U.S. patent application number 14/263769 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for environmental monitoring device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Leeo, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Leeo, Inc.. Invention is credited to Adam M. GETTINGS, Bjorn H. HOVLAND, Andrew G. STEVENS.
Application Number | 20140266682 14/263769 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51525052 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140266682 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GETTINGS; Adam M. ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING DEVICE
Abstract
An environmental monitoring device that monitors the operation
of a legacy electronic device is described. In particular, a sensor
in the environmental monitoring device provides sensor data that
represents an environmental condition in an external environment
that includes the environmental monitoring device. This
environmental condition is associated with the operation of the
legacy electronic device in the external environment. The
environmental monitoring device analyzes the sensor data and
provides feedback about the operation of the legacy electronic
device based on the analyzed sensor data. Moreover, the sensor
provides the sensor data without or excluding communication and/or
electrical coupling between the environmental monitoring device and
the legacy electronic device. In this way, the environmental
monitoring device facilitates monitoring, analysis and feedback of
the sensor data without directly interacting with the legacy
electronic device.
Inventors: |
GETTINGS; Adam M.; (Red
Wing, MN) ; STEVENS; Andrew G.; (Palo Alto, CA)
; HOVLAND; Bjorn H.; (Woodside, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Leeo, Inc. |
Palo Alto |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Leeo, Inc.
Palo Alto
CA
|
Family ID: |
51525052 |
Appl. No.: |
14/263769 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/US2014/025742 |
Mar 13, 2014 |
|
|
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14263769 |
|
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61802310 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/517 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04Q 2209/10 20130101;
G08B 25/007 20130101; H04L 2209/72 20130101; G06F 21/64 20130101;
G05B 15/02 20130101; G06Q 10/0635 20130101; G08C 19/00 20130101;
H04L 9/0861 20130101; G08B 23/00 20130101; H04L 63/10 20130101;
H04Q 2209/40 20130101; G06F 16/113 20190101; G08B 5/36 20130101;
H04Q 9/00 20130101; G06F 21/6218 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/517 |
International
Class: |
G08B 23/00 20060101
G08B023/00 |
Claims
1. An environmental monitoring device, comprising: a sensor
configured to provide sensor data for an external environment that
includes the environmental monitoring device, wherein the sensor
data represents an environmental condition that is associated with
operation of a legacy electronic device in the external
environment; wherein the environmental monitoring device is
configured to analyze the sensor data and to provide feedback about
the operation of the legacy electronic device based on the analyzed
sensor data; and wherein the sensor provides the sensor data
without communication between the environmental monitoring device
and the legacy electronic device.
2. The environmental monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the
environmental monitoring device further comprises: a processor; and
a memory, coupled to the processor, which stores a program module
configured to be executed by the processor, the program module
including: instructions for receiving the sensor data; instructions
for the analyzing; and instructions for the providing.
3. The environmental monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the
sensor provides the sensor data without electrical coupling between
the environmental monitoring device and the legacy electronic
device.
4. The environmental monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the
sensor data includes one of: a particle count, a particle size, a
concentration of a chemical, a composition of the chemical,
temperature, humidity, acoustic information, video, thermal
information, vibration information, acceleration information,
motion information, microanalysis information, mass-spectrometry
information, and chemical-analysis information.
5. The environmental monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the
environmental condition includes one of: presence of an individual,
presence of a chemical compound, presence of an allergen, presence
of dust, presence of a fungus, a fire, presence of smoke, flooding,
a water leak, a chemical leak, presence of an insect, presence of a
rodent, availability of electrical power, a lighting condition,
temperature deviating from a predefined target, and humidity
deviating from a predefined target.
6. The environmental monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the
environmental monitoring device further comprises a physiological
output device configured to provide sensory information; and
wherein the feedback is provided via the physiological output
device.
7. The environmental monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the
environmental monitoring device further comprises: an antenna; and
an interface circuit, coupled to the antenna, configured to
communicate with an aggregation electronic device that is other
than the legacy electronic device, wherein the providing involves
communicating the feedback to the aggregation electronic device via
the interface circuit and the antenna.
8. The environmental monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the
legacy electronic device includes one of: a smoke detector, a
thermostat, a carbon-monoxide detector, an appliance, a clock, a
security alarm, a humidifier, an air filter, a switch and a
light.
9. A computer-program product for use in conjunction with an
environmental monitoring device, the computer-program product
comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and a
computer-program mechanism embedded therein to provide feedback,
the computer-program mechanism including: instructions for
receiving sensor data associated with a sensor in the environmental
monitoring device, wherein the sensor data is for an external
environment that includes the environmental monitoring device,
wherein the sensor data represents an environmental condition that
is associated with operation of a legacy electronic device in the
external environment, and wherein the legacy electronic device is
separate from the environmental monitoring device; instructions for
analyzing the sensor data; and instructions for providing the
feedback about the operation of the legacy electronic device based
on the analyzed sensor data.
10. The computer-program product of claim 9, wherein the sensor
provides the sensor data without communication between the
environmental monitoring device and the legacy electronic
device.
11. The computer-program product of claim 9, wherein the sensor
data includes one of: a particle count, a particle size, a
concentration of a chemical, a composition of the chemical,
temperature, humidity, acoustic information, video, thermal
information, vibration information, acceleration information,
motion information, microanalysis information, mass-spectrometry
information, and chemical-analysis information.
12. The computer-program product of claim 9, wherein the
environmental condition includes one of: presence of an individual,
presence of a chemical compound, presence of an allergen, presence
of dust, presence of a fungus, a tire, presence of smoke, flooding,
a water leak, a chemical leak, presence of an insect, presence of a
rodent, availability of electrical power, a lighting condition,
temperature deviating from a predefined target, and humidity
deviating from a predefined target.
13. The computer-program product of claim 9, wherein the feedback
is provided via a physiological output device in the environmental
monitoring device that provides sensory information.
14. The computer-program product of claim 9, wherein the
instructions for providing the feedback involves communication with
an aggregation electronic device.
15. The computer-program product of claim 9, wherein the legacy
electronic device includes one of: a smoke detector, a thermostat,
a carbon-monoxide detector, an appliance, a clock, a security
alarm, a humidifier, an air filter, a switch and a light.
16. A processor-implemented method for providing feedback, wherein
the method comprises: receiving sensor data associated with a
sensor in an environmental monitoring device, wherein the sensor
data is for an external environment that includes the environmental
monitoring device, wherein the sensor data represents an
environmental condition that is associated with operation of a
legacy electronic device in the external environment, and wherein
the legacy electronic device is separate from the environmental
monitoring device, using the processor in the environmental
monitoring device, analyzing the sensor data; and providing the
feedback about the operation of the legacy electronic device based
on the analyzed sensor data.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the sensor provides the sensor
data without communication between the environmental monitoring
device and the legacy electronic device.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the sensor data includes one
of: a particle count, a particle size, a concentration of a
chemical, a composition of the chemical, temperature, humidity,
acoustic information, video, thermal information, vibration
information, acceleration information, motion information,
microanalysis information, mass-spectrometry information, and
chemical-analysis information.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the environmental condition
includes one of presence of an individual, presence of a chemical
compound, presence of an allergen, presence of dust, presence of a
fungus, a fire, presence of smoke, flooding, a water leak, a
chemical leak, presence of an insect, presence of a rodent,
availability of electrical power, a lighting condition, temperature
deviating from a predefined target, and humidity deviating from a
predefined target.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the legacy electronic device
includes one of: a smoke detector, a thermostat, a carbon-monoxide
detector, an appliance, a clock, a security alarm, a humidifier, an
air filter, a switch and a light.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of PCT Application No.
PCT/US14/25742, filed 13 Mar. 2014, which claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
61/802,310, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, both of which are herein
incorporated by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The described embodiments relate generally to environmental
monitoring devices, and more specifically to techniques for
providing feedback on the operation of electronic devices in an
environment and generating a historical record.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] Trends in connectivity and in portable electronic devices
are resulting in dramatic changes in people's lives. For example,
the Internet now allows individuals access to vast amounts of
information, as well as the ability to identify and interact with
individuals, organizations and companies around the world. This has
resulted in a significant increase in online financial transactions
(which are sometimes referred to as `ecommerce`). Similarly, the
increasingly powerful computing and communication capabilities of
portable electronic device (such as smartphones), as well as a
large and growing set of applications, are accelerating these
changes, providing individuals access to information at arbitrary
locations and the ability to leverage this information to perform a
wide variety of tasks.
[0006] Recently, it has been proposed these capabilities be
included in other electronic devices that are located throughout
our environments, including those that people interact with
infrequently. In the so-called `Internet of things,` it has been
proposed that future versions of these so-called `background`
electronic devices be outfitted with more powerful computing
capabilities and networking subsystems to facilitate wired or
wireless communication. For example, the background electronic
devices may include: a cellular network interface (LTE, etc.), a
wireless local area network interface (e.g., a wireless network
such as described in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard or Bluetooth.TM. from the
Bluetooth Special Interests Group of Kirkland, Wash.), and/or
another type of wireless interface (such as a
near-field-communication interface). These capabilities may allow
the background electronic devices to be integrated into information
networks, thereby further transforming people's lives.
[0007] However, the overwhelming majority of the existing
background electronic devices in people's homes, offices and
vehicles have neither enhanced computing capabilities (such as
processor that can execute a wide variety of applications) nor
networking subsystems. Given the economics of many market segments
(such as the consumer market segment), these so-called `legacy`
background electronic devices (which are sometimes referred to as
`legacy electronic devices`) are unlikely to be rapidly replaced.
These barriers to entry and change are obstacles to widely
implementing the Internet of things.
[0008] In addition, there remain many environments (such as the
interiors of trucks, trains, boxes, etc.) that currently do not
regularly include electronic devices. As a consequence, it may also
be difficult to extend the advantages of connectivity and enhanced
computing capabilities into these environments.
[0009] Hence, there is a need for an environmental monitoring
device that addresses the above-described problems.
SUMMARY
[0010] One group of described embodiments relates to an
environmental monitoring device, which includes a sensor that
provides sensor data for an external environment that includes the
environmental monitoring device. The sensor data represents an
environmental condition that is associated with operation of a
legacy electronic device in the external environment. Moreover, the
environmental monitoring device analyzes the sensor data and
provides feedback about the operation of the legacy electronic
device based on the analyzed sensor data. Furthermore, the sensor
provides the sensor data without or excluding communication and/or
electrical coupling between the environmental monitoring device and
the legacy electronic device.
[0011] In some embodiments, the environmental monitoring device
includes a processor and a memory, which stores a program module
that is executed by the processor. The program module includes
instructions for: receiving the sensor data, the analyzing, and the
providing.
[0012] Additionally, the environmental monitoring device may
include an antenna, and an interface circuit that communicates with
an aggregation electronic device that is other than the legacy
electronic device, where the providing involves communicating the
feedback to the aggregation electronic device via the interface
circuit and the antenna.
[0013] Note that the sensor data may include: a particle count, a
particle size, a concentration of a chemical, a composition of the
chemical, temperature, humidity, acoustic information, video,
thermal information, vibration information, acceleration
information, motion information, microanalysis information,
mass-spectrometry information, and/or chemical-analysis
information.
[0014] Moreover, the environmental condition may include: presence
of an individual, presence of a chemical compound, presence of an
allergen, presence of dust, presence of a fungus, a fire, presence
of smoke, flooding, a water leak, a chemical leak, presence of an
insect, presence of a rodent, availability of electrical power, a
lighting condition, temperature deviating from a predefined target,
and/or humidity deviating from a predefined target.
[0015] Furthermore, the legacy electronic device may include: a
smoke detector, a thermostat, a carbon-monoxide detector, an
appliance, a clock, a security alarm, a humidifier, an air filter,
a switch, and/or a light.
[0016] In some embodiments, the environmental monitoring device
includes a physiological output device (such as a speaker or a
display) that provides sensory information, where the feedback is
provided via the physiological output device.
[0017] Another embodiment provides a computer-program product for
use in conjunction with the environmental monitoring device. This
computer-program product may include instructions for at least some
of the aforementioned operations performed by the environmental
monitoring device.
[0018] Another embodiment provides a method for providing feedback,
which may be performed by the processor in the environmental
monitoring device. During operation, the processor receives the
sensor data associated with the sensor in the environmental
monitoring device, where the sensor data is for the external
environment that includes the environmental monitoring device. The
sensor data represents the environmental condition that is
associated with operation of a legacy electronic device in the
external environment, and the legacy electronic device is separate
from the environmental monitoring device. Then, the processor
analyzes the sensor data. Next, the processor provides the feedback
about the operation of the legacy electronic device based on the
analyzed sensor data.
[0019] Another embodiment provides a system that includes the
environmental monitoring device and the legacy electronic
device.
[0020] A second group of described embodiments relates to an
electronic device that includes an antenna, and an interface
circuit that communicates with a set of electronic devices, where
the set of electronic devices at least includes other electronic
devices than the electronic device, and the set of electronic
devices are located in separate environments. Moreover, the
electronic device includes a processor and a memory, which stores a
program module that is executed by the processor. The program
module includes instructions for: receiving sensor data from the
set of electronic devices, where the sensor data represents
environmental conditions in the environments; analyzing the sensor
data, where the analysis involves comparing the sensor data from a
given electronic device in the set of electronic devices with the
sensor data from a remainder of the set of electronic devices; and
determining a risk metric for an environment associated with the
given electronic device based on the analyzed sensor data.
[0021] Note that the environment may be included in a physical
object or the physical object may be included in the environment,
and the program module may include instructions for calculating a
financial value associated with the physical object based on the
determined risk metric. For example, the financial value may
include: a commercial value of the physical object; and/or an
insurance premium for the physical object. In addition, the
physical object may include: a portion of a building, the building,
a container, a vehicle, a liquid, and/or a train car.
[0022] In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a sensor
which provides sensor data that represents an environmental
condition in an environment that includes the electronic device.
Moreover, the program module may include instructions for accessing
the sensor data from the sensor in the electronic device, and the
analysis may include the sensor data from the sensor in the
electronic device.
[0023] Furthermore, the environments may be associated with
different entities.
[0024] Another embodiment provides a computer-program product for
use in conjunction with the electronic device. This
computer-program product may include instructions for at least some
of the aforementioned operations performed by the electronic
device.
[0025] Another embodiment provides a method for determining a risk
metric, which may be performed by the processor in the electronic
device. During operation, the processor receives the sensor data
from the set of electronic devices, where the sensor data
represents the environmental conditions in the external
environments of the set of electronic devices, and where the set of
electronic devices at least includes the electronic devices other
than the electronic device. Then, the processor analyzes the sensor
data, where the analysis involves comparing the sensor data from
the given electronic device in the set of electronic devices with
the sensor data from the remainder of the set of electronic
devices. Next, the processor determines the risk metric for the
external environment associated with the given electronic device
based on the analyzed sensor data.
[0026] Another embodiment provides a system that includes the
electronic device and the set of electronic devices.
