U.S. patent application number 17/567029 was filed with the patent office on 2022-07-21 for system and method for a controlled environment.
This patent application is currently assigned to BETELGEUSE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is BETELGEUSE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. Invention is credited to Randal S. Barber, Robert A. Stevens.
Application Number | 20220228764 17/567029 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220228764 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barber; Randal S. ; et
al. |
July 21, 2022 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
An integrated system and process provides integrated control of
the environment within a personal space. A tent or other structure
suitable for forming a personal space, is in contact with, and may
enclose, a user station. The system includes a control system, main
controller, control modules, sensors, environmental units and other
controllers that operate in an integrated fashion to provide a
controlled environment within the personal space. The tent may
enclose all or portions of the control system, main controller,
control modules, sensors, environmental units and other
controllers. Portions of the control system, main controller,
control modules, sensors, environmental units and other controllers
may reside outside tent. A process for providing environmental
control of the personal space includes learning capabilities.
Inventors: |
Barber; Randal S.;
(Marysville, WA) ; Stevens; Robert A.; (Stanwood,
WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BETELGEUSE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC |
TULALIP |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
BETELGEUSE TECHNOLOGIES,
LLC
TULALIP
WA
|
Appl. No.: |
17/567029 |
Filed: |
December 31, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15627742 |
Jun 20, 2017 |
11243007 |
|
|
17567029 |
|
|
|
|
62352883 |
Jun 21, 2016 |
|
|
|
International
Class: |
F24F 11/62 20060101
F24F011/62; H05B 47/19 20060101 H05B047/19; H05B 47/11 20060101
H05B047/11; H05B 47/105 20060101 H05B047/105; G05B 15/02 20060101
G05B015/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for controlling a user environment comprising: a
structure having an inner volume defining a personal space for a
user; and, the personal space having an environment being adaptable
to the user.
2. A system for controlling a user environment comprising: a
structure having an inner volume defining a personal space for the
user and a first outer side, the inner volume including: a user
station disposed within the inner volume; an at least one sensor
coupled to a first control unit; the first control unit further
coupled to a first controller; the first controller coupled to at
least one port, the at least one port disposed between the inner
volume and the first outer side, and further coupled to the first
control unit; and, a second controller, the second controller being
coupled to the first control unit, whereby information sent from
the second controller to the first control unit may affect a change
in the first control unit and be delivered through the at least one
port to the inner volume.
3. A method for controlling a user environment comprising the steps
of: monitoring a controlled volume and generating first output
signals representative of parameters defining the controlled
volume; monitoring a exterior volume and generating second output
signals representative of parameters defining the external volume;
and, using the first and second output signals to determine whether
desired environmental conditions of the controlled volume have been
satisfied.
4. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of adjusting
at least one of the first and second output signals if the desired
environmental conditions of the controlled volume have not been
met.
5. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of applying
adaptive learning methodology to learn from the adjusting of the at
least one of the first and second output signals.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/627,742 filed Jun. 20, 2017, which
application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 62/352,883 filed Jun. 21, 2016. All of the foregoing
applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entireties as if fully set forth herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to environmental
systems and, particularly to controlled environments for personal
space.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Large-scale environmental systems, such as whole-building
HVAC systems, are used to provide comfortable environments for
tenants, employees and other persons occupying the space. At the
same time, those same conditions are likely agreeable to plants and
other architectural elements inside the space. The system may
control lighting, temperature, humidity and ambient noise. Such
systems are intended to provide an overall controlled environment
for the entire building. There may be local controls, such as
thermostats and lighting switches in certain areas, such as
individual floors, conference rooms and offices. These local
controls are generally limited to controlling single parameters,
such as lights or temperature.
[0004] In the home, a central heating and air conditioning system
typically controls the internal environment of the entire house.
The occupants typically have limited local control through
individual light switches, thermostats, or by adjusting air vents
in rooms. Such local control is typically limited to single
parameters and is further limited to fixed areas of the house, such
as a family room. None of these systems provide a personalizable
environment in which multiple parameters are integrated and
controllable by an individual. Accordingly, there is a need for an
integrated system and method for a controlled environment suitable
for personable space.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0005] A more complete understanding of the present invention may
be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when
considered in connection with the following illustrative
figures:
[0006] FIG. 1 is block diagram of an integrated system providing a
controlled personal environment in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating aspects of the system
of FIG. 1;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating further aspects of
the system in FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating still further aspects
of the system in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating various steps for an
environmental control process according to an embodiment of the
present invention; and,
[0011] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating various steps for an
environmental control process according to yet another embodiment
of the present invention.
