U.S. patent application number 17/677691 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-25 for system and method for environmental optimization.
This patent application is currently assigned to NoviSphere, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is NoviSphere, LLC. Invention is credited to Cindy Egnarski, Paul Jenkins, Phil Lasarsky, Paul Lockhart, Joshua Mikels.
Application Number | 20220268464 17/677691 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006224166 |
Filed Date | 2022-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220268464 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jenkins; Paul ; et
al. |
August 25, 2022 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL OPTIMIZATION
Abstract
A system and accompanying methods for sanitizing indoor air is
disclosed. The system may receive air from an air supply unit and
analyze characteristics associated with the received air, such as
by utilizing sensors of a sensor unit. Based upon the
characteristics of the air, the system may direct the air along one
of multiple possible pathways. In certain embodiments, the system
may include determining, based on an analysis of the
characteristics of the air, whether the air requires treatment and,
if the air requires treatment, whether the air can be treated.
Based on the analysis, the system may allow the air to pass
directly into an indoor environment without treatment, activate one
or more treatment modules to treat the air if the air can be
treated, or activate an exhaust module to exhaust the air to
another environment if the air requires treatment but cannot be
treated effectively.
Inventors: |
Jenkins; Paul; (Chicago,
IL) ; Lockhart; Paul; (Northbrook, IL) ;
Egnarski; Cindy; (Northbrook, IL) ; Lasarsky;
Phil; (Northbrook, IL) ; Mikels; Joshua;
(Northbrook, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NoviSphere, LLC |
Northbrook |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
NoviSphere, LLC
Northbrook
IL
|
Family ID: |
1000006224166 |
Appl. No.: |
17/677691 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
63152119 |
Feb 22, 2021 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 2110/20 20180101;
F24F 2110/10 20180101; F24F 2110/50 20180101; F24F 8/22 20210101;
F24F 8/10 20210101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 8/22 20060101
F24F008/22; F24F 8/10 20060101 F24F008/10 |
Claims
1. A system for sanitizing air, comprising: an air supply unit
configured to intake air from an environment; a sensor unit
configured to sense characteristics associated with the air from
the environment; and, a control unit configured to perform
operations, the operations comprising: evaluating the
characteristics associated with the air by comparing the
characteristics to a threshold associated with triggering treatment
of the air by the system; and directing the air along an air flow
path based upon the air characteristics and based on the comparing
of the characteristics to the threshold associated with triggering
treatment of the air.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise
directing the air along the air flow path associated with a bypass
portion of the system if the characteristics of the air are
determined not to satisfy the threshold associated with triggering
treatment of the air by the system.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the operations further comprise
deactivating treatment and exhaust modules of the system when the
air is directed along the air flow path associated with the bypass
portion of the system.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the operations further comprise
facilitating direction of the air from the bypass portion of the
system to a filter configured to filter the air.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the operations further comprise
facilitating direction of the air from the filter to an air
handling unit configured to handle the air received from the filter
and facilitating direction of the air from the air handling unit to
an ultraviolet light-c unit to treat the air.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the operations further comprise
facilitating direction of the air from the ultraviolet light-c unit
to a diffuser configured to diffuse the air into the
environment.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise
determining that the air requires treatment if the characteristics
of the air satisfy the threshold associated with triggering
treatment of the air by the system.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the operations further comprise
determining whether the air is capable of being treated after
determining that the characteristics of the air satisfy the
threshold.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the operations further comprise
activating a treatment module for treating the air if the air is
capable of being treated.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the operations further comprise
activating an exhaust module for exhausting the air into a
different environment if the air is not capable of being
treated.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise
closing a different air flow path when direction the air along the
air flow path.
12. A system for sanitizing air, comprising: an air supply unit
configured to intake air from an environment; a sensor unit
configured to sense characteristics associated with the air; and, a
control unit configured to perform operations, the operations
comprising: evaluating the characteristics associated with the air
by comparing the characteristics to a threshold associated with
triggering treatment of the air by the system; and directing
treatment of the air based upon the characteristics associated with
the air and based upon the comparison of the characteristics to the
threshold.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the operations further comprise
providing the characteristics to a remote system to facilitate
evaluation of the characteristics.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the operations further comprise
receiving a control signal from a device in communication with the
system that activates a treatment module for treating the air based
on the characteristics of the air.
15. The system of claim 12, wherein the operations further comprise
exhausting the air into a different environment via an exhaust
module if the air is unable to be treated so that the
characteristics of the air no longer satisfy the threshold.
16. The system of claim 12, wherein the operations further comprise
continuously receiving additional air from the environment over a
period of time, and wherein the operations further comprise
evaluating characteristics associated with the additional air and
comparing the characteristics associated with the additional air to
the threshold.
17. A method of sanitizing air, comprising: receiving, at an air
supply unit of a system, air from an environment; obtaining, via a
sensor unit of the system, sensor data including characteristics
associated with the air; evaluating, by utilizing a control unit of
the system, the characteristics associated with the air; comparing
the characteristics associated with the air to a threshold
associated with triggering treatment of the air; and, determining
whether treatment is necessary based upon the characteristics of
the air and the comparing of the characteristics to the
threshold.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising determining whether
the air is capable of being treated so that the air no longer
satisfies the threshold, and further comprising exhausting the air
into a different environment if the air is not capable of being
treated so that the air no longer satisfies the threshold.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising directing, by
utilizing the control unit, the air along a path towards a
treatment module for treating the air if the air is capable of
being treated so that the air no longer satisfies the threshold
after treatment of the air.
20. The method of claim 17, further comprising directing, by
utilizing the control unit, the air to a bypass portion of the
system to cause the air to bypass a treatment module, exhaust
module, or a combination thereof, if the characteristics associated
with the air do not satisfy the threshold associated with
triggering treatment of the air.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 63/152,119, filed on Feb. 22, 2021, the
entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 17/366,876 and International Application No.
PCT/US2021/040335, both filed on Jul. 2, 2021, are also
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a system and method for
monitoring and optimizing indoor air quality.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Human exposure to particulates, contaminants, and pathogens
such as viruses, fungus, and bacteria create a risk of negative
health effects. Such contaminants may be present in the air within
structures. Recent worldwide events related to Covid-19 demonstrate
that there is great concern about virus contraction and
transmission through the air and the importance of air quality.
