Capacitive determination of number of particles present in chamber

Abstract

One example relates to a method comprising: capacitively determining a number of particulates present in an interior chamber of a housing structure while the housing structure receives a flow of feed air into the interior chamber; and providing a value representative of the measured number of particles.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 371,724, filed on August 17, 2022, entitled “SENSING QUANTITY OF PARTICULATE WITHIN A CHAMBERUTILIZING CAPACITIVE SENSING,” under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] One or more examples generally relate to capacitive sensing or measurement. One or more examples generally relate to material quantity sensing or measurement. One or more examples generally relate to capacitive determination of the number of particles present in a chamber. One or more examples generally relate to capacitive determination of the number of gas-filled particles present in a chamber. Background Art

[0004] Dust and other particles may accumulate within structures, either intentionally or unintentionally. For example, various consumer appliances that remove dirt, dust, and other particles from surfaces or the surrounding environment collect particles in containers or internal housings. As another example, particles may accumulate in hollow portions of pipes, conduits, and other fluid conveying structures. It may be desirable to detect that the number of particles in a space or hollow portion is above a threshold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit(s) in a reference number refers to the figure number in which the element is first introduced.

[0006] Figure 1 is a block diagram depicting a system for sensing a particle count in a chamber (static or aerated), according to one or more examples.

[0007] Figure 2 is a block diagram depicting an apparatus for generating self-capacitance values ​​according to one or more examples.

[0008] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C is a diagrammatic view of example orientations of electrodes located on an exterior surface of a housing structure according to one or more examples. In the depicted XYZ coordinate reference, for ease of description, the x-axis corresponds to the horizontal width of the depicted housing structure or exterior surface area, and the z-axis corresponds to the vertical height of the depicted housing structure or exterior surface area. Other conventions may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D is a diagrammatic illustration of example geometries represented by volumes of interior chambers of housing structures according to one or more examples.

[0010] Figure 5 is a flow chart depicting a process for determining an amount of particles present in an interior chamber of a housing structure according to one or more examples.

[0011] Figure 6 is a flow chart depicting a process for measuring the capacitance of an electrode coupled to a housing structure as part of a process for capacitively determining an amount of particles present in an interior chamber of a housing structure according to one or more examples.

[0012] Figure 7 is a flow chart depicting a process for capacitively determining an amount of particles present in an interior chamber of a housing structure according to one or more examples.

[0013] Figure 8 is a flow chart depicting a process for determining a status of an internal chamber or housing structure according to one or more examples.

[0014] Fig. 9 is a flow chart depicting a process for determining a state of a feed air flow based on a particulate count according to one or more examples.

[0015] Fig.10 are block diagrams of circuits that, in some examples, may be used to implement various functions, operations, acts, processes, or methods disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of the present disclosure, and in the accompanying drawings are shown by way of example specific examples of embodiments in which the present disclosure may be implemented. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the present disclosure. However, other embodiments may be utilized, and changes in structure, material, and process may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0017] The illustrations presented herein are not intended to be actual views of any particular method, system, device, or structure, but are merely idealized representations for describing embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings presented herein are not necessarily drawn to scale. For the convenience of the reader, similar structures or components in the various drawings may retain the same or similar numbering; however, the similarity of numbering does not mean that the structures or components must be identical in size, composition, configuration, or any other attribute.

[0018] The following description may include examples to help those skilled in the art practice the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. The use of the terms "exemplary", "by way of example" and "for example" means that the relevant description is illustrative, and although the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover examples and legal equivalents, the use of such terms is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments or the present disclosure to the specified components, steps, features or functions, etc.

[0019] It should be readily understood that the components of the embodiments as generally described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following description of various embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but is merely representative of various embodiments. Although various aspects of the embodiments may be presented in the accompanying drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated.

[0020] In addition, the specific implementations shown and described are only examples and should not be understood as the only way to implement the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified herein. Elements, circuits, and functions can be shown in block diagram form so as not to obscure the present disclosure with unnecessary details. On the contrary, the specific implementations shown and described are only exemplary and should not be understood as the only way to implement the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified herein. Additionally, the partitioning of logic between block definitions and individual blocks is an example of a specific implementation. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure can be practiced through many other partitioning solutions. In most cases, details about timing considerations, etc. have been omitted, where such details are not required to obtain a complete understanding of the present disclosure and are within the capabilities of those of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

[0021] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For clarity of presentation and description, some of the figures may illustrate a signal as a single signal. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a signal may represent a signal bus, where the bus may have a variety of bit widths, and that the present disclosure may be implemented on any number of data signals, including a single data signal.

[0022] The various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or implemented with a general purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an integrated circuit (IC), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof designed to implement the functions described herein. A general purpose processor (which may also be referred to herein as a host processor or simply a host) may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. A general purpose computer including a processor is considered a special purpose computer when the general purpose computer is configured to execute computing instructions (e.g., software code) associated with the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0023] Embodiments can be described according to processes depicted as flow charts, flow diagrams, structure diagrams, or block diagrams. Although flow charts can describe operable actions as continuous processes, many of these actions can be performed in another sequence, in parallel, or substantially simultaneously. In addition, the order of actions can be rearranged. Processes can correspond to methods, threads, functions, procedures, subroutines, subprograms, but are not limited thereto. In addition, the methods disclosed herein can be implemented by hardware, software, or both. If implemented in software, functions can be stored or sent to a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or codes. Computer-readable media include both computer storage media and communication media, and the communication media include any media that is conducive to transferring a computer program from one location to another.

[0024] Any reference to elements herein using names such as "first," "second," etc. does not limit the quantity or order of those elements unless such limitations are explicitly stated. Rather, these names may be used herein as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of elements. Thus, reference to a first element and a second element does not mean that only two elements may be employed there, or that the first element must precede the second element in some manner. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, a group of elements may include one or more elements.

[0025] As used herein, the term "substantially" in reference to a given parameter, attribute, or condition refers to and includes the degree to which a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the given parameter, attribute, or condition is satisfied with a small degree of variance, such as, for example, within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. By way of example, depending on the particular parameter, attribute, or condition that is substantially satisfied, the parameter, attribute, or condition may be satisfied by at least 90%, by at least 95%, or even by at least 99%.

[0026] As used herein, any relative terms (such as "above", "below", "on", "below", "upper", "lower", but not limited to) are used for clarity and convenience in understanding the present disclosure and the drawings, and do not imply or depend on any particular preference, orientation, or order unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] In this description, the term "coupled" and its derivatives may be used to indicate that two elements cooperate or interact with each other. When an element is described as being "coupled" to another element, then the elements may be in direct physical or electrical contact, or there may be intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is described as being "directly coupled" to another element, then there are no intervening elements or layers. The term "connected" may be used interchangeably with the term "coupled" in this specification and have the same meaning, unless otherwise expressly indicated or the context would indicate otherwise to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0028] Capacitive sensors may be used in a variety of operating environments, such as, but not limited to, capacitive proximity sensing, distance sensing, level sensing, and material quantity sensing.

[0029] Self-capacitance can be used to infer information about a material of interest. Self-capacitance is the capacitance of an electrode to a virtual ground, and such virtual ground may be known or may be unknown. When the self-capacitance of an electrode is measured, this is typically done relative to a voltage signal having a local ground as a reference potential, and the signal is used as an indication of the magnitude of the electrode's self-capacitance or changes therein. There may be variations in the coupling between the electrode and the virtual ground, which affect the electrode's self-capacitance and the indication of self-capacitance, and such variations may be known or unknown. As a non-limiting example, if an electrode is coupled to a material of interest, there may be electrical coupling of the material of interest to the ground potential or local ground of the capacitive sensor due to environmental factors (e.g., an object contacting the material or a device under test in which the material is present, but not limited thereto), which may affect the electrode's self-capacitance and the indication of self-capacitance.