[0027] A third group of described embodiments relates to an
environmental monitoring device, which includes a sensor that
provides sensor data that represents an environmental condition in
an external environment that includes the environmental monitoring
device. Moreover, the environmental monitoring device includes an
antenna, and an interface circuit that communicates with an archive
device. Furthermore, the environmental monitoring device includes a
processor, where the processor includes a secure channel that
processes information and communicates the processed information
using an encryption key associated with the secure channel.
Additionally, the environmental monitoring device includes a
memory, which stores a program module that is executed by the
processor. The program module includes instructions for: receiving
the sensor data from the sensor; generating a digital signature
associated with the secure channel; and providing, to the archive
device, a certified data package for archiving in a historical
record for the external environment, where the certified data
package includes the sensor data, the digital signature and a time
stamp.
[0028] Note that the digital signature may be generated using: a
secure hash of the time stamp and an identifier of the
environmental monitoring device; and/or the encryption key.
[0029] In some embodiments, the program module includes
instructions for analyzing the sensor data, and the certified data
package includes the analyzed sensor data. For example, the
external environment may be associated with a physical object, and
analyzing the sensor data may involve calculating a risk metric for
the external environment. In addition, the program module may
include instructions for calculating a financial value associated
with the physical object based on the determined risk metric. This
financial value may include: a commercial value of the physical
object; and/or an insurance premium for the physical object.
[0030] Furthermore, the environmental monitoring device may include
a location monitor that provides information specifying a location
of the environmental monitoring device in the external environment.
In these embodiments, the program module includes instructions for
receiving the information specifying the location, and the
certified data package includes the information specifying the
location.
[0031] Alternatively or additionally, the program module may
include instructions for receiving the information specifying the
location of the environmental monitoring device in the external
environment based on communication, via the interface circuit and
the antenna, with another electronic device, and the certified data
package may include the information specifying the location. For
example, the other electronic device (such as a cellular telephone,
tablet computer or computer) may be in the external environment and
may be proximate to the environmental monitoring device.
[0032] Another embodiment provides a computer-program product for
use in conjunction with the environmental monitoring device. This
computer-program product may include instructions for at least some
of the aforementioned operations performed by the environmental
monitoring device.
[0033] Another embodiment provides a method for providing a
certified data package, which may be performed by a secure channel
in the processor in the environmental monitoring device. During
operation, the processor receives the sensor data from the sensor
in the environmental monitoring device, where the sensor data
represents the environmental condition in the external environment
that includes the environmental monitoring device. Then, the
processor generates the digital signature associated with the
secure channel, where the secure channel processes information and
communicates the processed information using the encryption key
associated with the secure channel. Next, the processor provides,
to the archive device, the certified data package for archiving in
the historical record for the external environment, where the
certified data package includes the sensor data, the digital
signature and the time stamp.
[0034] Another embodiment provides a system that includes the
environmental monitoring device and the archive device.
[0035] A fourth group of described embodiments relates to an
electronic device, which includes a sensor that provides sensor
data that represents an environmental condition in an external
environment that includes the electronic device. This electronic
device receives information specifying a medical condition of an
individual. Then, the electronic device determines a target value
of the environmental condition based on the information specifying
the medical condition. Moreover, the electronic device calculates a
deviation from the target value based on the sensor data and the
target value. If a magnitude of the deviation exceeds a threshold,
the electronic device modifies an operating condition of a
regulator device in the external environment that regulates the
environmental condition. Next, the electronic device provides the
modified operating condition.
[0036] In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a
processor, and a memory that stores a program module which is
executed by the processor. The program module includes instructions
for: the receiving, the determining, the calculating, and the
modifying.
[0037] Moreover, the electronic device may include an antenna, and
an interface circuit that communicates with another electronic
device. The electronic device may receive: the information
specifying the medical condition from the other electronic device;
and/or a forecast for the environmental condition from the other
electronic device. In the later embodiments, the electronic device
may modify the operating condition based on the forecast.
[0038] Note that the medical condition may include: an allergy, a
chemical sensitivity, an illness, and/or a chronic disease that is
affected by the environmental condition. Furthermore, the regulator
device may include: a thermostat, a humidifier, an air purifier, a
ventilator device, and/or an access-control device for the external
environment.
[0039] Additionally, the target value may be based on a time of day
and/or a season (or time of year).
[0040] In some embodiments, the information specifying the medical
condition is: encrypted and/or de-identified so that the identity
of the individual is protected.
[0041] Moreover, the sensor data may include: a particle count, a
particle size, a concentration of a chemical, a composition of the
chemical, temperature, humidity, acoustic information, video,
thermal information, vibration information, acceleration
information, motion information, microanalysis information,
mass-spectrometry information, and/or chemical-analysis
information.
[0042] Another embodiment provides a computer-program product for
use in conjunction with the electronic device. This
computer-program product may include instructions for at least some
of the aforementioned operations performed by the electronic
device.
[0043] Another embodiment provides a method for modifying the
operating condition, which may be performed by the processor in the
electronic device. During operation, the processor receives the
information specifying the medical condition of the individual.
Then, the processor determines the target value of the
environmental condition in the external environment of the
electronic device based on the information specifying the medical
condition. Moreover, the processor calculates the deviation from
the target value based on sensor data and the target value, where
the sensor data is provided by the sensor in the electronic device,
and the sensor data represents the environmental condition. Next,
the electronic device modifies the operating condition of the
regulator device in the external environment if the deviation
exceeds the threshold, wherein the regulator device regulates the
environmental condition. Furthermore, the processor provides the
modified operating condition.
[0044] Another embodiment provides a system that includes the
electronic device, the regulator device and/or other electronic
device.
[0045] A fifth group of described embodiments relates to an
environmental monitoring device, which includes a sensor that
provides sensor data that represents an environmental condition in
an external environment that includes the environmental monitoring
device. Moreover, the environmental monitoring device includes an
antenna, and an interface circuit that communicates with an archive
device and another electronic device. Furthermore, the
environmental monitoring device includes a processor, and a memory
that stores a program module which is executed by the processor.
The program module includes instructions for: receiving the sensor
data from the sensor; protecting the sensor data; providing the
protected sensor data to the archive device; receiving a request
for the sensor data from the other electronic device; and providing
authorization information to the archive device to release the
sensor data to the other electronic device.
[0046] Note that the authorization information may be based on a
predefined authorization preference of a user associated with the
environmental monitoring device.
[0047] In some embodiments, the program module includes
instructions for requesting user feedback about the request; and
receiving the user feedback, where the authorization information is
provided if the user feedback includes approval of the request.
[0048] Moreover, protecting the sensor data may involve hashing,
using a secure hash function, the sensor data, a random number
generated by the environmental monitoring device and an identifier
of the environmental monitoring device. Furthermore, the memory may
store a set of secure hash functions that includes the secure hash
function, and the secure hash function may be specified by a
protection preference. The program module may include instructions
for receiving the protection preference from the archive
device.
[0049] Additionally, the program module may include instructions
for: communicating, to the archive device, information specifying
how to unprotect the sensor data; and/or communicating, to the
other electronic device, information specifying how to unprotect
the sensor data.
[0050] In some embodiments, the request includes an address of the
other electronic device, and the authorization information includes
the address.
[0051] Another embodiment provides a computer-program product for
use in conjunction with the environmental monitoring device. This
computer-program product may include instructions for at least some
of the aforementioned operations performed by the environmental
monitoring device.
[0052] Another embodiment provides a method for authorizing access
to sensor data, which may be performed by the processor in the
environmental monitoring device. During operation, the processor
receives the sensor data from the sensor in the environmental
monitoring device, where the sensor data represents the
environmental condition in the external environment that includes
the environmental monitoring device. Then, the processor protects
the sensor data. Moreover, the processor provides the protected
sensor data to the archive device. Next, the processor receives the
request for the sensor data from the other electronic device.
Furthermore, the processor provides the authorization information
to the archive device to release the sensor data to the other
electronic device.
[0053] Another embodiment provides a system that includes the
environmental monitoring device, the archive device and/or other
electronic device.
[0054] A sixth group of described embodiments relates to an
environmental monitoring device, which includes a sensor that
provides sensor data for an external environment that includes the
environmental monitoring device, where the sensor data represents
an environmental condition that is associated with operation of an
electronic device in the external environment. This environmental
monitoring device analyzes the sensor data and provides a
maintenance notification related to the operation of the electronic
device based on the analyzed sensor data.
[0055] Note that the sensor may provide the sensor data without or
excluding: communication between the environmental monitoring
device and the electronic device; and/or electrical coupling
between the environmental monitoring device and the electronic
device.
[0056] In some embodiments, the environmental monitoring device
includes a processor, and a memory that which stores a program
module which is executed by the processor. The program module
includes instructions for: receiving the sensor data, the
analyzing, and the providing.
[0057] Moreover, analyzing the sensor data may involve comparing
the sensor data to a threshold value.
[0058] Furthermore, the maintenance notification may include: an
instruction to change a filter, an instruction to perform
maintenance on the electronic device, an instruction to replace a
power source in the electronic device, and/or an instruction to
replace a sensor in the electronic device.
[0059] Additionally, the environmental monitoring device may order
a replacement component for the electronic device based on the
maintenance notification; and/or may record, in a historical record
for the environment, the maintenance notification and a subsequent
remedial action associated with the electronic device that is
performed in response to the maintenance notification.
[0060] In some embodiments, the environmental monitoring device
provides a command to an access-control device for the external
environment based on the maintenance notification.
[0061] Note that the maintenance notification may be provided to a
third party that performs maintenance (e.g., a maintenance service)
on the electronic device. This third party may be other than a user
associated with the environmental monitoring device and a provider
of the environmental monitoring device.
[0062] In some embodiments, the environmental monitoring device
includes an antenna, and an interface circuit that communicates
with another electronic device, where the providing involves
communicating with the other electronic device via the interface
circuit and the antenna.
[0063] Another embodiment provides a computer-program product for
use in conjunction with the environmental monitoring device. This
computer-program product may include instructions for at least some
of the aforementioned operations performed by the environmental
monitoring device.
[0064] Another embodiment provides a method for providing a
maintenance notification, which may be performed by the processor
in the environmental monitoring device. During operation, the
processor receives the sensor data associated with the sensor in
the environmental monitoring device, where the sensor data is for
the external environment that includes the environmental monitoring
device, and the sensor data represents the environmental condition
that is associated with operation of the electronic device in the
external environment. Then, the processor analyzes the sensor data.
Moreover, the processor provides the maintenance notification
related to the operation of the electronic device based on the
analyzed sensor data.
[0065] Another embodiment provides a system that includes the
environmental monitoring device and the electronic device.
[0066] The preceding summary is provided as an overview of some
exemplary embodiments and to provide a basic understanding of
aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the
above-described features are merely examples and should not be
construed as narrowing the scope or spirit of the subject matter
described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and
advantages of the subject matter described herein will become
apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and
Claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0067] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating electronic devices
communicating in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0068] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an environmental
monitoring device of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0069] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a data structure with
sensor data in the electronic device of FIG. 2 in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0070] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an archive device of
FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0071] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a data structure with
a historical record in the archive device of FIG. 4 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0072] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a front view of an
environmental monitoring device in FIG. 1 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0073] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a side view of the
environmental monitoring device in FIG. 6 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0074] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a rear view of the
environmental monitoring device in FIG. 6 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0075] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a front view of an
environmental monitoring device in FIG. 1 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0076] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a side view of the
environmental monitoring device in FIG. 9 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0077] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for
providing feedback in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0078] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating communication between an
environmental monitoring device and an aggregation device during
the method of FIG. 11 in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0079] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for
determining a risk metric in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0080] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating communication between an
electronic device and a set of electronic devices during the method
of FIG. 13 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0081] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for
providing a certified data package in accordance with an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0082] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating communication between an
environmental monitoring device and an archive device during the
method of FIG. 15 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0083] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for
modifying an operating condition in accordance with an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0084] FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating communication between an
electronic device, a regulator device and/or another electronic
device during the method of FIG. 17 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0085] FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for
authorizing access to sensor data in accordance with an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0086] FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating communication between an
environmental monitoring device, an archive device and another
electronic device during the method of FIG. 19 in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0087] FIG. 21 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for
providing a maintenance notification in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0088] FIG. 22 is a drawing illustrating communication between an
environmental monitoring device and another electronic device
during the method of FIG. 21 in accordance with an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0089] Note that like reference numerals refer to corresponding
parts throughout the drawings. Moreover, multiple instances of the
same part are designated by a common prefix separated from an
instance number by a dash.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0090] In one group of embodiments, an environmental monitoring
device that monitors the operation of a legacy electronic device is
described. In particular, a sensor in the environmental monitoring
device provides sensor data (such as temperature, humidity,
acoustic information, a particle count, a particle size, etc.) that
represents an environmental condition (such as presence of an
allergen, fire, flooding, a power outage, an infestation, etc.) in
an external environment that includes the environmental monitoring
device. This environmental condition is associated with the
operation of the legacy electronic device in the external
environment (such as a smoke detector, a thermostat, a
carbon-monoxide detector, an appliance, a clock, a security alarm,
a humidifier, an air filter, a switch, etc.). The environmental
monitoring device analyzes the sensor data and provides feedback
about the operation of the legacy electronic device based on the
analyzed sensor data. Moreover, the sensor provides the sensor data
without or excluding communication and/or electrical coupling
between the environmental monitoring device and the legacy
electronic device.
[0091] In this way, the environmental monitoring device facilitates
monitoring, analysis and feedback of the sensor data without
directly interacting with the legacy electronic device. These
capabilities may allow the environmental monitoring device to
provide additional services by supplementing the existing legacy
electronic devices instead of requiring that these electronic
devices be replaced. In addition to being more cost effective, this
approach may significantly increase the rate of adoption of the
environmental monitoring device, thereby enhancing commercial
activity. Furthermore, the additional services may enhance customer
satisfaction with both the legacy electronic devices and the
environmental monitoring device.
[0092] In a second group of embodiments, an electronic device that
determines a risk metric for a physical object associated with an
environment is described. This electronic device receives sensor
data from a set of electronic devices (which may or may not include
the electronic device) that are located in separate, neighboring or
proximate environments. The sensor data represents environmental
conditions in these environments. By analyzing and comparing the
sensor data, the electronic device assesses the environmental
condition and determines the risk metric for at least one of the
environments (such as a risk metric for a power failure).
Furthermore, the risk metric may be used to calculate a financial
value, such as a commercial value or an insurance premium of the
physical object associated with at least the one environment. Note
that the physical object may be included in at least the one
environment or at least the one environment may include the
physical object. For example, at least the one environment may
include: a portion of a building, the building, a container, a
vehicle, a liquid, and/or a train car.
[0093] By facilitating aggregated monitoring of at least the one
environment, the electronic device can assess, on an ongoing basis,
the impact of one or more environmental factors (and, more
generally, the environmental condition) on the quality and/or value
of the physical object. This data-driven assessment of risk may
allow services to be provided to customers ranging from: an owner
of the physical object, a realtor, potential buyers and/or renters
of the physical object, an insurance company, an insurance broker,
a shipping or transportation company, etc. Furthermore, the
information collected and analyzed by the electronic device may be
used to guide remedial action to protect the physical object. Thus,
the electronic device may facilitate a wide variety of value-added
commercial activities.
