Automatic microphone switching

Abstract

An automatic communication switching system comprises a first communication element, a second communication element, a breathing apparatus that includes a sensor associated with the first communication element; and a processor configured to activate one of the first and second communication elements based on data from the breathing apparatus sensor. A processor maintains a connection with a first and second communication element for rapid communication element activation. A method comprises the steps establishing a communication connection among a processor, a first communication element and a second communication element; receiving data from a sensor associated with the first communication element; activating one of the first or second communication elements based on data from the sensor; and transmitting a communication signal utilizing an activated first or second communication element.

Description

AUTOMATIC MICROPHONE SWITCHINGTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The relevant technical field includes breathing apparatus communication devices.BACKGROUND

[0002] In an emergency situation, fractions of a second can be the difference between life or death for a rescuer. This is axiomatic when it comes to a rescuer’s ability to communicate with proximate or remote members of their team. Implements for wireless communication can be integrated into a rescuer’s personal protective equipment such as the face mask or regulator of a self-contained breathing apparatus (“SCBA”). And while face masks are removeable and some regulators are configured to be detachable from the face mask, the need for reliable communication remains constant. Thus, there is a need to provide continuous communication functionality for users of SCBAs, e.g., independent of the removal or attachment state of a face mask or regulator.SUMMARY

[0003] Systems and methods include, an automatic communication switching system that comprises a first communication element, a second communication element, a breathing apparatus including a sensor associated with the first communication element, and a processer configured to activate one of the first or second communication elements based on data from the breathing apparatus sensor.

[0004] In one example, a processor is configured to perform operations comprising establishing a connection to a first and second communication element, determining from the sensor a state of the breathing apparatus, determining based on the breathing apparatus state whether the first communication element is utilized, transmitting data utilizing the first communication element when the first communication element is determined to be utilized, and transmitting data over a first network when the first communication element is beingutilized and transmitting data over a second network when the first communication element is not being utilized.

[0005] In another example, a method of automatic communication switching comprises establishing a communication connection among a processor, a first communication element and a second communication element. Data is received from a sensor associated with the first communication element, activating one of the first or second communication elements based on data from the sensor. A communication signal is transmitted utilizing an activated first or second communication element. A determination is made, based on data received from the first or second communication element, regarding which communication element is utilized to transmit a communication signal, and a determination is made, based on data from the sensor, whether a breathing apparatus is being used. A communication signal is transmitted utilizing an activated first or second communication, where that transmitting may include transmitting a communication signal utilizing the first communication element over a first wireless network and transmitting a communication signal utilizing the second communication element over a second wireless network.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Fig. l is a diagram depicting a system embodiment for automatic communication switching.

[0007] Fig. 2 is a diagram depicting an example embodiment of a system for automatic communication switching in a first use state.

[0008] Fig. 3 is a diagram depicting an example embodiment of a system for automatic communication switching in a second use state.

[0009] Fig. 4 is a diagram depicting a second example embodiment of a system for automatic communication switching in a first use state.

[0010] Fig. 5 is a diagram depicting a second example embodiment of a system for automatic communication switching in a second use state.

[0011] Fig. 6 depicts an example schematic embodiment of a processor.

[0012] Fig. 7 depicts an example embodiment of a system for automatic communication switching in a first use state, including a regulator engaged with a face mask.

[0013] Fig. 8 depicts an example embodiment of a system for automatic communication switching in a second use state, including a regulator disengaged from a face mask.

[0014] Fig. 9 is a flow diagram depicting a method of automatic communication switching.

[0015] Fig. 10 is a flow diagram depicting a second method of automatic communication switching.

[0016] Fig. 11 is a flow diagram depicting a third method of automatic communication switching.

[0017] Fig. 12 is a flow diagram depicting a fourth method of automatic communication switching.

[0018] Fig. 13 is a flow diagram depicting a method of automatic communication switching as executed by a configured processor.

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein. Accordingly, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein will be suggested and thus apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art. Also, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for increased clarity and conciseness to the reader.

