U.S. patent application number 13/331268 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-19 for method and device for environmental monitoring.
This patent application is currently assigned to Akos Advanced Technology Ltd.. Invention is credited to Yiu Wai Chan, Sui Chun Law.
Application Number | 20120095684 13/331268 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38509045 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120095684 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chan; Yiu Wai ; et
al. |
April 19, 2012 |
METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
Abstract
The present invention is related to an environmental monitoring
and analyzing device. The device contains a plurality of sensors, a
control unit and a display unit. The different types of sensor
obtain values of different environmental parameters. The control
unit receive the obtained values of the environmental parameters
and compare the obtained values against predetermined standards and
criteria which define parameter ranges of the different
environmental parameters. A display unit display a real-time air
quality report comprising a user-friendly interpretation of the
obtained values and recommendations in response to the obtained
values. By implementing this invention into an embodiment, the
environmental monitoring analyzing is carried out instantly by
considering the interrelationship of the obtained values of the
different environmental parameters. The analyzed results are
therefore much more accurate. A real-time comprehensive and easily
understood by non-technical user air quality report is
provided.
Inventors: |
Chan; Yiu Wai; (Shantin,
HK) ; Law; Sui Chun; (Shanti, HK) |
Assignee: |
Akos Advanced Technology
Ltd.
Shatin
HK
|
Family ID: |
38509045 |
Appl. No.: |
13/331268 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12281824 |
Sep 5, 2008 |
8086407 |
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PCT/CN2007/200736 |
Mar 7, 2007 |
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13331268 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
702/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01W 1/10 20130101; Y02A
90/10 20180101; G01D 21/02 20130101; G01N 33/0073 20130101; G01N
33/0032 20130101; G01N 33/0062 20130101; G01W 1/00 20130101; Y02A
90/14 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
702/2 |
International
Class: |
G06F 19/00 20110101
G06F019/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 10, 2006 |
CN |
200610057261.2 |
Claims
1. An environmental monitoring device, comprising: a plurality of
sensors being of different types, the different types of sensor
obtaining values of different environmental parameters; a control
unit to receive the obtained values of the environmental parameters
and to compare the obtained values against predetermined standards
and criteria which define parameter ranges of the different
environmental parameters; a display unit to display a real-time air
quality report comprising a simultaneous forecast to provide an
instant level assessment of at least one environmental parameter
not obtained by the plurality of sensors; wherein real-time
analysis of the obtained values of the different environmental
parameters is performed by considering the interrelationship of the
obtained values of the different environmental parameters in order
to interpret the obtained values and make a recommendation based on
the obtained values.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the real-time air
quality report comprising a simultaneous forecast to provide an
instant level assessment of at least one environmental parameter
not obtained by the plurality of sensors including at least one
selected from the group consisting of: formaldehyde, airborne
bacteria, radon and nitrogen monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide, respirable suspended particulates, ozone, air flow rate,
fungi level, total volatile organic compounds, temperature,
relative humidity, dew point, air pressure, wind speed, overall air
quality.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the real-time air
quality report comprising a comment on at least one of the
following: the conditions of the air exhausting conditions; the
operation condition of the air filtration device; the sources which
irritate the eyes and the respiration system; the number of the of
indoor occupant, messages corresponding to interpretations; and/or
the recommendation on the operation of at least one of the
following equipment: air exhausting system, humidifier,
dehumidifier, air warming device, air cooling device, air
filtration device, combustion oven or device, ventilation fan,
vacuum cleaner; and/or the recommendation on at least one of the
following human action: to open the window, decrease the number of
Occupants, leave the place immediately, not to smoke, wear a mask,
carry out disinfection and cleaning works, remove dust; and or
recommendations and potential problems of the parameter ranges;
user-friendly interpretation of the obtained values based on the
parameter ranges.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the average levels of
different environmental parameters by the plurality of sensors
under their respective measurement periods are obtained.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the real-time air
quality report comprising a simultaneous forecast based on the said
average levels of the different environmental parameters to provide
an instant average level assessment of at least one environmental
parameter not obtained by the plurality of sensors is
displayed.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the air flow rate, heat
conduction rate, disperse rate of the pollutants, pollutants
emission rate, pollutant removal rate, air-change rate, and other
time dependent values, can further be assessed and forecasted by
the device by considering: (4) the interrelationship of instant
and/or the average level of the obtained environmental parameters;
or (5) the interrelationship of said levels of the environmental
parameters which are not obtained by the plurality of sensors; or
(6) The interrelationship of (1) and (2) of the above; with the
against the timing factor.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one
communication input and output port is included in the device. When
a plurality device of the same type are connected together with the
said communication input and output port, the trends of any of the
air flow path, heat conduction path, disperse path of the
pollutants, pollutants emission path, pollutant removal path,
air-change path is forecasted and be displayed in the said a
real-time air quality report.
8. The device according to claim 1, the user is allowed to setup at
least one of the following setting: the measurement period of each
sensor; the measurement interval for each sensor; the operation
criteria for each sensor, which based on the obtained values of the
environmental parameters of the other sensor; calculation and rule
out criteria; the number of sampling per sensor and the sampling
time per sensor in each measurement period; number of maximum and
minimum sampling values which are to be ruled out during the
calculation of the average level of the environmental
parameters.
9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the user can decide and
set to the device whether to employ a normal average calculation
for each particular period of measurement or to employ a rolling
average calculation for a long term period operation of the
device.
10. The device according to claim 1, wherein any setup performed by
the user, it can be done by user any time before or during the
operation of the device; the user can input and stored the setup
into the control unit of the device. The input method can be made
by direct key-in through the input port or synchronized by a
computer mean or flash memory
11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined
standards and criteria includes a first judgment principle, the
first judgment principle defining at least two parameter ranges for
each environmental parameter, and a corresponding recommendation
for each parameter range.
12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined
standards and criteria includes a second judgment principle, the
second judgment principle defining at least one conditional array,
the at least two parameter ranges defined by the first judgment
principle are used as the parameter ranges for defining each
conditional array, and a message corresponding to potential
problems for each of the at least one conditional array is
provided.