[0030] The self-capacitance of the electrode and an indication of the self-capacitance (hereinafter collectively referred to as "self-capacitance") generally changes in a predictable manner (e.g., proportionally, but not limited to) when an object contacts the electrode, the object moves closer to or farther away from the electrode, or the material properties (such as dielectric properties) of the object change, but not limited to this. Non-limiting examples of dielectric properties include dielectric geometry (e.g., thickness or width of the material, but not limited to this) and dielectric material characteristics (i.e., a characterization of energy absorption from an electric field). In the case where the material includes two or more different types of materials, the dielectric properties of the material may change in response to changes in the corresponding dielectric properties of the first component material and the second component material, or in response to changes in the ratio of the corresponding amounts of the first component material and the second component material.

[0031] The inventors of the present disclosure will appreciate that the gas-filled particles within the chamber behave like objects in the vicinity of an electrode located on an exterior surface of a structure that at least partially defines the chamber. Such gas-filled particles affect the self-capacitance of the electrode in a reliably observable manner. One or more dielectric properties of the gas-filled particles may change in proportion to a change in the number of particles comprising the gas-filled particles. As a non-limiting example, a dielectric material property of the gas-filled particles may change in proportion to a change in the number of particles comprising the gas-filled particles.

[0032] The self-capacitance value of the electrode may correspond to the number of particles including the gas-filled particles, and may change proportionally in response to a change in the number of particles including the gas-filled particles.

[0033] The inventors of the present disclosure will appreciate that the self-capacitance of an electrode can be used to infer information about the number of particles including gas-filled particles in a chamber. A sufficiently large change in the self-capacitance can be used as an indication of a change from a first state of the particle (e.g., a particle number at or below a predetermined threshold, but not limited thereto) to a second state of the particle (e.g., a particle number above a predetermined threshold, but not limited thereto).

[0034] "Aeration" means that air or another gas (collectively referred to herein as "air") is introduced into the chamber, thereby causing particles to be suspended or dispersed in the air. The aeration process involves mixing air with the particulate material.

[0035] Figure 1 is a block diagram depicting a system 100 for sensing a particle count of a gas filling in a chamber, according to one or more examples.

[0036] In one or more examples, the particles present in the chamber may be aerated or non-aerated (non-aerated is also referred to herein as "static").

[0037] In one or more examples, a portion of the particles present in the chamber may be aerated and a portion of the particles present in the chamber may be non-aerated.

[0038] The system 100 includes a housing structure 102 and a capacitance quantity sensing system 136. The capacitance quantity sensing system 136 includes an electrode 122, a sensor 126, and a logic circuit 130.

[0039] The housing structure 102 may be a box, container, housing, other enclosed structural element, or portions thereof capable of defining a chamber within the housing structure. The housing structure 102 at least partially defines an interior chamber 104. The housing structure 102 includes at least two ports: a first port 106 for receiving a feed air stream 112, and optionally, particles carried therewith (e.g., via friction, but not limited thereto), and a second port 108 for sending or exhausting the exhaust feed air stream 110. The particles carried by the feed air stream 112 may be referred to as "feed particles," and particles already present in the chamber (if any) may be referred to herein as "chamber particles." When feed particles are added to chamber particles, the number of chamber particles increases.

[0040] Non-limiting examples of the first port 106 and the second port 108 include, but are not limited to, an orifice, a valve structure, a conduit structure, or a combination thereof. In the case where the first port 106 is a valve structure, the valve structure controls / regulates the flow of feed air flow 112 into the internal chamber 104. Such a valve structure can be used to regulate the size of feed particles allowed into the internal chamber 104 or the number of feed particles allowed into the internal chamber 104. In some cases, such a valve structure can operate as a safety or shutoff mechanism to shut off the feed air flow 112 in the event of an abnormality or other situation that may impair the operation of the system 100 or otherwise reduce system performance.

[0041] The housing structure 102 , the first port 106 , or the second port 108 may be operably coupled to any suitable source compatible with the operating conditions for providing the feed air flow 112 or exhausting the exhaust feed air flow 110 .

[0042] The housing structure 102 may direct the feed air flow 112 and the feed particles carried therewith to the interior chamber 104. The housing structure 102 may contain and retain the particles 114 in the interior chamber 104. The particles 114 may be or include aerated particles 116, non-aerated particles (e.g., static, but not limited thereto), or both aerated particles and non-aerated particles. Thus, at any given moment, the housing structure 102 may contain and retain the particles 114 within the interior chamber 104 as static particles, aerated particles 116, or both static particles and aerated particles.

[0043] Aerated particles 116 of particles 114 may be aerated by feed air flow 112. Feed particles may be received at interior chamber 104 continuously or intermittently over one or more time periods and added to particles 114 and aerated particles 116 via feed air flow 112.

[0044] The feed air flow 112 may exhibit at least two states: active (e.g., an air flow rate above a threshold into the interior chamber 104, which may be greater than or equal to zero, but is not limited thereto) or inactive (e.g., an air flow rate below a threshold into the interior chamber 104, which may be greater than or equal to zero, but is not limited thereto). The feed air flow 112 may be continuous over a period of time (i.e., exhibit an active state throughout the period of time), or may be discontinuous over a period of time (i.e., exhibit an active state and an inactive state throughout the period of time). The state of the feed air flow 112 may be based at least in part on the specific operating environment of the system 100.

[0045] If aeration of particles 114 ceases (i.e., the particles are not actively aerated by feed air flow 112 or one or more other air flows (but not limited thereto)) for a period of time, housing structure 102 may contain and maintain static particles of particles 114 within interior chamber 104, which were previously aerated particles 116. If aeration is initiated or resumed at housing structure 102 via feed air flow 112 for a period of time, some or all of particles 114 in interior chamber 104 may become aerated particles 116. Thus, in some cases, aerated particles 116 may include newly received feed particles and chamber particles that were present in interior chamber 104 prior to initiation of feed air flow 112.

[0046] In some cases, at least a portion of the particles 114 may not be aerated when the feed air flow 112 is active. As a non-limiting example, the internal chamber 104 may be configured to circulate the feed air flow 112 so that the feed air flow 112 may move in a cyclonic path (e.g., a circular spiral path, but not limited thereto) within the internal chamber 104. As the feed air flow 112 follows the cyclonic path, the inertia of the particles heavier than the air molecules of the feed air flow 112 overcomes the friction between the air molecules and the heavier particles (heavier than the air molecules), and the heavier particles eventually collide with the interior surface of the housing structure 102 and accumulate or accumulate at the bottom or support surface of the internal chamber 104 under the action of gravity. Thus, during contemplated operation, at a given moment: all of the particles within the interior chamber 104 may be aerated and move substantially with the feed air flow 112; a portion of the particles within the interior chamber 104 may be aerated and move substantially with the feed air flow 112, and another different portion of the particles within the interior chamber 104 may not move substantially with the feed air flow 112 (e.g., static, falling under gravity, but not limited to such); or all of the particles within the interior chamber 104 may not move substantially with the feed air flow 112.

[0047] The particulate material of particles 114 can be homogeneous or non-homogeneous (e.g., a mixture of two or more different particulate materials, but not limited thereto). Individual particulate materials can exhibit different sizes, shapes, densities, or masses. These differences may help explain why, in some cases, some particles 114 are aerated particles 116, while some particles 114 are static particles.

[0048] In one or more examples, the housing structure 102 may operate as a conduit that at least temporarily contains and retains particles of the feed air flow 112 and directs the feed air flow 112 and particles carried therewith from a first region of the housing structure 102 to a second, different region of the housing structure 102 .

[0049] The housing structure 102 may exhibit any shape (e.g., tubular, quadrilateral, spherical, hemispherical, cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, truncated forms thereof, or irregular shapes, but not limited thereto) and size capable of containing and retaining, for example, a feed air stream 112 moving therein in a cyclic or linear motion pattern and particles carried therewith. The housing structure 102 may be formed of and include any non-conductive material (e.g., glass, non-conductive or appropriately conductively inhibited alloys, polymers, ceramics, composite materials, or combinations thereof) compatible with operating conditions (e.g., temperature, weight, air pressure, air flow rate, but not limited thereto). The material of the housing structure 102 does not include conductive materials or includes only negligible amounts of conductive materials, as conductive materials may negatively affect the capacitance measurements discussed below.

