PORTABLE CO2 MEASURING DEVICE AND SYSTEM

Abstract

There is disclosed a system including a portable CO2 measuring device and a mobile device, the mobile device including a processor and a display, the mobile device storing software, the mobile device configured to communicate with the portable CO2 measuring device, the portable CO2 measuring device configured to measure CO2 measurement data, wherein the software is executable on the mobile device to receive the CO2 measurement data from the CO2 measuring device, and to display CO2 measurement results derived from the CO2 measurement data on the display of the mobile device.

Claims

1. A system including a portable CO2 measuring device and a mobile device, the mobile device including a processor and a display, the mobile device storing software, the mobile device configured to communicate with the portable CO2 measuring device, the portable CO2 measuring device configured to measure CO2 measurement data, wherein the software is executable on the mobile device to receive the CO2 measurement data from the CO2 measuring device, and to display CO2 measurement results derived from the CO2 measurement data on the display of the mobile device.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable CO2 measuring device is configured to directly measure CO2 concentration.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the portable CO2 measuring device is configured to directly measure CO2 concentration in real time.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable CO2 measuring device is configured to perform periodical measurements of CO2.

5. The system of any previous claim 1, wherein the portable device includes a non-dispersive infrared sensor arranged to measure CO2 concentration, to measure CO2 measurement data.

6. The system of any previous claim 1, wherein the CO2 measurement data includes Brain Fuel level.

7-11. (canceled)

12. The system of any previous claim 1, wherein when CO2 measurement data indicates CO2 concentration values over 1500 ppm, a notification is sent to the mobile device.

13. The system of any previous claim 1, wherein the portable CO2 measuring device includes a (e.g. LCD) display.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein when CO2 measurement data indicates CO2 concentration values over 1500 ppm, a unique signal is provided on the (e.g. LCD) measuring device display in response, e.g. a blinking segment.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the portable CO2 measuring device is configured to display on its display an indication that is inversely proportional to a CO2 level measured by the portable CO2 measuring device.

16-20. (canceled)

21. The system of claim 1, wherein the maximum dimension of the portable device that measures the CO2 concentration is less than 15.0 cm; or wherein the maximum dimension of the portable device that measures the CO2 concentration is less than 10.0 cm; or wherein the maximum dimension of the portable device that measures the CO2 concentration is less than 5.0 cm.

22-23. (canceled)

24. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable device that measures the CO2 concentration has a weight less than 100 g; or wherein the portable device that measures the CO2 concentration has a weight less than 50 g; or wherein the portable device that measures the CO2 concentration has a weight less than 25 g.

25-27. (canceled)

28. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes an external portable module with additional sensors for sensing one or more of: Volatile organic compounds (VOC), Formaldehyde (HCHO), Radon, ultraviolet (UV), carbon monoxide (CO), pressure, pm0.1 or ozone, and the external portable module is configured to transmit related measurement data to the mobile device for display.

29. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable device is also an air composition measuring device and is configured to measure one or more other quantities (or all quantities) selected from VOCs, HCHO, Radon, CO, UV, ozone, air pressure, pm0.1, using respective sensors, and to transmit related measurement data to the mobile device.

30. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile device is configured to calculate an index based on received sensor data from all sensors which transmit sensor data to the mobile device, and to display the index on the screen of the mobile device.

31. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes a GSM/ NarrowBand-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) module, wherein the module is within the portable device, or wherein the module is outside the portable device and outside the mobile device.

32-34. (canceled)

35. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable device includes humidity and/or temperature sensors, the sensors configured to transmit sensor data to the mobile device.

36. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable device has a Reuleaux triangle shape in cross-section.

37-41. (canceled)

42. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile device is configured to communicate with the portable CO2 measuring device wirelessly.

43. The system of claim 42, wherein the mobile device is configured to communicate with the portable CO2 measuring device using a short-range wireless connection (e.g. Bluetooth).

44-51. (canceled)

52. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile device is configured to provide an application widget providing CO2 measurement results on a home screen of the mobile device.

53-61. (canceled)

62. The system of any previous claim 1, wherein the mobile device is a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a smart watch.