[0094] In a third group of embodiments, an environmental monitoring
device that monitors an environment and maintains a secure,
certified historical record ofan environmental condition in the
environment is described. In particular, a sensor in the
environmental monitoring device provides sensor data that
represents the environmental condition in the environment. This
sensor data is securely processed in a secure channel in a
processor in the environmental monitoring device. The secure
processing may include generating a digital signature associated
with the secure channel (e.g., using a secure hash function and/or
an encryption key). Then, a certified data package (with the sensor
data or analyzed sensor data, the digital signature, location
information and an associated time stamp) is securely communicated
to an archive device, and the archive device may include the
certified data package in the historical record or log for the
environment.
[0095] The ongoing record maintained by the environmental
monitoring device and the archive device may be used to determine a
risk metric for a physical object associated with the environment.
For example, the physical object may be included in the environment
or the environment may include the physical object. Moreover, the
risk metric may be used to calculate a financial value associated
with the physical object, such as a commercial value or an
insurance premium.
[0096] In this way, the environmental monitoring device can assess,
on an ongoing basis, the impact of one or more environmental
factors (and, more generally, the environmental condition) on the
quality and/or value of the physical object. This data-driven
assessment of risk may allow services to be provided to customers
ranging from: an owner of the physical object, a realtor, potential
buyers and/or renters of the physical object, an insurance company,
an insurance broker, a shipping or transportation company, etc.
Furthermore, the information collected and analyzed by the
electronic device may be used to guide remedial action to protect
the physical object. Thus, the electronic device may facilitate a
wide variety of value-added commercial activities.
[0097] In a fourth group of embodiments, an electronic device that
modifies an operating condition of a regulator device based on a
medical condition of an individual is described. The electronic
device receives or accesses information specifying the medical
condition (such as an allergy, a chemical sensitivity, an illness,
a chronic disease, etc.). The information is then used to determine
a target value of an environmental condition in an environment.
Subsequently, the electronic device provides sensor data
representing the environmental condition. This sensor data is
compared to the target value and, based on the comparison, the
operating condition of a regulator device in the environment is
modified. For example, the regulator device may regulate the
environmental condition (such as a thermostat, a humidifier, an air
purifier, a ventilator device, a window opener, a door opener,
etc.). If a magnitude of a deviation of the sensor data from the
target value exceeds a threshold, the operating condition may be
modified to reduce the deviation. Moreover, the electronic device
may provide the modified operating condition to the individual or
directly to the regulator device.
[0098] In this way, the electronic device may allow the individual,
directly or indirectly, to monitor and maintain the environmental
condition in a manner that increases their comfort and overall
health given the constraints imposed by the medical condition. In
addition, the electronic device may perform these functions either
with or without direct interaction (such as communication or
electrical coupling) to the regulator device. Thus, the electronic
device may be capable of being used flexibly in a dynamic feedback
control system or with a legacy electronic device. Consequently,
the electronic device may assist the individual in a cost-effective
and valuable way, thereby increasing their satisfaction with the
electronic device and/or a legacy electronic device.
[0099] In a fifth group of embodiments, an environmental monitoring
device that enables access to protected sensor data stored in a
remote archive is described. This environmental monitoring device
collects sensor data that represents an environmental condition in
an environment. After protecting the sensor data (e.g., using a
secure hash function, a random number and/or an identifier of the
environmental monitoring device), the environmental monitoring
device provides the protected sensor data to an archive device.
[0100] Subsequently, when the environmental monitoring device
receives a request for the sensor data from another electronic
device, the environmental monitoring device may provide
authorization information to the archive device to release the
sensor data to the other electronic device. Note that the
authorization information may be based on a predefined
authorization preference of a user associated with the
environmental monitoring device or on feedback from the user about
the request (such as user approval of the request). The
environmental monitoring device may also provide information
specifying how to unprotect the sensor data to the archive device
and/or the other electronic device.
[0101] In this way, the environmental monitoring device may
facilitate collection and secure, low-cost storage of the protected
sensor data, while allowing authorized recipients (such as the
other electronic device) access to the sensor data. These
capabilities may allow the environmental monitoring device to
facilitate a wide range applications and services that leverage the
protected sensor data to the user of the environmental monitoring
device, as well as other individuals and organizations.
Consequently, the environmental monitoring device may promote
commercial activity, data sharing, and cross-platform services.
[0102] In a sixth group of embodiments, an environmental monitoring
device that provides maintenance notifications is described. The
environmental monitoring device provides sensor data that
represents an environmental condition in an environment. This
sensor data is associated with operation of an electronic device in
the external environment. Then, the environmental monitoring device
analyzes the sensor data and provides the maintenance notification
related to the operation of the electronic device based on the
analyzed sensor data. For example, the environmental monitoring
device may compare the sensor data to a threshold (such as a
maximum value or a minimum value of the environmental condition).
If the threshold is exceeded, the environmental monitoring device
may provide the maintenance notification, such as an instruction
to: change a filter, perform maintenance, replace a battery, order
a replacement component, etc. In addition, the environmental
monitoring device may record, in a historical record for the
environment, the maintenance notification and a subsequent remedial
action (if any) associated with the electronic device that is
performed in response to the maintenance notification. Note that
the environmental monitoring device may provide the sensor data
without or excluding interaction (such as communication or
electrical coupling) with the electronic device.
[0103] In these ways, the environmental monitoring device may
facilitate continued and/or improved operation of the electronic
device and, thus, may help maintain the environment. Moreover, by
allowing the environmental monitoring device to provide the
maintenance notification without requiring interaction with the
electronic device, the environmental monitoring device may be able
to help automate maintenance of a legacy electronic device. These
capabilities may be a valuable service for an owner of the
electronic device, as well as repair services and component
suppliers. Consequently, the environmental monitoring device may
increase customer satisfaction and may increase commercial
activity.
[0104] Communication between electronic devices (such as the
environmental monitoring device and the archive device) may utilize
wired, optical and/or wireless communication. For example, the
wireless communication may involve communicating packets or frames
that are transmitted and received by radios in the electronic
devices in accordance with a communication protocol, such as:
Bluetooth.TM. (from the Bluetooth Special Interests Group of
Kirkland, Wash.), an Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers (IEEE) 802.15 standard (such as ZigBee.RTM. from the
ZigBee.RTM. Alliance of San Ramon, Calif.), an Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, a
power-line communication standard, an infra-red communication
standard, a universal serial bus (USB) communication standard, a
near-field-communication standard or specification (from the NFC
Forum of Wakefield, Mass.), another wireless adhoc network
standard, and/or another type of wireless interface. In some
embodiments, the communication protocol may be compatible with a
2.sup.nd generation or mobile telecommunication technology, a
3.sup.rd generation of mobile telecommunications technology (such
as a communication protocol that complies with the International
Mobile Telecommunications-2000 specifications by the International
Telecommunication Union of Geneva, Switzerland), a 4.sup.th
generation of mobile telecommunications technology (such as a
communication protocol that complies with the International Mobile
Telecommunications Advanced specification by the International
Telecommunication Union of Geneva, Switzerland), and/or another
cellular-telephone communication technique. For example, the
communication protocol may include Long Term Evolution or LTE. In
the discussion that follows, ZigBee.RTM. is used as an illustrative
example. In addition, the communication may occur via a wide
variety of frequency bands, including frequencies associated with
the so-called `white space` in frequencies bands associated with
analog television broadcasting.
[0105] The communication between the electronic devices is shown in
FIG. 1, which presents a block diagram illustrating communication
among environmental monitoring devices 110, electronic devices 114
(such as regulator devices e.g., electronic device 114-2, and/or
legacy electronic devices, e.g., electronic device 114-1) and
data-sharing electronic device 118 using wireless signals, and
communication with optional computer 120 and optional network 122
(such as the Internet, a wireless local area network, an Ethernet
network, an intra-net, an optical network, etc.) and aggregating or
archive device 116 (which may or may not involve wireless signals).
As described further below with reference to FIGS. 11-22,
environmental monitoring devices 110 may monitor environmental
conditions in one or more environments 112 (such as a portion of a
building, the building, a container or a package, a vehicle, a
liquid, and/or a train car) that include electronic devices 114.
(Note that one or more of environmental monitoring devices 110 may
be immersed in a liquid, and environments 112 may be at fixed
locations or time-varying locations.) For example, at least some of
environmental monitoring devices 110 may include sensors that
provide sensor data that reflects the environmental conditions in
the one or more environments 112. In general, the sensor data may
be provided without or excluding interaction (such as communication
and/or electrical coupling) between environmental monitoring
devices 110 and electronic devices 114. Thus, sensors in
environmental monitoring devices 110 may indirectly infer
information about the operation and/or the performance of
electronic devices 114 based on the monitored environmental
conditions. However, in some embodiments at least some of
environmental monitoring devices 110 interact directly with at
least some of electronic devices 114 (via communication or
electrical coupling), thereby facilitating direct measurement of
the sensor data, as well as feedback control of these electronic
devices by at least some of environmental monitoring devices 110.
In some embodiments, one or more of environmental monitoring
devices 110 is integrated into one or more other electronic device,
such as one or more of electronic devices 114.
[0106] The sensor data may be analyzed locally by at least one of
environmental monitoring devices 110 and/or remotely by archive
device 116. Moreover, the sensor data and/or the analyzed sensor
data may be communicated among environmental monitoring devices
110. In particular, environmental monitoring devices 110 may form a
ZigBee.RTM. mesh network, with ZigBee.RTM. end devices
communicating with a ZigBee.RTM. coordinator (such as environmental
monitoring device 110-1) via one or more optional ZigBee.RTM.
routers. Then, environmental monitoring device 110-1 may
communicate (wirelessly and/or via optional computer 120 and
optional network 122) the sensor data and/or the analyzed sensor
data to archive device 116.
[0107] In addition, the sensor data and/or the analyzed sensor data
may be communicated or shared with one or more other electronic
devices, such as data-sharing electronic device 118 (e.g., a
cellular telephone or a portable electronic device) and/or remote
servers or computers not shown in FIG. 1. For example, the sensor
data and/or the analyzed sensor data may be communicated to
data-sharing electronic device 118 by at least some of
environmental monitoring devices 110, such as the one or more
optional ZigBee.RTM. routers and/or the ZigBee.RTM. coordinator.
(Thus, at least some of environmental monitoring devices 110 may
function as sensor-data hubs for other environmental monitoring
devices 110.) Alternatively, the sensor data and/or the analyzed
sensor data may be communicated to data-sharing electronic device
118 by archive device 116 using wired, optical and/or wireless
communication.
[0108] As described further below with reference to FIGS. 15 and
16, and 19 and 20, in general, the sensor data and/or the analyzed
sensor data that is communicated and/or stored by environmental
monitoring devices 110 and/or archive device 116 may be protected.
For example, the sensor data may be encrypted, digitally signed
and/or securely hashed (such as using a one-way cryptographic hash
function) by environmental monitoring devices 110. Furthermore,
archive device 116 may store the sensor data and/or the analyzed
sensor data in secure, certified historical records or logs of the
environmental conditions in environments 112. In principle, the
information stored by archive device 116 may be protected. However,
in some embodiments, users of environmental monitoring devices 110,
who, in general, control how their data is used and shared, may
instruct environmental monitoring devices 110 to provide, via the
mesh network, information to archive device 116 that allows archive
device 116 to unprotect the sensor data and/or the analyzed sensor
data. Similarly, in response to requests from authorized recipients
for the sensor data and/or the analyzed sensor data (such as a
request from data-sharing electronic device 118), archive device
116 may provide access to the stored sensor data and/or the
analyzed sensor data. If the sensor data and/or the analyzed sensor
data is protected, the associated environmental monitoring devices
110 may provide protection information to data-sharing electronic
device 118 that allows data-sharing electronic device 118 to
unprotect the sensor data and/or the analyzed sensor data.
[0109] Environmental monitoring devices 110 may allow a variety of
services to be offered to: users associated with environmental
monitoring devices 110 (such as owners or renters of these
environmental monitoring devices), suppliers of components or spare
parts, maintenance personnel, insurance companies, insurance
brokers, realtors, leasing agents, apartment renters, hotel guests,
businesses, organizations, governments, potential buyers of
physical objects, a shipping or transportation company, etc. For
example, as described further below with reference to FIGS. 11 and
12, based on the analyzed sensor data feedback about the operation
of one or more of electronic devices 114 (such as a legacy
electronic device) may be provided by one or more of environmental
monitoring devices 110 on displays, using speakers and, more
generally, on physiological output devices that provide sensory
information. Thus, a user may be alerted if a legacy electronic
device is not functioning properly. More generally, the feedback
may indicate the presence of an environmental condition in one of
environments 112, such as: presence of an allergen, fire, flooding,
a power outage, a chemical contaminant, an infestation, etc.
[0110] Alternatively or additionally, as described further below
with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, one or more of environmental
monitoring devices 110 and/or archive device 116 may assess the
impact of one or more environmental factors (and, more generally,
the environmental condition) on the quality and/or value of a
physical object associated with one of environments 112 on an
ongoing basis. For example, one or more of environmental monitoring
devices 110 and/or archive device 116 may determine a risk metric
for the physical object by comparing the sensor data from at least
a subset of electronic devices 110. This risk metric may be used to
calculate a financial value, such as a commercial value or an
insurance premium relating to the physical object (e.g., insuring
the physical object itself, or insuring the active use of the
physical object, such as liability insurance).
[0111] As described further below with reference to FIGS. 17 and
18, in some embodiments one or more of environmental monitoring
devices 110 and/or archive device 116 may maintain an environmental
condition in one of environments 112 based on a medical condition
of an individual (such as an allergy, a chemical sensitivity, an
illness, a chronic disease, etc.). In particular, the operating
condition of a regulator device (such as one of electronic devices
114, e.g., a thermostat, a humidifier, an air purifier, a
ventilator device, a window opener, a door opener, etc.) that
regulates an environmental condition may be modified based on a
comparison of the sensor data and a target value of the
environmental condition in one of environments 112 (which is
determined based on the medical condition). Then, the modified
operating condition may be provided to the individual or, when
possible, directly to the regulator device (thus, the modified
operation condition may include a control signal for the regulator
device). Note that the medical condition of an individual can
include a psychological comforting effect (e.g., warming up a room
before the user enters it), or even a placebo effect in which the
environmental factor has no known benefits (and may even have
drawbacks or random effects) according to scientific studies, but
by making a user more comfortable the modified environmental
factors provide psychological comfort to the user (which can be
categorized as a form of placebo effect). Furthermore, the
environmental condition in one of environments 112 can be based on
a user preference, e.g., lowering the temperature of a bedroom
before bedtime, etc.