[0050] The volume of the internal chamber 104 is at least partially defined by the housing structure 102 and can exhibit any shape (e.g., tubular, quadrilateral, spherical, hemispherical, cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, truncated forms thereof, or irregular shapes (i.e., asymmetric shapes), but is not limited thereto). In one or more examples, a suitable shape and size of the volume of the internal chamber 104 can be selected for an application utilizing the system 100.

[0051] Capacitive quantity sensing system 136 utilizes capacitive sensing to determine the quantity of particles present in interior chamber 104 and generates a value representative of the determined quantity. As described above, capacitive quantity sensing system 136 includes electrodes 122, sensor 126, and logic circuit 130.

[0052] The electrodes 122, the sensors 126, and the logic circuit 130 cooperate to determine the number of particles present in the interior chamber 104 of the housing structure 102, or a derivative thereof. More specifically, the electrodes 122, the sensors 126, and the logic circuit 130 cooperate to measure the self-capacitance of the electrodes 122 (e.g., to measure the absolute self-capacitance, to measure the difference between the self-capacitance and a baseline self-capacitance, or to measure the change in the self-capacitance over a period of time, or any combination thereof, but not limited thereto), and determine a value 132 representing the number of particles present in the interior chamber 104 in response, at least in part, to the self-capacitance measurement of the electrodes 122. The value 132 may also be referred to herein as a "quantity value 132". The logic circuit 130 may provide the determined quantity value 132 to other circuits or a user.

[0053] The electrode 122 may be formed of any conductive material (e.g., a metal, an alloy, a conductive polymer (e.g., a semiconductor, but not limited thereto), a conductive ceramic, or a combination thereof, but not limited thereto) and include a large number of such conductive materials. In one or more examples, the electrode 122 is coupled 120 to the external surface 118 of the housing structure 102. In one or more examples, the electrode 122 may be attached to the external surface 118 of the housing structure 102. In one or more examples, the electrode 122 may be formed in the material of the housing structure 102 (e.g., embedded via a molding process, but not limited thereto), the housing structure having a connection structure (e.g., a conductive pad, a conductive contact, or a wire, but not limited thereto) exposed at the external surface 118 or otherwise accessible from the outside and suitable for electrically connecting to the sensor 126. In one or more examples, the electrode 122 may be attached to the internal surface of the housing structure 102 and electrically connected to the capacitance quantity sensing system 136 via a conductive connection (such as a metal wire, but not limited thereto).

[0054] In one or more examples, the electrode 122 can exhibit an elongated shape, such as, but not limited to, a strip having an elongated portion of substantially uniform width and thickness. When coupled to the housing structure 102—whether attached to the exterior surface 118 of the housing structure 102, attached to the interior surface of the housing structure, or embedded in the material of the housing structure 102—the electrode 122 can be positioned, arranged, or located in a manner such that the longest length (e.g., the elongated portion of the strip, but not limited to) exhibits any orientation relative to the housing structure 102.

[0055] An optional grounded conductive material (not depicted) may be coupled to the shell structure 102 (e.g., attached to the exterior surface 118 of the shell structure 102, or formed in the material of the shell structure 102, which may be the same or different material as the material forming the electrodes 122, if any, but not limited thereto) to provide a grounded coupling to the particles 114 and the gas-filled particles 116, but this is not required.

[0056] Sensor 126 determines the self-capacitance of electrode 122 (eg, the apparent self-capacitance 124 of electrode 122) using a self-capacitance measurement process and generates a value 128 representative of the self-capacitance 124 of electrode 122. Value 128 may also be referred to herein as "self-capacitance value 128."

[0057] In one or more examples, the exhibited self-capacitance 124 may be presented in response to the sensor 126 performing a specific, predetermined self-capacitance measurement process with the electrode 122, as discussed in one or more examples below. The sensor 126 generates a self-capacitance value 128 in response to performing the measurement process. In one or more examples, the self-capacitance value 128 may be directly related to the actual self-capacitance of the electrode 122, or directly related to a change in a baseline self-capacitance of the electrode 122, which may be the same as or different from the actual self-capacitance of the electrode 122.

[0058] The logic circuit 130 determines a value 132 representing the number of particles 114 (static or inflated, or a combination thereof) present in the interior chamber 104 of the housing structure 102, and as described above, the determined number value 132 may be provided to other circuits or users. The logic circuit 130 determines the number value 132 based at least in part on the self-capacitance value 128 and a predetermined relationship between the self-capacitance value and the number of inflated particles. In one or more examples, the logic circuit 130 may utilize various predetermined relationships with the self-capacitance value. Non-limiting examples of predetermined relationships include: a predetermined relationship between the exhibited self-capacitance value 128 and the weight or mass of the particles 114 (static or inflated); or a predetermined relationship between the exhibited self-capacitance value 128 and the volume (e.g., a percentage or ratio, but not limited to this) of the interior chamber 104 of the housing structure 102 occupied by the particles 114 (static or inflated, or a combination thereof).

[0059] In examples where the predetermined relationship is between the weight or mass of the particles 114 and the self-capacitance value 128, the logic circuit 130 may determine the weight or mass of the particles present in the internal chamber 104 based at least in part on the predetermined relationship and the self-capacitance value 128, and the quantity value 132 may represent the determined weight or mass. In examples where the predetermined relationship is between the occupied volume of the internal chamber 104 and the self-capacitance value 128, the logic circuit 130 may determine the volume of the particles 114 present in the internal chamber 104 based at least in part on the predetermined relationship and the self-capacitance value 128, and the quantity value 132 may represent the determined volume.

[0060] The quantity value 132 may be provided or made available to a downstream user, as non-limiting examples, a threshold detector that determines a state of the internal chamber 104 or the housing structure 102 by comparing the quantity value 132 to one or more predetermined thresholds (e.g., not full, full, but not limited to); or a controller of a consumer appliance, wherein the controller provides status information about the number of particles present in the internal chamber 104 or a notification about an action to be taken with respect to the particles present in the internal chamber 104 (e.g., emptying the particles from the internal chamber 104, but not limited to this).

[0061] Figure 2 is a block diagram depicting an apparatus 200 for generating a self-capacitance value 128 according to one or more examples. The apparatus 200 is a non-limiting example of a sensor 126 or a sensor 126 and a logic circuit 130. The apparatus 200 includes the sensor 126 including an acquisition circuit 202 and a measurement circuit 204.

[0062] The acquisition circuit 202 generates an internal voltage 206 that is indicative of the exhibited self-capacitance 124 of the electrode 122. More specifically, in response to the acquisition circuit 202 performing a particular acquisition process, the internal voltage 206 is generated that exhibits a voltage level indicative of the exhibited self-capacitance 124. An increase or decrease in the voltage level of the internal voltage 206 should reflect a corresponding proportional increase or decrease in the exhibited self-capacitance 124.

[0063] A non-limiting example of a suitable acquisition process is a capacitive voltage divider (CVD) type self-capacitance measurement, which generates an internal voltage 206 on an internal sample-and-hold capacitor (internal capacitor not depicted). The CVD type measurement utilizes a capacitive voltage divider circuit, where if the internal circuits of the electrode 122 and the sensor 126 are each charged to a predetermined voltage and then share the charge, the resulting voltage at the internal capacitor (e.g., internal voltage 206, but not limited thereto) indicates the self-capacitance or change in self-capacitance at the electrode 122. Another non-limiting example of a suitable acquisition process is a charge transfer or charge distribution type self-capacitance measurement, which converts the amount of charge signal indicating the self-capacitance or change in self-capacitance into a voltage signal.

[0064] The measurement circuit 204 may generate a self-capacitance value 128 that is a digital representation of the voltage level of the internal voltage 206 or a value derived from the voltage level of the internal voltage 206. As a non-limiting example, the measurement circuit 204 may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to generate a digital value representing the voltage level of the internal voltage 206. In one or more examples, the digital value representing the voltage level of the internal voltage 206 may represent the exhibited self-capacitance 124 of the electrode 122, or may be scaled or changed by a predetermined amount or function to a value representing the exhibited self-capacitance 124.