[0021] In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. For example, the use of a singular term, such as, “a” is not intended as limiting of the number of items. Also, the use of relational terms, such as but not limited to, “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” “down,” “up,” “side,” are used in the description for clarity and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the appended claims. Further, it should be understood that any one of the features can be used separately or in combination with other features. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention will be or become apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the detailed description. It is intended that such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

[0022] The terms “electronic circuitry,” “circuitry” or “circuit,” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, hardware, firmware, software or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or an action(s). For example, based on a desired feature or need, a circuit may include a software-controlled microprocessor, discrete logic such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmed logic device. A circuit may also be fully embodied as software. As used herein, “circuit” is considered synonymous with “logic.” Theterm “logic”, as used herein includes, but is not limited to, hardware, firmware, software, or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or an action(s), or to cause a function or action from another component. For example, based on a desired application or need, logic may include a software-controlled microprocessor, discrete logic such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmed logic device. Logic may also be fully embodied as software.

[0023] The term “processor,” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, one or more of virtually any number of processor systems or stand-alone processors, such as microprocessors, microcontrollers, central processing units (CPUs), and digital signal processors (DSPs), in any combination. The processor may be associated with various other circuits that support operation of the processor, such as random-access memory (RAM), readonly memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), clocks, decoders, memory controllers, or interrupt controllers, and the like. These support circuits may be internal or external to the processor or its associated electronic packaging. The support circuits are in operative communication with the processor. The support circuits are not necessarily shown separate from the processor in block diagrams or other drawings.

[0024] The term “software,” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, one or more computer readable or executable instructions that cause a computer or other electronic device to perform functions, actions, or behave in a desired manner. The instructions may be embodied in various forms such as routines, algorithms, modules or programs including separate applications or code from dynamically linked libraries. Software may also be implemented in various forms such as a stand-alone program, a function call, a servlet, an applet, instructions stored in a memory, part of an operating system or other type of executable instructions. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the form of software is dependent on, for example, requirements of a desired application, the environment it runs on, or the desires of a designer / programmer or the like.

[0025] In example embodiments, devices, systems and methods hereof are described in connection with a facepiece or face mask for use in a pressure demand or demand supplied air respirator such as an SCBA as described above. However, the devices, systems and methods hereof may be used in connection with any system in which breathing gas is supplied to a user. Additional applications include, but are not limited to, demand airline respirators, pressure demand airline respirators, constant flow airline respirators, constantflow SCB A, air purifying respirators, powered air purifying respirators, and breath responsive powered air purifying respirators.

[0026] Fig. 1 depicts an embodiment of an automatic communication switching system. A processor 100 is connected to a first communication element 110, a second communication element 120, and a breathing apparatus 130 having a sensor 131 associated with the first communication element 110. The processor 100 is configured to activate one of the first communication element 110 and second communication element 120 based on data from the breathing apparatus sensor 131. In one example, the processor 100 activates first communication element 110 when data from the sensor 131 indicates the breathing apparatus 130 is being used by a user. Alternatively, the processor 100 activates second communication element 120 when data from the sensor 131 indicates the breathing apparatus 130 is not being used by a user.

[0027] Fig. 2 is a diagram depicting an example embodiment of a system for automatic communication switching in a first use state where a first communication element is utilized to transmit a communication signal to a wireless network.. In this example, the breathing apparatus 130 includes a wearable face element 200 having a detachable regulator 210. The sensor 131 is in connection with the regulator 210, wearable face element 200, or both. The regulator 210 may also integrally house the first communication element 110. The processor 100 is in connection with a transmission element 230 configured to send or receive a communication signal across a wireless network 270. When the regulator 210 is attached to the face element 200, the sensor 131 sends data to the processor 100 indicating the regulator 210 is in an attached position. The processor 100 activates first communication element 110 based on data from the sensor 131. Communication data 240 is collected using the first communication element 110 and used to transmit a communication signal to the wireless network 270 using transmission element 230.

[0028] Fig. 3 is a diagram depicting an example embodiment of a system for automatic communication switching in a second use state where a second communication element is utilized to transmit a communication signal to a wireless network. In this example, when the regulator 210 is not attached 300 to face element 200, sensor 131 sends data to processor 100 indicating the regulator 210 is in a detached position. The processor 100 activates the second communication element 120 based on data from the sensor 131. Communication data 250 is collected using the second communication element 120 and used to transmit a communication signal 310 to the wireless network 270 using transmission element 230.

