril is generated. The first microphone 3010 is also humidity resistant. In some embodiments, the at least one microphone further includes an external noise cancellation microphone configured to cancel external noise. In some embodiments, the at least one microphone further includes an internal noise cancellation microphone configured to cancel internal noise (e.g., breathing sound).

[00323] Finally, because the principles described herein may be performed in the context of a computing system (for example, the one or more controlled s) o the smart masks may be a computing system, and the user terminal may be a computing system) some introductory discussion of a computing system will be described with respect to Figure 11. [00324] Computing systems are now increasingly taking a wide variety of forms. Computing systems may, for example, be handheld devices, appliances, laptop computers, desktop computers, mainframes, distributed computing systems, data centers, or even devices that have not conventionally been considered a computing system, such as wearables (e.g., glasses). In this description and in the claims, the term “computing system” is defined broadly as including any device or system (or a combination thereof) that includes at least one physical and tangible processor, and a physical and tangible memory capable of having thereon computer-executable instructions that may be executed by a processor. The memory may take any form and may depend on the nature and form of the computing system. A computing system may be distributed over a network environment and may include multiple constituent computing systems.

[00325] As illustrated in Figure 31, in its most basic configuration, a computing system 3100 typically includes at least one hardware processing unit 3102 and memory 3104. The processing unit 3102 may include a general -purpose processor and may also include a field- programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other specialized circuit. The memory 3104 may be physical system memory, which may be volatile, non-volatile, or some combination of the two. The term “memory” may also be used herein to refer to non-volatile mass storage, such as physical storage media. If the computing system is distributed, the processing, memory and/or storage capability may be distributed as well.

[00326] The computing system 3100 also has thereon multiple structures often referred to as an “executable component”. For instance, memory 3104 of the computing system 3100 is illustrated as including executable component 3106. The term “executable component” is the name for a structure that is well understood to one of ordinary skill in the art in the field of computing as being a structure that can be software, hardware, or a combination thereof. For instance, when implemented in software, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the structure of an executable component may include software objects, routines, methods, and so forth, that may be executed on the computing system, whether such an executable component exists in the heap of a computing system, or whether the executable component exists on computer-readable storage media.

[00327] In such a case, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the structure of the executable component exists on a computer-readable medium such that, when interpreted by one or more processors of a computing system (e.g., by a processor thread), the computing system is caused to perform a function. Such a structure may be computer- readable directly by the processors (as is the case if the executable component were binary). Alternatively, the structure may be structured to be interpretable and/or compiled (whether in a single stage or in multiple stages) so as to generate such binary that is directly interpretable by the processors. Such an understanding of example structures of an executable component is well within the understanding of one of ordinary skill in the art of computing when using the term “executable component”.

[00328] The term “executable component” is also well understood by one of ordinary skill as including structures, such as hardcoded or hard-wired logic gates, that are implemented exclusively or near-exclusively in hardware, such as within a field- programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other specialized circuit. Accordingly, the term “executable component” is a term for a structure that is well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art of computing, whether implemented in software, hardware, or a combination. In this description, the terms “component”, “agent”, “manager”, “service”, “engine”, “module”, “virtual machine” or the like may also be used. As used in this description and in the case, these terms (whether expressed with or without a modifying clause) are also intended to be synonymous with the term “executable component”, and thus also have a structure that is well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art of computing.

[00329] In the description that follows, embodiments are described with reference to acts that are performed by one or more computing systems. If such acts are implemented in software, one or more processors (of the associated computing system that performs the act) direct the operation of the computing system in response to having executed computerexecutable instructions that constitute an executable component. For example, such computer-executable instructions may be embodied in one or more computer-readable media that form a computer program product. An example of such an operation involves the manipulation of data. If such acts are implemented exclusively or near-exclusively in hardware, such as within an FPGA or an ASIC, the computer-executable instructions may be hardcoded or hard-wired logic gates. The computer-executable instructions (and the manipulated data) may be stored in the memory 3104 of the computing system 3100. Computing system 3100 may also contain communication channels 3108 that allow the computing system 3100 to communicate with other computing systems over, for example, network 3110.