[0065] As described above, the logic circuit 130 includes a predetermined relationship 208 for indirectly relating the self-capacitance value 128 and the exhibited self-capacitance 124 to the number of particles 114 (static or inflated). In one or more examples, the predetermined relationship 208 can be defined in the logic of the logic circuit 130 to calculate the number value of the particles based at least in part on the self-capacitance value 128, such as an algorithm or function, but not limited to this. Additionally or alternatively, the predetermined relationship 208 can be defined in one or more tables (such as a lookup table (LUT) that associates self-capacitance values ​​with quantity values) and optionally used to interpolate the quantity value based on the self-capacitance value between the specified self-capacitance value and the associated quantity value. The logic circuit 130 can use the self-capacitance value 128 to identify and / or interpolate the quantity value for the quantity value 132.

[0066] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3CSchematic views of example orientations 300a, 300b, and 300c, respectively, of electrodes 308 positioned at a wall 306 of a housing structure 304 (e.g., on a surface of the wall 306 corresponding to an exterior surface of the housing structure 304, on a surface of the wall 306 corresponding to an interior surface of the housing structure 304, or embedded in the material of the wall 306, without limitation). xyz coordinate references are used to describe Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C The orientation depicted. Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C , the x-axis corresponds to the width of the wall 306 of the housing structure 304, and the z-axis corresponds to the height of the wall 306 of the housing structure 304. As a non-limiting example, the “height” and “width” of the wall 306 of the housing structure 304 depend on specific operating conditions and applications.

[0067] Figure 3A An example orientation 300a is depicted in which the electrode 302 is positioned at the wall 306 to orient the longest length of the electrode 302 in a direction 314 that is parallel to the width of the housing structure 304 and perpendicular to the height of the housing structure 304. The central longitudinal axis direction of the electrode 302 is aligned with the x-axis of the depicted xyz coordinate reference. In the case where the housing structure 304 exhibits a substantially circular cross-section, the longest length of the electrode 302 is perpendicular to the height of the housing structure 304.

[0068] Figure 3B An example orientation 300b is depicted in which electrode 308 is positioned at wall 306 to orient the longest length of electrode 308 in direction 312 parallel to the height of housing structure 304 and perpendicular to the width of housing structure 304. The central longitudinal axis direction of electrode 308 is aligned with the z-axis of the depicted xyz coordinate reference.

[0069] Figure 3C An example orientation 300c is depicted in which the electrode 310 is positioned at the wall 306 to orient the longest length of the electrode 310 in a direction 316 that is angled to the height and width of the housing structure. The direction of the central longitudinal axis of the electrode 310 is aligned at an angle that bisects the x-axis and z-axis of the depicted xyz coordinate reference. Where the housing structure 304 exhibits a substantially circular cross-section, the direction of the central longitudinal axis of the electrode 310 is aligned at an angle that bisects the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis of the depicted xyz coordinate reference.

[0070] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4Dis a diagrammatic illustration of an example geometry of the volume defined by the interior chamber 104 of the housing structure 102 . Figure 4A An example is depicted in which the interior chamber 104 defines a volume having a cylindrical geometry. Figure 4B An example is depicted in which the interior chamber 104 defines a volume having a rectangular geometry. Figure 4C An example is depicted in which the interior chamber 104 defines a volume having a generally conical geometry. Figure 4D An example is depicted in which the interior chamber 104 defines a volume having an irregular geometry, and more specifically, a generally cubic geometry connected to a generally conical geometry.

[0071] Figure 5 is a flow chart depicting a process 500 for determining the amount of particles present in an interior chamber of a housing structure according to one or more examples. As a non-limiting example, some or all of the operations of process 500 may be performed by capacitive quantity sensing system 136 of system 100.

[0072] Although the example process 500 depicts a particular order of operations, this order may be changed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, some of the operations depicted may be performed in parallel or in a different order without materially affecting the functionality of the process 500. In other examples, different components of the example device or system implementing the process 500 may perform functions substantially simultaneously or in a particular order.

[0073] According to one or more examples, process 500 includes, at operation 502 , capacitively determining an amount of particulates present in an interior chamber of a housing structure as the housing structure receives a feed air flow into the interior chamber of the housing structure.

[0074] According to one or more examples, process 500 includes, at operation 504 , providing a value (eg, a quantity value, but not limited thereto) representing a capacitively determined quantity of particles.

[0075] Figure 6 6 is a flow chart depicting a process 600 for measuring the capacitance of an electrode coupled to a housing structure as part of a process for capacitively determining the number of particles present in an interior chamber of a housing structure according to one or more examples. As non-limiting examples, some or all of the operations of process 600 may be performed by acquisition circuit 202 and measurement circuit 204, sensor 126, capacitance quantity sensing system 136, or system 100.

[0076] Although the example process 600 depicts a particular order of operations, this order may be changed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, some of the operations depicted may be performed in parallel or in a different order without materially affecting the functionality of the process 600. In other examples, different components of an example device or system implementing the process 600 may perform functions substantially simultaneously or in a particular order.

[0077] According to one or more examples, process 600 includes, at operation 602, performing a self-capacitance measurement on an electrode coupled to a housing structure when the housing structure receives a feed air flow into an internal chamber. Performing the self-capacitance measurement may include performing a self-capacitance measurement process. Non-limiting examples of such a self-capacitance measurement process include CVD-type self-capacitance measurement or charge transfer self-capacitance measurement.

[0078] According to one or more examples, process 600 includes, at operation 604 , generating a value representing a self-capacitance of the electrode at least in part in response to performing a self-capacitance measurement on the electrode.

[0079] According to one or more examples, process 600 includes, at operation 606 , providing a value representing a self-capacitance of an electrode.

[0080] According to one or more examples, process 600 optionally includes, at operation 608 , determining an amount of particulate present in an interior chamber of the housing structure based at least in part on a value representing a self-capacitance of the electrode.

[0081] Figure 7 is a flow chart depicting a process 700 for capacitively determining the number of particles present in an interior chamber of a housing structure according to one or more examples. As non-limiting examples, some or all of the operations of process 700 may be performed by logic circuit 130, device 200, capacitive quantity sensing system 136, or system 100.

[0082] Although the example process 700 depicts a particular order of operations, this order may be changed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, some of the operations depicted may be performed in parallel or in a different order without materially affecting the functionality of the process 700. In other examples, different components of an example device or system implementing the process 700 may perform functions substantially simultaneously or in a particular order.

[0083] According to one or more examples, process 700 includes, at operation 702 , obtaining a value representing a self-capacitance measurement of an electrode coupled to a housing structure that receives a feed air flow to an interior chamber of the housing structure.

[0084] According to one or more examples, process 700 includes, at operation 704 , determining a particle count present in an interior chamber of a housing structure based at least in part on a value representing a self-capacitance of an electrode and a predetermined relationship between self-capacitance and particle count.

[0085] According to one or more examples, process 700 includes, at operation 706 , providing a value representative of the determined amount of particles present in the interior chamber of the housing structure.

[0086] The value representing the number of particles in the internal chamber can be used to determine one or more states of the internal chamber. Non-limiting examples of states may include empty, not empty, full, and not full. Such state information may be relevant to the specific application of the various examples discussed herein. As a non-limiting example, if the internal chamber 104 is the chamber being monitored and there is a safety or automatic shutoff switch for the feed air flow 112 (which is activated when the number of particles is above a certain level), then the state information may be relevant. As another non-limiting example, such status information may be presented on a digital display (e.g., on a device, appliance, or industrial system that includes system 100 or a device that communicates electronically (e.g., wired, wireless, wired and wireless, but not limited to) with system 100), such as a mobile device (e.g., a tablet computer, a smart phone, a wearable computer (e.g., a smart watch or wristband, but not limited to), a personal computer (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop computer, but not limited to), a smart television, a dedicated appliance monitoring or control device, but not limited to), a user interface, or a combination thereof (e.g., a graphical user interface presented at a display of a device, appliance, or industrial system that includes system 100 or a device that communicates electronically with system 100).