63-66. (canceled)

67. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile device is configured to synchronize the App with a GitHub account or sports/health trackers to display an additional chart: e.g. productivity superimposed on the CO2 concentration, and optionally productivity superimposed on sensor data from any other sensor incorporated in the portable CO2 measuring device.

68-70. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0079] Aspects of the invention will now be described, by way of example(s), with reference to the following Figures, in which:

[0080] FIG. 1 shows an example plot of Brain Fuel score as a function of CO2 concentration (in ppm).

[0081] FIG. 2 shows various views and aspects of an example portable CO2 measuring device: (a) is a perspective view from the back and below; (b) is a perspective view from the front and above; (c) is a perspective view from the side and below; (d) is a perspective view from the front, side and above.

[0082] FIG. 3 shows an example of a portable CO2 measuring device including a fastener, the device including a cap which is attached with an elastic band; (a) shows the cap in the open configuration; (b) shows the cap in the closed configuration in which the cap protects a USB slot; (c) shows the portable CO2 measuring device which includes a cap (not shown), in a perspective view.

[0083] FIG. 4 shows an example industrial design of part of a fastening solution of an example portable CO2 measuring device: (a) shows a back view; (b) shows a front view; (c) shows a side view.

[0084] FIG. 5 shows an example industrial design of part of a fastening solution of an example portable CO2 measuring device: (a) shows a back view; (b) shows a front view.

[0085] FIG. 6 shows a table showing an example CO2 measuring device (e.g. LCD) display indication logic.

[0086] FIG. 7 shows example illumination status of nine active segments of a (e.g. LCD) display of a portable CO2 measuring device, to indicate the current CO2 level, where the CO2 level is in the range of 400 to 2000 ppm, where a black segment indicates that the segment is not light emitting, and a white segment indicates that the segment is light emitting.

[0087] FIG. 8 shows examples of a portable CO2 measuring device (e.g. LCD) display, in which the battery icon displays the battery charge, and in which the other segments relate to the current CO2 level, illuminated in accordance with the example shown in FIG. 7: (a) shows both battery icon segments not light emitting, which corresponds to greater than 50% battery charge; (b) shows both battery icon segments not light emitting, which corresponds to greater than 50% battery charge; (c) shows one battery icon segment not light emitting, which corresponds to 10% to 50% battery charge; (d) shows zero battery icon segments not light emitting, which corresponds to less than 10% battery charge.

[0088] FIG. 9 shows an example CO2 measuring device including a button to turn the CO2 measuring device on or off: (a) is a view of the top part of the device, in perspective from a side; (b) is a perspective view of the device, from the top and the front, the device including a fastener.

[0089] FIG. 10 shows examples of an application interface on a smartphone, in which a current Brain Fuel level is indicated: (a) the Brain fuel level is indicated by white segments; (b) the Brain fuel level is indicated by dark segments.

[0090] FIG. 11 shows examples of an application interface on a smartphone, in which Brain Fuel level is indicated as a function of time: (a) the Brain fuel level is indicated by white segments; (b) the Brain fuel level is indicated by dark segments.

[0091] FIG. 12 shows examples of an application interface on a smartphone, in which screens displayed during pairing with a CO2 measuring device are shown.

[0092] FIG. 13 shows examples of an application interface on a smartphone, in which screens displayed during updating measuring device firmware (a)-(d), (f), or during unpairing a CO2 measuring device (e), are shown.

[0093] FIG. 14 shows examples of an application interface on a smartphone, in which screens displayed during changing measuring device settings are shown.

[0094] FIG. 15 shows an example app version executing on a smartphone, in which the user experience is extended with animated guidance on breathing techniques.

[0095] FIG. 16 shows examples of an application interface on a mobile device, in which user Brain Fuel level is displayed: (a) on an hour-by-hour timescale; (b) on a day-by-day timescale; (c) on a month-by month timescale.

[0096] FIG. 17 shows examples of notification by an application on a smartphone.

[0097] FIG. 18 shows examples of Application widgets providing relevant information about the air a user is breathing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0098] There is disclosed a smart air composition meter and system.