[0112] Additionally, as described further below with reference to
FIGS. 21 and 22, in some environments one or more of environmental
monitoring devices 110 provide a maintenance notification based on
the analyzed sensor data, which is associated with the operation of
one of electronic devices 114 (such as a legacy electronic device
or an electronic device that is included in a feedback loop with
one of environmental monitoring devices 110) and which represents
an environmental condition in one of environments 112. For example,
the maintenance notification may include an instruction to: change
a filter, perform maintenance, replace a battery, order a
replacement component, etc. In addition, the maintenance
notification and any subsequent remedial action (such as a repair
or service performed on one of electronic devices 114) may be
stored in a historical record or log for one or more of
environments 112 (such as a historical record maintained by archive
device 116).
[0113] In these ways, environmental monitoring devices 110 and/or
archive device 116 may be used to: implement an information network
with one or more legacy electronic devices; securely aggregate and
selectively disseminate sensor data about environmental conditions:
calculate the financial impact of environmental conditions; and
facilitate monitoring and maintaining of one or more environmental
conditions in environments 112.
[0114] As noted previously, the communication between environmental
monitoring devices 110, electronic devices 114, archive device 116,
data-sharing electronic device 118 and/or optional computer 120 may
involve the exchange of packets. These packets may be included in
frames in one or more wireless channels.
[0115] Moreover, as described further below with reference to FIG.
2, environmental monitoring devices 110, archive device 116,
data-sharing electronic device 118, optional computer 120 and/or
optionally some of electronic devices 114 (such as electronic
device 114-2) may include subsystems, such as: a networking
subsystem, a memory subsystem, a processing subsystem, an optional
user-interface subsystem, and a sensor subsystem. In addition,
these electronic devices may include radios 126 in the networking
subsystems. More generally, environmental monitoring devices 110,
archive device 116, data-sharing electronic device 118, optional
computer 120 and/or optionally some of electronic devices 114 can
include (or can be included within) any electronic devices with
networking subsystems that enable wirelessly communication with
another electronic device. This can comprise transmitting frames on
wireless channels to enable the electronic devices to make initial
contact, followed by exchanging subsequent data/management frames
(such as connect requests or petitions to establish a connection or
link), configuring security options (e.g., encryption on a link or
in a mesh network), transmitting and receiving packets or frames,
etc.
[0116] As can be seen in FIG. 1, wireless signals 124 (represented
by a jagged line) are transmitted from/received by radios 126 in
environmental monitoring devices 110, data-sharing electronic
device 118, optional computer and/or optionally some of electronic
devices 114 (such as electronic device 114-2). In general, wireless
communication among these electronic devices may or may not involve
a connection being established between the electronic devices, and
therefore may or may not involve communication via a wireless
network. (Note that the communication between optional computer 120
and archive device 116 may occur via optional network 122, which
may involve wired or optical communication with a different
communication protocol than wireless signals 124.)
[0117] Furthermore, the processing of a packet or frame in an
electronic device (such as environmental monitoring device 110-l)
may include: receiving wireless signals 124 with the packet or
frame; decoding/extracting the packet or frame from received
wireless signals 124 to acquire the packet or frame; and processing
the packet or frame to determine information contained in the
packet or frame (such as at least a portion of a certified data
packet).
[0118] As noted previously, in general communication among the
electronic devices may be protected. This may involve encryption
using an encryption key (such as an encryption key associated with
one of environmental monitoring devices 110 and/or a secure channel
in a processor in one of environmental monitoring devices 110). The
encryption key may use symmetric or asymmetric encryption
techniques. Alternatively or additionally, a secure hash function
(such as SHA-256) may be used. For example, the secure hash may
supplement encryption that is associated with a network interface
in one or more of environmental monitoring devices 110.
[0119] Although we describe the environment shown in FIG. 1 as an
example, in alternative embodiments, different numbers or types of
electronic devices may be present. For example, some embodiments
comprise more or fewer electronic devices.
[0120] We now describe embodiments of the environmental monitoring
device, the archive device, and other electronic devices in FIG. 1.
FIG. 2 presents a block diagram illustrating environmental
monitoring device 200, such as one of environmental monitoring
devices 110. This electronic device includes processing subsystem
210, memory subsystem 212, a networking subsystem 214, an optional
user-interface subsystem 216, sensor subsystem 218 (i.e., a data
collection subsystem), and feedback subsystem 232. Processing
subsystem 210 includes one or more devices configured to perform
computational operations. For example, processing subsystem 210 can
include one or more microprocessors, application-specific
integrated circuits (ASICs), microcontrollers, programmable-logic
devices, and/or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs).
[0121] In addition, processing subsystem 210 may include an
optional secure channel 220 that performs secure processing of
information, securely communicates with other components in
environmental monitoring device 200, and more generally performs
secure services. This secure channel may include one or more
processors, a secure boot ROM, one or more security peripherals,
and/or other components. The security peripherals may be
hardware-configured to assist in the secure services performed by
optional secure channel 220. For example, the security peripherals
may include: authentication hardware implementing various
authentication techniques, encryption hardware configured to
perform encryption, secure-interface controllers configured to
communicate over a secure interface to other components, and/or
other components. In some embodiments, instructions executable by
optional secure channel 220 are stored in a trust zone in memory
subsystem 212 that is assigned to optional secure channel 220, and
optional secure channel 220 fetches the instructions from the trust
zone for execution. Optional secure channel 220 may be isolated
from the rest of processing subsystem 210 except for a carefully
controlled interface, thus forming a secure region for optional
secure channel 220 and its components. Because the interface to
optional secure channel 220 is carefully controlled, direct access
to components within optional secure channel 220 (such as a
processor or a secure boot ROM) may be prevented. In some
embodiments, optional secure channel 220 encrypts and/or decrypts
authentication information communicated with optional
user-interface subsystem 216 and/or received via networking
subsystem 214, and encrypts and/or decrypts information (such as
sensor data) communicated with sensor subsystem 218.
[0122] Memory subsystem 212 includes one or more devices for
storing data and/or instructions for processing subsystem 210,
networking subsystem 214, optional user-interface subsystem 216
and/or sensor subsystem 218. For example, memory subsystem 212 can
include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access
memory (SRAM), and/or other types of memory. In some embodiments,
instructions for processing subsystem 210 in memory subsystem 212
include: one or more program modules 238 or sets of instructions
(such as an environmental monitoring application, a financial
application, a data-logging application, a medical application, a
data-sharing application, and/or a maintenance application), which
may be executed in an operating environment (such as operating
system 236) by processing subsystem 210. Note that the one or more
computer programs may constitute a computer-program mechanism or a
program module. Moreover, instructions in the various modules in
memory subsystem 212 may be implemented in: a high-level procedural
language, an object-oriented programming language, and/or in an
assembly or machine language. Furthermore, the programming language
may be compiled or interpreted, e.g., configurable or configured
(which may be used interchangeably in this discussion), to be
executed by processing subsystem 210.
[0123] In addition, memory subsystem 212 can include mechanisms for
controlling access to the memory. In some embodiments, memory
subsystem 212 includes a memory hierarchy that comprises one or
more caches coupled to a memory in environmental monitoring device
200. In some of these embodiments, one or more of the caches is
located in processing subsystem 210.
[0124] In some embodiments, memory subsystem 212 is coupled to one
or more high-capacity mass-storage devices (not shown). For
example, memory subsystem 212 can be coupled to a magnetic or
optical drive, a solid-state drive, or another type of mass-storage
device. In these embodiments, memory subsystem 212 can be used by
environmental monitoring device 200 as fast-access storage for
often-used data, while the mass-storage device is used to store
less frequently used data.
[0125] Networking subsystem 214 includes one or more devices
configured to couple to and communicate on a wired, optical and/or
wireless network (i.e. to perform network operations), including an
interface circuit 222 (such as a ZigBee.RTM. communication circuit)
and one or more antennas 224. For example, networking subsystem 214
can include: a ZigBee.RTM. networking subsystem, a Bluetooth.TM.
networking system (which can include Bluetooth.TM. Low Energy, BLE
or Bluetooth.TM. LE), a cellular networking system (e.g., a 5G/4G
network such as UMTS, LTE, etc.), a USB networking system, a
networking system based on the standards described in IEEE 802.11
(e.g., a Wi-Fi.RTM. networking system), an Ethernet networking
system, an infra-red communication system, a power-line
communication system and/or another communication system (such as a
near-field-communication system or an adhoc-network networking
system).
[0126] Moreover, networking subsystem 214 includes processors,
controllers, radios/antennas, sockets/plugs, and/or other devices
used for coupling to, communicating on, and handling data and
events for each supported networking or communication system. Note
that mechanisms used for coupling to, communicating on, and
handling data and events on the network for each network system are
sometimes collectively referred to as a `network interface` for the
network system. Moreover, in some embodiments a `network` between
the electronic devices does not yet exist. Therefore, environmental
monitoring device 200 may use the mechanisms in networking
subsystem 214 for performing simple wireless communication between
environmental monitoring device 200 and other electronic devices,
e.g., transmitting advertising frames, petitions, beacons and/or
information associated with near-field communication.
[0127] Optional user-interface subsystem 216 may include one or
more processors, controllers and devices for receiving information
for a user of environmental monitoring device 200. For example,
optional user-interface subsystem 216 may include a user-interface
device 226, such as: a keypad, a touch-sensitive display, optical
character recognition, image recognition, gesture recognition,
biometric recognition (such as a fingerprint, a palm print, a
retinal pattern, etc.), and/or voice recognition. The information
may include: authentication information from the user (such as a
passcode for unlocking access to environmental monitoring device
200 and/or some of the functionality of environmental monitoring
device 200); user-feedback about a request for access to sensor
data associated with environmental monitoring device 200; and/or
user preferences for operation of environmental monitoring device
200 (such as alarm settings, when and/or how to provide
notifications, etc.). This information may be securely communicated
to processing subsystem 210 (such as by encrypting the
information). In addition, the information communicated may also
include an encryption key that is specific to environmental
monitoring device 200 and/or components in environmental monitoring
device 200, such as optional secure channel 220.
[0128] Furthermore, sensor subsystem 218 may include one or more
sensor devices 228 (or a sensor array), which may include one or
more processors and memory. For example, the one or more sensor
devices 228 may include: a thermal sensor (such as a thermometer),
a humidity sensor, a barometer, a camera or video recorder (such as
a CCD or CMOS imaging sensor), one or more microphones (which may
be able to record acoustic information in mono or stereo), an
infrared sensor, a microscope, a particle detector, an optical
particle sensor, an ionization particle sensor, a smoke detector, a
chemical sensor or detector, a chemical-analysis device, a mass
spectrometer, a microanalysis device, a nano-plasmonic sensor, a
genetic sensor (such as a micro-array), an accelerometer, a
position or a location sensor (such as a location sensor based on
the Global Positioning System or GPS), a gyroscope, a motion
sensor, a vibration sensor, a fluid flow sensor, a photo-detector,
a Geiger counter, a radio-frequency radiation detector, and/or
another device that measures a physical effect or that
characterizes an environmental factor or physical phenomenon
(either directly or indirectly).
[0129] Moreover, the one or more sensor devices 228 may include
redundancy to address sensor failure or erroneous readings, or to
provide improved accuracy and/or precision.
[0130] Note that sensor data acquired by the one or more sensor
devices 228 may be securely communicated to processing subsystem
210 (such as by encrypting the sensor data). In addition, the
sensor data communicated may also include a digital signature that
is specific to environmental monitoring device 200 and/or
components in environmental monitoring device 200, such as optional
secure channel 220.
[0131] Feedback subsystem 232 may include a display 234 for
displaying information, such as feedback about an environmental
condition in an environment that includes environmental monitoring
device 200 or a maintenance notification associated with a
regulator device in the environment. In particular, feedback
subsystem 232 may include a display driver and display 234, such
as: a liquid-crystal display, an e-ink display, an organic light
emitting diode display, a braille output device, a laser projection
display, a multi-touch touchscreen, a color-wheel display, etc.
Note that display subsystem 232 may be included in optional
user-interface subsystem 216.
[0132] During operation of environmental monitoring device 200,
processing subsystem 210 may execute one or more program modules
238, such as an environmental monitoring application. In
particular, environmental monitoring application may instruct one
or more sensor devices 228 to measure or acquire sensor data that
represents one or more environmental conditions in an environment
that includes environmental monitoring device 200. For example, the
environmental condition may include: presence of an individual
(such as a resident or a potential burglar), presence of a chemical
compound (such as exhaust, carbon monoxide, radon, smoke, a
non-volatile organic compound and/or a volatile organic compound),
presence of an allergen (such as dander or pollen), presence of
dust, presence of a fungus, a fire, presence of smoke, flooding, a
water leak, a chemical leak, presence of an insect or rodent (and,
more generally, an infestation), discharge of a fireann, a possible
altercation or criminal act (such as domestic violence), a medical
emergency, availability of electrical power (such as whether there
is a power failure), a lighting condition (such as whether the
lights are on or off), temperature deviating from a predefined
target, and/or humidity deviating from a predefined target. In some
embodiments, the environmental condition is associated with the
operation of a regulator device (which may or may not be a legacy
electronic device). The regulator device (and, more generally, one
of electronic devices 114 in FIG. 1) may include: a smoke detector,
a thermostat, a carbon-monoxide detector, an appliance, a clock, a
security alarm, a humidifier, an air filter, a switch, a light,
etc. Note that the monitoring of the sensor data may be continuous,
periodic (such as after a time interval has elapsed) or as needed
(such as event-driven monitoring).
[0133] The sensor data may be communicated to processing subsystem
210. Then, the environmental monitoring application may optionally
analyze the sensor data, e.g., calculating a discrete or a Fourier
transform, determining a histogram, performing filtering or signal
processing, perform data compression, calibrating one or more of
sensor devices 228, identifying one or more of sensor devices 228
that are not working or which are outputting erroneous sensor data,
applying another transformation, calculating statistics (such as
moments of a distribution), performing supervised learning (such as
Bayesian analysis), performing noise reduction, normalizing the
sensor data, converting units, etc. (Alternatively or additionally,
the sensor data may be communicated to another electronic device
using networking subsystem 214 and the analysis may be performed
remotely, e.g. by archive device 116 in FIGS. 1 and 4.) For
example, the analysis may determine whether an environmental
condition is present in the environment. Then, the environmental
monitoring application may provide feedback to a user of
environmental monitoring device 200 or directly to one of
electronic devices 114 in FIG. 1 (if this electronic device is able
to communicate with environmental monitoring device 200 via
networking subsystem 214). In particular, the environmental
monitoring application may instruct tfeedback subsystem 232 to
provide sensory information, such as a text or graphical message, a
video displayed on display 234 and/or a sound or audio message
output by optional speakers 240. For example, the sensory
information may include: a range of values, numerical measurements,
shades of gray (or grayscale), colors, chemical formulas, images,
textures, patterns (which may correspond to one or more
environmental conditions), tessellations with gradients of larger
or smaller element sizes, and/or tessellations of increasing or
decreasing element sizes (such as tessellation that are adjusted to
be larger or smaller as a given environmental condition increases
or decreases). Thus, in some embodiments the sensory information
includes a change in the color of environmental monitoring device
200. Alternatively or additionally, the feedback may be
communicated using networking subsystem 214 and presented to the
user (or other individuals) on another electronic device, such as
data-sharing electronic device 118 (FIG. 1) or a different
electronic device (such as the user's cellular telephone, tablet
computer or computer) that is used for remote visualization of: the
sensor data, the analyzed sensor data, the environmental condition
and/or the feedback.