13. The device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined
standards and criteria includes a third judgment principle, the
third judgment principle defining at least two categories for each
environmental parameter, and air-quality-level judgment standards
for air quality levels are defined based on the combination of
different categories of the measured environmental parameters, and
a message corresponding to air quality level by the
air-quality-level judgment standards is provided.
14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the environmental
parameter is any one from the group consisting of: temperature,
relative humidity, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide,
carbon dioxide, dust, ozone, carbon dioxide, air flow rate, radon,
and formaldehyde.
15. The device according to claim 1, wherein an at least one
input/output port is included and is being connected to a central
processing unit of at least one air treatment unit; the central
processing units of the said air treatment unit receive the
messages corresponding to the said real-time air quality report
from the device; and based on the message to establish setting and
parameter values for the operating condition of the said air
treatment unit.
16. The device according to claim 15, wherein the said air
treatment includes any unit and modules of the air equipment
containing one or the combination of the components from: fan of
any type, blower, pump, drawer, filtration apparatus and/or filter
for air pollutants of any type, apparatus for sterilizing the air,
apparatus for environmental humidity controlling, apparatus for the
environmental temperature controlling, apparatus for environmental
air flow controlling, apparatus for controlling environmental
brightness.
17. The device according to claim 15, wherein the setting and
parameter values for the operating condition of the said air
treatment unit based on the messages corresponding to the said
real-time air quality report at least one or the combination of the
following: the operating time, air flow rate, air flow path, the on
and off of the air treatment unit; the on and off, the temperature
setting of the apparatus for environmental humidity controlling;
the on and off of and the temperature setting of the apparatus for
environmental temperature controlling; the on and off, and power
setting for the apparatus for sterilizing the air.
18. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is a part
of the component which is being included in any unit and/or modules
of the air equipment containing one or the combination of the
components from: fan of any type, blower, pump, drawer, filtration
apparatus and/or filter for air pollutants of any type, apparatus
for sterilizing the air, apparatus for environmental humidity
controlling, apparatus for the environmental temperature
controlling, apparatus for environmental air flow controlling,
apparatus for controlling environmental brightness.
19. The device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit
comprises: a power supply; control circuit; input circuits; output
circuit; a central processing unit; and a memory to store the
predetermined standards and criteria for judging the environmental
parameters, messages corresponding to interpretations,
recommendations and potential problems of the parameter ranges; the
power supply and control circuit connecting an external power
supply to the device; the input circuit collecting the obtained
values from the sensors and outputting them to the central
processing unit; the central processing unit analyzing the obtained
values based on the predetermined standards and criteria and
defining the parameter ranges of each environmental parameter, and
to output the interpretation and recommendation of each parameter
range for display by the display unit.
20. An environmental monitoring method, comprising: obtaining
values of environmental parameters; comparing the obtained values
of the environmental parameters against predetermined standards and
criteria which define parameter ranges of the different
environmental parameters in a control unit; and displaying a
real-time air quality report from a control unit comprising a
simultaneous forecast to provide an instant level assessment of at
least one environmental parameter not obtained by the plurality of
sensors. wherein real-time analysis of the obtained values of the
different environmental parameters is performed by considering the
interrelationship of the obtained values of the different
environmental parameters in order to interpret the obtained values
and make recommendations based on the obtained values.
21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the a real-time air
quality report comprising a simultaneous forecast to provide an
instant level assessment of at least one environmental parameter
not obtained by the plurality of sensors including at least one
selected from the group consisting of: carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide, respirable suspended particulates, ozone, air flow rate,
fungi level, total volatile organic compounds, temperature,
relative humidity, dew point, air pressure, wind speed, overall air
quality, formaldehyde, airborne bacteria, radon and nitrogen
monoxide.
22. The method according to claim 20, wherein the real-time air
quality report comprising a comment on at least one of the
following: the conditions of the air exhausting conditions; the
operation condition of the air filtration device; the sources which
irritate the eyes and the respiration system; the number of the of
indoor occupant, messages corresponding to interpretations; and/or
the recommendation on the operation of at least one of the
following equipment: air exhausting system, humidifier,
dehumidifier, air warming device, air cooling device, air
filtration device, combustion oven or device, ventilation fan,
vacuum cleaner; and/or the recommendation on at least one of the
following human action: to open the window, decrease the number of
Occupants, leave the place immediately, not to smoke, wear a mask,
carry out disinfection and cleaning works, remove dust; and or
recommendations and potential problems of the parameter ranges;
user-friendly interpretation of the obtained values based on the
parameter ranges.
23. The method according to claim 20, wherein the predetermined
standards and criteria include a first, second and third judgment
principle, the first judgment principle defining parameter ranges
for the environmental parameters, the second judgment principle
defining conditional arrays, and at least two parameter ranges
defined by the first judgment principle for use as parameter ranges
for defining each conditional array, the third judgment principle
defining at least two categories for each environmental parameter,
and air-quality-level judgment standards for air quality levels are
defined based on the combination of different categories of the
obtained values, and a message corresponding to air quality level
by the air-quality-level judgment standards is provided.
24. The method according to claim 20, when the parameter ranges of
first judgment principle of the conditional array reach to preset
values, the parameter ranges of another first judgment principle
which was originally consider by same said conditional array will
become suppressed and ignored; the original conditional array will
automatically shift to another conditional array.
25. The method according to claim 20, when the parameter ranges of
said another first judgment principle which was originally
considered by same said conditional array become suppressed and
ignored; the sensor for obtained the parameter ranges of said
another first judgment principle will be turned off automatically
for power saving; the sensor will become re-activated when the
values of the parameter ranges being re-considered again at the
time the parameter ranges of first judgment principle of the
conditional array returned to original defined ranges.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. application Ser. No. 12/281,824, filed Sep. 5, 2008, which
application claimed priority to Chinese application 200610057261.2,
the entire content of each of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention is related to the technology of
environmental monitoring. More specifically, it is related to a
device and a method for environmental monitoring and analyzing.