[0004] Various systems and methods for treating indoor air have
been implemented. These systems and methods include standalone
units as well as devices designed for integration with central air
handling systems, such as heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC). Despite the beneficial features and
functionality provided by such systems and methods, such systems
and methods have many shortcomings. For example, filters have been
used to remove particulate matter and air pollutants from indoor
air. However, filters may lose effectiveness between replacement
intervals and may retain particulates, contaminants, and pathogens,
making them a danger to those that change the filter. Radiation
sources such as ultraviolet lamps have been used, however,
effectiveness may be limited based on radiation exposure and
airflow. As a result, improved technologies and processes to treat
and purify indoor air may be provided to facilitate enhanced
particulate and pollutant removal capabilities, increased
effectiveness, increased ease-of-use, broader treatment
capabilities, increased varieties of treatment capabilities,
reduced user exposure to pollutants and particulate matter,
increased automation capabilities, enhanced sensor data gathering
and analysis capabilities, and potential cost savings.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present disclosure relates to a system and method for
improving air quality, such as within indoor environments. In an
embodiment, the system and method incorporate the use of sensors to
monitor indoor air quality. The sensors may be configured to
communicate characteristics of the air to a control unit of the
system. Based on the characteristics of the air, the control unit
may select one or more paths for the air to flow and may direct one
or more actions to control and optimize air quality for a
particular environment, such as a building environment.
[0006] In an embodiment, a system for sanitizing air is disclosed.
The system may include an air supply unit configured to intake air
from an environment. Additionally, the system may include a sensor
unit configured to sense characteristics associated with the air
provided by the air supply unit. Furthermore, the system may
include a control unit configured to perform operations for the
system. In certain embodiments, the control unit of the system may
evaluate the characteristics associated with the air by comparing
the characteristics to a threshold associated with triggering
treatment of the air by the system. The control unit may direct the
air along an air flow path based upon the air characteristics
and/or based on the comparing of the characteristics to the
threshold associated with triggering treatment of the air.
[0007] In another embodiment, another system for sanitizing air is
disclosed. The system may include an air supply unit configured to
intake air from an environment, a sensor unit configured to sense
characteristics associated with the air, and a control unit
configured to perform operations for the system. In certain
embodiments, the control unit may evaluate the characteristics
associated with the air by comparing the characteristics to a
threshold associated with triggering treatment of the air by the
system. Based upon the characteristics associated with the air
and/or based upon the comparison of the characteristics to the
threshold, the control unit may facilitate directing treatment of
the air by the system. In certain embodiments, the control unit may
direct the air along an air path towards one or more treatment
modules, which may be configured to treat the air. Once the air is
treated, the treated air may be directed to a filter to filter the
air, an air handling unit to handle the air, an ultraviolet-c unit
to further treat the air (e.g., via ultraviolet light irradiation),
and to a diffuser to diffuse the treated air back into the
environment.
[0008] In another embodiment, a method for treating air is
disclosed. The method may include a first step of receiving air
from an air supply. The method may include a second step of sensing
characteristics of the air. The method may include a third step of
communicating the characteristics of the air to a control unit. The
method may include a fourth step of communicating instructions from
the control unit to determine the path flow of the air. The method
may include a fifth step of receiving instructions to treat the air
based upon the characteristics of the air. The method may include a
sixth step of treating the air to modify the air
characteristics.
[0009] In yet another embodiment, a further method for sanitizing
and treating air is disclosed. The method may include receiving, at
an air supply unit of a system, air from an environment.
Additionally, the method may include obtaining, via a sensor unit
of the system, sensor data including characteristics associated
with the air, The method may also include evaluating, by utilizing
a control unit of the system, the characteristics associated with
the air. Furthermore, the method may include comparing the
characteristics associated with the air to a threshold associated
with triggering treatment of the air. Moreover, the method may
include determining whether treatment is necessary based upon the
characteristics of the air and the comparing of the characteristics
to the threshold.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for facilitating
environmental optimization according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart for a method 200 for
facilitating environmental optimization according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart for a method 300 for
facilitating environmental optimization according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the system 100 for
facilitating environmental optimization.
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the system 100 for
facilitating environmental optimization.
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the system 100 for
facilitating environmental optimization.
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates additional componentry and functionality
for use with the system 100 to facilitate environmental
optimization according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a machine in the form of a
computer system within which a set of instructions, when executed,
may cause the machine to facilitate environmental optimization.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] A system 100 and accompanying methods for optimizing indoor
air are disclosed. In particular, the systems and methods provide
for an assembly to monitor indoor air characteristics, control air
path flow, and facilitate the performance of treatment actions to
modify the air characteristics so that the air may distributed back
into an environment to reduce the possibility of negative health
effects, increase sanitization, and increase the overall safety of
the environment for individuals.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the system
100 may include an air supply unit 105, ducts 107, 108, and 109,
sensor unit 110, control unit 115, path switch unit 120, abatement
module 130, filter 160, and air handling unit 170. The system 100
may also include a UV-C unit 180 and diffuser 190. The abatement
module 130 may include one or more treatment modules 140 and one or
more exhaust modules 150.
[0020] In an embodiment, the air supply unit 105 may supply air
extracted from an environment to the other components of the system
100. In certain embodiments, it is contemplated and within the
scope of this present disclosure, that a supply unit may receive
inputs regarding water, power, and/or data/communication. The data
and analysis regarding these inputs may be sent to a control unit
(e.g., control unit 115) and may drive appropriate action by the
system 100.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, air 101 may flow from the air supply
unit 105 through duct 107 in direction A. As the air 101 flows form
the air supply unit 105 through the duct 107, the air may interact
with a sensor unit 110 within duct 107. In certain embodiments,
sensor unit 110 may also interact with air outside of duct 107.