[0012] Elements and steps in the figures are illustrated for
simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been rendered
according to any particular sequence. For example, steps that may
be performed concurrently or in different order are illustrated in
the figures in an exemplary order to help to improve understanding
of embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0013] Various aspects of the present invention may be described in
terms of functional block components and various process steps.
Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware or
software components configured to perform the specified functions
and achieve the various results. For example, exemplary embodiments
of the present invention may employ various sensors, components and
devices responsive to and affecting various parameters, such as, by
way of example, temperature, light, sound, humidity and the like.
In addition, various aspects of the present invention may be
practiced in conjunction with any number of computation components,
and the systems and methods described are merely exemplary
embodiments and applications of the present invention. Further,
exemplary embodiments of the present invention may employ any
number of conventional techniques for sensing and affecting
environmental parameters such as air handling, temperature,
lighting, humidity, auditory and visual parameters and the like. In
addition to a system and apparatus for providing a controlled
environment in an enclosed personal space, also disclosed is a
method for achieving the desired environment, including various
learning methods.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrate an integrated system 100 for controlling
the environment within a personal space 102 in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. A tent 104 or other
structure suitable for forming a personal space, such as structural
walls or portable panels, is in contact with, and may enclose, a
user station 106. System 100 further includes a control system 108,
main controller 110, control modules 112, sensors 114,
environmental units 116 and other controllers 120 that operate in
an integrated fashion to provide a controlled environments within
personal space 102. The tent 104 may enclose all or portions of the
control system 108, main controller 110, control modules 112,
sensors 114, environmental units 116 and other controllers 120.
Likewise portions of the control system 108, main controller 110,
control modules 112, sensors 114, environmental units 116 and other
controllers 120 may reside outside tent 104.
[0015] Various representative implementations of the present
invention may be applied to an integrated system 100 for creating a
controlled environment inside a personal, enclosed space 102. These
various components or systems may be connected or interact with
other components in any number of ways. They may also be composed
of, interact with, contain, manage, or control various other
components. What follows here are some exemplary embodiments of a
small number of possible variations of the invention. In no way
should the embodiments described herein be read to limit the
invention to only those described herein. It is understood that
many other arrangements, systems, or methods may be used with the
invention and the preceding and following descriptions do not
prevent those uses not specifically described herein.
[0016] The integrated system 100 provides a desired environment for
a user by providing a controlled physical environment in the
personal space 102 around the user station 106. Personal space 102,
as defined by tent 104, exists above or around the user station
106, is modified and controlled by the environmental control system
108. Control system 108 preferably includes a main controller 110,
control modules 112, sensors 114, environmental unit 116 and other
controllers 120. Main controller 110, may be a conventional
computer-controlled device, such as, for example, a microprocessor
based controller, that drives, among other components and systems,
environmental unit 116 to create the optimum experience for the
user in space 102. Preferably, various sensors 114 provide
continuous monitoring to ensure a stable and desired environment is
obtained and maintained within space 102. As an example: sensors
114 may sense parameters such as temperature, humidity, air
quality, air movement, lighting, sound, visuals, movement, etc. and
are configured to allow integrated system 100 to optionally and
individually adjust, in an integrated fashion, parameters to a
user's preference within space 102.
[0017] The user station 106 represents the area the user touches or
otherwise interacts with by sitting, laying, standing, etc.
Non-limiting examples of user station 106 include a bed, chair,
couch, cot, mat, or any other type of commercially available or
proprietary furniture or other fixture desired by the user. It may
also simply include the floor.
[0018] The environmental enclosure (tent 104), provides a barrier
or boundary, in conjunction with the user station 106, to establish
the controlled environment in space 102 corresponding to the inner
volume inside the tent 104. The tent 104 may consist of, as a
non-limiting example, fabric or other materials. In accordance with
some embodiments of the invention the tent material is preferably
light weight, low friction and snag resistant, limits echo, may
insulate the interior, is static free, and can manage moisture. In
further embodiments, the tent material is removable and
portable.