[0134] In some embodiments, the environmental monitoring
application may provide, via networking subsystem 214, the feedback
to one or more of environmental monitoring devices 110 (FIG. 1)
and/or other electronic devices (such as computers or servers
associated with or operated on behalf of: component suppliers,
retailers, insurance companies, maintenance organizations, shipping
companies, landlords or property owners, a corporate-compliance
organization, inspectors, businesses, government agencies, etc.).
For example, the environmental monitoring application may utilize a
Short Message Service, email, a social network and/or a messaging
service with a restricted number of characters per message.
Alternatively or additionally, the feedback may be posted to a web
page or website (and, more generally, a location on a network), and
one or more recipients may be notified via networking subsystem
214, e.g., a link to the location may be provided to the
recipients.
[0135] Note that the sensor data and/or the analyzed sensor data
may be stored, at least temporarily, in a data structure in memory
subsystem 212. This is shown in FIG. 3, which presents a data
structure 300. In particular, data structure 300 may include
entries 308 with: sensor data 310, timestamps 312, locations 314,
optional analyzed sensor data 316, and/or environmental conditions
318.
[0136] Referring back to FIG. 2, in some embodiments the analysis
is based on comparisons of sensor data associated with
environmental conditions in multiple environments (which may be
separate from each other, but proximate or nearby one another). For
example, sensor data from other environmental monitoring devices
110 in FIG. 1 may be received via networking subsystem 214. If the
sensor data indicates that multiple adjacent houses in a
neighborhood do not have electrical power, it is more likely that
the cause is a power failure than it is if only one house does not
have electrical power. Thus, the environments may be associated
with separate entities, such as the owners of the houses or the
users of environmental monitoring devices 110 (FIG. 1) in these
buildings.
[0137] Furthermore, in some embodiments the analysis is performed
by a financial application that is executed by processing subsystem
210. In particular, the financial application may use the sensor
data and/or the environmental condition for one or more of
environments 112 (FIG. 1) to determine a risk metric for a physical
object associated with at least the environment associated with
environmental monitoring device 200. For example, the physical
object may be included in the environment or may include the
environment. In the latter case, the physical object may include: a
portion of a building (e.g., an apartment, a hotel room, an office
suite, a storage unit, etc.), the building, a container (such as a
box, a package or a shipping container), a vehicle (such as a car
or truck), a liquid, and/or a train car. Moreover, the risk metric
may be used to calculate a financial value for the physical object,
such as a commercial value or an insurance premium of the physical
object.
[0138] In some embodiments, the one or more program modules 238
include a data-logging application. In conjunction with archive
device 116 (FIGS. 1 and 4), the data-logging application may
maintain a secure, certified historical record or log for the
environment and/or the physical object (such as a `housefax` record
for an apartment or a building). Notably, sensor subsystem 218 may
securely communicate the sensor data to processing subsystem 210.
Using optional secure channel 220, a digital signature for the
sensor data may be generated, e.g., using a secure hash function
and/or an encryption key that are associated with environmental
monitoring device 200 and/or optional secure channel 220. Then, the
data-logging application may instruct networking subsystem 214 to
communicate a certified data package (with the sensor data or
analyzed sensor data, the digital signature, location information
and/or an associated time stamp) to archive device 116 (FIG. 1) for
inclusion in the historical record or log for the environment.
[0139] Additionally, in some embodiments the one or more program
modules 238 include a medical application. When executed by
processing subsystem 210, the medical application may modify an
operating condition of a regulator device based on a medical
condition of an individual. For example, environmental monitoring
device 200 may, via networking subsystem 214, receive information
(such as from another electronic device that stores a medical
record of the individual) specifying the medical condition. This
information may include: a diagnosis, details of a prescription,
medical care received by the individual, results of testing (such
as genetic testing), etc. The information may be encrypted or
de-identified to protect the privacy of the individual. In these
embodiments, the individual may subsequently provide or allow
environmental monitoring device 200 to receive an encryption key to
decrypt the information, the individual may subsequently indicate
that the information specifies their medical condition (such as
using optional user-interface subsystem 216 or by using networking
subsystem 214 to communicate with environmental monitoring device
200 via another electronic device used by the individual), and/or
an association of the individual with the information may be made
by using networking subsystem 214 to access additional records
stored on another electronic device (such as account information of
the individual). Note that the medical condition may include: an
allergy, a chemical sensitivity, an illness, and a chronic disease
that is affected by the environmental condition, and/or an
environmental preference of the individual based on the medical
condition.
[0140] Then, the medical application uses the information to
determine a target value of the environmental condition in the
environment. If the environmental condition deviates from the
target value (as determined by comparing the sensor data and the
target value), the medical application may modify the operating
condition of the regulator device (such as one of electronic
devices 114 in FIG. 1), which regulates the environmental condition
in the environment. For example, the regulator device may include:
a thermostat, a humidifier, an air purifier, a ventilator device
(such as a fan), a motor, a window opener, a door opener and/or an
access-control device for the environment. The medical application
may instruct feedback subsystem 232 to present the modified
operating condition to the user and/or may instruct networking
subsystem 214 to communicate the modified operating condition to
the regulator device (if the regulator device is capable of
communicating with environmental monitoring device 200). Thus, the
modified operation condition may include a control signal for the
regulator device.
[0141] In some embodiments, the medical application determines the
target value based on other parameters, such as: the time of day,
the season (i.e., the time of year), and/or a forecast for the
environmental condition (such as a weather or an allergen forecast)
received from one or more other electronic devices via networking
subsystem 214.
[0142] Moreover, the one or more program modules 238 may include a
data-sharing application. This data-sharing application may enable
a designated or authorized recipient to access protected sensor
data that is stored in archive device 116 (FIG. 1). In particular,
when executed by processing subsystem 210, the data-sharing
application may instruct sensor subsystem 218 to measure or collect
sensor data that represents the environmental condition. Then, the
data-sharing application may protect the sensor data and/or
analyzed sensor data. For example, the sensor data and/or the
analyzed sensor data may be encrypted using an encryption key by
processing subsystem 210 and/or optional secure channel 220.
Alternatively or additionally, the sensor data and/or the analyzed
sensor data may be protected using a secure hash function in
conjunction with an identifier of environmental monitoring device
200 and/or a random number (or a pseudorandom number, both of which
are henceforth referred to as a `random number`) generated by
processing subsystem 210. Next, data-sharing application may
instruct networking subsystem 214 to provide the protected sensor
data and/or the analyzed sensor data to archive device 116 (FIG.
1).
[0143] Subsequently, when environmental monitoring device 200
receives, via networking subsystem 214, a request for the sensor
data from data-sharing electronic device 118 (FIG. 1), the
data-sharing application may access a predefined authorization
preference of a user of environmental monitoring device 200 that is
stored in memory subsystem 212. If the predefined authorization
preference of the user authorizes the recipient associated with the
request, the data-sharing application may provide, via networking
subsystem 214, authorization information to archive device 116
(FIG. 1) to release the sensor data to data-sharing electronic
device 118 (FIG. 1). Alternatively, the data-sharing application
may instruct feedback subsystem 232 to request feedback about the
request from the user. This user feedback may be received via
optional user-interface subsystem 216. If the user feedback
approves the request, the data-sharing application may provide, via
networking subsystem 214, authorization information to archive
device 116 (FIG. 1) to release the sensor data to data-sharing
electronic device 118 (FIG. 1). (Thus, the user of environmental
monitoring device 200 may control when other parties are allowed to
access the sensor data.) Note that the data-sharing application may
also provide, via networking subsystem 214, protection information
specifying how to unprotect the sensor data to archive device 116
(FIG. 1) and/or to data-sharing electronic device 118 (FIG. 1). For
example, the data-sharing application may provide the encryption
key and/or may indicate the secure hash function, the random number
and/or the identifier. In some embodiments, this protection
information is received from the user of environmental monitoring
device 200, e.g., via networking interface 214 and/or optional
user-interface subsystem 216.
[0144] In some embodiments, the one or more program modules 238
includes a maintenance application. This maintenance application
may instruct sensor subsystem 218 to measure the sensor data, which
is associated with operation of one of electronic devices 114 (FIG.
1). Then, the maintenance application analyzes the sensor data and
provides a maintenance notification related to the operation of the
one of electronic devices 114 (FIG. 1) based on the analyzed sensor
data. For example, the maintenance application may compare the
sensor data to a threshold. If the threshold is exceeded, the
maintenance application may provide the maintenance notification,
such as an instruction to: change a filter, perform maintenance,
replace a battery (and, more generally, a power source), replace a
sensor, and/or order a replacement component (such as a sensor or a
filter). When providing the maintenance notification, the
maintenance application may instruct feedback subsystem 232 to
present the maintenance notification to the user or maintenance
personnel, and/or may instruct networking subsystem 214 to
communicate the maintenance notification to the one of electronic
devices 114 in FIG. 1 (if this electronic device is capable of
communicating with environmental monitoring device 200).
Furthermore, the maintenance application may also optionally
provide a command, via networking subsystem 214, to an
access-control device (such as a window opener or a door opener)
for the environment based on the maintenance notification. Thus, if
a fan is not working properly (as indicated by a rising temperature
or the environmental condition), the maintenance application may
alert the user or the maintenance personnel, and may automatically
open one or more windows.
[0145] Within environmental monitoring device 200, processing
subsystem 210, memory subsystem 212, networking subsystem 214,
optional user-interface subsystem 216, sensor subsystem 218 and
feedback subsystem 232 may be coupled using one or more
interconnects, such as bus 230. These interconnects may include an
electrical, optical, and/or electro-optical connection that the
subsystems can use to communicate commands and data among one
another. Note that different embodiments can include a different
number or configuration of electrical, optical, and/or
electro-optical connections among the subsystems. In some
embodiments, environmental monitoring device 200 can detect
tampering with secure components (such as optional secure channel
220 and/or bus 230) and may destroy encryption/decryption keys or
information (such as a stored sensor data or authentication
information) if tampering is detected.
[0146] Environmental monitoring device 200 can be (or can be
included in) any electronic device with at least one network
interface. For example, environmental monitoring device 200 can be
(or can be included in): a sensor (such as a smart sensor), a
tablet computer, a smartphone, a cellular telephone, an appliance,
a regulator device, a consumer-electronic device, a portable
computing device, test equipment, a digital signal processor, a
controller, a personal digital assistant, a laser printer (or other
office equipment such as a photocopier), a personal organizer, a
toy, a set-top box, a computing device (such as a laptop computer,
a desktop computer, a server, and/or a subnotebook/netbook), a
light (such as a nightlight), an alarm, a smoke detector, a
monitoring device, and/or another electronic device.
[0147] Although specific components are used to describe
environmental monitoring device 200, in alternative embodiments,
different components and/or subsystems may be present in
environmental monitoring device 200. For example, environmental
monitoring device 200 may include one or more additional processing
subsystems, memory subsystems, networking subsystems,
user-interface subsystems, sensor subsystems, and/or feedback
subsystems. Additionally, one or more of the subsystems may not be
present in environmental monitoring device 200. Moreover, in some
embodiments, environmental monitoring device 200 may include one or
more additional subsystems that are not shown in FIG. 2. For
example, environmental monitoring device 200 can include: one or
more optional speakers 240 (and, more generally, a physiological
output subsystem that provides sensory information to the user), a
power source (such as battery, or a DC power supply or a
switched-mode power supply that may be electrically coupled by an
adaptor to a wall-socket plug, electrical wiring, a generator, a
USB port, a photodiode, a photovoltaic cell, etc.), one or more
motors that rotate one or more color wheels (or color-wheel
indicators) with low power consumption (such as a brushed motor, a
brushless motor, a piezo-type ratcheting motor, etc.), and/or an
alarm subsystem. Note that a given motor may rotate a color wheel
using an open-loop control technique or a closed-loop control
technique based on an encoder, such as: an optical encoder, a
mechanical encoder, a potentiometer, etc. Although separate
subsystems are shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, some or all of
a given subsystem or component can be integrated into one or more
of the other subsystems or components in environmental monitoring
device 200. For example, in some embodiments the one or more
program modules 238 are included in operating system 236.
[0148] Moreover, the circuits and components in environmental
monitoring device 200 may be implemented using any combination of
analog and/or digital circuitry, including: bipolar, PMOS and/or
NMOS gates or transistors. Furthermore, signals in these
embodiments may include digital signals that have approximately
discrete values and/or analog signals that have continuous values.
Additionally, components and circuits may be single-ended or
differential, and power supplies may be unipolar or bipolar.
[0149] An integrated circuit may implement some or all of the
functionality of networking subsystem 214 (such as a radio) and,
more generally, some or all of the functionality of environmental
monitoring device 200. Moreover, the integrated circuit may include
hardware and/or software mechanisms that are used for transmitting
wireless signals from environmental monitoring device 200 to, and
receiving signals at environmental monitoring device 200 from other
electronic devices. Aside from the mechanisms herein described,
radios are generally known in the art and hence are not described
in detail. In general, networking subsystem 214 and/or the
integrated circuit can include any number of radios. Note that the
radios in multiple-radio embodiments function in a similar way to
the radios described in single-radio embodiments.
[0150] In some embodiments, networking subsystem 214 and/or the
integrated circuit include a configuration mechanism (such as one
or more hardware and/or software mechanisms) that configures the
radio(s) to transmit and/or receive on a given communication
channel (e.g., a given carrier frequency). For example, in some
embodiments, the configuration mechanism can be used to switch the
radio from monitoring and/or transmitting on a given communication
channel to monitoring and/or transmitting on a different
communication channel. (Note that `monitoring` as used herein
comprises receiving signals from other electronic devices and
possibly performing one or more processing operations on the
received signals, e.g., determining if the received signal
comprises an advertising frame, a petition, a beacon, etc.)
[0151] While a communication protocol compatible with ZigBee.RTM.
was used as an illustrative example, the described embodiments of
environmental monitoring device 200 may use a variety of network or
communication interfaces. Furthermore, while some of the operations
in the preceding embodiments were implemented in hardware or
software, in general the operations in the preceding embodiments
can be implemented in a wide variety of configurations and
architectures. Therefore, some or all of the operations in the
preceding embodiments may be performed in hardware, in software or
both.
[0152] Furthermore, while the preceding discussion focused on the
hardware, software and functionality in environmental monitoring
device 200, archive device 116 (FIG. 1) and/or optional computer
120 (FIG. 1) may have the same or similar hardware (processors,
memory, networking interfaces, etc.) and/or software to support the
operations performed by these electronic devices or systems. This
is shown in FIG. 4, which presents a block diagram illustrating
electronic device 400, such as archive device 116 (FIG. 1). In
particular, electronic device 400 includes processing subsystem
410, memory subsystem 412 and/or a networking subsystem 414.