Sensor unit 110 may be configured with any number of sensors to
detect characteristics associated with the air 101. For example,
the sensors may detect characteristics such as temperature, air
flows (volume, directional) pressure cascades, bioburden, humidity,
particulates, mold, contaminants, radon, pathogens such as viruses,
fungus, and bacteria, gas, chemicals, carbon monoxide, pollutants,
solid and liquid particles, dust, smoke, metals (e.g., potassium,
sodium, calcium, magnesium, cadmium, copper, nickel, vanadium, and
zinc), sulfates, nitrates, ammonium, and other organic and
inorganic chemical compounds as well as allergens and microbial
compounds, and any other characteristics of air quality. The sensor
unit 110 may identify the presence of such characteristics and
associated information, such as concentration of particulates,
bioburden, mold, contaminants, and the like. The sensor unit 100
may also be configure to identify whether the concentration is
increasing, decreasing, or staying the same as the air travels
through the duct 107. In certain embodiments, the sensor unit 110
may be in communication with a control unit 115. The sensor unit
110 may communicate information associated with the characteristics
of the air 101 to the control unit 115 for further processing
and/or analysis. The sensor unit 110 may also transfer raw sensor
data to the sensor unit 110 and/or processed sensor data to the
sensor unit 110. The communication may be wired or wireless, for
example, via the internet, any type of network (e.g. mesh network,
private network, WiFi network, IoT-based network, satellite
network, cellular network, and/or other network), or a combination
thereof. In certain embodiments, the communication may be via a
short-range wireless protocol, such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-wave,
other short-range wireless protocols, or a combination thereof.
[0022] As indicated above, control unit 115 may receive information
from sensor unit 110 associated with the characteristics of air
101. Control unit 115 may be and/or may include a conventional
computer, computer processor, or computing device. In certain
embodiments, the control unit 115 may be a custom computing device
designed specifically to facilitate the operative functionality of
the system 100. In certain embodiments, the computing device may
include special-purpose processors and/or memories to perform the
operative functions of the system. In certain embodiments, the
control unit 115 may include, but is not limited to including, a
processor for executing instructions, a memory configured to store
instructions and/or data, a communications module for communicating
data, a transceiver for communicating and/or transmitting data, any
number and/or type of sensors, a camera, a user interface, lights
(e.g. lights showing status of the system 100), and/or any other
componentry to facilitate the operation of the system 100. In
certain embodiments, the control unit 115 may receive information
from sensor unit 110 and may determine whether treatment for the
air 101 is required and the course of treatment for the air 101. In
certain embodiments, the control unit 115 may make such a
determination based upon set thresholds, which may be modified
depending on the environment, based on changing information
associated with the characteristics, and/or other factors. If a
characteristic of air 101 exceeds and/or satisfies a previously set
threshold, the control unit 115 may determine that treatment is
necessary and the course of treatment is to modify the air
characteristic such that it does not exceed the set threshold.
[0023] In certain embodiments, the control unit 115 may be in
communication with path switch unit 120. Path switch unit 120 may
include a switch to direct air 101 to a desired path. In certain
embodiments, the path switch unit 120 may also include a mechanism
that allows a door to seal off a particular path for air 101 to
travel in the system 100. In certain embodiments, the path switch
unit 120 directs the air 101 into one of multiple paths. As shown
in FIG. 1, path switch unit 120 may direct air 101 to air flow path
B through duct 108 or air flow path C through duct 109. Air flow
path B through duct 108 directs the air 101 through abatement
module 130. Air flow path C through duct 109 bypasses abatement
module 130. In certain embodiments, sensor unit 110 and the path
switch unit 120 may be combined. In certain embodiments, the sensor
unit 110, the path switch unit 120, and/or the control unit 115 may
be combined as well.
[0024] In operation, the control unit 115 may direct the path
switch unit 120 to open or close a path for the air 101 based on
the characteristics sensed by the sensor unit 110. If the control
unit 115 determines that the characteristics of air 101 are within
the desired operating ranges, the control unit 115 may direct path
switch unit 120 to open path C and close path B such that the air
101 flows through path C, the air flows through the duct 109 and to
filter 160. The air 101 may then pass through the filter 160 into
an air handling unit 170. The air 101 may flow from the air
handling unit 170 through a UV-C light unit 180, which may be
configured to irradiate the air by utilizing ultraviolet light-c
(or other types of ultraviolet light). The air 101 may then flow
from the UV-C light unit 180 to a diffuser 190, which may be
configured to release the treated air back into the
environment.
[0025] If control unit 115 determines one or more characteristics
of air 101 are outside the desired operating ranges, the control
unit 115 may direct path switch unit 120 to open path B and close
path C such that the air 101 flows through path B through the duct
108 into abatement module 130. The abatement module 130 may receive
the air 101 through duct 108. The abatement module 130 may be in
communication with the control unit 115, such as by wired and/or
wireless communication technologies. The control unit 115 may
direct the abatement module 130 to treat the air 101. The control
unit 115 may use the information received from sensor unit 110 to
select one or more treatments for the abatement module 130 to take
on the air 101.
[0026] In certain embodiments, the abatement module 130 may include
one or more treatment modules 140 and an exhaust module 150 (or
more exhaust modules 150). In certain embodiments, the treatment
modules 140 may be any modules that may modify the composition of
air, such as electro-chemical reactors, reactive ion beds, air
exchangers, carbon purifiers, electronic air cleaning, ceramic
diffusion, absorption or UV-C light. A person of ordinary skill
would understand other possible treatment modules 140 may be used
with the system 100 as well. The treatment modules 140 and exhaust
module 150 may be activated by the control unit 115 and/or other
componentry of the system 100. If control unit 115 determines one
or more characteristics of air 101 are outside the desired
operating ranges, the control unit 115 may direct one or more of
the treatment modules 140 to turn-on to treat the air 101. The
treatment module 140 may be activated until the characteristics of
the air 101 are within the desired operating range. After air 101
interacts with a treatment module 140, the air 101 may flow through
duct 108 to filter 160. The air 101 passes through the filter 160
into an air handling unit 170 configured to handle the treated air.
Filter 160 may include particulate filtration (HEPA, ULPA,
micro-screening), chemical neutralization such as activated carbon
/ scrubber technology across all contaminants. The air 101 may flow
from the air handling unit 170 through a UV-C light unit 180 for
irradiating/sanitizing the treated air further. The air 101 may
then flow from the UV-C light unit 180 to a diffuser 190, which may
enable the air to be released into the environment.
[0027] In certain embodiments, environmental parameters of
temperature, humidity, and benign particulates may be measured and
adjusted in air handling unit 170. Energy recapture such as heat
wheel, discrete re-circulation, set back, diversification,
signature telemetry of instantaneous heat load may be used. The air
handling unit 170 may have sensor driven intelligence to support
room environmental control to the functional specification given
under the various scenarios (e.g., normal, upset, significant
environmental disruption, catastrophic environmental
disruption).