[0029] The processor 100 may be configured to maintain connection with the first communication element 110 and second communication element 120 to provide rapid communication element activation. In one embodiment, the processor 100 activates the first communication element 110 based on data from the sensor 131. While first communication element 110 is activated, the processor 100 maintains a connection with the inactivated second communication element 120. In such an embodiment, the processor 100 may rapidly activate the second communication element 120 based on data from the sensor 131. In such an embodiment, the total time needed activate the second communication element 120 is significantly reduced, as the additional time necessary to initiate a connection between the processor 100 and second communication element 120 before activation is eliminated.

[0030] In some embodiments, only one of the first communication element 110 or second communication element 120 is activated at a time. For example, when first communication element 110 is activated, second communication element 120 is not activated, and vice versa. In other embodiments, both first communication element 110 and second communication element 120 are simultaneously activated based on data from sensor 131. In such an embodiment, the processor 100 receives communication data 240 collected from the first communication element 110 and communication data 250 collected from the second communication element 120. The processor 100 determines which communication data, 240 or 250, is used to transmit a communication signal to wireless network 270 based on data received from sensor 131. In an example, the processor 100 sends a communication signal 260 utilizing the first communication element 110 to the transmission element 230 when the sensor 131 indicates the regulator 210 is in an attached position. Alternatively, the processor 100 sends a communication signal 310 utilizing the second communication element 120 to the transmission element 230 when the sensor 131 indicates the regulator 210 is in a detached position. The transmission element 230 then transmits the communication signal to a wireless network 270.

[0031] In one embodiment, processor 100 selectively determines which communication element is utilized to generate a communication signal based on data received from the first communication element 110 or second communication element 120. In an example, the processor 100 activates and receives data from the first communication element 110. The processor 100 analyzes the received data to determine if a user’s respiration data is detected. If the processor 100 determines the data received from the first communication element 110 does not contain the user’s respiration data over a time frame, the processor 100 may then activate the second communication element 120. If the processor 100 determines data receivedfrom the first communication element 110 resumes containing user respiration data, the processor 100 deactivates the second communication element 120.

[0032] In one embodiment, processor 100 activates and receives data from both the first communication element 110 and the second communication element 120. The processor 100 determines which communication data, 240 or 250, is used to generate a communication signal based on the respective contents of each communication data. In an example, the processor 100 determines a user is using the first communication element 110 based on user respiration or voice data contained in communication data 240. Processor 100 then utilizes communication data 240 to generate a communication signal for transmission to the wireless network 270. Alternatively, the processor 100 determines a user is not using the first communication element 110 based on the absence of user respiration or voice data from communication data 240. Processor 100 then utilizes communication data 250 from the second communication element 120 to generate a communication signal for transmission to the wireless network 270.

[0033] In another embodiment, the processor 100 may determine that a user’s voice is contained in both communication data 240 from the first communication element 110 and communication data 250 from the second communication element 120. The processor 100 determines which communication data is used in generating a communication signal based on comparative quality of the user’s voice contained in each communication data 240 and 250. In an example, the processor 100 may determine the user’s voice data contained in communication data 250 to have a better quality compared to voice data in communication data 240. The processor 100 then utilizes communication data 250 from the second communication element 120 to transmit a communication signal to the wireless network 270.

[0034] Figs. 4 and 5 depict example embodiments of a system for automatic communication switching in a first and second use state of transmitting a communication to a wireless network. In Fig. 4, a first communication element 110 and a second communication element 120 are in communication with a logic element 101. Logic element 101 may comprise one or more processors, controllers, or any computational control element. Logic element 101 may comprise one or more distinct system components and may be integrated with or separate from other connected system components. In one embodiment, logic element 101 comprises a processor 100 separate from the first communication element 110 and the second communication element 120. In another embodiment, logic element 101 comprises a processor 100 integrated with the first communication element 110. In another embodiment, logic element 101 comprises a processor 100 integrated with the secondcommunication element 120. In another embodiment, logic element 101 comprises a processor 100 integrated with the sensor 131. In another embodiment, logic element 101 comprises both a first processor integrated with the first communication element 110 and a second processor integrated with the second communication element 120. In embodiments wherein logic element 101 comprises more than one processor, constituent processors may be configured to cooperatively communicate with one another.