[0099] We provide a portable air composition measurement system that provides the user with real-time information about whether the air in their environment is suitable for productive work. The system includes a portable device that measures the CO2 concentration in the air directly, giving a user a clear understanding of how the air composition impacts their cognitive capabilities. Furthermore, the air composition may be displayed on a “Brain Fuel” scale so that the user can more easily associate the indication with their brain performance—the higher the CO2 level, the lower is the Brain Fuel and the user's productivity—so the user can act accordingly. The measuring device may be small and portable so that it can be carried anywhere: e.g. office, coworking space, apartment, etc. Due to its constructional design, the measuring device can be attached to a bag, keychain, or anything else, making it even easier to stay informed of air composition wherever the user goes. In an example, the maximum dimension of the portable device that measures the CO2 concentration is less than 15.0 cm. In an example, the maximum dimension of the portable device that measures the CO2 concentration is less than 10.0 cm. In an example, the maximum dimension of the portable device that measures the CO2 concentration is less than 5.0 cm. In an example, the portable device that measures the CO2 concentration has a weight less than 100 g. In an example, the portable device that measures the CO2 concentration has a weight less than 50 g. In an example, the portable device that measures the CO2 concentration has a weight less than 25 g.

[0100] “Brain Fuel” is a rating of how air composition affects people's cognitive functions, decision-making performance, and strategic thinking. The Brain Fuel index is calculated in the reverse (or inverse) proportion to the CO2 concentration and may be displayed as a readable segmented bar so that the user stays informed but is not overwhelmed by a large amount of measurements data or complicated air quality charts. The goal of the user experience may be not to show raw technical data but to rate air composition and for example to give practical recommendations such as ‘Open the window’, ‘Turn on humidifier’, ‘Go for a walk’, etc. Outputting data in a simple but informative way makes the system a powerful system to keep working productively on a high level—a user just takes a glance at the measuring device, or at an App notification (for example, please refer to the Notification section below) and learns how to improve their working environment instantly. Furthermore, the Brain Fuel index could be calculated based on several environmental factors, such as relative humidity, VOCs, CO, UV, etc. Thus, an integrated index may give a user complete but not complicated information about air composition and its influence on their health, wellbeing, and productivity.

[0101] FIG. 1 shows an example plot of Brain Fuel score as a function of CO2 concentration (in ppm), and indicates some appropriate response actions as a function of CO2 concentration, or Brain Fuel score.

[0102] Example features of an example system that provides the user with real-time information about whether the air in their environment is suitable for productive work: [0103] Measuring CO2 level in real-time. [0104] Displaying the CO2 measurement results, e.g. in a human-readable way, e.g. on the Brain Fuel scale. [0105] Connectivity between measuring device and smartphone/tablet/smart watch via Bluetooth interface. [0106] Optional external module with additional sensors for one or more of: Volatile organic compounds (VOC), Formaldehyde (HCHO), Radon, ultraviolet (UV), carbon monoxide (CO), barometer, pm0.1 (particulate matter with an average aerodynamic diameter of up to 0.1 μm, referred to as ultrafine particle fraction) or ozone. [0107] Optional GSM/ NarrowBand-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) module. [0108] Detection of user activity type via smartphone/tablet application and app widget. [0109] Phone application with charts, detailed data, and settings. [0110] Push notifications and app widget for notifying users of changes in air composition. [0111] Notifications in messages. [0112] Single-button interaction. [0113] Rechargeable built-in battery of measuring device. [0114] Optimized power algorithm. [0115] Wearable stylish case. [0116] Ultrafine particulate matter, commonly referred to as pm0.1, consists of various suspended solids and/or liquid droplets having aerodynamic diameters up to 0.1 microns (100 nanometers).