[0019] The tent 104 may further provide one or more of the
following features: an insect barrier; acoustic control, including
sound deadening; temperature control, including enhanced thermal
insulation; translucency, including the ability to adjust light
transmission; air quality, including dust control; electric
magnetic energy dissipation, visual ambiance, including color
options, an easily maintained, including, for example, a
replaceable fabric that can be cleaned or repaired.
[0020] As discussed above and illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, control
system 108, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention,
comprises main controller 110, control modules 112, sensors 114,
environmental units 116 and manual controls 120. Control modules
112 may be manual controls that may be operated by the user but may
also be automated controls operable by and responsive to the
control system 108. The main controller 110 utilizes various inputs
to drive a set of prescribed outputs. The inputs may be, for
example, default programming (software/firmware) with standard
pre-sets, user modified inputs through the user station 106,
control modules 112, and sensors 114. These outputs may provide
commands to various environmental units 116 that will adjust the
environmental conditions of the controlled environment in space
102. For example, sensors 114 may provide feedback (input) to the
main controller 110 and programming (firmware/software) of the main
controller 110 will provide the logic to adjust and maintain the
desired controlled volume environment.
[0021] The environmental units 116 are, according to one embodiment
of the invention, comprised of mechanical components and ducts
that, in some embodiments, provide airflow management, and direct
air modification via, for example, temperature, humidity, air
movement speed, air quality, and other non-limiting potential
modifiers to and from the controlled environment of space 102.
[0022] The programming of system 100, which in some embodiments may
be accessible through the main controller 110 and may optionally be
accessed by mobile devices, such as smart phones, tablets, voice
and motion responsive devices, receives an activity instruction
provided by the user based upon a desired experience, for example,
sleep, short nap, ultra-quiet, cooler, warmer, etc. The integrated
system 100 responds appropriately and in an integrated fashion to
create an environment suitable for that activity within the
personal space 102 inside tent 104.
[0023] To personalize the user experience, for example during an
initial use, the system 100 prompts the user to initiate a
preliminary environmental evaluation, where it monitors and learns
about the user's habits, and sleep patterns. This is achieved using
various sensors and settings. As the invention learns about the
user it is able to use, for example, predictive intelligence, which
allows it to make adjustments during use or to give suggestions to
the user, further optimizing the experience. The system 100 may
also have the capability to store information in control system 108
and to retrieve stored information on multiple users allowing it to
customize any individual user's experience to their particular
preferences.
[0024] In order to achieve user desired conditions, the system
takes advantage of environmental controls and sensors by using
them, at least optionally, in collaboration with one another. For
example, the system 100 may sense noise levels and then monitor the
user's reaction to them. In this example, some noises may be
detrimental to sleep, while others are suitable for assisting in
sleep activity. The system 100 may learn or be programed to respond
to a user's reactions and optionally, allow a noise to persist or
utilize noise cancelling technology to remove it from the user's
perception in space 102. In other possible embodiments, sound may
also be used for entertainment purposes through the use of one or
more speakers placed in, or whose sound penetrates the inner tent
volume of space 102.
[0025] The system may also control olfactory parameters in the
personal space 102. Smell may be important to individualizing an
environment for a specific activity or user. Many users respond to
smells in different ways. In one example, information, including
smell, from a sleep study may be used to enhance the user's
experience.
[0026] During a sleep study an individual user might respond to
body movement manipulation. At different intervals of sleep or at
different points in the study, similar movements may have different
effects on the user. In one example, with information gathered from
the study, in combination or individually, predictive intelligence
allows the system 100 to learn what movements best suit each user
at different times or for different activities.
[0027] Video imaging may also optionally be used in some possible
embodiments of the invention. For example, images can create strong
impressions during sleep or study times. Video may also be used for
entertainment purposes. Repetitive imagery can also be used,
optionally to train an individual's subconscious. In this example,
the use of video, still or otherwise, is allowed to purposefully
imprint on the user.
[0028] The environment within personal space 102 may be adjusted to
create an environment suitable for different users. Variables such
as temperature, humidity, lighting, air movement, and air
filtration, may all optionally be adjusted depending on user
preferences or automated features. The effect these variables have
on the user are saved and stored so that the correct combination of
variables is used to produce the desired environment for different
users.