[0087] Figure 8 8 is a flow chart depicting a process 800 for determining a state of an internal chamber or housing structure according to one or more examples. As non-limiting examples, some or all of the operations of process 800 may be performed by system 100, capacitance quantity sensing system 136, logic circuit 130, or device 200 (but not limited thereto).

[0088] Although the example process 800 depicts a particular order of operations, this order may be changed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, some of the operations depicted may be performed in parallel or in a different order without materially affecting the functionality of the process 800. In other examples, different components of an example device or system implementing the process 800 may perform functions substantially simultaneously or in a particular order.

[0089] According to one or more examples, process 800 includes obtaining a value representing a number of particles present in an interior chamber of a housing structure, the number being capacitively determined while the housing structure is receiving a feed air flow, at operation 802. In one or more examples, the value representing the number of particles present can be obtained in response to process 500 or process 700.

[0090] According to one or more examples, process 800 includes comparing a threshold to a value representing a number of particles present in an interior chamber of a housing structure at operation 804. In one or more examples, the threshold has a predetermined value. The value of the threshold may indicate a threshold number of particles, wherein values ​​above the threshold are associated with an interior chamber having at least the threshold number of particles, and values ​​below the threshold are associated with an interior chamber having less than the threshold number of particles.

[0091] According to one or more examples, process 800 includes: at operation 806, determining a state of an internal chamber of the housing structure at least in part in response to the comparison. In one or more examples, the state of the internal chamber can be "full" or "not full". In one or more examples, process 800 determines the full state in response to the comparison indicating that the value representing the number of particles is greater than a threshold value. In one or more examples, process 800 determines the not full state in response to the comparison indicating that the value representing the number of particles is less than or equal to a threshold value. As a non-limiting example, the amount of particles corresponding to the full state or the not full state may depend on the application or operating conditions. The use of the term "full" does not intend that particles may not be added to the chamber particles, or that the chamber particles occupy the entire space of the internal chamber. "Full" is used to indicate a predetermined upper limit of the amount of particles, which predetermined upper limit may include occupying the entire space, but is not limited thereto. In addition to or as an alternative to the states discussed above, the use of other states does not exceed the scope of the present disclosure. As a non-limiting example, another threshold may be used to indicate a lower threshold limit, below which the internal chamber is considered empty, and above which the internal chamber is considered not empty.

[0092] According to one or more examples, process 800 includes, at operation 808 , providing an indication of the determined state of the internal chamber or housing structure.

[0093] In some cases, the number of particles in the interior chamber can be used to determine one or more states of the feed air flow. Non-limiting examples of states can include high flow rate, low flow rate, and no flow rate. Such state information can be related to the operating environment of the system 100. As a non-limiting example, no flow rate or low flow rate can indicate that the appliance or device is not operating properly. As a non-limiting example, a vacuum cleaner may be unable to vacuum debris into its debris holding chamber unless the flow rate of the feed air flow is above a threshold.

[0094] Fig. 9is a flow chart depicting a process 900 for determining a state of a feed air flow based on a particulate count, according to one or more examples.

[0095] Although the example process 900 depicts a particular order of operations, this order may be changed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, some of the operations depicted may be performed in parallel or in a different order without materially affecting the functionality of the process 900. In other examples, different components of the example device or system implementing the process 900 may perform functions substantially simultaneously or in a particular order.

[0096] According to some examples, process 900 includes obtaining, at operation 902, a first value representing a quantity of particles present in an interior chamber of a housing structure, the quantity being capacitively determined at a first time when the housing structure is receiving a feed air flow. In one or more examples, the first value representing the quantity of particles can be obtained in response to performing process 500 or process 700 for the first time.

[0097] According to some examples, process 900 includes, at operation 904, obtaining a second value representing a number of particles present in an interior chamber of the housing structure, the number being capacitively determined at a second time when the housing structure is receiving a feed air flow. In one or more examples, the first value representing the number of particles can be obtained in response to performing process 500 or process 700 a second time, wherein the second performing operation 904 and the first performing operation 902 are performed at different times (e.g., the first time and the second time, both of which are different, but not limited thereto).

[0098] According to some examples, process 900 includes: comparing the threshold value to the difference between the first value and the second value at operation 906. The difference between the number of particles present at the first time and the second time (which difference may also be characterized herein as a "change in number") may indicate whether particles are added to the chamber particles or indicate the rate at which particles are added to the chamber particles. In some examples, if the particles are not added or the number does not increase as expected, this may indicate that the state of the feed air flow is no flow or low flow. In one or more examples, the threshold value may be preset to one or more values, which indicate no flow or low flow of the feed air flow, respectively. As a non-limiting example, if the difference value is not equal to or greater than a corresponding threshold value in the one or more threshold values, this will indicate a potential no flow or low flow scenario for the feed air flow.

[0099] Notably, the no-flow or low-flow scenario may also apply to the exhausted feed air flow 110. In one or more examples, a threshold value may be selected that indicates no-flow or low-flow for the feed air flow or the exhausted feed air flow, in which case both may be checked and troubleshooted. In one or more examples, a first threshold value may be selected that indicates no-flow or low-flow for the feed air flow, and a second threshold value may be selected that indicates no-flow or low-flow for the exhausted feed air flow, and the respective state of the feed air flow or the exhausted feed air flow may be determined based at least in part on the.

[0100] By way of non-limiting example, a flow above the threshold may be caused by a missing or faulty filter, or by a faulty motor (e.g., overproduction of a fan or blowing / suction mechanism, but not limited thereto) responsible for generating the feed airflow or the exhausted feed airflow. By way of non-limiting example, a flow below the threshold may be caused by a clogged filter, an obstruction (e.g., foreign matter at least partially blocking the fluid path, but not limited thereto), or a faulty motor (e.g., underproduction of a fan or blowing / suction mechanism, but not limited thereto).

[0101] As described herein, the housing structure 102 can be a conduit structure or a part of a conduit structure, and the capacitive sensing system can be a flow rate sensor on the conduit structure or a component of a flow rate sensor. In this case, the exhaust feed air flow is an air flow 110 that is expected to carry (e.g., come out of the internal chamber 104 via the second port 108) some or all of the particles brought in by the feed air flow 112. As a non-limiting example, if the quantity value increases, increases too fast, or does not decrease, this may indicate that the state of the exhaust air flow is no flow or low flow. In one or more examples, the threshold value may be preset to one or more values, which respectively indicate no flow or low flow of the exhaust air flow. As a non-limiting example, if the difference value is not equal to or less than the corresponding threshold value in one or more threshold values, this will indicate a potential no flow or low flow scenario of the exhaust air flow.

[0102] According to some examples, process 900 includes determining a state of the feed air flow at least in part in response to the comparison at operation 908. In one or more examples, the state of the feed air flow can be determined by comparing a difference between the obtained first value and the obtained second value to a threshold value. In one or more examples, the value of the threshold value can be preset based on a known relationship between a rate of change of the number of particles and a flow rate of the feed air flow.

[0103] According to some examples, process 900 includes providing an indication of the determined state of the feed air flow at operation 910. As non-limiting examples, the indication may be provided to an audible or visual alarm system, an automatic shutoff or an appliance safety system,

[0104] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the functional elements (eg, functions, operations, actions, processes or methods) of the examples disclosed herein may be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware or a combination thereof. Fig.10 Non-limiting examples of specific implementations of the functional elements disclosed herein are illustrated.In some examples, some or all of the functional elements disclosed herein may be performed by hardware specifically configured to perform the functional elements.

[0105] Fig.10 1000 is a block diagram of a circuit 1000 that can be used to implement various functions, operations, actions, processes, or methods disclosed herein in some examples. The circuit 1000 includes one or more processors 1002 (sometimes referred to herein as "processors 1002") that are operably coupled to one or more data storage devices 1004 (sometimes referred to herein as "storage devices 1004"). The storage devices 1004 include machine executable code 1006 stored thereon, and the processor 1002 includes logic circuits 1008. The machine executable code 1006 information describes functional elements that can be implemented by (e.g., executed by) the logic circuits 1008. The logic circuits 1008 are suitable for implementing (e.g., executing) the functional elements described by the machine executable code 1006. When executing the functional elements described by the machine executable code 1006, the circuit 1000 should be regarded as dedicated hardware configured to perform the functional elements disclosed herein. In some examples, processor 1002 may be configured to execute the functional elements described by machine executable code 1006 sequentially, concurrently (eg, on one or more different hardware platforms), or in one or more parallel process flows.

