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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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

The present invention relates to a system and method for monitoring and optimizing indoor air quality.

BACKGROUND

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for facilitating environmental optimization according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart for a method 200 for facilitating environmental optimization according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart for a method 300 for facilitating environmental optimization according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the system 100 for facilitating environmental optimization.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the system 100 for facilitating environmental optimization.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the system 100 for facilitating environmental optimization.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.