[0028] If the control unit 115 determines one or more
characteristics of air 101 are outside the desired operating
ranges, the control unit 115 may determine that treatment of the
air will still not bring the air within the desired operating
range. If the control unit 115 determines that treatment of the air
will not modify the air or bring the air characteristics within the
desired operating range, the control unit 115 may activate the
exhaust module 150. The exhaust module 150 may be configured to
exhaust the air 101 from the system 100 and may be configured to
have any componentry associated with an system and/or device
capable of exhausting air, such, as but not limited to, an
electrical vent. The exhaust module 150 may exhaust the air 101 to
the atmosphere or a holding container such that contaminants within
air 101 are quarantined. In certain embodiments, the quarantined
air can subsequently be safely removed from the holding container.
The exhaust module 150 may be activated until the characteristics
of the air 101 are within the desired operating range.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. At step 205, the method 200
may include receiving a supply of air 101. The supply of air 101
may be received by an air supply unit 105 from air within a
building or other environment. In certain embodiments, the supply
of air may be received from the atmosphere. At step 207, the
characteristics of the air may be sensed and evaluated, such as by
utilizing the sensor unit 110 and control unit 115. For example,
characteristics may include, but are not limited to, temperature,
air speed, pressure, humidity, particulates, mold, contaminants,
radon, pathogens such as viruses, fungus, and bacteria, gas,
chemicals, carbon monoxide, pollutants, solid and liquid particles,
dust, smoke, metals (e.g., potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium,
cadmium, copper, nickel, vanadium, and zinc), sulfates, nitrates,
ammonium, and other organic and inorganic chemical compounds as
well as allergens and microbial compounds, and any other
characteristics of air quality.
[0030] At step 210, the characteristics of the air 101 are used to
determine if the air requires treatment. In an embodiment, the
actual air characteristics may be compared to desired air
characteristics. If the actual air characteristics are within a
range of acceptable desired air characteristics, no treatment may
be necessary and method 200 may proceed to step 240. If the actual
air characteristics are not within a range of acceptable desired
air characteristics, treatment may be necessary and method 200 may
proceed to step 215.
[0031] If no treatment is necessary and method 200 proceeds to step
240, the air path to the bypass may be opened and the air path to
the abatement module 130 may be closed. At step 245, the treatment
and exhaust modules 140, 150 may be deactivated, and at step 250,
air 101 is diffused to the building or other environment.
[0032] If treatment is necessary and the method 200 proceeds to
step 215, the air path to the bypass may be closed and the air path
to the abatement module 130 may be opened. At step 220, the method
200 may include determining if the air 101 can be treated by one or
more treatment modules 140. If the air 101 cannot be treated, the
method 200 may proceed to step 225 to activate the exhaust module
150 and exhaust the air 101 into another environment and/or
container. If the air 101 can be treated, the method 200 may
proceed to step 230 to activate one or more treatment modules 140
to treat the air 101. The treated air 101 may then diffused to the
building (or other environment) at step 250.
[0033] After the air 101 is diffused to the building (or other
environment) at step 250, the method 200 may start over over by
receiving an air supply and proceeding through the method 200
accordingly.
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the
method 300 may be carried out by a computer readable medium,
processor, computing device, any type of device, or a combination
thereof. At step 305, data regarding the characteristics of air may
be received. The data may comprise information including, but not
limited to, information assocaitd with temperature, air speed,
pressure, humidity, particulates, mold, contaminants, radon,
pathogens such as viruses, fungus, and bacteria, gas, chemicals,
carbon monoxide, pollutants, solid and liquid particles, dust,
smoke, metals (e.g., potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium,
cadmium, copper, nickel, vanadium, and zinc), sulfates, nitrates,
ammonium, and other organic and inorganic chemical compounds as
well as allergens and microbial compounds, and any other
characteristics of air quality associated with the air.
[0035] At step 310, the data received regarding air characteristic
data may then be compared to desired air characteristic values or
ranges. It can be determined whether each air characteristic is
within a desired operating range and/or threshold. At step 315,
instructions may be transmitted to open a path for airflow based
upon whether the air characteristic data is within the desired
operating range and/or satisfies a threshold. At step 320, if the
air characteristic data is outside the desired operating range,
instructions may be sent to activate one or more treatment modules
140 or exhaust modules 150 depending on which characteristic(s)
is/are outside the desired operating range. If the air
characteristic data is within the desired operating range,
instructions may be sent to deactivate the treatment modules 140
and/or exhaust modules 150.
[0036] FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 illustrate various embodiments of the
system 100 integrated within a building's air-transport system.
FIG. 6 also provides for various types of functional modules that
may be utilized by the system 100 to perform the operative
functionality of the system 100. The system 100 may be securely
networked via virtual private networks or cellular communication
and integrated into ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), EHS
(Environmental Health and Safety) or FMS (Facilities Management
System) platforms. Such networking and/or integration may be
facilitated by the componentry and functionality illustrated in
FIGS. 7 and/or 8. The system 100 may be integrated with SCADA/BMI
systems with modular conditioning units that are adaptable a
building's existing HVAC platform.
[0037] A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that
sensors in sensor unit 110 may take a variety of forms. For
example, one type of sensor that may be used is MEMS based Balanced
Micro-Coriolis (BMC) sensor. The design and fabrication of this
sensor technology affords it the ability to be impervious to shock
and vibration. Additionally, it can be mounted on any substrate. A
large sensor array can be fabricated in a small footprint. The
sensors may also be utilized for a wide variety of detection
solutions. This includes mass flow, temperature, gas density and
others. One or more BMC sensors can be used as a fast responding,
ultra- sensitive VOC detection system. Furthermore, an adaptation
of the foundational micro-fluidic technology behind the BMC may
also serve as a part of a sensing solution for rapid and highly
sensitive pathogen detection.
[0038] Another example of a type of sensor may be intra-cavity
Laser Spectroscopy (ILS). One of the advantages of ILS technology
is that it is non-intrusive. The emitter and receptor diode can be
mounted in a very small opening, less than 0.01'' in any cavity (in
this case duct). The medium that is being measured serves as the
cavity for the laser thereby minimizing the need for any additional
fixtures or equipment and providing an effective pathlength
exponentially longer than the physical dimension of the cavity
itself. The opportunity to utilize a selective array of diodes to
produce a sensor panel to detect a broad range of both organic and
inorganic contaminants could be of significant benefit from both a
cost and performance standpoint.