[0106] When implemented by logic circuitry 1008 of processor 1002, machine executable code 1006 is configured to adapt processor 1002 to perform operations of the examples disclosed herein. By way of non-limiting example, machine executable code 1006 may be configured to adapt processor 1002 to perform some or all of the operations of the process discussed herein for determining the number of gas-filled particles present in an interior chamber of a housing structure.

[0107] Also by way of non-limiting example, the machine executable code 1006 may be configured to adapt the processor 1002 to perform some or all of the features, functions, or operations disclosed herein for one or more of the following: the system 100 or the device 200, and more specifically the features, functions, or operations disclosed herein for one or more of the following: the electrode 122, the sensor 126, the logic circuit 130, the acquisition circuit 202, or the measurement circuit 204.

[0108] The processor 1002 may include a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, a programmable logic controller (PLC), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, other programmable devices, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions disclosed herein. A general-purpose computer including a processor is considered a special-purpose computer, and the general-purpose computer is configured to execute functional elements corresponding to the machine executable code 1006 (e.g., software code, firmware code, hardware description) associated with the embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the general-purpose processor (which may also be referred to as a host processor or simply a host in this article) may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, the processor 1002 may include any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor 1002 may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0109] In some examples, the storage device 1004 includes a volatile data storage device (e.g., a random access memory (RAM)), a non-volatile data storage device (e.g., a flash memory, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), but not limited thereto). In some examples, the processor 1002 and the storage device 1004 may be implemented as a single device (e.g., a semiconductor device product, a system on a chip (SOC), but not limited thereto). In some examples, the processor 1002 and the storage device 1004 may be implemented as independent devices.

[0110] In some examples, machine executable code 1006 may include computer readable instructions (e.g., software code, firmware code). As a non-limiting example, the computer readable instructions may be stored by storage device 1004, directly accessed by processor 1002, and executed by processor 1002 using at least logic circuit 1008. Also as a non-limiting example, the computer readable instructions may be stored on storage device 1004, transferred to a memory device (not shown) for execution, and executed by processor 1002 using at least logic circuit 1008. Therefore, in some examples, logic circuit 1008 includes logic circuit 1008 that can be configured in an electrically manner.

[0111] In some examples, machine executable code 1006 may describe hardware (e.g., circuits) to be implemented in logic circuit 1008 to perform functional elements. The hardware may be described at any of a variety of abstraction levels from low-level transistor layout to a high-level description language. At a high level of abstraction, a hardware description language (HDL) may be used, such as an IEEE standard hardware description language (HDL). By way of non-limiting example, Verilog TM 、SystemVerilog TM or Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) Hardware Description Language (VHDL).

[0112] The HDL description may be converted into a description at any of a variety of other abstraction levels as desired. As a non-limiting example, the high-level description may be converted into a logic-level description such as a register transfer language (RTL), a gate-level (GL) description, a layout-level description, or a mask-level description. As a non-limiting example, the micro-operations to be performed by the hardware logic circuits (e.g., gates, flip-flops, registers, but not limited thereto) of the logic circuit 1008 may be described in RTL and then converted into a GL description by a synthesis tool, and the GL description may be converted into a layout-level description by a placement and routing tool, which corresponds to the physical layout of an integrated circuit, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or a combination thereof of a programmable logic device. Therefore, in some examples, the machine executable code 1006 may include HDL, RTL, GL descriptions, mask-level descriptions, other hardware descriptions, or any combination thereof.

[0113] In examples where the machine executable code 1006 includes a hardware description (at any level of abstraction), a system (not shown, but including the storage device 1004) may be configured to implement the hardware description described by the machine executable code 1006. As a non-limiting example, the processor 1002 may include a programmable logic device (e.g., an FPGA or a PLC), and the logic circuit 1008 may be electrically controlled to implement circuits corresponding to the hardware description into the logic circuit 1008. Likewise, by way of non-limiting example, the logic circuit 1008 may include hard-wired logic components manufactured by a manufacturing system (not shown, but including the storage device 1004) according to the hardware description of the machine executable code 1006.

[0114] Regardless of whether the machine executable code 1006 includes computer readable instructions or a hardware description, the logic circuit 1008 is suitable for performing the functional elements described by the machine executable code 1006 when implementing the functional elements of the machine executable code 1006. It should be noted that although the hardware description may not directly describe the functional elements, the hardware description indirectly describes the functional elements that the hardware elements described by the hardware description are capable of performing.

[0115] Without exceeding the scope of the present disclosure, other types of capacitance may be observed and utilized to determine the number of aerated particles present in the interior chamber of the housing. As a non-limiting example, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that by appropriately varying the number and arrangement of electrodes 122 coupled to the exterior surface 118 of the housing structure 102, the sensor 126 may include logic for performing mutual capacitance measurements. In response to one or more mutual capacitance measurements, one or more electrodes 122 may exhibit mutual capacitance. The logic circuit 130 may include a predetermined relationship between the exhibited mutual capacitance and the number of particles present within the interior chamber 104 of the housing structure 102.

[0116] A further non-limiting embodiment of a suitable acquisition process is to utilize a relaxation oscillator that oscillates at a frequency indicative of the associated mutual capacitance. Another non-limiting example of a suitable technique is to utilize a circuit that tracks the time to charge the capacitance of the sensor node to a predetermined voltage or the amount of charge of the sensor node over a predetermined time period - the charging time or the amount of charge indicative of the mutual capacitance. A further non-limiting embodiment of a suitable acquisition process is to utilize a charge transfer circuit that accumulates charge onto an integrating capacitor, and the voltage on the integrating capacitor indicative of the mutual capacitance is compared to a reference voltage or read by an analog-to-digital converter for comparison to a threshold. Another non-limiting example of a suitable acquisition process is to utilize sigma-delta modulation, where the voltage on the external capacitor is modulated around a reference voltage in charge up and charge down operations, and the duration of these operations is indicative of the mutual capacitance.

[0117] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many advantages of the disclosed examples and applications for utilizing the disclosed examples. As a non-limiting example, a fill sensor on a reusable or disposable can or bag is used to collect and retain particles collected by a particle collector (such as a vacuum system or air filtration system), but is not limited to this, and the fill sensor notifies the user when a threshold amount of filling is detected in the can or bag. As a non-limiting example, an air flow rate sensor on a duct structure is used to transmit air flow through a hollow portion of the duct structure, and the air flow rate sensor notifies the user when a threshold amount of filling is detected in the hollow portion of the duct structure, and the threshold amount of filling is associated with a reduced or undesirable air flow rate. The disclosed examples can be used in consumer appliance applications, industrial process and system applications, or automotive applications without limitation. Other applications do not exceed the scope of the present disclosure.

[0118] As used in this disclosure, the term "module" or "component" may refer to a specific hardware implementation that is configured to perform the actions of a module or component and / or software object or software routine that may be stored on and / or executed by general-purpose hardware of a computing system (e.g., a computer-readable medium, a processing device, but not limited thereto). In some examples, the different components, modules, engines, and services described in this disclosure may be implemented as objects or processes (e.g., as separate threads) that execute on a computing system. Although some of the systems and methods described in this disclosure are generally described as being implemented in software (stored on and / or executed by general-purpose hardware), specific hardware implementations or combinations of software and specific hardware implementations are also possible and contemplated.

[0119] As used in this disclosure, the term "combination" referring to a plurality of elements may include any combination of all elements or various subcombinations of certain elements. For example, the phrase "A, B, C, D, or a combination thereof" may refer to any one of A, B, C, or D; a combination of each of A, B, C, and D; and any subcombination of A, B, C, or D, such as A, B, and C; A, B, and D; A, C, and D; B, C, and D; A and B; A and C; A and D; B and C; B and D; or C and D.