[0029] The system and method of the present invention easily
integrates the foregoing systems, components and methodologies as
well as additional and different technologies for achieving a
controlled environment in personal space 102 that provides a
desired user experience.
[0030] Referring to the block diagram of FIG. 2, tent 104 is
represented as being attached to user station 106. As previously
discussed, tent 104 may also enclose all or a portion of user
station 106. The tent 104 provides a barrier, separating the
outside world from the inner controlled environment of space 102.
Tent 104 may be any shape conducive to attaching to or covering all
or a portion of user station 106. For example, the overall shape
may resemble a dome, a cube, a pyramid or any other shape. In at
least one embodiment, the tent 104 is attached to an upper
mechanism, such as a boom, which forms the upper limit of the tent,
from there the tent 104 extends downward toward the user station
106. In additional examples, the tent 104 may simply rest on or
near the user station 106. As depicted in FIG. 2, the user station
106 and the tent 104 meet at an outer edge of the user station 106.
In additional examples however, the tent 104 may be larger or
smaller than the user station 106. The tent 104 may also be
constructed in any form to allow for it to create an inner volume
used as the controlled environment of personal space 102. The tent
104 may include internal or external supports.
[0031] The material of tent 104 may also be made of any suitable
fabric, including natural and synthetic materials. There may be
points along the inside of the tent 104 to which various other
components of the system 100 can attach. There also may be similar
attachment points on the outside of the tent 104. For example, in
one possible embodiment, a sensor 114 may attach to the tent 104.
The tent 104 may include a door (not shown). The door, for example,
may be a flap cut in the fabric, the flap being open or closed to
allow for ingress or egress. The flap may, for example, use a
zipper to allow it to be opened or closed. However, many other
methods facilitating ingress and egress are possible. In other
embodiments the tent 104 may be raised or lowered to allow the user
to enter or exit space 102, and therefore not include a door.
[0032] The exterior of the enclosure, tent 104, may be any color.
There may be fittings, sensors 114 or environmental units 116
located either on the outside of the tent 104 or extending from the
outside to the inside of the tent 104. For example, an air inlet
and output source, or port, may traverse the tent wall material.
Such an air inlet and output could be connected to the
environmental units 116. There may also be a port which allows air
to exit tent 104.
[0033] As previously discussed with reference to FIG. 1, the system
100 includes user station 106. User station 106 is preferable the
area where the user sits, lays, stands, or otherwise is positioned
in personal space 102 inside the tent 104. The user station 106 may
suitable for use by non-humans, including pets. For example, a
veterinarian may utilize system 100 to accommodate recovering pets
after a medical procedure. User station 106 may have additional
functionalities, such as massage, movement, flexibility, heat
control, etc. The user station 106 may be integrated into the tent
104 or tent 104 may be adapted to an existing user station 106. The
user station 106 may also include sensors 114 for use in
individualizing the user's experience within space 102.
[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 2, control system 108 receives and
sends data and related instructions to and from various components
in system 100. The control system 108 includes main controller 110,
which may be a computer or microprocessor controlled device,
although other examples may achieve the same or similar results
using different components. The main controller 110 may utilize
logic from specific programming to adjust outputs to the various
environmental units 116 by using various inputs and user modified
inputs. The main controller 110 may receive information or data
from, for example, a manual or external controller 120, external
sensors 122, internal (inside the tent 104) sensors 124, human
feedback sensors 126, a manual controller 128 inside the tent 104,
or any other device capable of sending information, instructions,
data or other signals. The main controller 110 may also output
information, instructions, data or other signals to, for example, a
sound/noise device 128, lighting 130, and the environmental units
116. The environmental units 116 may control, for example,
temperature, humidity, air movement, air filtration, air
management, recirculation, etc. Inputs and outputs may be used in
numerous ways to affect a range of changes. For example, an input
may lead to calculation and or activation of or by the
microcontroller (main control unit 110), which then in response
leads to an output from the main controller 110 which leads to
desired change in the environment in space 102. Another example
includes a temperature sensor sending temperature information back
to the main controller 110, the main controller 110 then references
the current temperature against a stored or manually set optimal
temperature, the main controller 110 then sends a request to the
environmental units 116 (Command (on/off, wattage signals) to heat
unit) to raise temperature in space 102 to achieve this desired
temperature. Energy management and system stability logic in main
controller 110 software will influence output signals
(on/off/%/wattage) to the various system elements.