[00330] While not all computing systems require a user interface, in some embodiments, the computing system 3100 includes a user interface system 3112 for use in interfacing with a user. The user interface system 3112 may include output mechanisms 3112A as well as input mechanisms 3112B. The principles described herein are not limited to the precise output mechanisms 3112A or input mechanisms 3112B as such will depend on the nature of the device. However, output mechanisms 3112A might include, for instance, speakers, displays, tactile output, holograms and so forth. Examples of input mechanisms 3112B might include, for instance, microphones, touchscreens, holograms, cameras, keyboards, mouse or other pointer input, sensors of any type, and so forth.

[00331] Embodiments described herein may comprise or utilize a special purpose or general-purpose computing system including computer hardware, such as, for example, one or more processors and system memory, as discussed in greater detail below. Embodiments described herein also include physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and/or data structures. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special purpose computing system. Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions are physical storage media. Computer-readable media that carry computerexecutable instructions are transmission media. Thus, by way of example, and not limitation, embodiments of the invention can comprise at least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readable media: storage media and transmission media.

[00332] Computer-readable storage media includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other physical and tangible storage medium which can be used to store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general-purpose or special purpose computing system.

[00333] A “network” is defined as one or more data links that enable the transport of electronic data between computing systems and/or modules and/or other electronic devices. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computing system, the computing system properly views the connection as a transmission medium. Transmission media can include a network and/or data links which can be used to carry desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computing system. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer- readable media.

[00334] Further, upon reaching various computing system components, program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures can be transferred automatically from transmission media to storage media (or vice versa). For example, computer-executable instructions or data structures received over a network or data link can be buffered in RAM within a network interface module (e.g., a “NIC”), and then eventually transferred to computing system RAM and/or to less volatile storage media at a computing system. Thus, it should be understood that storage media can be included in computing system components that also (or even primarily) utilize transmission media.

[00335] Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which, when executed at a processor, cause a general-purpose computing system, special purpose computing system, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Alternatively or in addition, the computer-executable instructions may configure the computing system to perform a certain function or group of functions. The computer executable instructions may be, for example, binaries or even instructions that undergo some translation (such as compilation) before direct execution by the processors, such as intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code.

[00336] Although the subj ect matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the described features or acts described above. Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

[00337] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computing system configurations, including, personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile telephones, PDAs, pagers, routers, switches, data centers, wearables (such as glasses) and the like. The invention may also be practiced in distributed system environments where local and remote computing system, which are linked (either by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or by a combination of hardwired and wireless data links) through a network, both perform tasks. In a distributed system environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[00338] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the invention may be practiced in a cloud computing environment. Cloud computing environments may be distributed, although this is not required. When distributed, cloud computing environments may be distributed internationally within an organization and/or have components possessed across multiple organizations. In this description and the following claims, “cloud computing” is defined as a model for enabling on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services). The definition of “cloud computing” is not limited to any of the other numerous advantages that can be obtained from such a model when properly deployed.

[00339] The remaining figures may discuss various computing system which may correspond to the computing system 3100 previously described. The computing systems of the remaining figures include various components or functional blocks that may implement the various embodiments disclosed herein as will be explained. The various components or functional blocks may be implemented on a local computing system or may be implemented on a distributed computing system that includes elements resident in the cloud or that implement aspect of cloud computing. The various components or functional blocks may be implemented as software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The computing systems of the remaining figures may include more or less than the components illustrated in the figures and some of the components may be combined as circumstances warrant. Although not necessarily illustrated, the various components of the computing systems may access and/or utilize a processor and memory, such as processing unit 3102 and memory 3104, as needed to perform their various functions.

[00340] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.