[0035] Shown in the example of Fig. 4, a first communication element 110, a second communication element 120, and a sensor 131 are in communication with the logic element 101. The logic element 101 determines that a user is respirating or breathing based on data received from the first communication element 110, the sensor 131, or both. Communication data 240 is collected using first communication element 110 and is utilized to transmit a communication signal to a wireless network 270 using transmission element 230. In the example of Fig. 5, the logic element 101 determines that a user is not respirating or breathing based on data received from the first communication element 110, the sensor 131, or both. Communication data 250 is collected using the second communication element 120 and is utilized to transmit a communication signal to a wireless network 270 using transmission element 230. In both the examples of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the data communication between the first and second communication elements 110, 120 and the logic element 101 remains uninterrupted, regardless of which communication data, 240 or 250, is utilized to transmit a communication signal.

[0036] In one embodiment, the first communication element 110, the regulator 210, and the sensor 131 are integrated into a first single component. The second communication element 120 and the transmission element 230 are integrated into a second single component. The logic element 101 cooperatively comprises a first processor integrated in the first single component and a second processor integrated in the second single component. A wired or wireless data connection is maintained between the first and second single components, independent of which communication element, 110 or 120, is utilized to transmit a communication signal. A selection function of which communication element, 110 or 120, is utilized to transmit a communication signal may be performed by the first processor, the second processor, or both the first and second processor.

[0037] In some embodiments, a communication signal may be selectively transmitted to more than one wireless network. In some embodiments, communication data from one communication element may be transmitted to both a first wireless network 270 and a second wireless network. In some embodiments, the processor 100 may determine which wirelessnetwork is transmitted to, based on a variety of factors. Examples of such factors include the availability of a wireless network, the connection signal strength of a wireless network, or the bandwidth space of a wireless network. Further examples of such factors may include an operation condition of the processor or connected element including but not limited to an energy level of a connected battery or the connection integrity between the processor 100 and a connected element. In one example, the processor 100 determines that a communication signal is transmitted to a second wireless network based on a poor connection quality to a first wireless network 270. In another example, the processor 100 determines a communication signal is transmitted to a first wireless network 270 based on a low energy status of a connected battery. In another example, the processor 100 determines a communication signal is transmitted to a second wireless network based on a poor connection quality with a first communication element 110.

[0038] Fig. 6 depicts an example schematic embodiment of a processor. In this example, the processor 100 may include a variety of components and functionalities. In one embodiment, the processor 100 includes a CPU, a GPU, a memory, ROM, RAM, a sensor, a battery, an input / output interface, a communication module, a security module, and a transmission element. Example sensors include a microphone, a light detector, an accelerometer, a barometer, a temperature sensor, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, or any other sensor capable of collecting data associated with an internal or external condition in relation to the processor 100. In one embodiment, a sensor of the processor 100 is a communication element 120. An input / output interface may include a digital or analog input, a direct digital output, a modulated digital output, an analog output, a parallel data transfer a serial transfer, or any other input / output configured to interface with an external device. The communication module is configured to facilitate connections between the processor 100 and external elements such as the first communication element 110, the second communication 120, and the sensor 130. The communication module may include wireless connectivity components such as an antenna or a transponder. The communication module may further be configured to operate software or algorithms for processing received communication data and generating a communication signal. The security module may be configured to operate cryptographic processes for incoming or outgoing data streams from the processor 100. The security module may perform encryption and decryption processes, as well as authentication and maintenance of security keys. The transmission element 230 may include any type of wireless signal transmitter or receiver. For example, the transmission element 230 may include an omnidirectional antenna, a directional antenna, a WiFi antenna, a Bluetooth antenna, a long-range radio, or a short-range radio. Insome embodiments, the transmission element 230 is integrated within the processor 100. In other embodiments, the transmission element 230 is externally connected with the processor 100.

[0039] The processor 100 may be connected to an external power source, an external sensor, a light source, a display, a speaker, and a user input device. In some embodiments, the processor 100 may utilize one or a combination of a connected light, display, or speaker to indicate information related to a status of the processor 100. In some embodiments, the processor 100 may use one or a combination of a connected external sensor, light, display, or speaker to collect or transmit communication data received or generated by the processor 100. In one embodiment, the external sensor is a communication element 110.