[0035] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
system 100 may include external sensors 122. The external sensors
122 may be any sensor(s) located outside of the tent 104. For
example, a temperature sensor may be located outside of the tent
104. An additional, non-limiting example includes a noise sensor.
The external sensors 122 may be connected to the main controller
110 such that data/signals flow from the sensor 122 to the main
controller 110 and from the main controller 110 to the sensor 122.
Many different types of sensors 122 may be incorporated into the
system 100. The possibilities are not to be limited to only those
listed in this disclosure and it is to be understood that any type
of sensor used internally may also have an external variant. There
may also be more than one of the same type of sensor. For example,
there may be multiple external temperature sensors. These external
sensors provide useful information to the main controller 110. For
example, if the temperature outside the tent 104 is very high
compared to the temperature inside space 102, the main controller
110 will instruct the environmental units 116 to work harder in
order to maintain the temperature inside the tent 104. An external
sensor 122, which senses external noises, then transmits that data
to the main controller 110, which then allows for a noise canceling
process in space 102 based on those external noises, via
sound/noise source 130 in tent 104.
[0036] In accordance with yet further aspects of the present
invention, system 100 may also include internal sensors 124. The
internal sensors 124 include any sensor located inside tent 104.
The sensors 124 are electrically coupled to the main controller
110. These sensors 124 may include, as non-limiting examples, human
feedback sensors 126, sound and noise sensors 128, lighting
sensors, oxygen sensors, CO2 sensors, CO sensors, thermal sensors
or any other type of sensor which assists in detecting and thereby
providing the desired environment in space 102 for the user. Human
feedback sensors 126, for example, can monitor the user, and
her/his/its reaction to certain stimuli. Multiple sensors 124 may
act together in order to provide useful information. For example,
the noise and human feedback sensors can provide information to
determine whether certain noises affect the user.
[0037] In accordance with still further embodiments, the system 100
may also include an external/manual controller 120. In some
configurations the system 100 automatically achieves a user's
desired environment in space 102. However, a user may desire a
different environment at any given time. In order to achieve this
altered environment in space 102, the user can make use of at least
the external manual controller 120. The external manual controller
120 is electrically coupled, including wirelessly, to the main
controller 110. This allows user inputs to be detected by the main
controller 110 which can then process the request and send
information to other components which facilitate the change in the
environment of space 102. For example, a user profile may suggest
she/he/it prefers a temperature of 68 degrees. However, on a
specific day, the user may want to manually set the environment to
70 degrees and can do so by adjusting this setting on the manual
controller 120. When the increased temperature is selected, the
data is sent to the main controller 110 which in turn sends a
request to the environmental units 116 to increase the temperature.
The user may adjust any number of settings in an integrated fashion
by using the manual external controller 120. By way of example, the
external manual controller 120 may be mounted on a wall, to the
boom to which the tent 104 is attached, or may be a mobile device.
There may also be more than one external controller 120. For
example there may be one external manual controller 120 mounted to
the wall and the user may be using their smart device as a second
external manual controller. In this example, the smart device is
capable of being moved around, including inside the tent, while
continuing to communicate with the main controller 110, for
example, wirelessly via an application on the smart device. The
manual controller 120 itself may take any number of forms,
including switches, nobs, touch screens, other digital read outs,
or any other type of display and adjustment mechanisms giving the
user manual control over the environment. The user can also select
from different settings, for example, nap, study, and sleep, each
of which may correspond to a pre-set environmental setting.
[0038] The system 100, in accordance with a further embodiment, may
include an internal manual controller 128. In accordance with a
previously described embodiment, the internal manual controller 128
is similar in function to the external manual controller 120, in
that it allows the user to adjust the environment in space 102
manually in an integrated fashion while inside tent 104. The
internal manual controller 128 may be a controller mounted inside
the tent 104. For example a control panel, optionally comprising a
touch screen with options displayed on it. The internal manual
controller may also be a user's smart device or an application
there on. Other alternatives are available. The manual internal
controller 128 is capable of connecting to the main controller 110
either by a physical connection or wirelessly. This allows the user
to adjust the environment of space 102 from inside the tent 102.
The user may also select from different settings, for example, nap,
study, and sleep.