Processing subsystem 410 includes one or more devices configured to
perform computational operations. For example, processing subsystem
410 can include one or more microprocessors, application-specific
integrated circuits (ASCs), microcontrollers, programmable-logic
devices, and/or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs).
[0153] Memory subsystem 412 includes one or more devices for
storing data and/or instructions for processing subsystem 410
and/or networking subsystem 414. For example, memory subsystem 412
can include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random
access memory (SRAM), and/or other types of memory. In some
embodiments, instructions for processing subsystem 410 in memory
subsystem 412 include: one or more program modules 424 or sets of
instructions (such as an archiving application, an analysis
application, a data-sharing application and/or a notification
application), which may be executed in an operating environment
(such as operating system 422) by processing subsystem 410. Note
that the one or more computer programs may constitute a
computer-program mechanism or a program module. Moreover,
instructions in the various modules in memory subsystem 412 may be
implemented in: a high-level procedural language, an
object-oriented programming language, and/or in an assembly or
machine language. Furthermore, the programming language may be
compiled or interpreted, e.g., configurable or configured (which
may be used interchangeably in this discussion), to be executed by
processing subsystem 410.
[0154] In addition, memory subsystem 412 can include mechanisms for
controlling access to the memory. In some embodiments, memory
subsystem 412 includes a memory hierarchy that comprises one or
more caches coupled to a memory in electronic device 400. In some
of these embodiments, one or more of the caches is located in
processing subsystem 410.
[0155] In some embodiments, memory subsystem 412 is coupled to one
or more high-capacity mass-storage devices (not shown). For
example, memory subsystem 412 can be coupled to a magnetic or
optical drive, a solid-state drive, or another type of mass-storage
device. In these embodiments, memory subsystem 412 can be used by
electronic device 400 as fast-access storage for often-used data,
while the mass-storage device is used to store less frequently used
data. Note that memory subsystem 412 may include multiple storage
devices at one or more locations. Thus, data storage by memory
subsystem 412 may be distributed, such as a cloud-based
data-storage system.
[0156] Networking subsystem 414 includes one or more devices
configured to couple to and communicate on a wired, optical and/or
wireless network (i.e., to perform network operations), including
an interface circuit 416 and one or more optional antennas 418. For
example, networking subsystem 414 can include: a ZigBee.RTM.
networking subsystem, a Bluetooth.TM. networking system (which can
include Bluetooth.TM. Low Energy, BLE or Bluetooth.RTM. LE), a
cellular networking system (e.g., a 5G/4G network such as UMTS,
LTE, etc.), a USB networking system, a networking system based on
the standards described in IEEE 802.11 (e.g., a Wi-Fi.RTM.
networking system), an Ethernet networking system and/or another
communication system.
[0157] Moreover, networking subsystem 414 includes processors,
controllers, radios/antennas, sockets/plugs, and/or other devices
used for coupling to, communicating on, and handling data and
events for each supported networking or communication system. Note
that mechanisms used for coupling to, communicating on, and
handling data and events on the network for each network system are
sometimes collectively referred to as a `network interface` for the
network system.
[0158] During operation of electronic device 400, processing
subsystem 410 may execute one or more program modules 424, such as
an archiving application. This archiving application may receive,
via networking interface 414, data packets from one of more of
environmental monitoring devices 110 (FIG. 1). These data packets
may include sensor data and/or analyzed sensor data. In some
embodiments, processing subsystem 410 executes an analysis
application, which analyzes the received sensor data.
[0159] Then, archiving application may store the sensor data and/or
the analyzed sensor data in a data structure in memory subsystem
412. This is shown in FIG. 5, which presents a block diagram
illustrating data structure 500. In particular, data structure 500
may include entries 508 with: identifiers 510 of environmental
monitoring devices, sensor data 512, timestamps 514, locations 516,
optional analyzed sensor data 518, environmental conditions 520
and/or optional protection information 522.
[0160] Referring back to FIG. 4, in some embodiments the received
data packets include protected information. For example, the sensor
data and/or the analyzed sensor data may be encrypted using an
encryption key associated with one of environmental monitoring
devices 110 (FIG. 1) and/or a secure channel in the one of
environmental monitoring devices 110 (FIG. 1). Alternatively or
additionally, there may be a digital signature associated with the
sensor data and/or the analyzed sensor data, and/or the sensor data
and/or the analyzed sensor data may be protected using a secure
hash function. In these embodiments, optional protection
information 522 (FIG. 5) may include information that can confirm
the source(s) of the received data packets (such as one or more of
environmental monitoring devices 110 in FIG. 1) and/or can be used
to unprotect the sensor data and/or the analyzed sensor data. Note
that optional protection information 522 (FIG. 5) may be received,
via networking interface 414, from one of environmental monitoring
devices 110 (FIG. 1). This protection information may include the
encryption key or an encryption key associated with the encryption
key (which can be used to confirm the digital signature and/or
decrypt encrypted information). Networking device 414 can utilize:
encrypted tunneling in at least one networking interface, a network
switch and/or network router between one of environmental
monitoring devices 110 and archive device 116 in FIG. 1. Similarly,
optional protection information 522 (FIG. 5) may specify the secure
hash function, may include the identifier for one of environmental
monitoring devices 110 (FIG. 1) and/or may include the random
number (which also can be used to unprotect information).
[0161] In an exemplary embodiment, a public-private encryption-key
technique is used, in particular, a certified, secure data package
may be signed by one of environmental monitoring devices 110 (FIG.
1) using a public encryption key of archive device 116 (FIG. 1),
and the digital signature may be verified and the certified, secure
data package may be decrypted using the private encryption key of
archive device 116 (FIG. 1). However, in other embodiments a
symmetric encryption technique is used. Thus, the same encryption
key may be used to sign, encrypt and/or decrypt the certified,
secure data package.
[0162] In some embodiments, the one or more program modules 424
includes a data-sharing application. This data-sharing application
may receive, via networking subsystem 414, authorization
information for a recipient of sensor data and/or analyzed sensor
data. In response to the authorization information, the
data-sharing application may provide, via networking subsystem 414,
the requested sensor data and/or analyzed sensor data to the
recipient. Alternatively, the data-sharing application may provide,
via networking subsystem 414, a pointer to a location in memory
subsystem 412 where the recipient can access the requested sensor
data and/or analyzed sensor data. Note that the data-sharing
application may also optionally provide the optional protection
information 522 (FIG. 5) to the recipient (which may allow the
recipient to confirm the source(s) and/or to unprotect protected
information).
[0163] Additionally, in some embodiments the one or more program
modules 424 includes a notification application. This notification
application may receive, via networking subsystem 414, information,
such as feedback associated with one or more environmental
conditions in one or more of environments 112 (FIG. 1) and/or a
notification (such as a maintenance notification). In response, the
notification application may communicate, via networking subsystem
414, the information and/or one or more reports based on the
information (such as daily, weekly or monthly summaries of analyzed
sensor data, which may be included in documents or files) to: one
or more of environmental monitoring devices 110 (FIG. 1),
data-sharing electronic device 118 (FIG. 1) and/or other electronic
devices (such as computers or servers associated with or operated
on behalf of: component suppliers, retailers, insurance companies,
maintenance organizations, shipping companies, landlords or
property owners, a corporate-compliance organization, inspectors,
businesses, government agencies, etc.). For example, the
communication of the information may utilize a Short Message
Service, email, a social network and/or a message service with a
restricted number of characters per message. Alternatively, the
information may be posted to a web page or website (and, more
generally, a location on a network), and one or more recipients may
be notified via networking subsystem 414, e.g., a link to the
location may be provided to the recipients.
[0164] When the notification includes a maintenance notification,
the archiving application may store information specifying the
maintenance notification in a historical record or log for the
environment. In addition, the archiving application may store any
subsequent remedial action (such as a repair or service performed
on an electronic devices in one of the environments) in a
historical record or log for the environment in memory subsystem
412.
[0165] Within electronic device 400, processing subsystem 410,
memory subsystem 412, and/or networking subsystem 414 may be
coupled using one or more interconnects, such as bus 420. These
interconnects may include an electrical, optical, and/or
electro-optical connection that the subsystems can use to
communicate commands and data among one another. Note that
different embodiments can include a different number or
configuration of electrical, optical, and/or electro-optical
connections among the subsystems.
[0166] Electronic device 400 can be (or can be included in) any
electronic device with at least one network interface. For example,
electronic device 400 can be (or can be included in): a sensor
(such as a smart sensor), a tablet computer, a smartphone, a
cellular telephone, an appliance, a regulator device, a
consumer-electronic device, a portable computing device, test
equipment, a digital signal processor, a controller, a personal
digital assistant, a facsimile machine, a laser printer (or other
office equipment such as a photocopier), a personal organizer, a
toy, a set-top box, a computing device (such as a laptop computer,
a desktop computer, a server, and/or a subnotebook/netbook), an
alarm, a light, a monitoring device, and/or another electronic
device.
[0167] Although specific components are used to describe electronic
device 400, in alternative embodiments, different components and/or
subsystems may be present in electronic device 400. For example,
electronic device 400 may include one or more additional processing
subsystems, memory subsystems, and/or networking subsystems.
Additionally, one or more of the subsystems may not be present in
electronic device 400. Moreover, in some embodiments, electronic
device 400 may include one or more additional subsystems that are
not shown in FIG. 4, such as a power supply and/or a user-interface
subsystem (which a user may use to modify settings of one or more
of environmental monitoring devices 110 in FIG. 1, such as settings
for alarms or notifications). Although separate subsystems are
shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, some or all of a given
subsystem or component can be integrated into one or more of the
other subsystems or components in electronic device 400. For
example, in some embodiments the one or more program modules 424
are included in operating system 422.
[0168] Moreover, the circuits and components in electronic device
400 may be implemented using any combination of analog and/or
digital circuitry, including: bipolar, PMOS and/or NMOS gates or
transistors. Furthermore, signals in these embodiments may include
digital signals that have approximately discrete values and/or
analog signals that have continuous values. Additionally,
components and circuits may be single-ended or differential, and
power supplies may be unipolar or bipolar.
[0169] Note that an integrated circuit may implement some or all of
the functionality of electronic device 400.
[0170] While some of the operations in the preceding embodiments
were implemented in hardware or software, in general the operations
in the preceding embodiments can be implemented in a wide variety
of configurations and architectures. Therefore, some or all of the
operations in the preceding embodiments may be performed in
hardware, in software or both.
[0171] An exemplary embodiment of the environmental monitoring
device is shown in FIGS. 6-8, which respectively show front, side
and rear views of environmental monitoring device 600, which may be
one of environmental monitoring devices 110 (FIG. 1).
Alternatively, the environmental monitoring device may include a
display. This shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, which respectively show
front and side views of environmental monitoring device 900, which
may be one of environmental monitoring devices 110 (FIG. 1).
[0172] Embodiments of the environmental monitoring device may
include a grating in the chassis or housing that prevents large
particles, soil and mud from damaging or otherwise obscuring inputs
to one or more sensor devices in the environmental monitoring
device. Alternatively or additionally, the chassis or housing may
facilitate airflow or fluid flow through vents or openings to one
or more sensor devices in the environmental monitoring device. In
addition, the environmental monitoring device may include a
forced-fluid driver (such as a fan) to facilitate airflow or
fluid-flow through the vents. However, in other embodiments airflow
or fluid flow is facilitated using convection (e.g., by heating the
air or the fluid), or the airflow or fluid flow may occur
passively.
[0173] We now further describe operation of the environmental
monitoring device and the archive device. FIG. 11 presents a flow
diagram illustrating a method 1100 for providing feedback, which
may be performed by a processor in the environmental monitoring
device. For example, the processor may execute a program module
that includes instructions for operations in method 1100. During
operation, the processor may receive (or access) sensor data
associated with a sensor (operation 1110) in the environmental
monitoring device, where the sensor data is for an external
environment that includes the environmental monitoring device. The
sensor data represents an environmental condition that is
associated with operation of a legacy electronic device in the
external environment, and the legacy electronic device is separate
from the environmental monitoring device. Note that the sensor may
provide the sensor data without or excluding communication and/or
electrical coupling between the environmental monitoring device and
the legacy electronic device.
[0174] Then, the processor may analyze the sensor data (operation
1112).
[0175] Next, the processor may provide the feedback (operation
1114) about the operation of the legacy electronic device based on
the analyzed sensor data. For example, the feedback may be provided
on the environmental monitoring device and/or may be communicated
to another electronic device, such as an aggregation electronic
device or an archive device (which is other than the legacy
electronic device).
[0176] Communication between environmental monitoring device 200
and archive device 116 during method 11100 (FIG. 11) is shown in
FIG. 12. In particular, sensor subsystem 218 may provide sensor
data to processing subsystem 210. Then, processing subsystem 210
may analyze the sensor data, and may provide the feedback. For
example, processing subsystem 210 may provide information (such as
the sensor data, analyzed sensor data and/or the feedback) to
feedback subsystem 232 for presentation to a user. Alternatively or
additionally, processing subsystem 210 may provide the information
to networking subsystem 214. Next, networking subsystem 214 may
communicate the information to electronic device 1210, such as
archive device 116, data-sharing electronic device 118 or another
electronic device (not shown).
[0177] In an exemplary embodiment of method 1100 (FIG. 11), the
environmental monitoring device may be used to monitor the quality
of an environment. For example, a consumer may want the
environmental monitoring device to provide the feedback so that
they know, at a glance, the quality of their environment (e.g.,
good air quality with low levels of organic compounds and
allergens). Alternatively, when there are potentially harmful
chemicals or allergens present (such as a chemical concentration
exceeding safe limits), the consumer may want the environmental
monitoring device to provide the feedback so that they know there
is an issue that needs to be addressed. In contrast, an industrial
user may want the ability to visualize the sensor data and/or one
or more environmental conditions, and may want the ability to
archive the sensor data and/or the one or more environmental
conditions in an archive device.
[0178] Using the chemical concentration as an illustrative example,
one or more sensors or sensor devices in the environmental
monitoring device may output a signal (which is one form of the
feedback) in response to the presence of a concentration or level
of the chemical level in the air. The processing subsystem and/or
signal-conditioning circuits in the environmental monitoring device
may analyze this sensor data, identify the environmental condition
and may provide signals to a display in the environmental
monitoring device.
[0179] Alternatively or additionally, the processing subsystem
and/or the signal-conditioning circuits may sound a `danger` alarm
or audio message by providing signals (which are another form of
the feedback) to one or more speakers (or audio transducers) in the
environmental monitoring device. This danger alarm may occur even
if the display is not currently working. In addition, the
environmental monitoring device may communicate an alert (which is
another form of the feedback) about the environmental condition to
a monitoring station, which may contact someone associated with the
environment (such as the user), who can investigate the
environmental condition, evacuate the environment and/or contact a
chemical response team.