[0040] Figs. 7 and 8 depict example embodiments of a system for automatic communication switching in a first and second use state, including a regulator engaged with a face mask and disengaged with a face mask, respectively. Fig. 7 depicts a user 700 wearing face element 200, a regulator 210 including a first communication element 110 and a sensor 131, a processor 100 including a second communication element 120, and a regulator holster 701. When the sensor 131 indicates the regulator 210 is in an engaged position with face element 200, processor 100 activates the first communication element 110. Communication data from user 700, such as voice data, is collected using the activated first communication element 110 and used to transmit a communication signal to a wireless network 270. The processor 100 maintains a connection with both the first communication element 110 and the second communication element 120. Depicted in Fig. 8, the regulator 210 containing first communication element 110 and sensor 131 is in a disengaged position from face element 200. The regulator 210 is attached to a regulator holster 701. While the regulator 210 is not engaged, an aperture 702 is accessible in the face element 200. The processor 100 containing the second communication element 120 receives data from the sensor 131 indicating the regulator 210 is in disengaged position. The processor 100 activates the second communication element 120. The user 700 vocalizes 703 through the aperture 702 and the second communication element 120 collects the user’s 700 communication data. The processor 100 uses communication data from the second communication element 120 to generate a communication signal for transmitting to a wireless network 270. The processor 100 maintains a connection with both the first communication element 110 and second communication element 120.

[0041] Fig. 9 depicts an example flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of automatic communication switching. A communication connection is established among a processor, a first communication element and a second communication element. Data from asensor associated with the first communication element is received from the processor. A first or second communication element is activated based on data from the sensor. The processor maintains a communication connection with the inactive one of the first or second communication element. A communication signal is transmitted utilizing the activated first or second communication element. In an example, a processor establishes a communication connection between a first and second microphone. An electrical sensor connected to the microphone sends data to the processor. The first microphone is activated based on the received data. The processor maintains a communication connection with the inactive second microphone. A communication signal is then transmitted using data from the activated first microphone.

[0042] Fig. 10 depicts an example flow diagram of a second embodiment of a method of automatic communication switching. Incorporating the embodiment of Fig. 9, the processor further receives data from a first or second communication element. Based on the received data, the processer then determines which communication element is utilized to generate a communication signal. In an example, the processor receives data from a first microphone wherein the data contains a user’s voice or respiration pattern. Based on the received data, the processor determines that the first microphone is utilized to generate a communication signal. The processor then activates the first microphone and transmits a communication signal using data from the activated first microphone.

[0043] Fig. 11 depicts an example flow diagram of a third embodiment of a method of automatic communication switching. Incorporating the embodiment of Fig. 9, the processor further determines based on data from the sensor whether a breathing apparatus is being used. In an example, the processor determines from data received from an electrical sensor that a user is not using a respirator. The processor then activates a second microphone and transmits a communication signal using the activated second microphone.

[0044] Fig. 12 depicts an example flow diagram of a fourth embodiment of a method of automatic communication switching. Incorporating the embodiment of Fig. 9, a communication signal utilizing the first communication element is transmitted over a first wireless network, and a communication signal utilizing the second communication element is transmitted over a second wireless network. In an example, the processer transmits a communication signal generated using a first microphone over a short-range radio network and transmits a communication signal generated using a second microphone over a long- range radio network.

[0045] Fig. 13 depicts an example flow diagram an embodiment of a method of automatic communication switching as executed by a configured processor. A processor establishes a connection to a first and second communication element. The processor then determines a state of a breathing apparatus based on a data from a sensor. The processor determines whether the first communication element is utilized based on the breathing apparatus state. The processor transmits data utilizing the first communication element when the first communication element is determined to be utilized. In another embodiment, the processer may transmit data over a first network when the first communication element is being utilized and transmit data over a second network when the first communication element is not being utilized. In an example, the processor establishes a connection to a first and second radio. The processor then determines whether a user is wearing a face mask based on data from an electrical sensor. After determining from the data that a user is wearing a face mask, the processor determines that the first radio is to be utilized. The processor then transmits data using the first radio over a short-range radio network.