BACKGROUND
[0003] As the problems of indoor air pollution are getting severe,
the public concerns on the conditions of their living and working
environment as well as the health effects by the indoor air quality
are increasing. At the same time, the guidelines and the rules to
control and regulate the indoor air quality have been established
in different countries. Hence, the demand for instruments and
equipment on monitoring the air quality is increasing.
[0004] Conventionally, there are two major types of instruments for
monitoring the indoor air quality. The first type of environmental
monitoring instruments is employed mainly in the research
laboratories. They are of considerably large scale. The second type
belongs to the portable survey type instruments and they are much
more compact in size.
[0005] The results obtained by the first type of environmental
monitoring instrument are highly precise and accurate.
Nevertheless, the prices of this type of instruments are
significantly high. The operations of these instruments are
complicated and only manageable by well trained and skillful
technicians.
[0006] Generally speaking, each second type environmental
monitoring instrument is equipped with a sensor for measuring a
particular environmental parameter. The size of this type of
instrument is therefore comparatively compact. Nevertheless, as
different environmental parameters are inter-correlated, the level
of a single parameter is usually affected by the levels of the
other parameters. To obtain the level of a particular environmental
parameter with a single sensor is usually not an all-round method.
The precision obtained would be low. For examples, to measure the
concentration of the volatile organic compounds solely by the
photo-ionization detection method may give an inaccurate result as
the detection method is easily affected by the temperature and
relative humidity of the environment. In addition, different types
of sensors with different working principles give different
outcomes when they are employed for monitoring the same
environmental parameter. For these reasons, there are usually
difficulties to standardize the detection methods for the
environmental parameters. In order to ensure an adequate and a
moderately accurate result can be obtained for a single parameter,
several instruments are usually brought to site during measurement.
The results obtained are then evaluated together during analysis.
The measurement processes by multiple instruments are rather
inconvenience.
[0007] Nevertheless, for both types of environmental monitoring
instruments being mentioned, only the raw data would be simply
displayed and output. None of them would provide systematically
analyzed information as described in the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] At least one advantage of the present invention is to
address the deficiencies of current environmental monitoring
devices and methods. It has the further advantage to provide a
device and a method for environmental monitoring and analyzing.
Different levels of the environmental parameters are detected and
measured at the same time. They are then judged and analyzed
systematically. A real time and comprehensive air quality report is
generated. The construction of the device is simple. It is easy to
be operated even by the non-technical users. The environmental
parameters evaluated are highly accurate and precise.
[0009] The present invention provides a device to monitor the
environment, and to solve the problems by the conventional
environmental monitoring instruments. The environmental monitoring
device, comprising:
[0010] a plurality of sensors being of different types, the
different types of sensor obtaining values of different
environmental parameters;
[0011] a control unit to receive the obtained values of the
environmental parameters and to compare the obtained values against
predetermined standards and criteria which define parameter ranges
of the different environmental parameters; and
[0012] a display unit to display a real-time air quality report
comprising a simultaneous forecast to provide an instant level
assessment of at least one environmental parameter not obtained by
the plurality of sensors;
[0013] wherein real-time analysis of the obtained values of the
different environmental parameters is performed by considering the
interrelationship of the obtained values of the different
environmental parameters in order to interpret the obtained values
and make a recommendation based on the obtained values.
[0014] The real-time air quality report comprising a simultaneous
forecast to provide an instant level assessment of at least one
environmental parameter not obtained by the plurality of sensors
including at least one selected from the group consisting of:
formaldehyde, airborne bacteria, radon and nitrogen monoxide.
[0015] The real-time air quality report comprising a simultaneous
forecast to provide an instant level assessment of at least one
environmental parameter not obtained by the plurality of sensors
including at least one selected from the group consisting of:
formaldehyde, airborne bacteria, radon and nitrogen monoxide,
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, respirable suspended particulates,
ozone, air flow rate, fungi level, total volatile organic
compounds, temperature, relative humidity, dew point, air pressure,
wind speed, overall air quality.
[0016] The real-time air quality report also comprising a comment
on at least one of the following: the conditions of the air
exhausting conditions, the operation condition of the air
filtration device, the sources which irritate the eyes and the
respiration system, the number of the of indoor occupant.
[0017] The recommendation further includes the comment on the
operation of at least one of the following equipment: air
exhausting system, humidifier, dehumidifier, air warming device,
air cooling device, air filtration device, combustion oven or
device, ventilation fan, vacuum cleaner.
[0018] The recommendation further includes the comment on at least
one of the following human action: to open the window, decrease the
number of Occupants, leave the place immediately, not to smoke,
wear a mask, carry out disinfection and cleaning works, remove
dust.
[0019] At least one timer counter is included in the device for
monitoring the measurement period of the plurality of sensors. The
average levels of different environmental parameters by the
plurality of sensors under their respective measurement periods are
obtained.
[0020] The device enables the user to setup the measurement period
and measurement interval for each sensor.
[0021] The device also enables the user to setup the operation
condition as the operation criteria for the sensor, which based on
the obtained values of the environmental parameters of the other
sensor.
[0022] For example, when the carbon dioxide of heated metal
oxide-type sensor is in used, pre-heating of the sensor for first 5
minutes is usually required; the values obtained in the first 5
minutes during the pre-heating status are not accurate and will not
be counted for the average level of the carbon dioxide.
[0023] For example, when the radon level is to be obtained by the
radon sensor, the relative humidity shall be set as below 40% for
an accurate result to be obtained. The comment of setting relative
humidity below 40% is an operation criterion for setting as the
operation of the radon sensor.
[0024] The real-time air quality report comprising a simultaneous
forecast based on the said average levels of the different
environmental parameters to provide an instant average level
assessment of at least one environmental parameter not obtained by
the plurality of sensors.
[0025] The device also enable to user to preset the calculation and
rule out criteria which is aim to eliminate any the unexpected,
abnormal, out of the standard deviation of the obtained average
levels of different environmental parameters by different types of
sensor at any instant.