[0180] In another illustrative example, the one or more sensor
devices may detect air particles (such as dust, dander and other
allergens) and may send an alert or notification (which is a form
of the feedback), such as an alarm or an audio message, to a user,
a person or an electronic device (such as a regulator device) in
the environment with instructions to: ventilate the area, turn on a
filtration system, run a humidifier, and/or another environmental
clearing actions. Thus, the feedback may include one or more
recommended remedial actions to address the environmental
condition. Note that the remedial actions may include positive
instructions (such as `turn on the ventilation`) and/or negative
instructions (i.e., things not to do if certain actions are likely
to make the environmental condition worse). For example, the
remedial actions may include suggested safety tips and precautions,
such as advising: a human to wear a mask while vacuuming in an
environment with dangerous levels of dust; a human or a machine to
ventilate an area; that the rate of application of a chemical
product (such as paint or varnish) be reduced; and/or the use of
personal protection equipment (such as a filtration mask or a
self-contained breathing apparatus).
[0181] In other examples, the environmental condition may include
when water is boiling on a stove, when food is overcooked or
burning in a kitchen. For example, the environmental monitoring
device may receive an acoustic signal indicating a timer has gone
off on the oven or an appliance (such as a dryer). Similarly, an
acoustic signal (and/or video) may detect the presence of a leaking
faucet or pipe. In some embodiments, the environmental condition is
the presence of a weather condition (such as a tornado) and the
feedback includes instructions to a user to seek shelter and
control signals to a regulator device to open or break the windows
in a building to help equalize air-pressure differences.
Additionally, the environmental condition includes when a user is
at home, and the feedback may modify the environment in the home
accordingly (such as turning on one or more lights, turning on the
heat or the air conditioning, etc.). This last example may be
facilitated by feed-forward information that is received by the
environmental monitoring system from another electronic device.
This feed-forward information may indicate that the user is heading
home.
[0182] Note that the environmental monitoring device may provide
different alerts for different environmental conditions and these
alerts can be provided concurrently. Moreover, the alerts may be
associated with different: sounds, lights, messages and/or
notification techniques. For example, a smoke-detection sound may
be different from a sound played when a dangerous level of dust is
detected or when food is ready. In particular, a hex texture or
pattern may be displayed on the environmental monitoring device
when benzene is detected. As the levels increase the hex pattern
can change in size, scale, luminosity, pitch, color, dimension,
perspective (such as by converting from two dimensional to three
dimensional), orientation or another sensory parameter.
Furthermore, the color of the display can change (either the
background color or the foreground color) in response to changes in
the one or more environmental conditions. For example, as the level
of detected benzene increases on an absolute scale, the colors may
change from a light green to yellow, then to orange, and then to
red (with red indicating a harmful level of benzene present in the
air). The tint, saturation, hue, contrast, brightness,
transparency, and fade of the colors on the display may also be
increased or decreased, thereby intuitively conveying the
environmental condition.
[0183] As shown in FIG. 9, in some embodiments the environmental
monitoring device displays a graphic (such as: a pie chart, a bar
chart, a scatter plot, a time-series plot, a tabular summary, a
spectrum, a spectrogram and/or another type of graphical analysis)
to provide the user with information about the one or more
environmental conditions. Alternatively or additionally, the
graphic may include images of chemicals, along with color scales or
numbers. The image of a given chemical can grow or shrink in size
in proportion to the chemical levels or concentrations detected.
Furthermore, the feedback may include a graph that includes an
anonymous comparison of an environmental condition with neighbors
or similar classes of users to enable a user to compare the
environment that includes the environmental monitoring device with
comparable environments. These comparisons may offer information
about relative health or safety of the environment, and/or may be
of general interest.
[0184] In some embodiments, the feedback is provided via a
color-wheel indicator that is rotated by a motor based on a signal
that indicates the strength of an environmental condition or using
a color-wheel graphic. For example, an indicator or a marker
aligned with the color-wheel indicator may indicate which area in
the color wheel corresponds to the current environmental condition.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, a color-wheel indicator may
include a rotatable or selectively illuminated ring (which is
sometimes referred to as a `color ring`) with a band of color or
shades of grayscale on the outside of the color wheel so that a
user can identity the approximate level of environmental condition
based on the color(s) or grayscale values displayed on the ring. In
another display option, the color-wheel indicator may include a
color or texture-based gauge. Furthermore, the environmental
monitoring device may include multiple color-wheel indicators in
the feedback subsystem that can be used together to display
additional information, or to provide additional resolution and/or
precision to the feedback. In an exemplary embodiment, a
transparent color wheel with additional colors may be rotated
(possibly at a different angular velocity from other color wheels)
to modify the colors presented. Similarly, shades of gray or
transparent gradients of increasing opacity of red, green, and/or
blue (or cyan, magenta, and/or yellow) may be used around the ring
of a given color wheel.
[0185] The display in the feedback subsystem may include a
user-interface object such as an icon (and, more generally, a
selection mechanism) that allows the user to select the type of
feedback. For example, a selection box or a slider bar may allow
the user to select options or settings such as: basic, intermediate
or advanced feedback (depending on the technical level of the user
or the application of the environmental monitoring device). The
user may also use a user interface in the environmental monitoring
device and/or the display to select feedback and notification
options or settings, such as: danger alarms and alerts, threshold
levels for detecting environmental conditions, optimal settings for
a particular environmental monitoring device or environment (such
as calibration settings, power-consumption settings, etc.) or a
generic environmental monitoring device or environment, etc.
Alternatively, the thresholds may be determined based on sensor
data and/or environmental conditions associated with multiple
environmental monitoring devices, e.g., using a supervised learning
technique (such as support vector machines, classification and
regression trees, a neural network, regression analysis, Bayesian
analysis, etc.). Note that the environmental monitoring device may
also display operating information, such as: sensor life, uptime,
battery life remaining, network connectivity, danger alarms enabled
or disabled, and/or status messages.
[0186] While the preceding discussion illustrated display of the
feedback on the environmental monitoring device, in other
embodiments the feedback is provided to another electronic device
(such as the user's cellular telephone). This capability enables
remote monitoring of the environment, such as while the user runs
errands or is travelling.
[0187] FIG. 13 presents a flow diagram illustrating a method 1300
for determining a risk metric, which may be performed by a
processor in an electronic device (such as the environmental
monitoring device or the archive device). For example, the
processor may execute a program module that includes instructions
for operations in method 1300. During operation, the processor may
receive (or access) sensor data from a set of electronic devices
(operation 1310), where the sensor data represents environmental
conditions in external environments of the set of electronic
devices, and where the set of electronic devices at least includes
electronic devices other than the electronic device (and may
optionally include the electronic device). (At the minimum, the set
of electronic devices includes at least one electronic device.) The
set of electronic devices may be located in separate external
environments, such as different apartments in a building or
different houses in a neighborhood. Consequently, the external
environments may be associated with different entities, such as the
different occupants of the apartments or the different owners of
the houses. Note that, in order to maintain user control over the
sensor data from the external environments, the users may have to
choose to opt in or grant authorization before their sensor data is
used to determine the risk metric.
[0188] Then, the processor may analyze the sensor data (operation
1312), where the analysis involves comparing the sensor data from a
given electronic device in the set of electronic devices with the
sensor data from a remainder of the set of electronic devices. More
generally, the processor may analyze the sensor data from at least
one electronic device, such as at least one environmental
monitoring device.
[0189] Next, the processor may determine the risk metric for the
external environment (operation 1314) associated with the given
electronic device based on the analyzed sensor data.
[0190] Furthermore, the processor may optionally calculate a
financial value associated with a physical object (operation 1316)
based on the determined risk metric. In particular, the external
environment may be included in the physical object or the physical
object may be included in the external environment. For example,
the financial value may include: a commercial value of the physical
object (such as a rental price, a resale value, a quality
classification for use a tiered-pricing technique, a discount to
apply to a damaged, a discount to apply to an improperly stored or
handled item, etc.); and/or an insurance premium relating to the
physical object or an insurance premium for the use of a physical
object in the environment (such as liability insurance).
[0191] FIG. 14 presents a drawing illustrating communication
between an electronic device and a set of electronic devices during
method 1300 (FIG. 13). In the following discussion, environmental
monitoring device 200 is used as an illustrative example. In
particular, networking subsystem 214 may receive the sensor data
for set of electronic devices 1410 (such as environmental
monitoring devices in the external environments), and may provide
the sensor data to processing subsystem 210. Then, processing
subsystem 210 may perform one or more computations, such as:
analyzing the sensor data, determining the risk metric and/or
calculating the financial value. Next, processing subsystem 210 may
provide information (such as the risk metric and/or the financial
value) to networking subsystem 214 for communication to one or more
electronic devices 1412, such as: the user of one of environmental
monitoring devices 110 (FIG. 1), data-sharing electronic device 118
(FIG. 1), and/or one or more computers associated with or operated
on behalf of other parties or entities than the user.
[0192] In an exemplary embodiment of method 1300 (FIG. 13), the
electronic device generates an environmental quality rating for the
physical object and/or the environment (which is an example of the
risk metric) as a function of time. More generally, the electronic
device can generate an environmental quality report for the
environment.
[0193] Then, the electronic device calculates the financial value
for the physical object (such as a premium estimate for a
residential or commercial property) based on the environmental
quality. In this way, the sensor data and/or one or more
environmental conditions can be used to assess the financial impact
of: occupancy of a building or hotel (e.g., by detecting the
presence of individuals), how environmentally friendly the building
is (e.g., relative power consumption), a so-called `sick building,`
and/or infestation (which may be detected chemically, by the
sounds, movements and/or vibrations made by insects or rodents,
using video, etc.).
[0194] For example, the electronic device may assign a commercial
value to real estate, antiques and/or perishable goods, which may
derive value from the quality of their environments. In particular,
the qualities of air, water, cleanliness, etc. have an impact on
real-estate values. A verifiable environmental quality report for a
property showing excellent, neutral or poor environmental quality
can have a direct effect on the price of both residential and
commercial real estate, as well as rental, leasing and hospitality
rates. It may be advantageous for a real-estate owner or seller to
demonstrate the environmental quality of their properties. The
electronic device may assign a financial premium estimate for a
good environmental score, and a financial penalty estimate for a
low or non-existent environmental score, thereby allowing buyers
and sellers to properly value property in many different
transactions and environments.
[0195] Similarly, perishable goods can be damaged or spoiled if not
stored properly. Indeed, many food products (such as grains, eggs,
meat, fish, seafood, dairy products, and produce) are sensitive to
environmental conditions and may cause illness if consumed after
improper handling or storage. The electronic device may verify that
perishable products were stored in proper environments, which may
allow these products to be sold at a premium relative to other
products that lack such verified environmental quality. For
example, Kobe beef stored in optimal conditions may be certified as
premium stored, and may be sold for a higher premium depending on
the quality of the environment. Thus, the electronic device may use
the sensor data to differentiate quality.
[0196] Furthermore, many valuable documents or antiques require
specific environments to ensure they maintain their condition and
value. An antique that has been stored in an optimal environment
can be expected to sell for a premium. This may be assed using the
electronic device.
[0197] In other examples, the electronic device may use sensor data
from one or more environmental monitoring devices to assess the
environmental quality of: a chemical, water, food, medicines (such
as those that need to be maintained at certain temperatures),
biological agents, packages or shipping containers (which may be
sensitive to vibration or shock), etc.
[0198] This environmental quality rating and/or the financial value
may be shared with the user and/or other parties (e.g., as a
subscription service to realtors, insurance companies, the
government, etc.). For example a butcher may share a report on the
quality of the environment in their meat locker, and may be able to
demonstrate the superior quality of their meats. Similarly, a
homeowner could report the excellent air quality in their basement
to prospective buyers, a commercial landlord may provide favorable
reports with both prospective and current tenants, and/or a hotel
could share environmental quality reports with guests.
Alternatively, a restaurant may share the environmental quality of
their kitchen with patrons or prospective patrons.
[0199] Using the electronic device, regulated industries (such as
food production, pharmaceutical production, healthcare, energy,
utilities, chemical production, paper mills, steel mills, etc.) may
be monitored for environmental quality compliance and/or safety
compliance by regulators, compliance monitors and/or an insurance
company assessor. Alternatively, compliance data may be aggregated
for subsequent use. In general, the sharing of the environmental
quality rating may be voluntary (i.e., the user may opt in) unless
required by law or contract.
[0200] Revenue and/or cost savings that result from method 1300
(FIG. 13) may be shared, directly or indirectly, with the user. For
example, the user may receive an insurance discount or a tax credit
based on the environmental quality rating. Alternatively or
additionally, a provider of the environmental monitoring device may
provide a financial incentive to the user to encourage the user to
share the sensor data. In addition, an individual or an
organization may receive special certifications from the
government, an insurance company and/or another overseeing
compliance group. The information provided by the electronic device
may also enable insurance companies and regulators to set
environmental quality levels using data-driven techniques.
[0201] FIG. 15 presents a flow diagram illustrating a method 1500
for providing a certified data package, which may be performed by a
secure channel in a processor in the environmental monitoring
device. For example, the processor may execute a program module
that includes instructions for operations in method 1500. During
operation, the processor may receive (or access) sensor data from a
sensor (operation 1510) in the environmental monitoring device,
where the sensor data represents an environmental condition in an
external environment that includes the environmental monitoring
device.
[0202] Then, the processor may optionally analyze the sensor data
(operation 1512). As described previously with reference to FIGS.
13 and 14, the external environment may be associated with a
physical object, and analyzing the sensor data may involve
calculating a risk metric for the external environment and/or a
financial value associated with the physical object that is based
on the determined risk metric. This financial value may include: a
commercial value of the physical object; and/or an insurance
premium for the physical object.
[0203] Moreover, the processor may optionally receive location
information (operation 1514) that specifies a location were the
sensor data was acquired or measured. For example, the location
information may be measured using a sensor device in the
environmental monitoring device (such as a location monitor) and/or
the location information may be received from another electronic
device that is proximate to the environmental monitoring device
(such as an individual's cellular telephone). Thus, the location
may be determined via GPS and/or a cellular-telephone network (such
as triangulation or trilateration).
[0204] Next, the processor may generate a digital signature
associated with the secure channel (operation 1516), where the
secure channel processes information and communicates the processed
information using an encryption key associated with the secure
channel. For example, the digital signature may be generated using
an encryption key, such as an encryption key associated with the
user of the environmental monitoring device and/or the secure
channel. Alternatively or additionally, the digital signature may
be generated using a secure hash of a time stamp (or a random
number) and an identifier of the environmental monitoring
device.
[0205] Furthermore, the processor may provide, to the archive
device, the certified data package (operation 1518) for archiving
in a historical record for the external environment, where the
certified data package includes the sensor data, the optional
analyzed sensor data, the digital signature, the time stamp and
optional location information (which specifies a location where the
sensor data were acquired).
[0206] FIG. 16 presents a drawing illustrating communication
between an environmental monitoring device and an archive device
during method 1500 (FIG. 15). In particular, sensor subsystem 218
may provide the sensor data to processing subsystem 210.