[0046] A variety of configurations may be utilized to provide a connection with elements of embodiments. In one embodiment, the processor 100, the first communication element 110, the second communication element 120, and the sensor 131 are connected via a wireless connection. In another embodiment, the processor 100, the first communication element 110, the second communication element 120, and the sensor 131 are connected via physical wired connections. In another embodiment, the processor 100, the first communication element 110, the second communication element 120, and the sensor 131 are connected via a combination of wireless and wired connections.

[0047] The processor 100 may utilize a variety of wireless connectivity technologies and standards. In one embodiment, the processor 100 is connected to first communication element 110, second communication element 120, and sensor 131 via Bluetooth, ZigBee, NFC or another personal area network (PAN) type connection. In another embodiment, the processor 100 is connected via WiFi or another local area network (LAN) type connection. In another embodiment, the processor 100 is connected via a combination of PAN and LAN type connections.

[0048] In some embodiments, the wearable face element 200 may be a facepiece, a face mask, or any element configured to conform to the anatomical form of all or part of a human face. The face element 200 may include a shield or lens, such that a user has access to a field- of-view of their surroundings. In some embodiments, the face element 200 includes a first communication element 110 and a sensor 131. The face element 200 may also include a digitaldisplay configured to display various operation information to the user. Examples of such information may include environmental information; SCBA condition information; energy source information; regulator feeding oxygen tank levels; and communication source, channel, and network information.

[0049] In some embodiments, the wearable face element 200 is configured to engage with a regulator 210. The regulator 210 provides a gas supply from a gas source such as a compressed tank or purification system to the user the wearing the face element 200. As a user may wish to engage or disengage the regulator 210 from the face element 200 depending on the need, the regulator may be configured to be variably engaged and disengaged from the face element 200.

[0050] In some embodiments, the regulator 210 includes a first communication element 110 and a sensor 131. In such an embodiment, the sensor 131 may be configured to detect a condition, position, or orientation, of both the regulator 210 and the first communication element 110 simultaneously.

[0051] In some embodiments, the sensor 131 is associated with a condition, position, or orientation of the regulator 210. In one example, the sensor 131 detects that the regulator 210 is engaged with the face element 200. In another example, the sensor 131 is configured to detect if the regulator 210 is in an on or off setting. In another example, the sensor 131 is configured to detect if a user is respirating, breathing, or vocalizing through the regulator 210.

[0052] In some embodiments, the sensor 131 may also detect a condition, position, or orientation of the face element 200, in connection with or separate from the regulator 210. In one example, the sensor 131 detects whether the regulator 210 is engaged or disengaged with the face element 200. In another example, the sensor 131 detects whether a user is or is not wearing the face element 200. In another example, the sensor 131 detects whether a user is or is not wearing the face element 200 in a specific or optimum position operably related to the first communication element 110. Example embodiments of the sensor 131 include an electrical switch, a microphone, a diaphragm, a Hall effect sensor, a pressure sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a magnetometer.

[0053] In some embodiments, the regulator 210 is configured to engage with a holster 701 when not engaged with face element 200. The holster 701 may include a sensor connected to the processor 100 and configured to detect the presence or absence of the regulator 210 in the holster 701. The processor 100 may alter a communication element activation state or communication signal based on data from the holster sensor.

[0054] In one embodiment, the processor 100 may be configured to activate communication elements based on parameters other than vocalization, respiration, or sensor 131 data. In one example, the processor 100 may activate the first communication 110 or second communication element 120 based on the pressure level of a compressed gas cylinder of an SCBA. In another example, the processor 100 may activate the first communication 110 or second communication element 120 based on the energy level of a connected battery or power source. In another embodiment, the processor 100 may activate the first communication 110 or second communication element 120 based on a specific user input.

[0055] In one embodiment, the first communication element 110 and second communication element 120 are each configured to collect audio data. In some embodiments, the first communication element 110 and second communication element 120 are configured collect a user’s vocalization data, respiration data, or both. In some embodiments, the first communication element 110 and second communication element 120 may further be configured to isolate a user’s vocalization or respiration data from ambient sounds of the user’s environment. In some embodiments, the first communication element 110 and second communication element 120 may also be configured to emit sound to the user. In an example, the first communication element 110 and second communication element 120 are each a microphone. In another example, the first communication element 110 and second communication element 120 are each a radio including a microphone and a speaker.