[0026] The said preset calculation and rule out criteria help to
prevent inaccuracies and errors which may be introduced to the
calculation during the obtaining of the average levels of the
environmental parameters, which would then resulting a misleading
assessment and forecasting of the environmental parameters which
are not obtained by the plurality of sensors.
[0027] By the application of the preset the calculation and rule
out criteria, the error of the sudden change of the values of
certain environmental parameters by any unexpected disturbance can
be ignored.
[0028] For example, when a woman with perfume put on walked and
passed by the formaldehyde sensor or total volatile organic
compound sensor which were used for measuring the concentration of
formaldehyde and total volatile organic compound in the
environment, the sudden rise up of the formaldehyde and total
volatile organic compound can be ruled-out and be ignored based on
the preset calculation and rule out criteria. These unexpected
rises up of the sensor readings at a particular instant will not be
counted when computing the average levels of the environmental
parameters. The misleading assessment and forecasting results due
to the instant rising of the values of the formaldehyde and total
volatile organic compound will not be happened.
[0029] During the setup of the preset calculation and rule out
criteria, the user can decide the number of sampling per sensor and
the sampling time per sensor in each measurement period. The user
can also decide the number of maximum and minimum sampling values
which are to be ruled out during the calculation of the average
level of the environmental parameters. Besides, the user can decide
to employ a normal average calculation for each particular period
of measurement or to employ a rolling average calculation for a
long term period operation of the device.
[0030] The said setup preset calculation and rule out criteria and
the setup of the said measurement period and measurement interval
for each sensor can be done by user any time before or during the
operation of the device. The user can input and stored the setup of
the said above into the control unit of the device. The input
method can be made by direct key-in through the input port or
synchronized by a computer or flash memory (as indicated in the
FIG. 1)
[0031] The air flow rate, heat conduction rate, disperse rate of
the pollutants, pollutants emission rate, pollutant removal rate,
air-change rate, and other time dependent values can further be
assessed and forecasted by the device by considering:
[0032] (1) the interrelationship of instant and/or the average
level of the obtained environmental parameters; or
[0033] (2) the interrelationship of said levels of the
environmental parameters which are not obtained by the plurality of
sensors; or
[0034] (3) The interrelationship of (1) and (2) of the above;
against the timing factor
[0035] Mathematic calculations by mean of calculus and logarithms,
such as integration or differentiation, log and antilog may be
applied as the equations and the rules of calculations. The rules
of calculations shall be preset in the control unit of the
device.
[0036] For example, in the assessment of the time dependent values,
the decay rate of one environmental parameter (the pollutants)
obtained by one sensor, the following equation is applied:
C.sub.ti=C.sub.ie.sup.-kti
C.sub.ti is the pollutant concentration at the time ti,
.mu.g/m.sup.3 C.sub.i is the initial pollutant concentration at
ti=0, .mu.g/m.sup.3 k is the decay constant, hr.sup.-1 t.sub.i is
time, hr
[0037] The decay constant, k, is obtained by using the linear
regression on the (ln C.sub.i-ln C.sub.ti) and t.sub.i using the
formula:
k = t i ( ln C i - ln C i ) - t i ( ln C i - ln C t i ) n t i 2 - (
t i ) 2 n hr - 1 ##EQU00001##
where: n=number of data points
[0038] The decay rate can be calculated by
Decay rate=Ef.times.k
where: Ef=a constant of environmental factor
[0039] The decay rate of the pollutants can be interpreted as:
[0040] As decay rate of pollutants is equal to the removal rate of
the pollutants minus the emission/generating rate of pollutants. A
positive decay rate indicate the removal rate of the pollutants is
greater than the emission/generating rate of pollutants, whereas a
negative result indicated that the emission/generating rate of
pollutants is greater than the removal rate of the pollutants. A
zero value indicated an equilibrium condition has reached where the
removal rate of the pollutants is equal to the emission/generating
rate of pollutants.
[0041] By interpreting the time dependent values of different
environmental parameters obtained by the plurality of sensors, the
following interpretation can be assessed and forecasted:
[0042] (1) The other time dependent values of the environmental
parameter which obtained by the plurality of sensors
[0043] (2) The time dependent values of at least one environmental
parameter not obtained by the plurality of sensors.
[0044] For example, in obtaining the time dependent value, the
decay rate of the carbon dioxide which is obtained by the carbon
dioxide sensor, the emission/generating rate by the number of
occupants, and the removal rate of carbon dioxide by ventilation
can be assessed and forecasted. For example, a positive decay rate
of the carbon dioxide indicated that the removal rate of carbon
dioxide by ventilation is higher. For example, a zero decay rate of
carbon dioxide means the removal rate of carbon dioxide by
ventilation is just good enough to cater the emission/generation
rate by the number of occupants. In this way, the other time
dependent values (the removal rate of carbon dioxide and the
emission/generation rate of the carbon dioxide in this example) of
the environmental parameter which obtained by the plurality of
sensors can be assessed and forecasted.
[0045] For example, in an enclosed room where a zero decay rate of
carbon dioxide is obtained. The result indicated that there is no
emission/generating carbon dioxide as well as the removal of carbon
dioxide by the ventilation is happened. The result also indicates
that the other environmental pollutants such as respirable
suspended particulate, formaldehyde, volatile organic compound
which are generated by the ventilation means will become
insignificant or even zero concentration too. Thus, in that case,
if a negative value of the decay rate of the respirable suspended
particulate is obtained at that moment, and if no other respirable
suspended particulate removal equipment (e.g., air purifier) is in
used, the emission/generation rate shall be equal to the absolute
value of that negative value decay rate. Thus, by the
interpretation of the interrelationship of instant and/or the
average level of the obtained environmental parameters by a
plurality of sensors, other time dependent values of the
environmental parameter which obtained by the plurality of sensors
can be assessed and forecasted.