[0039] The system 100 may include human feedback sensors 126. While
sensors 126 are labeled as human, it is to be understood that such
sensors are biological sensors and that they may be sensors
suitable for non-human life, such as pets and other animals. The
human feedback sensors 126 allow the system 100 to sense the user's
condition and learn about the user's responses to various stimuli,
automatically adjust the environment of space 102 based on the
user's sensed condition, and more. There may be one or more human
feedback sensors 128. The human feedback sensors 128 are
electrically coupled to the main controller 110. Non-limiting
examples include thermal sensors, motion sensors, body scanners,
video sensors, heart beat sensors, EKG, EEG, etc.
[0040] The system 100 may also include a sound sensor and/or source
130. The sound sensor and/or source 130 may be one device or
separate devices. Regardless of their orientation, the sensor
and/or source 130 is electrically coupled to the main controller
110. In one embodiment the sound sensor and source 130 is one
device capable of both sensing and playing sounds. The device may
also be capable of sound cancellation. In another example, the user
may choose to play music through the sound source 130. In another
example, the user profile may indicate they sleep most optimally
when soothing tones are played at a specific volume. Those tones
are produced by the sound source 130. There may be one or more
sound sources or sensors 130 inside the tent 104. It is to be
understood that, as used herein, the term "electrically coupled"
includes wired and wireless coupling.
[0041] The system may also include one or more lights 132 inside
the tent. In some embodiments the light 132 is electrically coupled
to the main controller 110 and therefore capable of being
automatically or manually controlled. Any type of light 132 may be
used. For example, in some embodiments the light 132 may be capable
of multiple colors, or true RGB color range. In additional
embodiments, only white light is used. The light 132 also may be
adjustable in intensity, in addition to color. For example, a user
profile for sleep may slowly dim the lights 132 inside the tent
104, and then bring the intensity back up as the user gets closer
to the time they are supposed to awaken. This is simply one example
of many possible examples using the lights 132. The light 132 may
also, optionally, be manually controlled from inside the tent 104.
For example the light 132 may include intensity and/or an on-off
switch.
[0042] The system 100 may also include a visual display 134.
Display 134 may be located inside the tent 104 and be capable of
displaying any type of image. For example it may be capable of
displaying movies or still images. In addition, the display 134 may
be capable of displaying information from the main controller 110,
including current conditions, messages, etc. The display 134 may
also be configured to show text messages, or any other message the
user desires.
[0043] In accordance with further aspects of the present invention,
system 100 includes environmental units 116. The environmental
units 116 are capable of adjusting the environment of space 102
inside the tent 104. To that end, the environmental units 116 are
electrically coupled to the main controller 110. The environmental
units 116 are capable of, by way of a non-limiting example, air
handling. In one example, the environmental units 116 comprises an
inlet and outlet, allowing air to enter and leave the system 100,
as well as an air output and an air recovery which lead to and from
the tent 104. In this example this allows the environmental units
116 to retrieve air from the external environment, treat it to the
desired specifications, and send it into the tent 104. At the same
time, air is pulled from the tent 104, and exhausted out of the
system 100. In this example, the system 100 works to achieve or
maintain whatever internal environment the user desires in space
102. In other examples air may be taken from the tent 104,
conditioned appropriately, and returned to the tent 104 without
being exhausted. As a non-limiting example, the environmental units
116 are capable of adjusting temperature, humidity, air movement,
air filtration, air management, level of recirculation, smell, etc.
Any of these may be adjusted individually by a user by utilizing
the main controller 110. The environmental units 116 may also work
automatically, in association with the main controller 110, and
other sensors attached thereto.
[0044] Turning to FIG. 3, a block diagram represents one possible
embodiment of the present invention corresponding to a layout of
components and how they may be interconnected to facilitate in the
integrated operation of system 100 and method 200/200A (FIGS. 5 and
6). Feedback sensors 140 receive, or sense, information about the
controlled environment in space 102. For example the current
temperature of the controlled environment may be sensed. The
feedback sensors 140 also receive data from the environmental units
116. The feedback sensors 140 then send their sensed data to the
main controller 110. The main controller 110 processes that data
and determines the appropriate response. That response is sent to
the environmental units 116. The main controller 110 may also
receive a request from a manual/programming input (control module
112). For example, a pre-set could be triggered by the user
entering the tent 104, in which case the main controller 110 relies
on a pre-set input, and in turn sends information to the
environmental units 116 to achieve those presets, for example
humidity percentage.