[0039] Another example of a type of sensor is Micro Mass
Spectroscopy and Optical Spectroscopy. Mass spectrometry is used
for qualifying elemental presence in air or other gaseous
mediums.
[0040] The system 100 may also utilize Motion-Activated (Sensor
Based) HVAC systems. These systems provide "real time" quantity
assessment of dynamic (human & material) loading within in each
room environment. This greatly improves energy reduction over
traditional time fixed "set-back" systems. Thermally (liquid
nitrogen, dry ice & solar) driven HVAC systems. Easily adaptive
augmentation to the heat capture systems in place that improve the
energy utilization per therm. Sensor-Enhanced Ventilation. Real
time monitoring of air supply movement and volume to improve
performance, reduce "dead zones" and improve energy consumption.
Dual Heat Pump & Recuperative Technology. A special purpose
counter-flow energy recovery heat exchanger positioned within the
supply and exhaust air streams of the HVAC system, that recovers
the waste heat. The thermal wheel heat recovery system (rotary heat
exchanger or rotary air-to-air enthalpy wheel) is the most
effective. Closed Loop Technology. A closed loop (hydronic
geothermal) heat pump system that circulates a fluid (usually water
and antifreeze mix) continuously through pipes buried in the
ground, which provides heating and cooling. Heat Pipe Technology. A
heat pipe is a thermal transfer device that may combine the
principles of both thermal conductivity and phase transition to
effectively transfer heat between two solid interfaces.
[0041] The system 100 has intelligence and control from multiple
perspectives: I--at the sensor edge II--at the functional module
level III--at the command module level IV--Integration with
facility operational platforms (ERP, FMS, EHS, QMS, etc.) V--Remote
access and integration with the external environment, such as may
be facilitated by the componentry and/or functionality as
illustrated in FIGS. 7 and/or 8.
[0042] Building information modeling may be used with a design
library to facilitate an operational model. Control is real time
and predictive of the entire platform. A person of ordinary skill
will understand it will have the ability to learn its environment
and environmental risks on an ongoing basis and utilize this
learning to control the system based upon changes in detection of
all measured parameters. The system has the ability to quickly
respond to a threat from either internal or external sources. The
system includes secure remote access, secure and seamless
enterprise integration, and real-time multi-resolution decision
processing.
[0043] In certain embodiments, the functionality and componentry
and the system 100 may be further enhanced and/or supported.
Referring now also to FIG. 7, the system 100 is illustratively
shown as further including additional features and functionality.
The additional features and functionality of the system 100, as
shown in FIG. 7, may serve to provide additional processing
resources, additional capabilities for controlling the
functionality of the system 100, additional capabilities for
analyzing and/or storing data (e.g., data associated with
characteristics of the air and/or data associated with treatment of
the air), and additional resources to optimize the efficiency and
output of the system 100.
[0044] Notably, the system 100 may include a first user 701, who
may utilize a first user device 702 to access data, content, and
services, or to perform a variety of other tasks and functions with
respect to the system and/or otherwise. As an example, the first
user 701 may utilize first user device 702 to transmit signals to
access various online services and content, such as those available
on an internet, on other devices, and/or on various computing
systems. In certain embodiments, the first user 701 may be an
individual that may seek to monitor air quality in a particular
environment to determine whether treatment of the air is warranted,
exhausting of the air is warranted, and/or whether the air may be
redistributed into the environment without treatment. In certain
embodiments, the first user 701 may be a robot, a computer, a
program, a process, any type of user, or any combination thereof.
The first user device 702 may include a memory 703 that includes
instructions, and a processor 704 that executes the instructions
from the memory 703 to perform the various operations that are
performed by the first user device 702. In certain embodiments, the
processor 704 may be hardware, software, or a combination thereof.
The first user device 702 may also include an interface 705 (e.g.
screen, monitor, graphical user interface, etc.) that may enable
the first user 701 to interact with various applications executing
on the first user device 702 and to interact with the system 100.
In certain embodiments, the first user device 702 may be and/or may
include a computer, any type of sensor, a laptop, a set-top-box, a
tablet device, a phablet, a server, a mobile device, a smartphone,
a smart watch, and/or any other type of computing device.
Illustratively, the first user device 702 is shown as a smartphone
device in FIG. 7. In certain embodiments, the first user device 702
may be utilized by the first user 701 to control the operative
functionality of the system 100, and/or other devices and/or
components in the system 100.
[0045] In addition to using first user device 702, the first user
101 may also utilize and/or have access to additional user devices.
As with first user device 702, the first user 701 may utilize the
additional user devices to transmit signals to access various
online services and content. The additional user devices may
include memories that include instructions, and processors that
executes the instructions from the memories to perform the various
operations that are performed by the additional user devices. In
certain embodiments, the processors of the additional user devices
may be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The additional
user devices may also include interfaces that may enable the first
user 701 to interact with various applications executing on the
additional user devices and to interact with the system 100. In
certain embodiments, the additional user devices may be and/or may
include a computer, any type of sensor, a laptop, a set-top-box, a
tablet device, a phablet, a server, a mobile device, a smartphone,
a smart watch, and/or any other type of computing device, and/or
any combination thereof.
[0046] The first user device 702 and/or additional user devices may
belong to and/or form a communications network. The first user
device 702, and/or additional user devices may also form a
communications network with air supply unit 105, ducts 107, 108,
and 109, sensor unit 110, control unit 115, path switch unit 120,
abatement module 130, filter 160, air handling unit 170, UV-C unit
180, diffuser 190, and/or any other components of system 100 so as
to facilitate exchange of data between and/or among all of the
components of the system 100. In certain embodiments, the
communications network may be a local, mesh, or other network that
enables and/or facilitates various aspects of the functionality of
the system 100. In certain embodiments, the communications network
may be formed between the first user device 702 and additional user
devices through the use of any type of wireless or other protocol
and/or technology. For example, user devices may communicate with
one another in the communications network by utilizing any protocol
and/or wireless technology, satellite, fiber, or any combination
thereof. Notably, the communications network may be configured to
communicatively link with and/or communicate with any other network
of the system 100 and/or outside the system 100.