[0046] By considering the time dependent values of some
environmental parameter which the values are obtained by the
plurality of sensors, the time dependent values of some
environmental parameters not obtained by the plurality of sensors
(e.g, airborne bacteria level, total volatile organic compounds,
fungi etc) can be assessed and forecasted. For example a negative
or zero decay rate of carbon dioxide with a negative decay rate of
respirable suspended particulate can forecasts and tells there is a
positive growing of airborne bacteria level due to (1) the poor
ventilation and (2) positive generation/emission of respirable
suspended particulate which serves as the nutrient source for
airborne bacteria. For example a positive decay rate of carbon
dioxide with a negative decay rate of volatile organic compounds
can tells a very bad condition that the emission/generation rate of
volatile organic compounds is too high over ventilation. The
concentration of volatile organic compound is keep increasing and
become too significant even within good ventilation room, the
emission/generation rate of the formaldehyde can therefore
forecasted to be a very high level.
[0047] At least one communication input and output port (as
indicated in the FIG. 1) is included in the device. When a
plurality device of the same type are connected together with the
said communication input and output port, the trends of any of the
air flow path, heat conduction path, disperse path of the
pollutants, pollutants emission path, pollutant removal path,
air-change path is forecasted and be displayed in the said a
real-time air quality report.
[0048] The predetermined standards and criteria includes a first
judgment principle, the first judgment principle defining at least
two parameter ranges for each environmental parameter, and a
corresponding recommendation for each parameter range.
[0049] The predetermined standards and criteria includes a second
judgment principle, the second judgment principle defining at least
one conditional array, the at least two parameter ranges defined by
the first judgment principle for use as the parameter ranges for
defining each conditional array, and a message corresponding to
potential problems for each conditional array is provided.
[0050] The device also includes a power saving function, which can
work together with the power management components of the
device.
[0051] When the parameter ranges of first judgment principle of the
conditional array reach to the preset values, the parameter ranges
of another first judgment principle which was originally consider
by same said conditional array will become suppressed, hidden,
ignored, and not being considered in the assessment and forecast of
the environmental parameter that is not obtained by the plurality
of sensors. The original conditional array will automatically shift
to another conditional array. For examples, in one the conditional
array, the environmental parameters of temperature and total
volatile organic compound are employed for assessment of the level
of formaldehyde. When the temperature is within the range of
25.5.degree. C. to <35.degree. C. (which is the optimal range
for emission of the formaldehyde), and when the level of total
volatile organic compound is 600 .mu.g/m.sup.3 above, the
formaldehyde level is forecasted to be a problematic and messages
of this potential problem will be displayed. However, when the
level of total volatile organic compound is in the range of 3000 to
<25000 .mu.g/m.sup.3, the reading from the temperature will
become ignored in the assessment and forecast of the level of the
formaldehyde. This is because the level of the total volatile
organic compound is already dominant over the temperature in the
assessment and forecasting of the level of formaldehyde. In indoor
environment where the concentration of total volatile organic
compound is in the range of 3000 to <25000 .mu.g/m.sup.3, the
concentration of formaldehyde is already displayed in an alert
level regardless the temperature of the environment.
[0052] When the parameter ranges of said another first judgment
principle which was originally considered by same said conditional
array become suppressed and ignored. The sensor for obtained the
parameter ranges of said another first judgment principle will be
turned off automatically and temporarily for power saving. The
sensor will become re-activated and the parameter ranges of the
respective environmental parameter will become re-considered again
at the time the parameter ranges of first judgment principle of the
conditional array returned and fell back to original defined
ranges.
[0053] This including this power saving function is especially
beneficial for some sensors with required huge power consumptions,
or sensors that needed to work with heating elements. The function
helps to prevent the decay of the power source when battery or
re-chargeable battery is in used, which would other affect the
functioning of the device. It can help to prevent the generation of
unwanted heat source or wasted heat which would affect the
functions of some other sensor. It can help provide a stable and
sustainable power source for all sensors of the device.
[0054] Besides, the device further comprising a recommendation to
address the potential problems.
[0055] The predetermined standards and criteria includes a third
judgment principle, the third judgment principle defining at least
two categories for each environmental parameter, and
air-quality-level judgment standards for air quality levels are
defined based on the combination of different categories of the
measured environmental parameters, and a message corresponding to
air quality level by the air-quality-level judgment standards is
provided.
[0056] The environmental parameter is any one from the group
consisting of: temperature, relative humidity, volatile organic
compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, dust, ozone, carbon
dioxide, air flow rate, radon, and formaldehyde.
[0057] The control unit of the device comprises:
[0058] a power supply;
[0059] control circuit;
[0060] input circuits;
[0061] output circuit;
[0062] a central processing unit; and
[0063] a memory to store the predetermined standards and criteria
for judging the environmental parameters, messages corresponding to
interpretations, recommendations and potential problems of the
parameter ranges;
[0064] the power supply and control circuit connecting an external
power supply to the device;
[0065] the input circuit collecting the obtained values from the
sensors and outputting them to the central processing unit;
[0066] the central processing unit analyzing the obtained values
based on the predetermined standards and criteria and defining the
parameter ranges of each environmental parameter, and to output the
interpretation and recommendation of each parameter range for
display by the display unit.
[0067] The input circuit includes an analog to digital converter
and a low pulse timer.
[0068] The present invention also offers a method to monitor and
analyze the environment, comprising:
[0069] obtaining values of environmental parameters;
[0070] comparing the obtained values of the environmental
parameters against predetermined standards and criteria which
define parameter ranges of the different environmental parameters
in a control unit; and
[0071] displaying a real-time air quality report from a control
unit comprising a simultaneous forecast to provide an instant level
assessment of at least one environmental parameter not obtained by
the plurality of sensors.
[0072] wherein real-time analysis of the obtained values of the
different environmental parameters is performed by considering the
interrelationship of the obtained values of the different
environmental parameters in order to interpret the obtained values
and make recommendations based on the obtained values.
[0073] The a real-time air quality report comprising a simultaneous
forecast to provide an instant level assessment of at least one
environmental parameter not obtained by the plurality of sensors
including at least one selected from the group consisting of:
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, respirable suspended particulates,
ozone, air flow rate, fungi level, total volatile organic
compounds, temperature, relative humidity, dew point, air pressure,
wind speed, overall air quality, formaldehyde, airborne bacteria,
radon and nitrogen monoxide.