[0207] Then, processing subsystem 210 may optionally analyze the
sensor data. Moreover, networking subsystem 214 may optionally
receive the location information, which is provided to processing
subsystem 210 by another electronic device 1610 (such as GPS system
or a cellular telephone or an individual proximate to environmental
monitoring device 200) via networking subsystem 214. Next,
processing subsystem 210 may determine the digital signature.
Furthermore, processing subsystem 210 may provide the certified
data package to networking subsystem 214, which communicates the
certified data package to archive device 116.
[0208] In an exemplary embodiment of method 1500 (FIG. 15), two or
more data points in a time series can be used as part of a
historical record or log for the environment (such as a certified
environmental report for a house or building that provides a
history of maintenance and environmental conditions or quality of
the house or building to interested parties, such as prospective
buyers). If the sensor data includes acceleration and/or location
information, the environmental quality report for a building or
property can be invalidated based on detected movement of an
environmental monitoring device. This historical record may be used
to determine a risk metric and/or a financial value for the
environment and/or the physical object (as described previously
with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14). In another exemplary
embodiment, a homeowner with a poor environmental record has
contractors repair a problem with their environment, and the repair
or maintenance service-record information may be noted securely in
the historical record for the environment. Furthermore, subsequent
improvements in the environmental quality can be noted along with
the maintenance service records. This capability may allow a
homeowner (in this example) to improve the quality of their
environment in order to: lower their insurance premiums, increase
the resale value, generate a return on investment/improvement of
the property, and/or qualitatively or quantitatively improve their
living environment. Note that this capability may be applied to
commercial, hospitality, dining, storage, shipping and many other
industries and/or environments.
[0209] FIG. 17 presents a flow diagram illustrating a method 1700
for modifying an operating condition, which may be performed by a
processor in an electronic device, such as the environmental
monitoring device or another electronic device. For example, the
processor may execute a program module that includes instructions
for operations in method 1700. During operation, the processor may
receive (or access) information (operation 1710), such as that
specifying a medical condition of an individual. This information
may be received from another electronic device, such as one that
maintains health records of the individual and/or from an
electronic device associated with the individual (such as the
individual's cellular telephone). In addition, the information may
include a forecast for an environmental condition (such as a
weather or allergen forecast), which may be received from one or
more other electronic devices (such as a computer or server) that
are, in general, different from the electronic device that provides
the information specifying the medical condition.
[0210] Note that the medical condition may include: an allergy, a
chemical sensitivity, an illness, and/or a chronic disease that is
affected by the environmental condition. More generally, the
medical condition can include a user health preference. This health
preference may be tangentially related to health or may provide
some sort of placebo effect, e.g., turning up the thermostat when
the individual is getting a cold. While this operating condition
may or may not have an impact on the individual's health, it may
have a psychological impact in helping the individual deal with the
cold.
[0211] Then, the processor may determine a target value of an
environmental condition (operation 1712) in an external environment
of the electronic device based on the information specifying the
medical condition. For example, medical knowledge may be accessed
to determine health constraints or symptoms associated with the
medical condition that may be alleviated or mitigated based on the
target value. In addition, the target value may also be based on
the forecast and % or a time (such as the time of day or the time
of year, e.g., a season).
[0212] Moreover, the processor may calculate a deviation from the
target value (operation 1714) based on sensor data and the target
value, where the sensor data is provided by a sensor in the
electronic device, and the sensor data represents the environmental
condition. Note that the deviation may be an absolute difference or
a relative value (such as a percentage).
[0213] Next, the electronic device may modify the operating
condition (operation 1718) of a regulator device in the external
environment if the deviation exceeds a threshold (operation 1716),
wherein the regulator device regulates the environmental condition.
For example, if a magnitude of the deviation exceeds the threshold
(such as 5, 10 or 25%), the operating condition may be modified.
More generally, the operating condition may be modified based on an
absolute or a relative (such as a percentage) deviation. Otherwise,
the operating condition may be unchanged (operation 1716).
[0214] Furthermore, the processor may provide the modified
operating condition (operation 1720). For example, the modified
operating condition may be provided to a user of one of
environmental monitoring devices 110 (FIG. 1) and/or may be
communicated to the regulator device (such as one of electronic
devices 114 in FIG. 1).
[0215] In some embodiments, modifying the operating condition helps
the individual manage a handicap. For example, it may make the
environment more accessible to individuals with handicaps.
Additionally, note that the information specifying the medical
condition may be encrypted and/or de-identified in order to protect
the identity of the individual. In these embodiments, the processor
may receive an encryption key and may decrypt the information,
and/or the processor may receive information specifying the
identity of the individual. This latter information may be received
separately from the information specifying the medical condition
and/or from a different source than the other electronic device
that provided the information specifying the medical condition.
[0216] FIG. 18 presents a drawing illustrating communication
between an electronic device, a regulator device and/or another
electronic device during method 1700 (FIG. 17). In the following
discussion, environmental monitoring device 200 is used as an
illustrative example. In particular, electronic device 1810 (such
as a medical record computer) may provide the information
specifying the medical condition to networking subsystem 214, which
is provided to processing subsystem 210. Then, processing subsystem
210 may determine the target value. Moreover, sensor subsystem 218
may provide the sensor data to processing subsystem 210. Next,
processing subsystem 210 may compare the sensor data and the target
value. If the deviation from the target value exceeds the
threshold, processing subsystem 210 may modify the operating
condition. This modified operating condition may be provided to
networking subsystem 214 for communication to regulator device 1812
or another electronic device 1814 of the user (such as the user's
cellular telephone, tablet computer or computer), and/or may be
provided to the user via feedback subsystem 232.
[0217] In an exemplary embodiment of method 1700 (FIG. 17), the
individual may have an allergy to pollen. The electronic device may
determine a target concentration of the allergen (or a setting of
an air filter). Moreover, the electronic device may monitor the
environmental condition (such as the concentration of the
allergen). If the environmental condition exceeds the target
concentration, the electronic device may: increase air flow through
an air filter (or may instruct an individual to increase the air
flow if the air filter is a legacy electronic device). Depending on
the time of year (pollen counts may be higher at certain times of
the year) and/or an allergen forecast, the electronic device may
modify the target concentration and/or may take other remedial
action (such as closing the windows to a home or instructing the
individual to close the windows).
[0218] FIG. 19 presents a flow diagram illustrating a method 1900
for authorizing access to sensor data, which may be performed by a
processor in the environmental monitoring device. For example, the
processor may execute a program module that includes instructions
for operations in method 1900. During operation, the processor may
receive (or access) the sensor data from a sensor (operation 1910)
in the environmental monitoring device, where the sensor data
represents an environmental condition in an external environment
that includes the environmental monitoring device.
[0219] Then, the processor may protect the sensor data (operation
1912). For example, the sensor data may be protected by hashing
(using a secure hash function) the sensor data, a random number
generated by the environmental monitoring device and an identifier
of the environmental monitoring device. In some embodiments, the
environmental monitoring device may store a set of secure hash
functions that includes the secure hash function, and the secure
hash function currently being used may be specified by a protection
preference. In these embodiments, the protection preference may be
received from the archive device. Alternatively, the same secure
hash function may be used and the identifier of the environmental
monitoring device may be dynamically updated, e.g., by the archive
device.
[0220] Moreover, the processor may provide the protected sensor
data to an archive device (operation 1914).
[0221] Next, the processor may receive a request for the sensor
data (operation 1916) from another electronic device.
[0222] Furthermore, the processor may provide authorization
information to the archive device to release the sensor data to the
other electronic device (operation 1920). This authorization
information may be provided based on a predefined authorization
preference of a user associated with the environmental monitoring
device (e.g., the recipient may have been previously specified and
approved by the user). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the
processor optionally requests and optionally receives user feedback
about the request (operation 1918). In these embodiments, the
authorization information is provided if the user feedback includes
approval of the request. Note that the request may include an
address of a recipient of the requested sensor data (such as a
media access control address), and this address may be provided to
the archive device in or along with the authorization
information.
[0223] Additionally, the processor may optionally provide unprotect
information (operation 1922), where the unprotect information
indicate how to unprotect the protected sensor data. For example,
the unprotect information may be provided to the archive device
and/or to a recipient of the requested sensor data (who provided
the request).
[0224] FIG. 20 presents a drawing illustrating communication
between an environmental monitoring device, an archive device and
another electronic device during method 1900 (FIG. 19). In
particular, sensor subsystem 218 may provide the sensor data to
processing subsystem 210. Then, processing subsystem 210 may
protect the sensor data. Moreover, processing subsystem 210 may
provide the protected sensor data to networking subsystem 214,
which communicates the certified data package to archive device
116. Next, networking subsystem 214 may receive the request for
stored data from an electronic device 2010 (which is associated
with the requestor), which is provided to processing subsystem 210.
Processing subsystem 210 may either access the predefined
authorization preference stored in memory subsystem 212 or may
request the user feedback via feedback subsystem 232. Based on the
predefined authorization preference or the user feedback received
via optional user-interface subsystem 216 (for visual simplicity,
the user feedback is provided to processing subsystem 210 by
feedback subsystem 232 in FIG. 20), processing subsystem 210 may
selectively provide the authorization information to networking
subsystem 214 for communication to archive device 116. Furthermore,
archive device may provide the requested data (which may be
protected or unprotected) to electronic device 2010 based on the
authorization information.
[0225] Method 1900 (FIG. 19) may provide the advantages of remote
secure storage while allowing selective access to stored
information by designated or approved recipients. In these ways,
the user of the environmental monitoring device may maintain
control over how their data is used and when it is released to
third parties.
[0226] FIG. 21 presents a flow diagram illustrating a method 2100
for providing a maintenance notification, which may be performed by
a processor in the environmental monitoring device. For example,
the processor may execute a program module that includes
instructions for operations in method 2100. During operation, the
processor may receive (or access) sensor data (operation 2110)
associated with a sensor in the environmental monitoring device,
where the sensor data is for an external environment that includes
the environmental monitoring device, and the sensor data represents
an environmental condition that is associated with operation of an
electronic device in the external environment. Note that the sensor
may provide the sensor data without or excluding communication
and/or electrical coupling between the environmental monitoring
device and the legacy electronic device.
[0227] Then, the processor may analyze the sensor data (operation
2112). For example, analyzing the sensor data may involve comparing
the sensor data to a threshold value, such as a maximum or minimum
value of the environmental condition.
[0228] Moreover, the processor may provide the maintenance
notification (operation 2114) related to the operation of the
electronic device based on the analyzed sensor data. For example,
the maintenance notification may include an instruction to: take
out the garbage (which may be determined based on the presence of a
chemical or a certain concentration of the chemical), open a
window, change a filter, perform maintenance on the electronic
device, replace a power source in the electronic device (such as a
battery), calibrate a sensor, and/or replace a sensor (or a
component) in the electronic device. Note that the maintenance
notification may be provided to a third party (such as a maid or a
janitor) that performs maintenance on the electronic device. Thus,
the maintenance notification may be provided to an electronic
device associated with the third party, such as a cellular
telephone. The third party may be other than a user associated with
the environmental monitoring device and a provider of the
environmental monitoring device. In this way, method 2100 may allow
automation of maintenance tasks. Furthermore, regular maintenance
notifications that are serviced may be securely recorded and
maintained as part of the service or historical records for the
environment, which can have a positive effect on the value of: a
building, a portion of a building, a shipping container, a shipping
service, etc.
[0229] Additionally, the processor may perform a remedial action
related to the maintenance notification (operation 21116). For
example, a replacement component for the electronic device may be
ordered based on the maintenance notification. This remedial action
may be part of a subscription service for spare parts for the
electronic device. If the component identifier is unknown, an image
of the component may be used to identify it (e.g., using an image
recognition technique). Alternatively or additionally, the
processor may alert maintenance staff or a recycling organization
that the previous component needs to be recycled. In some
embodiments, the remedial action includes providing a command to an
access-control device for the external environment based on the
maintenance notification.
[0230] Thus, the command may instruct a motor to open windows on
one side of a house based on the prevailing wind conditions when
the air conditioning is not working properly. In addition, the
processor may provide information specifying the maintenance
notification and/or any subsequent remedial action (such as a
service or repair performed on the electronic device) performed in
response to the maintenance notification to an archive device that
maintains a historical record for the environment. Thus, remedial
actions such as ordering new air filters, getting a contractor to
fix a heating and air-conditioning system, installing ventilation
to remove radon from a basement of a house, etc. may be stored in
historical records.
[0231] FIG. 22 presents a drawing illustrating communication
between an environmental monitoring device and another electronic
device during method 2100 (FIG. 21). In particular, sensor
subsystem 218 may provide the sensor data to processing subsystem
210. Then, processing subsystem 210 may analyze the sensor data.
Moreover, processing subsystem 210 may provide the maintenance
notification based on the analyzed sensor data.
[0232] For example, the maintenance notification may be provided to
networking subsystem 214 for communication to one of electronic
devices 114 in FIG. 1 (such as regulator device 2210) or another
electronic device 2212 of the third party (such as the third
party's cellular telephone, tablet computer or computer), and/or
may be provided to the user via feedback subsystem 232.
Furthermore, processing subsystem 110 may perform the remedial
action, such as by providing an order for the replacement component
to networking subsystem 214 for communication to component supplier
2214 (or a computer associated with or operated on behalf of
component supplier 2214). While not shown in FIG. 22, in some
embodiments processing subsystem 210 provides information
specifying the maintenance notification and/or any subsequent
remedial action (such as a repair or service performed on regulator
device 2210) performed in response to the maintenance notification
to networking subsystem 214 for communication to an archive device
(such as archive device 116 in FIG. 1) that maintains a historical
record for the environment.
[0233] In an exemplary embodiment of method 2100 (FIG. 19), the
sensor data may monitor performance of an air filter. If the sensor
data indicate that the concentration of dust or the mean
dust-particle size exceeds a target value corresponding to a safe
or health environment, the maintenance notification may indicate a
need to change the filter in the air filter. The environmental
monitoring device may provide the maintenance notification to a
maintenance worker. In addition, the environmental monitoring
device may order a replacement filter from a supplier. This
capability of automating basic maintenance on the air filter (and,
more generally, for an electronic device or a regulator device that
helps maintain the environmental condition) may be offered as a
subscription service. (Similarly, one or more other functions of
the environmental monitoring device and/or the archive device may
be offered for a one-time fee or as a subscription service to the
user of the environmental monitoring device and/or a third
party.)
[0234] In some embodiments of one or more of the preceding methods,
there may be additional or fewer operations. Furthermore, the order
of the operations may be changed, and/or two or more operations may
be combined into a single operation.
[0235] In the preceding description, we refer to `some
embodiments.` Note that `some embodiments` describes a subset of
all of the possible embodiments, but does not always specify the
same subset of embodiments.
[0236] The foregoing description is intended to enable any person
skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure, and is provided
in the context of a particular application and its requirements.
Moreover, the foregoing descriptions of embodiments of the present
disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and
description only. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to
limit the present disclosure to the forms disclosed. Accordingly,
many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners
skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may
be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Additionally,
the discussion of the preceding embodiments is not intended to
limit the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not
intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be
accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and
features disclosed herein.
* * * * *