[0047] In certain embodiments, the first user device 702 and
additional user devices belonging to the communications network may
share and exchange data with each other via the communications
network. For example, the user devices may share information
relating to the various components of the user devices, information
identifying the locations of the user devices, information
indicating the types of sensors that are contained in and/or on
devices of the system 100, information identifying the applications
being utilized on the user devices, information identifying how the
user devices are being utilized by a user, information including
sensor data obtained via sensors of the system 100 (e.g., of sensor
unit 110), information identifying user profiles for users of the
user devices, information identifying device profiles for the user
devices, information identifying the number of devices in the
communications network, information identifying devices being added
to or removed from the communications network, information
associated with treatment of the air 101, information associated
with analyses conducted by the system 100 with respect to the air
101, information indicating whether air 101 can be treated,
information indicating whether air 101 needs to be treated,
information identifying anything present in the air 101,
information identifying treatment methods utilized to treat the air
101, any other information, or any combination thereof.
[0048] In addition to the first user 701, the system 100 may also
include a second user 710, who may utilize a second user device 711
to perform a variety of functions. For example, the second user
device 711 may be utilized by the second user 710 to transmit
signals to request various types of content, services, and data
provided by and/or accessible by communications network 735 or any
other network in the system 700. In certain embodiments, the second
user 710 may be an individual that may be located within an
environment that the system 100 is utilized to monitor for air
quality. In further embodiments, the second user 710 may be a
robot, a computer, a program, a process, any type of user, or any
combination thereof. The second user device 711 may include a
memory 712 that includes instructions, and a processor 713 that
executes the instructions from the memory 712 to perform the
various operations that are performed by the second user device
711. In certain embodiments, the processor 713 may be hardware,
software, or a combination thereof. The second user device 711 may
also include an interface 714 (e.g. screen, monitor, graphical user
interface, etc.) that may enable the second user 710 to interact
with various applications executing on the second user device 711
and to interact with the system 100. In certain embodiments, the
second user device 711 may be a computer, a laptop, a set-top-box,
a tablet device, a phablet, a server, a mobile device, a
smartphone, a smart watch, and/or any other type of computing
device. Illustratively, the second user device 711 is shown as a
tablet device in FIG. 7.
[0049] In certain embodiments, the first user device 702, the
additional user devices, and/or the second user device 711 may have
any number of software applications and/or application services
stored and/or accessible thereon. For example, the first user
device 702, the additional user devices, and/or the second user
device 711 may include applications for controlling each of the
devices in the system 100, air quality monitoring applications,
biometric applications, cloud-based applications, VoIP
applications, other types of phone-based applications,
product-ordering applications, business applications, e-commerce
applications, media streaming applications, content-based
applications, media-editing applications, database applications,
gaming applications, internet-based applications, browser
applications, mobile applications, service-based applications,
productivity applications, video applications, music applications,
social media applications, any other type of applications, any
types of application services, or a combination thereof. In certain
embodiments, the software applications may support the
functionality provided by the system 100 and methods described in
the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the software
applications and services may include one or more graphical user
interfaces so as to enable the first and second users 701, 710 to
readily interact with the software applications. The software
applications and services may also be utilized by the first and
second users 701, 710 to interact with any device in the system
100, any network in the system 100, or any combination thereof. In
certain embodiments, the first user device 702, the additional user
devices, and/or the second user device 711 may include associated
telephone numbers, device identities, or any other identifiers to
uniquely identify the first user device 702, the additional user
devices, and/or the second user device 711.
[0050] The system 100 may also include a communications network
735. The communications network 735 may be under the control of a
service provider, the first user 701, the second user 710, any
other designated user, a computer, another network, or a
combination thereof. The communications network 735 of the system
100 may be configured to link each of the devices in the system 100
to one another. For example, the communications network 735 may be
utilized by the first user device 702 to connect with other devices
within or outside communications network 735, such as, but not
limited to, air supply unit 105, ducts 107, 108, and 109, sensor
unit 110, control unit 115, path switch unit 120, abatement module
130, filter 160, air handling unit 170, UV-C unit 180, diffuser
190, and/or any other components of system 100. Additionally, the
communications network 735 may be configured to transmit, generate,
and receive any information and data traversing the system 100. In
certain embodiments, the communications network 735 may include any
number of servers, databases, or other componentry. The
communications network 735 may also include and be connected to a
mesh network, a local network, a cloud-computing network, an IMS
network, a VoIP network, a security network, a VoLTE network, a
wireless network, an Ethernet network, a satellite network, a
broadband network, a cellular network, a private network, a cable
network, the Internet, an internet protocol network, MPLS network,
a content distribution network, any network, or any combination
thereof. Illustratively, servers 740, 745, and 750 are shown as
being included within communications network 735. In certain
embodiments, the communications network 735 may be part of a single
autonomous system that is located in a particular geographic
region, or be part of multiple autonomous systems that span several
geographic regions.
[0051] Notably, the functionality of the system 100 may be
supported and executed by using any combination of the servers 740,
745, 750, and 760. The servers 740, 745, and 750 may reside in
communications network 735, however, in certain embodiments, the
servers 740, 745, 750 may reside outside communications network
735. The servers 740, 745, and 750 may provide and serve as a
server service that performs the various operations and functions
provided by the system 100. In certain embodiments, the server 740
may include a memory 741 that includes instructions, and a
processor 742 that executes the instructions from the memory 741 to
perform various operations that are performed by the server 740.