[0056] While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this disclosure. Thus the features disclosed in the claims, the specification and the drawings may be essential for the different embodiments of the claimed subject-matter, either separately or in any combination with each other.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An automatic communication switching system comprising: a first communication element (110); a second communication element (120); a breathing apparatus (130) that includes a sensor (131) associated with the first communication element (HO); and a processor (100) configured to activate one of the first (110) and second communication elements (120) based on data from the breathing apparatus sensor (131), wherein the processor (100) is configured to establish a communication connection with the first communication element (110) and the second communication element (120) and wherein the processor (100) is configured to maintain the communication connection with the inactivated second communication element (120) when the first communication element (110) is activated and configured to maintain the communication connection with the inactivated first communication element (110) when the second communication element (120) is activated.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the breathing apparatus (130) comprises a wearable face element (200) and / or a regulator (210), optionally configured to engage with the wearable face element (200).

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor (131) is configured to detect if the breathing apparatus (130) is being used, optionally via detection of user respiration or vocalization data.

4. The system of at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (131) is configured to collect position and / or orientation data, in particular indicating whether the breathing apparatus (130) is being worn by a user.

5. The system of at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor (100) is configured to activate the second communication element (120) when the sensor (131) indicates the breathing apparatus (130) is not being used.

6. The system of at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor (100) is further configured to selectively determine which communication element (110, 120) is utilized, optionally to generate a communication signal (310), optionally based on data (250) received from the first (110) and / or second communication element (120).

7. The system of at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor (100) is configured to communicate with the first (110) and / or second communication elements (120) through a wired connection, wireless connection (270), or combination of wired and wireless connections.

8. The system of at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor (100) is connected to a transmission element (230), and / or is further configured to transmit a communication signal (260) generated from the first communication element (110) over a first wireless network, and / or transmit a communication signal (310) generated from the second communication element (120) over a second wireless network.

9. The system of at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (131) comprises an electrical switch, a Hall effect sensor, a pressure sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and / or a magnetometer.

10. The system of at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first communication element (110) is a first microphone, and / or the second communication element is a second microphone (120).

11. The system of at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first communication element (110) is a first radio, and / or wherein the second communication element (120) is a second radio.

12. The system of at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor (100) is configured to perform operations comprising: establishing a connection to a first (110) and / or second communication element (120); determining from the sensor (131) a state of the breathing apparatus (130);determining, optionally based on the breathing apparatus state, whether the first communication element (110) is utilized; and / or transmitting data utilizing the first communication element (110), optionally when the first communication element (110) is determined to be utilized.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising the operations: transmitting data over a first network (270), optionally when the first communication element (110) is being utilized, and / or transmitting data over a second network (310), optionally when the first communication element (110) is not being utilized.

14. A method of automatic communication switching comprising the steps: establishing a communication connection among a processor (100), a first communication element (110) a second communication element (120); receiving data from a sensor (131) associated with the first communication element (no); activating one of the first (110) or second communication elements (120) based on data from the sensor (131) while maintaining the communication connection with the inactive one of the first (110) or second communication elements (120); and transmitting a communication signal utilizing an activated first (100) or second communication element (120).

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step:Determining, optionally based on data received from the first (110) and / or second communication element (120), which communication element (110, 120) is utilized to transmit a communication signal.

16. The method of claim 14 or 15, further comprising the step:Determining, optionally based on data from the sensor (131), whether a breathing apparatus (130) is being used.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein data from the sensor (131) includes respiration data, vocalization data, position data, or orientation data.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein data from the sensor (131) includes engagement state data, optionally describing an engagement state between a regulator (210) and a face element (200).

19. The method of at least one of the claims 14 to 18, wherein the sensor (131) comprises an electrical switch, a Hall effect sensor, a pressure sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and / or a magnetometer.

20. The method of at least one of the claims 14 to 19, wherein transmitting a communication signal utilizing an activated first (110) and / or second communication element (120) includes: transmitting a communication signal utilizing the first communication element (110) over a first wireless network (270), and / or transmitting a communication signal utilizing the second communication element (120) over a second wireless network (310).

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