Example Technical Parameters

[0117] Sensor model: Senseair Sunrise (from Senseair AB, Stationsgatan 12, Box 96, 824 08 Delsbo, Sweden). [0118] Target gas: Carbon dioxide [0119] Operating principle: Non-dispersive infrared sensors (for example, as supplied by Alphasense, Essex CM77 7AA, United Kingdom). [0120] Operating range: 0-50° C., 0-85% RH (non-condensing) [0121] Measurement range, accuracy: 400-5000 ppm, ±30 ppm [0122] Device interfaces: Bluetooth, USB 3.0 (charging only) [0123] Powering: In-built rechargeable battery/mains supply [0124] Battery life: 150+ days [0125] Display type: Monochromatic LCD, segment type [0126] Possible Additional sensors: Humidity, temperature [0127] Casing: Wearable/mountable to a surface (e.g., wall or ceiling)

[0128] A nondispersive infrared sensor (or NDIR sensor) is a simple spectroscopic sensor often used as a gas detector. It is non-dispersive in the fact that no dispersive element (e.g. a prism or diffraction grating as is often present in other spectrometers) is used to separate out (like a monochromator) the broadband light into a narrow spectrum suitable for gas sensing. The majority of NDIR sensors use a broadband lamp source and an optical filter to select a narrow band spectral region that overlaps with the absorption region of the gas of interest. In this context narrow may be 50-300nm bandwidth.

[0129] The measuring device can be manufactured in various combinations of powering and casing configurations: a portable device with an in-built rechargeable battery; a portable device with an external powering; a mountable device with an in-built rechargeable battery a mountable device with external powering (e.g. including solar powered batteries).

[0130] Example aspects of an example industrial design: [0131] Distinguishable case including the shape of the Reuleaux triangle in cross-section (see FIGS. 2, 3, 5, for example). [0132] Single-button interaction (see FIG. 9, for example). [0133] Cap held with an elastic band protecting the USB slot (see FIG. 3, for example). [0134] Assorted colours and material finishing. [0135] Keychain-sized case. [0136] Out-of-the-box fastening solution (see FIGS. 3-5, for example). [0137] Supplied with accessories (carabiner, lace, etc.).

[0138] FIG. 2 shows various views and aspects of an example portable CO2 measuring device.

[0139] An example portable CO2 measuring device may include a cap or a cover which is attached with an elastic band, in which in the closed configuration the cap or a cover protects a USB slot. FIG. 3 shows an example of a portable CO2 measuring device which includes a cap which is attached with an elastic band (FIG. 3a), in which in the closed configuration the cap protects a USB slot (FIG. 3b).

[0140] FIG. 4 shows an example industrial design of a fastening solution of an example portable CO2 measuring device. FIG. 5 shows an example industrial design of a fastening solution of an example portable CO2 measuring device.

Examples of Indications of Carbon Dioxide Levels

[0141] A portable CO2 measuring device may include a (e.g. LCD) display; the (e.g. LCD) display may include nine active segments used to indicate the current CO2 level, for example as shown in FIG. 7 (i.e., the Brain Fuel level). The (e.g. LCD) display may be arranged to show that: [0142] CO2 concentration in a range of 400-599 ppm is considered ‘Ideal’, i.e., the most optimal for thought process efficiency. [0143] CO2 concentrations from 600 to 899 ppm are considered ‘Fair’ yet needing the user's attention as they might impair people's focusing and cognition. [0144] When the CO2 concentration is in the range 900 ppm to 1500 ppm, the Brain Fuel level is considered ‘Poor’, and the user should take measures to get back to normal air composition to stay productive. [0145] CO2 concentration values over 1500 ppm are critically high, and require an immediate user's reaction; they may be indicated by the last (e.g. LCD) display segment blinking; in addition a push notification may be sent to the user's smartphone.

[0146] Example (e.g. LCD) display indication logic of an example portable CO2 measuring device is shown in the table in FIG. 6.

Battery Charge Levels

[0147] The battery charge level may be indicated by a Battery segment of a display of a portable CO2 measuring device e.g. a part showing a battery icon. A battery icon may consist of two segments, such that: [0148] when the battery charge is between 51 and 100%, both battery segments are not illuminated, [0149] when the battery charge is between 10 and 50%, only one segment is not illuminated, [0150] when the battery charge is below 10%, only one segment is blinking.

[0151] The precise battery charge may be shown in a mobile device app, for example to the nearest 1% (e.g. please refer to Mobile device application section) of a mobile device in (e.g. wireless) connection with the portable CO2 measuring device.