[0045] The environmental units 116 receive requests from the main
controller 110 corresponding to environment changes desired for the
controlled environment in space 102. By way of example, the
feedback sensors 140 sense that the current temperature in the
controlled environment of space 102 is 70 degrees. That information
is sent to the main controller 110. The main controller 110
references the 70 degree sensed temperature against either a
previously programmed temperature, or a manually inputted
temperature. Any disparity between the desired temperature and the
sensed temperature triggers a request to the environmental units
116. The environmental units 116 will then respond by conditioning
the air in accordance with the main controller 110 request and
supply conditioned air into the controlled environment of space
102. In the current example, the program could call for 68 degrees,
the main controller 110 would request colder air be sent from the
environmental units 116 to the controlled environment, the
environmental units 116 would send that air until the feedback
sensor reads 68 degrees, at which time it will halt the process. As
in all other examples and description herein, the arrows are
representative only, and data, signals and other information is
capable of traveling in either direction.
[0046] Turning next to FIG. 4 a block diagram representatively
illustrates the layout of, and inputs and outputs associated with,
the main controller 110. As illustrated, the main controller 110
may receive data, signals, information, instructions, etc.
(collectively data) from, for example, the environmental feedback
sensors 140, human feedback sensors 126, imbedded software or
standard pre-sets 142, manual controller 120/128, or external
applications 146 on a smart device 144. The main controller 110 may
also send data to these devices. As illustrated, the main
controller 110 may send data to the following units, or to the unit
capable of achieving the following: heating, cooling, video,
messages, humidification, de-humidification, noise abatement,
sound, lighting, air movement, air filtration, air treatment 148.
As in other examples, the data arrows in the figures are
representative only, and data may be capable of traveling in either
direction.
[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates a process 200 for providing a controlled
environment according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Process 200 is initiated at START block 202. The controlled space
(102) is monitored at step 204 and the exterior space is monitored
at step 206. The output of blocks 204 and 206 are inputted and read
at step 208. The step of determining whether environmental
conditions (within space 102) are met occurs at step 210. If
environmental conditions are not met (NO), adjustments to the
monitored inputs are made at step 212 and the step 210 is repeated.
If the conditions are met at step 210 (YES), the process returns to
step 204 and continues to monitor the controlled space (102). The
process 200 preferable also includes systems learning capability at
step 214.
[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates a process 200A for providing a controlled
environment according to another embodiment of the present
invention. Process 200A is initiated at START block 202A. The
controlled space (102) is monitored at step 204A and the exterior
space is monitored at step 206A. The output of monitoring blocks
204A and 206A are inputted and read at step 208A. The step of
determining whether environmental conditions (within space 102) are
met occurs at step 210A. If conditions are not met (NO),
adjustments to the monitored inputs are made at step 212A and
system enters learning step 214A. An output from step 214A is
returned to step 210A where process 200A determines if
environmental conditions are met. Another output for the learning
step 214A is applied to step 216 in which process 200A creates a
new option for use by the process 200A. If step 210A determines
environmental conditions have been met (YES), the process 200A
returns to step 204A to continue monitoring the controlled space
(102) at step 204A.
[0049] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been
described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various
modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing
from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims.
The specification and figures are illustrative, not restrictive,
and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of
the present invention.
[0050] For example, the steps recited in any method or process
claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the
specific order presented in the claims. Additionally, the
components and/or elements recited in any apparatus claims may be
assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of
permutations and are accordingly not limited to the specific
configuration recited in the claims.
[0051] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have
been described above with regard to particular embodiments. Any
benefit, advantage, solution to problem, or any element that may
cause any particular benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or to
become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical,
required, or essential features or components of any or all the
claims.
[0052] The terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprising", "having",
"including", "includes" or any variations of such terms, are
intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a
process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a
list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but
may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to
such process, method, article, composition or apparatus. Other
combinations and/or modifications of the above-described
structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements,
materials, or components used in the practice of the present
invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be
varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments,
manufacturing specifications, design parameters, or other operating
requirements without departing from the general principles of the
same.
* * * * *