[0120] The terms used in this disclosure and in particular in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims, but not limited thereto) are generally intended to be "open" terms (e.g., the term "comprising" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," but not limited thereto). As used herein, the term "each" means "some or all." As used herein, the terms "each and every" mean "all."

[0121] Additionally, if a specific number of introduced claim expressions is intended, such intent will be expressly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such a recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may include the use of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim expressions. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that a claim expression introduced by the indefinite article "a" or "an" will limit any particular claim containing such introduced claim expression to an example containing only one such expression, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article, such as "a" or "a kind" (e.g., "a" and / or "a" may be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more", but not limited to such); the same is true when a claim expression is introduced using a definite article.

[0122] Furthermore, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, one skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted as intending at least the recited number (e.g., the unmodified recitation "two recitations" without other modifiers intends at least two recitations, or two or more recitations, but is not limited thereto). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention similar to "at least one of, but not limited to, A, B, and C" or "one or more of, but not limited to, A, B, and C" is used, such constructions are generally intended to include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together, but are not limited thereto.

[0123] In addition, any separate word or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the specification, claims or drawings, should be understood to include the possibility of one of the terms, any one of the terms, or both of the terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" should be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0124] Additional non-limiting examples include:

[0125] Embodiment 1: A system comprising: a shell structure for receiving a feed air flow into an internal chamber of the shell structure; an electrode coupled to the shell structure; a sensor for generating a value representing the self-capacitance of the electrode; and a logic circuit for determining a value representing the number of particles present in the internal chamber of the shell structure based at least in part on the value representing the self-capacitance of the electrode.

[0126] Embodiment 2: The system of Embodiment 1, wherein the logic circuit is used to determine the value representative of the number of particulates while the housing structure is receiving the feed air flow into the interior chamber.

[0127] Embodiment 3: The system of any of Embodiments 1 and 2, wherein the logic circuit is used to determine the value representing the number of particles when at least a portion of the particles within the interior chamber of the housing structure are at least partially inflated by the feed air flow.

[0128] Embodiment 4: The system of any of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the logic circuit is used to determine the value indicative of a particle count when the feed air flow is received into the interior chamber of the housing structure.

[0129] Embodiment 5: The system of any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the sensor is configured to generate the value representative of the self-capacitance of the electrode when gas-filled particles are present within the interior chamber of the housing structure.

[0130] Embodiment 6: The system of any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the sensor is used to generate the value representative of the self-capacitance of the electrode when the feed air flow is received into the interior chamber of the housing structure.

[0131] Embodiment 7: The system of any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the electrode is attached to an exterior surface of the housing.

[0132] Embodiment 8: The system of any one of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the electrodes are positioned such that the longest length of the electrodes is oriented in a direction parallel to the height of the housing structure.

[0133] Embodiment 9: The system of any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the electrodes are positioned such that the longest length of the electrodes is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the height of the housing structure.

[0134] Embodiment 10: The system of any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the electrodes are positioned so that the longest length of the electrodes is oriented in a direction that is at an angle to the height or width of the housing structure.

[0135] Embodiment 11: The system of any one of Embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the interior chamber of the housing defines a volume having a cylindrical geometry.

[0136] Embodiment 12: The system of any one of Embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the interior chamber of the housing defines a volume having a rectangular geometry.

[0137] Embodiment 13: The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the particulate material of the particles is non-uniform.

[0138] Embodiment 14: The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the particulate material of the particles is uniform.

[0139] Embodiment 15: A system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the sensor comprises: an acquisition circuit, the acquisition circuit being used to generate an internal voltage indicating the capacitance of the electrode in response to a capacitance measurement process; and a measurement circuit, the measurement circuit being used to generate the value representing the self-capacitance of the electrode at least partially in response to the internal voltage.

[0140] Embodiment 16: The system of any one of Embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the housing comprises: a first port for receiving the feed air flow into the interior chamber, and a second port for exhausting the exhaust air flow.

[0141] Embodiment 17: The system of any one of Embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the interior chamber is configured to circulate the feed air flow within the interior chamber.

[0142] Embodiment 18: A system comprising: a shell structure having an internal chamber; and a capacitive quantity sensing system for capacitively determining a quantity of particles present in the internal chamber when the shell structure receives a feed air flow into the internal chamber of the shell structure coupled to an electrode.

[0143] Embodiment 19: A system according to embodiment 18, wherein the capacitance quantity sensing system includes a sensor, wherein the sensor is used to: perform a self-capacitance measurement on an electrode coupled to the shell structure when the shell structure receives the feed air flow into the internal chamber; generate a value representing the self-capacitance of the electrode at least partially in response to performing the self-capacitance measurement on the electrode; and provide the value representing the self-capacitance of the electrode.

[0144] Embodiment 20: A system according to any one of Embodiments 18 and 19, wherein the capacitance quantity sensing system includes a logic circuit, the logic circuit being used to: obtain a value representing a self-capacitance measurement of an electrode coupled to a shell structure, the shell structure receiving a feed air flow into an internal chamber of the shell structure; determine the number of particles present in the internal chamber of the shell structure based at least in part on the value representing the self-capacitance of the electrode and a predetermined relationship between the self-capacitance and the number of particles; and provide a value representing the determined number of particles present in the internal chamber of the shell structure.

[0145] Embodiment 21: According to a system described in any of Embodiments 18 to 20, the system includes a logic circuit, which is used to: obtain a value representing the number of particles present in an internal chamber of a shell structure, the number being capacitively determined when the shell structure is receiving a feed air flow; compare a threshold value with the value representing the number of particles present in the internal chamber of the shell structure; determine a state of the internal chamber of the shell structure at least partially in response to the comparison; and provide an indication of the determined state of the internal chamber or the shell structure.

[0146] Embodiment 22: A system according to any one of Embodiments 18 to 21, wherein the system includes a logic circuit, wherein the logic circuit is used to: obtain a first value representing the number of particles present in an internal chamber of a shell structure, wherein the number is capacitively determined at a first time when the shell structure is receiving a feed air flow; obtain a second value representing the number of particles present in the internal chamber of the shell structure, wherein the number is capacitively determined at a second time when the shell structure is receiving the feed air flow; compare a threshold value with a difference between the first value and the second value; determine a state of the feed air flow at least in part in response to the comparison; and provide an indication of the determined state of the feed air flow.

[0147] Embodiment 23: A method comprising: capacitively determining an amount of particulates present in an interior chamber of a housing structure when the housing structure receives a feed air flow into the interior chamber of the housing structure; and providing a value representative of the measured amount of particulates.

[0148] Embodiment 24: A method according to Embodiment 23, wherein capacitively determining the number of particles present in the internal chamber of the shell structure includes: obtaining a value representing a self-capacitance measurement of an electrode coupled to the shell structure, the shell structure receiving a feed air flow into the internal chamber of the shell structure; determining the number of particles present in the internal chamber of the shell structure based at least in part on the value representing the self-capacitance of the electrode and a predetermined relationship between the self-capacitance and the number of particles; and providing a value representing the determined number of particles present in the internal chamber of the shell structure.

[0149] Embodiment 25: A method according to any one of Embodiments 23 and 24, wherein obtaining the value representing a self-capacitance measurement of the electrode includes; performing a self-capacitance measurement on the electrode coupled to the shell structure when the shell structure receives the feed air flow into the internal chamber; and obtaining the value representing the self-capacitance of the electrode at least partially in response to performing the self-capacitance measurement on the electrode.

[0150] Embodiment 26: A method according to any one of Embodiments 23 to 25, the method comprising: obtaining a value representing the number of particles present in the internal chamber of the shell structure, the number being capacitively determined when the shell structure is receiving the feed air flow into the internal chamber; comparing a threshold value with the value representing the number of particles present in the internal chamber of the shell structure; determining a state of the internal chamber of the shell structure at least partially in response to the comparison; and providing an indication of the determined state of the internal chamber or the shell structure.