The processor 742 may be hardware, software, or a combination
thereof. Similarly, the server 745 may include a memory 746 that
includes instructions, and a processor 747 that executes the
instructions from the memory 746 to perform the various operations
that are performed by the server 745. Furthermore, the server 750
may include a memory 751 that includes instructions, and a
processor 752 that executes the instructions from the memory 751 to
perform the various operations that are performed by the server
750. In certain embodiments, the servers 740, 745, 750, and 760 may
be network servers, routers, gateways, switches, media distribution
hubs, signal transfer points, service control points, service
switching points, firewalls, routers, edge devices, nodes,
computers, mobile devices, or any other suitable computing device,
or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the servers
740, 745, 750 may be communicatively linked to the communications
network 735, any network, any device in the system 100, or any
combination thereof
[0052] The database 755 of the system 100 may be utilized to store
and relay information that traverses the system 100, cache content
that traverses the system 100, store data about each of the devices
in the system 100 and perform any other typical functions of a
database. In certain embodiments, the database 755 may be connected
to or reside within the communications network 735, any other
network, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the
database 755 may serve as a central repository for any information
associated with any of the devices and information associated with
the system 100. Furthermore, the database 755 may include a
processor and memory or be connected to a processor and memory to
perform the various operation associated with the database 755. In
certain embodiments, the database 755 may be connected to the
servers 740, 745, 750, 760, the first user device 702, the second
user device 711, the additional user devices, air supply unit 105,
ducts 107, 108, and 109, sensor unit 110, control unit 115, path
switch unit 120, abatement module 130, filter 160, air handling
unit 170, UV-C unit 180, diffuser 190, any devices in the system
100, any process of the system 100, any program of the system 100,
any other device, any network, or any combination thereof.
[0053] The database 755 may also store information and metadata
obtained from the system 100, store metadata and other information
associated with the first and second users 701, 710, store data
generated by any of the devices of the system 100, store sensor
readings obtained via sensors of the sensor unit 110, store
information associated with actions conducted by the control unit
115, the abatement module 130, the treatment modules 140 and/or the
exhaust modules 150, store analyses associated with the air 101,
store information associated with treatments conducted on the air
101, store user profiles associated with the first and second users
701, 710, store device profiles associated with any device in the
system 100, store communications traversing the system 100, store
user preferences, store information associated with any device or
signal in the system 100, store information relating to patterns of
usage relating to the user devices 702, 711, store any information
obtained from any of the networks in the system 100, store
historical data associated with the first and second users 701,
710, store device characteristics, store information relating to
any devices associated with the first and second users 701, 710,
store information associated with the communications network 735,
store any information generated and/or processed by the system 100,
store any of the information disclosed for any of the operations
and functions disclosed for the system 100 herewith, store any
information traversing the system 100, or any combination thereof.
Furthermore, the database 755 may be configured to process queries
sent to it by any device in the system 100.
[0054] Notably, as shown in FIG. 7, the system 100 may perform any
of the operative functions disclosed herein by utilizing the
processing capabilities of server 760, the storage capacity of the
database 755, or any other component of the system 100 to perform
the operative functions disclosed herein. The server 760 may
include one or more processors 762 that may be configured to
process any of the various functions of the system 100. The
processors 762 may be software, hardware, or a combination of
hardware and software. Additionally, the server 760 may also
include a memory 761, which stores instructions that the processors
762 may execute to perform various operations of the system 100.
For example, the server 760 may assist in processing loads and/or
functions handled by the various devices in the system 100, such
as, but not limited to, receiving air supply; evaluating air
characteristics; determining whether air requires treatment;
opening air paths based on air characteristics and/or treatment
needs; activating and/or deactivating treatment and/or exhaust
module 140, 150; determining whether the air 101 can be treated,
diffusing the air into an environment; and performing any other
suitable operations conducted in the system 100 or otherwise. In
one embodiment, multiple servers 760 may be utilized to process the
functions of the system 100. The server 760 and other devices in
the system 100, may utilize the database 755 for storing data about
the devices in the system 100 or any other information that is
associated with the system 100. In one embodiment, multiple
databases 755 may be utilized to store data in the system 100.
[0055] Although FIGS. 1-8 illustrates specific example
configurations of the various components of the system 100, the
system 100 may include any configuration of the components, which
may include using a greater or lesser number of the components. For
example, the system 100 is illustratively shown as including a
first user device 702, a second user device 711, a communications
network 735, a server 740, a server 745, a server 750, a server
760, a database 755, air supply unit 105, ducts 107, 108, and 109,
sensor unit 110, control unit 115, path switch unit 120, abatement
module 130, filter 160, air handling unit 170, UV-C unit 180,
diffuser 190. However, the system 700 may include multiple first
user devices 702, multiple second user devices 711, multiple
communications networks 735, multiple servers 740, multiple servers
745, multiple servers 750, multiple servers 760, multiple databases
755, or any number of any of the other components inside or outside
the system 100. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, substantial
portions of the functionality and operations of the system 100 may
be performed by other networks and systems that may be connected to
system 100.
[0056] Operatively, the additional componentry and/or features of
FIG. 7 may be utilized to support the functionality of the system
100. For example, the first user 701 may utilize the first user
device 702 to activate and/or deactivate the air supply unit 105,
the sensor unit 110 (even activate or deactivate individual sensors
within the sensor unit 110), the control unit 115, the path switch
unit 120, the abatement module 130, the treatment module 140, the
exhaust module 150, the filter 160 (e.g., if the filter 160 is an
electronic filter rather than, for example, a traditional air
conditioning filter), the air handling unit 170, the UV-C unit 180,
the diffuser 190, or a combination thereof. The first user 701 may
control the operative functionality of each of the aforementioned
devices and/or componentry, such as via a graphical user interface
of the first user device 702, which may be configured to receive
inputs from the user 701, which may be processed by the system 100
to perform the operative functionality supported by the system 100.
In certain embodiments, any and all data and/or metadata associated
with the data (and/or visual representations of the data) generated
and/or processed by the system 100 may be visually rendered via the
graphical user interface of the first user device 702 for the first
user 701 to view and/or interact with. In certain embodiments, as
the air 101 is being treated, exhausted, and/or diffused, all data
associated with such operations may be sent to the first user
device 702 for further review and/or analysis. In certain
embodiments, the first user 701 may utilize the first user device
702 to override a determination made by the system 100. For
example, if the system 100 determines that air 101 should be
exhausted instead of treated, the first user 701 may input a
command via the first user device 702 to prevent the exhaust of the
air 101, and, instead, activate the treatment module 140 to treat
the air 101. In certain embodiments, the first user 701 may also
utilize the first user device 702 to schedule when the system 100
is to operate, such as at random times, scheduled times, and/or for
specific durations of time. In certain embodiments, data associated
with the system 100 may be transmitted to the communications
network 735 at schedule and/or at random intervals. In certain
embodiments, the first user 701 may adjust thresholds for
triggering treatments, adjust the types of characteristics of the
air 101 that may be utilized to trigger treatments, adjust
parameters and/or variables utilized to determine whether the air
101 can be treated, adjust which treatment modules 140 are utilized
for which specific air characteristics detected in the air 101,
adjust a duration of treatment or exhaust, adjust any operative of
the system 100, or a combination thereof.