[0152] FIG. 8 shows examples of a portable CO2 measuring device (e.g. LCD) display.

User Interaction

[0153] In an example, user interaction (e.g. all user interaction) with a CO2 measuring device is performed by a user pressing a single button that is present (e.g. hidden under the top cover, or present in the top cover, of the CO2 measuring device) (see FIG. 9, for example). In an example, to turn the CO2 measuring device on or off, a user should press and hold the button until the CO2 measuring device display indicates switching the measuring device's state. In an example, while switching the CO2 measuring device on, the display segments appear one by one and blink once, then start indicating the current Brain Fuel level, or CO2 level. In an example, when the CO2 measuring device is turned off, all display segments fade one by one. FIG. 9 shows an example of a CO2 measuring device including a pressable button.

[0154] In an example, when turned ON, the CO2 measuring device checks if there is a paired device in the vicinity, and if any is present, the measuring device tries to establish a connection with the paired device. Regardless of the result of an attempted pairing, the measuring device may then start its ‘Main cycle’, which may include one or more of: [0155] periodical measurements of CO2 (and other environmental parameters as an option); [0156] continuously displaying the results of CO2 measurement; [0157] checking for any settings or firmware updates and performing a hard reset if required; [0158] checking battery level and initiating an alert if the battery level is too low; [0159] responding to the user interactions with the button.

Application Executable on a Mobile Device, or Executable on a Portable Device

[0160] The primary purpose of the app executable on a mobile device, or executable on a portable device (hereinafter—‘the App’) is to timely notify users of changes in air composition that might have a negative effect on their productivity.

[0161] The CO2 measuring device may connect to a mobile device (e.g. a mobile phone, smartphone or tablet computer) or to a portable device wirelessly (e.g. via Bluetooth) and may transmit its sensors' data to the App, where CO2 measurement data may be displayed, e.g. as a Brain Fuel scale. Users may be notified of CO2 concentration levels by push notifications sent to their mobile device (e.g. smartphone, mobile phone or tablet computer) or to a widget which provides an associated display on their mobile device's screen (e.g. a mobile phone's home screen). Being connected to the measuring device, the app (see for example FIGS. 10-14) may display the current Brain Fuel level or CO2 level and the (e.g. hourly) dynamics of the changing Brain Fuel level or CO2 level. The main screen of the App may provide users with an intuitively understandable indication of whether the air composition adds to their productivity: [0162] The current CO2 value, e.g. the Brain Fuel bar for the current CO2 value, may be displayed on the App's main screen on the mobile device. [0163] The main screen may be coloured correspondingly to the CO2 or Brain Fuel level, which makes the indication more comprehensible even at a glance: for low CO2 concentrations (corresponding to an ‘Ideal’ Brain Fuel level), the screen may be green; for fair but non-optimal CO2 concentrations (corresponding to a ‘Fair’ level) the screen may be yellow, and for higher CO2 concentrations which reduce cognitive capabilities significantly the App's main screen may be coloured red. [0164] On the main screen, the history of (CO2 or) Brain Fuel changes may be shown as well—scrolling the screen to the right, a user can get back to previous hours, days, weeks, or months to see how the (CO2 or) Brain Fuel levels have been changing over time. Using a finger pinching gesture on the touch screen applied to the (CO2 or) Brain Fuel scale, a user can see the (CO2 or) Brain Fuel levels for periods shorter than an hour. [0165] Short info texts on the main screen of the App on the mobile device may describe how the current air composition influences the user's brain capabilities and may prompt a user to let some air in from outside, or have a little walk to keep productivity, for example.

[0166] FIG. 10 shows examples of an application interface on a smartphone, in which a current Brain Fuel level is indicated.

[0167] FIG. 11 shows examples of an application interface on a smartphone, in which past Brain Fuel levels are indicated.

[0168] FIG. 12 shows examples of an application interface on a smartphone, in which screens displayed during pairing with a measuring device are shown.

[0169] FIG. 13 shows examples of an application interface on a smartphone, in which screens displayed during updating measuring device firmware (a)-(d), (f), or during unpairing a CO2 measuring device (e), are shown.