[0151] Embodiment 27: According to the method described in any one of Embodiments 23 to 26, the method includes: obtaining a first value representing the amount of particles present in the internal chamber of the shell structure, the amount being capacitively determined at a first time when the shell structure is receiving the feed air flow into the internal chamber; obtaining a second value representing the amount of particles present in the internal chamber of the shell structure, the amount being capacitively determined at a second time when the shell structure is receiving the feed air flow into the internal chamber; and determining the state of the feed air flow or the exhaust feed air flow at least in part in response to the difference between the first value and the second value.

[0152] Embodiment 28: A method according to any one of Embodiments 23 to 27, wherein determining the state of the feed air flow or the exhaust feed air flow at least partially in response to the difference between the first value and the second value includes: comparing a threshold value with the difference between the first value and the second value; and determining the state of the feed air flow or the exhaust feed air flow at least partially in response to the comparison.

[0153] Embodiment 29: The method of any one of Embodiments 23 to 28, comprising providing an indication of the determined state of the feed air flow or the exhaust feed air flow.

[0154] Embodiment 30: According to the method described in any one of Embodiments 23 to 29, the method includes: providing information about the state of the feed air flow or the exhaust feed air flow to a user interface at least partially in response to an indication of the determined state of the feed air flow or the exhaust feed air flow.

[0155] Although the present invention is described with respect to certain illustrative examples disclosed herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize and understand that the present invention is not so limited. Instead, many additions, deletions, and modifications may be made to the illustrative examples and the examples described without departing from the scope of the present invention as claimed below and its legal equivalents. Furthermore, features from one example may be combined with features of another example while still being included within the scope of the present invention as contemplated by the inventor.

Claims

1. A system, comprising: a housing structure for receiving a feed air flow into an interior chamber of the housing structure; an electrode coupled to the housing structure; a sensor for generating a value representing a self-capacitance of the electrode; and Logic circuitry for determining a value representative of an amount of particulate matter present within the interior chamber of the housing structure based at least in part on the value representative of the self-capacitance of the electrode.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the logic circuit is used to determine the value representative of the number of particulates while the housing structure is receiving the feed air flow into the interior chamber.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the logic circuit is used to determine the value representative of the number of particles when at least a portion of the particles within the interior chamber of the housing structure are at least partially aerated by the feed air flow.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the logic circuit is used to determine the value indicative of a particle count when the feed air flow is received into the interior chamber of the housing structure.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to generate the value representative of the self-capacitance of the electrode in the presence of gas-filled particles within the interior chamber of the housing structure.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is used to generate the value representative of the self-capacitance of the electrode when the feed air flow is received into the interior chamber of the housing structure.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrodes are attached to an exterior surface of the housing.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrodes are positioned such that a longest length of the electrodes is oriented in a direction parallel to a height of the housing structure.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrodes are positioned such that a longest length of the electrodes is oriented in a direction perpendicular to a height of the housing structure.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrodes are positioned such that the longest length of the electrodes is oriented in a direction that is at an angle to the height or width of the housing structure.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the interior chamber of the housing defines a volume having a cylindrical geometry.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the interior chamber of the housing defines a volume having a rectangular geometry.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle material of the particles is non-uniform.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the particulate material of the particles is uniform.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises: an acquisition circuit for generating an internal voltage indicative of the capacitance of the electrode in response to a capacitance measurement process; and A measurement circuit is provided for generating the value representative of the self-capacitance of the electrode in response at least in part to the internal voltage.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises: a first port for receiving the feed air flow into the interior chamber, and A second port is provided for discharging the exhaust air flow.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the interior chamber is configured to circulate the feed air flow within the interior chamber.

18. A system, comprising: a housing structure having an interior chamber; and A capacitive quantity sensing system for capacitively determining a quantity of particulates present in the interior chamber of the housing structure coupled to an electrode when the housing structure receives a feed air flow into the interior chamber of the housing structure.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the capacitance quantity sensing system comprises a sensor configured to: performing a self-capacitance measurement on an electrode coupled to the housing structure as the housing structure receives a feed air flow into the interior chamber; generating a value representative of the self-capacitance of the electrode in response at least in part to performing the self-capacitance measurement on the electrode; and The value representing the self capacitance of the electrode is provided.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the capacitance quantity sensing system comprises a logic circuit configured to: obtaining a value representing a self-capacitance measurement of an electrode coupled to a housing structure that receives a feed air flow into an interior chamber of the housing structure; determining a quantity of particles present in the interior chamber of the housing structure based at least in part on the value representing the self-capacitance of the electrode and a predetermined relationship between self-capacitance and quantity of particles; as well as A value representative of the determined amount of particles present in the interior chamber of the housing structure is provided.

21. The system of claim 18, comprising logic circuitry configured to: obtaining a value representative of an amount of particulates present in an interior chamber of a housing structure, said amount being capacitively determined while said housing structure is receiving a feed air flow; comparing a threshold value to the value representing an amount of particles present in the interior chamber of the housing structure; determining a state of the interior chamber of the housing structure responsive at least in part to the comparison; as well as An indication of the determined state of the internal chamber or the housing structure is provided.

22. The system of claim 18, comprising logic circuitry configured to: obtaining a first value representative of an amount of particulates present in an interior chamber of a housing structure, said amount being capacitively determined at a first time while said housing structure is receiving a feed air flow; obtaining a second value representative of an amount of particulates present in an interior chamber of a housing structure, said amount being capacitively determined at a second time while said housing structure is receiving said feed air flow; comparing a threshold to a difference between the first value and the second value; determining a state of the feed air flow responsive at least in part to the comparison; as well as An indication of the determined state of the feed air flow is provided.

23. A method comprising: capacitively determining an amount of particulates present in an interior chamber of the housing structure when the housing structure receives a feed air flow into the interior chamber of the housing structure; as well as Provides a value representing the number of particles measured.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein capacitively determining the amount of particles present in the interior chamber of a housing structure comprises: obtaining a value representing a self-capacitance measurement of an electrode coupled to a housing structure that receives a feed air flow into an interior chamber of the housing structure; determining a quantity of particles present in the interior chamber of the housing structure based at least in part on the value representing the self-capacitance of the electrode and a predetermined relationship between self-capacitance and quantity of particles; as well as A value representative of the determined amount of particles present in the interior chamber of the housing structure is provided.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein obtaining the value representing a self-capacitance measurement of an electrode comprises: performing a self-capacitance measurement of an electrode coupled to the housing structure as the housing structure receives a feed air flow into the interior chamber; and A value representative of the self-capacitance of the electrode is obtained at least in part in response to performing the self-capacitance measurement on the electrode.

26. The method according to claim 23, comprising: obtaining a value representative of an amount of the particulates present in the interior chamber of the housing structure, the amount being capacitively determined while the housing structure is receiving the feed air flow into the interior chamber; comparing a threshold value to said value representing an amount of said particles present in said interior chamber of said housing structure; determining a state of the interior chamber of the housing structure responsive at least in part to the comparison; as well as An indication of the determined state of the internal chamber or the housing structure is provided.

27. The method according to claim 23, comprising: obtaining a first value representative of an amount of the particulates present in the interior chamber of the housing structure, the amount being capacitively determined at a first time while the housing structure is receiving the feed air flow into the interior chamber; obtaining a second value representative of an amount of the particulates present in the interior chamber of the housing structure, the amount being capacitively determined at a second time while the housing structure is receiving the feed air flow into the interior chamber; as well as A state of the feed air flow or the exhaust feed air flow is determined at least in part in response to a difference between the first value and the second value.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein determining the state of the feed air flow or the exhausted feed air flow at least in part in response to the difference between the first value and the second value comprises: comparing a threshold value to the difference between the first value and the second value; as well as The state of the feed air stream or the exhausted feed air stream is determined at least in part in response to the comparison.

29. The method according to claim 27, comprising: An indication of the determined state of the feed air stream or the exhausted feed air stream is provided.

30. The method of claim 27, comprising: Information regarding the state of the feed air flow or the exhaust feed air flow is provided to a user interface at least in part in response to an indication of the determined state of the feed air flow or the exhaust feed air flow.

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