[0074] The real-time air quality report comprising a comment on at
least one of the following: the conditions of the air exhausting
conditions, the operation condition of the air filtration device,
the sources which irritate the eyes and the respiration system, the
number of the of indoor occupant.
[0075] The real-time air quality report further comprising messages
corresponding to interpretations, recommendations and potential
problems of the parameter ranges.
[0076] The real-time air quality report further comprising a
user-friendly interpretation of the obtained values based on the
parameter ranges.
[0077] The real-time air quality report further comprising a
recommendation in response to the obtained values based on the
parameter ranges that is easily understood by a non-technical user
is included.
[0078] The said recommendation further includes the comment on
[0079] (i) the operation of at least one of the following
equipment: air exhausting system, humidifier, dehumidifier, air
warming device, air cooling device, air filtration device,
combustion oven or device, ventilation fan, vacuum cleaner;
and/or
[0080] (ii) at least one of the following human action: to open the
window, decrease the number of occupants, leave the place
immediately, not to smoke, wear a mask, carry out disinfection and
cleaning works, remove dust.
[0081] The measurement period of the plurality of sensors are
monitored by at least one timer counter. The average levels of
different environmental parameters by the plurality of sensors
under their respective measurement periods are obtained. The
real-time air quality report comprising a simultaneous forecast
based on the said average levels of the different environmental
parameters to provide an instant average level assessment of at
least one environmental parameter not obtained by the plurality of
sensors is displayed.
[0082] The air flow rate, heat conduction rate, disperse rate of
the pollutants, pollutants emission rate, pollutant removal rate,
air-change rate, can further be assessed and forecasted by
considering:
[0083] (1) the interrelationship of instant and/or the average
level of the obtained environmental parameters; or
[0084] (2) the interrelationship of said levels of the
environmental parameters which are not obtained by the plurality of
sensors; or
[0085] (3) The interrelationship of (1) and (2) of the above;
against the timing factor.
[0086] At least one communication input and output port is used for
connecting the device of the same type which employing the said
environmental monitoring method together, the trends of any of the
air flow path, heat conduction path, disperse path of the
pollutants, pollutants emission path, pollutant removal path,
air-change path is forecasted and be displayed in the said a
real-time air quality report.
[0087] The method enable the user to preset calculation and rule
out criteria which is aim to eliminate any the unexpected,
abnormal, out of the standard deviation of the obtained average
levels of different environmental parameters by different types of
sensor at any instant.
[0088] The predetermined standards and criteria of the mentioned
method includes a first, second and third judgment principle,
[0089] the first judgment principle defining parameter ranges for
the environmental parameters, corresponding recommendations for
each parameter range are provided;
[0090] the second judgment principle defining conditional arrays,
and at least two parameter ranges defined by the first judgment
principle for use as parameter ranges for defining each conditional
array, a message corresponding to potential problems and
recommendations to address the potential problems for each
conditional array are provided;
[0091] the third judgment principle defining at least two
categories for each environmental parameter, and air-quality-level
judgment standards for air quality levels are defined based on the
combination of different categories of the obtained values, and
[0092] a message corresponding to air quality level by the
air-quality-level judgment standards is provided.
[0093] The environmental parameter is any one from the group
consisting of: temperature, relative humidity, volatile organic
compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, dust, ozone, carbon
dioxide, air flow rate, radon, and formaldehyde.
[0094] When the parameter ranges of first judgment principle of the
conditional array reach to preset values, the parameter ranges of
another first judgment principle which was originally consider by
same said conditional array will become suppressed and ignored. The
original conditional array will automatically shift to another
conditional array.
[0095] When the parameter ranges of said another first judgment
principle which was originally considered by same said conditional
array become suppressed and ignored. The sensor for obtained the
parameter ranges of said another first judgment principle will be
turned off automatically for power saving. The sensor will become
re-activated when the values of the parameter ranges being
re-considered again at the time the parameter ranges of first
judgment principle of the conditional array returned to original
defined ranges.
[0096] In the present invention, the values of different
environmental parameters are obtained by different sensors.
Real-time analysis of the obtained values of the different
environmental parameters is performed by considering the
interrelationship of the obtained values of the different
environmental parameters.
[0097] A real-time air quality report is provided. The real-time
air quality report comprising a user-friendly interpretation of the
obtained values and a recommendation in response to the obtained
values that is easily understood by a non-technical user. (In other
words, the report includes the message corresponding to the
potential problems based on the parameter ranges, the
recommendations to address the potential problems and the message
corresponding to the air quality level.) For certain environmental
parameters, such as airborne bacteria and fungi, which need longer
testing time by conventional methods They need hours for
incubations by the conventional methods, the present invention
would be able to provide an instant level assessment by means of
forecasting, based on the (interrelationship/correlation) between
different measured environmental parameters. For instance, in a
warm and humid environment where the dust level has reached a
certain high level (in an environment where the level of respirable
suspended particulates is high), the pre-requisite conditions for
growing and incubating the airborne bacteria are actually created.
Based on the values of the temperature, relative humidity and level
of respirable suspended particulates, the level of airborne
bacteria can then be forecasted simultaneously. On another example,
in an environment where the concentration of the carbon dioxide is
sustained at high level, poor ventilation or too many occupants are
implied. With the present invention, a user-friendly interpretation
of the obtained value of the environment would be generated. The
user-friendly interpretation could be the messages of
recommendations such as "turn on the air exhausting system",
"decrease the number of occupants", "open the windows" etc. The
device by the present invention is structurally simple and low
cost. The device can be handled by non-technical users easily.