[0057] Referring now also to FIG. 8, at least a portion of the
methodologies and techniques described with respect to the
exemplary embodiments of the system 100 can incorporate a machine,
such as, but not limited to, computer system 800, or other
computing device within which a set of instructions, when executed,
may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the
methodologies or functions discussed herein. The machine may be
configured to facilitate various operations conducted by the system
100. For example, the machine may be configured to, but is not
limited to, assist the system 100 by providing processing power to
assist with processing loads experienced in the system 100, by
providing storage capacity for storing instructions or data
traversing the system 100, or by assisting with any other
operations conducted by or within the system 100. In certain
embodiments, some or all of components of the system 100 may be
incorporated into the computer system 800, such as to facilitate
the operative functionality of such devices. For example, the
system 800 may be utilized to analyze the characteristics of the
air that have been sensed by the sensor unit 110, determine whether
the air characteristics satisfy a threshold associated with
triggering treatment of the air, determining whether the air is
capable of being treated so that treated air will be safe for
individuals when released back into an environment, activating
and/or deactivating treatment modules 140, activating and/or
deactivating exhaust modules 150, activating and/or deactivating
abatement modules 130, performing any other operations associated
with system 100, or a combination thereof.
[0058] In some embodiments, the machine may operate as a standalone
device. In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g.,
using communications network 735, another network, or a combination
thereof) to and assist with operations performed by other machines
and systems, such as, but not limited to, the first user device
702, the second user device 711, the server 740, the server 745,
the server 750, the database 755, the server 760, the air supply
unit 105, the sensor unit 110, the control unit 115, the path
switch unit 120, the abatement module 130, the treatment modules
140, the exhaust module 150, the filter 160, the air handling unit
170, the UV-C unit 180, the diffuser 190, any device, system or
program of FIGS. 1-8, any other system, program, and/or device, or
any combination thereof. The machine may be connected with any
component in the system 100. In a networked deployment, the machine
may operate in the capacity of a server or a client user machine in
a server-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in a
peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The machine may
comprise a server computer, a client user computer, a personal
computer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a desktop computer,
a control system, a network router, switch or bridge, or any
machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or
otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.
Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine"
shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that
individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of
instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies
discussed herein.
[0059] The computer system 800 may include a processor 802 (e.g., a
central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU, or
both), a main memory 804 and a static memory 806, which communicate
with each other via a bus 808. The computer system 800 may further
include a video display unit 810, which may be, but is not limited
to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, a solid-state
display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT). The computer system 800 may
include an input device 812, such as, but not limited to, a
keyboard, a cursor control device 814, such as, but not limited to,
a mouse, a disk drive unit 816, a signal generation device 818,
such as, but not limited to, a speaker or remote control, and a
network interface device 820.
[0060] The disk drive unit 816 may include a machine-readable
medium 922 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions 824,
such as, but not limited to, software embodying any one or more of
the methodologies or functions described herein, including those
methods illustrated above. The instructions 824 may also reside,
completely or at least partially, within the main memory 804, the
static memory 806, or within the processor 802, or a combination
thereof, during execution thereof by the computer system 800. The
main memory 804 and the processor 802 also may constitute
machine-readable media.
[0061] Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not
limited to, application specific integrated circuits, programmable
logic arrays and other hardware devices can likewise be constructed
to implement the methods described herein. Applications that may
include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments broadly
include a variety of electronic and computer systems. Some
embodiments implement functions in two or more specific
interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and
data signals communicated between and through the modules, or as
portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, the
example system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardware
implementations.
[0062] In accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure, the methods described herein are intended for operation
as software programs running on a computer processor. Furthermore,
software implementations can include, but not limited to,
distributed processing or component/obj ect distributed processing,
parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also be
constructed to implement the methods described herein.
[0063] The present disclosure contemplates a machine-readable
medium 822 containing instructions 824 so that a device connected
to the communications network 735, another network, or a
combination thereof, can send or receive voice, video or data, and
communicate over the communications network 735, another network,
or a combination thereof, using the instructions. The instructions
824 may further be transmitted or received over the communications
network 735, another network, or a combination thereof, via the
network interface device 820.
[0064] While the machine-readable medium 822 is shown in an example
embodiment to be a single medium, the term "machine-readable
medium" should be taken to include a single medium or multiple
media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or
associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of
instructions. The term "machine-readable medium" shall also be
taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or
carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and
that causes the machine to perform any one or more of the
methodologies of the present disclosure.
[0065] The terms "machine-readable medium," "machine-readable
device," or "computer-readable device" shall accordingly be taken
to include, but not be limited to: memory devices, solid-state
memories such as a memory card or other package that houses one or
more read-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or
other re-writable (volatile) memories; magneto-optical or optical
medium such as a disk or tape; or other self-contained information
archive or set of archives is considered a distribution medium
equivalent to a tangible storage medium. The "machine-readable
medium," "machine-readable device," or "computer-readable device"
may be non-transitory, and, in certain embodiments, may not include
a wave or signal per se. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered
to include any one or more of a machine-readable medium or a
distribution medium, as listed herein and including art-recognized
equivalents and successor media, in which the software
implementations herein are stored.
[0066] The illustrations of arrangements described herein are
intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of
various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a
complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus
and systems that might make use of the structures described herein.
Other arrangements may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that
structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made
without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are
also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain
proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be
minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be
regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
[0067] Thus, although specific arrangements have been illustrated
and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement
calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the
specific arrangement shown. This disclosure is intended to cover
any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments and
arrangements of the invention. Combinations of the above
arrangements, and other arrangements not specifically described
herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon
reviewing the above description. Therefore, it is intended that the
disclosure not be limited to the particular arrangement(s)
disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this
invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments and
arrangements falling within the scope of the appended claims.
[0068] The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating,
explaining, and describing embodiments of this invention.
Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent
to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from
the scope or spirit of this invention. Upon reviewing the
aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to an artisan with
ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can be modified,
reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope and spirit of
the claims described below.
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