[0170] FIG. 14 shows examples of an application interface on a smartphone, in which screens displayed during changing measuring device settings are shown.

[0171] In an example app version, the user experience is extended with animated guidance on breathing techniques and a detailed dashboard of all environmental parameters received from the measuring device's sensors.

[0172] FIG. 15 shows an example app version executing on a smartphone.

[0173] In an example app version, the CO2 level or the Brain Fuel bar with its current value in the corresponding number of segments lit may be shown; some explanation may be shown to make the meaning of the Brain Fuel bar clearer, and push notifications may be sent when the air composition CO2 concentration changes. In addition, the main screen may display an animated wave helping users to practice breathing techniques—when the wave amplifies, inhale breath; when it narrows, exhale. In an example, to look at earlier CO2 or Brain Fuel levels, a user should swipe the screen right, opening the timeline of air composition states. In an example, to see the detailed information about current air composition, a user should swipe the screen up—the dashboard opens containing all the measured parameters in detail. This example app interface may make it more intuitive to understand the meaning of the Brain Fuel bar and more helpful for obtaining good user working performance. The breathing exercises make the user's mind clearer and help the user to concentrate on their tasks. A dashboard of air composition metrics may provide a fuller picture of what's happening with the user's cognitive processes at the moment.

[0174] An application interface may be displayed on a mobile device, in which average CO2 or user Brain Fuel level is displayed: (a) on an hour-by-hour timescale; (b) on a day-by-day timescale; (c) on a month-by month timescale. FIG. 16 shows examples of an application interface on a mobile device.

[0175] The App can be integrated with other healthcare, wellbeing, and lifestyle applications.

[0176] For example, users can synchronize the App with their GitHub accounts or sports/health trackers to get an additional chart: productivity (GitHub commits number, exercise effectiveness, heart rate, etc.) superimposed on the CO2 concentration, and optionally productivity superimposed on sensor data from any other sensor incorporated in the portable CO2 measuring device. This information superimposed on the chart helps users to better understand the impact that their environment has on their productivity.

Connecting the App to The CO2 Measuring Device

[0177] In an example, to utilize the mobile application, a user should pair a mobile device (e.g. phone, tablet) with the CO2 measuring device in the following order: [0178] Install the application on their mobile device. [0179] Enable Bluetooth for the app. [0180] Pair the CO2 measuring device with the phone following the App on-screen instructions. [0181] Once paired, the measuring device may synchronize the CO2 measurement data on the measuring device with the App. [0182] The CO2 or Brain Fuel scale on the App's main screen displays data relating to data received by the app from the measuring device, e.g. from the measuring device sensors.

Notifications

[0183] The CO2 measuring device may notify users of the air composition states in several ways, for example: [0184] by showing the CO2 or Brain Fuel level on the measuring device's display, [0185] by displaying the CO2 or Brain Fuel level in the App on the mobile device, [0186] by sending push notifications to the user's mobile device (e.g. phone or smart watch), [0187] by displaying the CO2 or Brain Fuel level on the app widget on the mobile device (e.g. phone's) home screen.

Push Notifications

[0188] When the CO2 concentration reaches the ‘Fair’ or ‘Poor’ range (refer to Brain Fuel section), the App may send or receive push notifications at the user's smartphone (see for example FIG. 17). These notifications are aimed to provide users with a timely notice and a friendly tip, thus informing a user of changes in air composition and encouraging the user to keep their environment helpful. FIG. 17 shows examples of notification by an application.

App Widget

[0189] The App widget's (see for example FIG. 18) purpose is to let users know relevant information about the air they are breathing, with no need to open the App — relevant information is provided on the mobile device (e.g. phone) home screen. The widget may duplicate a CO2 level or Brain Fuel bar displayed in the App (and on the CO2 measuring device display) so that the user can keep an eye on relevant information about the air they are breathing, even when the App is in the background on the mobile device. FIG. 18 shows examples of Application widgets providing relevant information about the air a user is breathing.

Note

[0190] It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are only illustrative of the application for the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. While the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred example(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth herein.