[0098] The following figures and description reveal the further
details of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0099] FIG. 1 illustrates circuit modules of the environmental
device of the present invention;
[0100] FIG. 2 depicts a block circuit diagram of the environmental
device of the present invention;
[0101] FIG. 3 depicts a circuit diagram for temperature sensor in
the environmental device of the present invention;
[0102] FIG. 4 depicts a circuit diagram for relative humidity
sensor in the environmental device of the present invention;
[0103] FIG. 5 depicts a circuit diagram for volatile organic
compounds sensor in the environmental device of the present
invention;
[0104] FIG. 6 depicts a circuit diagram for carbon monoxide sensor
in the environmental device of the present invention;
[0105] FIG. 7 depicts a circuit diagram for carbon dioxide sensor
in the environmental device of the present invention;
[0106] FIG. 8 depicts a circuit diagram for dust sensor in the
environmental device of the present invention;
[0107] FIGS. 9 to 13 depict examples of the parameter judgment
standards and criteria, as well as the resulted implications;
and
[0108] FIG. 14 depicts a flowchart of the environmental monitoring
and analyzing by the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0109] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the device of the present
invention contains the sensors 10, the control unit 20 and the
display unit 30.
[0110] The sensors 10 obtain the values of different environmental
parameters. The control unit 20 collects the obtained values. In
the present embodiment, the sensors 10 are a temperature sensor, a
relative humidity sensor 12, a volatile organic compounds sensor
13, a carbon monoxide sensor 14, a carbon dioxide sensor 15, and a
respirable suspended particulates sensor 16. Other environmental
sensors such as the ozone sensor, the nitrogen dioxide sensor, the
air flow rate sensor, the radon level sensor and the formaldehyde
sensor can be applied for the same purpose.
[0111] FIGS. 3-8 indicate the circuit diagrams for the sensors in
the embodiment of the present invention. The circuit for the
temperature sensor 11 is shown in FIG. 3. In the present
embodiment, a thermistor in which its resistance varies with the
temperature is employed as the temperature sensor. The change of
temperature in the environment results the change of the resistance
of the thermistor R.sub.T. The change of thermistor R.sub.T can be
represented by the voltage output. The control unit 20 receives the
output voltage Vol. The output of the temperature sensor belongs to
a chain of periodic signals, whereas the frequencies of the
periodic signals are temperature dependent. The control unit 20
detects the frequency of the waveform and determines the measured
temperature.
[0112] FIG. 4 indicates the circuit for the relative humidity
sensor 12. In the present embodiment, the relative humidity sensor
12 belongs to a resistive type relative humidity sensor. A
capacitor C is connected in series to a humidity sensitive resistor
R.sub.H. The circuit amplifies and blocks out all DC component of
the signals obtained from the sensor. The signal is output as
voltage. The circuit is effective to block off the entire DC
component and protect the humidity sensitive resistor R.sub.H. It
is a simple circuit and adaptive to different duty cycles of the
input signals. In the present embodiment, a 50% oscillation duty
cycle is employed.
[0113] FIG. 5 indicates the circuit for the sensor of volatile
organic compounds 13. In the present embodiment, the sensor of
volatile organic compounds 13 belongs to a heated metal oxides
type. The sensor varies its resistance R.sub.D with the
concentration of volatile organic compounds. The input voltage
V.sub.B3 would first go through the resistor with resistance
R.sub.D, it will then be amplified by an analog amplifier. The
voltage output is then sent to the control unit.
[0114] FIG. 6 indicates the circuit for the carbon monoxide sensor
14. In the present embodiment, the carbon monoxide sensor 14 being
employed belongs to a heated metal oxide type sensor. The sensor
varies its resistance with the concentration of carbon monoxide.
The input voltage would first go through the resistor, it will then
be amplified by an analog amplifier. The voltage output is then
sent to the control unit.
[0115] FIG. 7 indicates the circuit of carbon dioxide sensor 15. In
the present embodiment, the carbon dioxide sensor 15 belongs to a
heated metal oxide type. A heating element is included in addition
to the sensor element. The resistance of the sensor changes with
the concentration of carbon dioxide. The input voltage first go
through the resistor, it will then be amplified by an analog
amplifier and be sent to the control unit 20. In order to obtain an
accurate value for carbon dioxide, the desired operation
temperature of the sensor is maintained by the built-in heater. The
influence of the environmental temperature and ambient carbon
dioxide is eliminated by comparing the voltage output obtained with
that of the ambient air. A more accurate result is obtained. In
addition, the internal temperature of the sensor by the heating
element is fed to control unit 20. This acts as a reference for
showing that the sensor has been warmed-up, and indicating that
sensor has reached the optimal operation temperature.
[0116] FIG. 8 indicates the circuit for the dust sensor 16 in the
present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the dust sensor 16
belongs to a light scattering type sensor. The output of dust
sensor will go to low voltage (ground level) when the particulate
matters are detected, otherwise the output will stay at high
voltage. In other words, the low pulse occupancy time is
proportional to dust concentration. By obtaining the ratio of the
time of total low pulse and total high pulse, the control unit 20
would be able to calculate the corresponding dust level.
[0117] The control unit 20 in the present embodiment comprises a
power supply and control circuit 21, a voltage input circuit 22, a
central processing unit 23, a memory unit 24 and a voltage output
circuit 25. The power supply and control circuit 21 connect an
external power supply to the device. The external power supply
could be either AC or DC power supply. When inserting a power plug
to the present embodiment, the auto power source selector directs
the power source to transformer.
[0118] The voltage input circuit 22 collects the values obtained
from the sensors 10. In the present embodiment, the voltage input
circuit 22 includes an analog to digital converter 26 and a low
pulse time counter 27. The analog to digital converter 26 receives
the analogue signals from the temperature sensor 11, the relative
humidity sensor 12, the volatile organic compounds sensor 13, the
carbon monoxide sensor 14, and the carbon dioxide sensor 15, as
well as the reference signals by the carbon dioxide sensor 15. The
analog to digital converter 26 converts the analogue signals to
digital signals, and inputs the digital signal into the central
processing unit 23. The low pulse time counter 27 obtains the input
signal from the dust sensor circuit. The central processing unit 23
collects an average value of low pulse timing from dust sensor
circuit. The types of sensors employed determine the voltage input
circuit. The voltage input circuit can be modified to fit with
different sensors types.
[0119] The memory unit 24 stores the first judgment principle, the
second judgment principle and the third judgment principle, as well
as the user-friendly interpretation of the obtained values based on
the parameter ranges and a recommendation in response to the
obtained values based on the parameter ranges that is easily
understood by a non-technical user.
[0120] The first judgment principle defines at least two-parameter
ranges for each environmental parameter. The values of
environmental parameter refer to the values obtained by the sensors
10, such as the values obtained by the temperature sensor, the
relative humidity sensor, the volatile organic compounds sensor,
the carbon monoxide sensor, the carbon dioxide sensor and the dust
sensor in the present embodiment. For example, the parameter ranges
for the temperature could be referred to the ranges of
">25.5.degree. C.", "<20.degree. C." and "<10.degree. C."
etc. The second judgment principle defines at least one the
conditional arrays, the at least two parameter ranges defined by
the first judgment principle for use as the parameter ranges for
defining each conditional array. For example, the parameter range
for the temperature in an occasion is defined as "25.5-35.degree.
C." and the parameter range for the volatile organic compounds in
the same occasion is defined as ">600 m/m.sup.3". A parameter
range defined by the first judgment principle can applied for
defining different conditional arrays. Air-quality-level judgment
standards for air quality levels are defined based on the
combination of different categories of the measured environmental
parameters.
[0121] The messages provided include the message corresponding to
the potential problems based on the parameter ranges, the
recommendations to address the potential problems and the message
corresponding to the air quality level. For example, as indicated
in FIG. 9, when the parameter range of temperature is defined as
">25.5.degree. C.", the recommendation in response to the
obtained values based on the parameter range is "Turn on air
cooling devices". A message corresponding to potential problems for
each conditional array is provided, based on the second judgment
principle. Referring to FIG. 10, for example, when the temperature
is in the parameter range of "25.5-35.degree. C." and the level of
the total volatile organic compounds is in the parameter range of
"above 600 m/m.sup.3", the message corresponding to the potential
problem for this conditional array is "high level of formaldehyde".
The recommendations to address the potential problem comprise "Open
the windows", "Turn on air filtration device", "Turn on air
exhausting system" and "Do not smoke". FIGS. 12 and 13 indicate the
air quality level, which is defined by the air-quality-level
judgment standards based on the third judgment principle.
[0122] Further refer to the FIG. 10, the first conditional array
showing the environmental parameters of temperature and total
volatile organic compound are employed for assessment of the level
of formaldehyde. When the temperature is within the range of
25.5.degree. C. to <35.degree. C. (which is the optimal range
for emission of the formaldehyde), and when the level of total
volatile organic compound is 600 .mu.g/m.sup.3 above, the
formaldehyde level is forecasted to be a problematic and message of
this potential problem will be displayed. However, when the level
of total volatile organic compound is in the range of 3000 to
<25000 .mu.g/m.sup.3, the reading from the temperature will
become ignored in the assessment and forecast of the level of the
formaldehyde. This is because the level of the total volatile
organic compound is already become a dominant factor in the
assessment and the forecasting of the level of formaldehyde. In
indoor environment where the concentration of total volatile
organic compound is in the range of 3000 to <25000
.mu.g/m.sup.3, the concentration of formaldehyde is always in an
alert level. In this case, the first conditional array is
automatically shifted to the forth conditional array. The
temperature sensor will be turned off automatically in the
environmental monitoring device for power saving. When the
concentration of total volatile organic compound drop back to the
level of just above 600 .mu.g/m.sup.3, the environmental parameter
of the temperature will be re-considered again, and the forth
conditional array is automatically shifted another pre-defined
conditional array.
[0123] The central processing unit 23 receives the signals from the
voltage input circuit 22. The voltage input circuit 22 converts all
analogue signals from the sensor circuit 20 into digital
signals.
[0124] The digital signals are then judged against with the
predetermined standards and criteria, which are stored in the
memory unit 24 under the first judgment principle defining and
obtaining the parameter range. Recommendations are provided.
[0125] The obtained values are also judged against with the
predetermined standards and criteria which are stored in the memory
unit 24 under the second judgment principle. The second judgment
principle defines the conditional arrays. At least two parameter
ranges defined by the first judgment principle for use as the
parameter ranges for defining each conditional array. Based on the
interrelationship of the obtained values of the different
environmental parameters, a message corresponding to the potential
problem for the conditional array and recommendations to address
the potential problems are provided.
[0126] The obtained values are also judged against with the
predetermined standards and criteria which are stored in the memory
unit 24 under the third judgment principle. The air-quality-level
judgment standards for air quality level are defined based on the
combination of different categories of the measured environmental
parameters. A message corresponding to air quality level by the
air-quality-level judgment standards is provided. The display unit
30 output the individual measured values and the messages by the
voltage output circuit 25. The displays are in any formats,
wordings, numerical, and graphical characters.
[0127] The device of the present invention contains input ports and
input/output ports, whereas the input ports receive input signal
from the keypad. The input/output ports transfer the information to
other devices, such as computer, pocket size personal computer and
flash memory. The input/output ports connect the device to other
devices by an infra-red interface device, Bluetooth interface
device and other wireless interface devices.
[0128] FIG. 14 indicates the method of environmental monitoring and
analyzing by the present invention. The sensors S1 obtain values of
different environmental parameters. The values are then sent to the
control unit. The control unit in S2 compares the obtained values
of the environmental parameters against the predetermined standards
and criteria. Based on the interrelationship of the obtained values
of the different environmental parameters, real-time analysis of
the obtained values of the different environmental parameters is
performed. A user-friendly interpretation of the obtained values
based on the parameter ranges and recommendations in response to
the obtained values based on the parameter ranges are output and
displayed in the display unit S3. The first judgment principle
defines the parameter ranges for each measured environmental
parameter. The second judgment principle defines the conditional
arrays. At least two parameter ranges defined by the first judgment
principle are employed the parameter ranges for defining each
conditional array. The third judgment principle defines the
categories for each measured environmental parameter. An overall
air quality level is defined by the air-quality-level judgment
standards based on the combination of different categories of the
measured environmental parameters. A message corresponding to air
quality level by the air-quality-level judgment standards is
provided.
* * * * *