Fan system and method for determining type of mask

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a fan system. A fan system adapted to be coupled to the mask and including a fan configured to facilitate airflow through the filter material of the mask; and a controller configured to control the fan to operate using the drive signal. The controller is further configured to acquire operational data of the fan driven by the test drive signal, and determine a type of the mask based on the operational data. In this case, the type is associated with a filtration characteristic of the mask. According to the embodiment of the invention, the type of the mask can be automatically identified by the controller based on the operation data of the fan obtained from the fan without additional parts, so that a solution which is cost-saving and friendly in design is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of masks, and more particularly, to fan systems adapted to be coupled to masks, masks, mask assemblies, methods for determining the type of masks, and computer program products. Background Art

[0002] As the environment becomes increasingly complex, masks are becoming increasingly necessary in daily life. Different types of masks may be needed for different environments. For example, KN95 / N95 masks are needed in highly polluted environments, while standard medical masks with a bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) greater than 95% can be used in more general environments. Often, when a mask is worn, the temperature and relative humidity inside the mask increase, making breathing very uncomfortable for the wearer. To improve comfort and effectiveness, a fan can be attached to the mask to facilitate airflow through the mask.

[0003] Since the filtering characteristics of KN95 / N95 masks and ordinary medical masks are different, it is desirable to adapt the performance of the fan to different types of masks to provide higher comfort. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure propose a solution for identifying mask types.

[0005] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fan system adapted to be coupled to a face mask. The fan system includes a fan configured to facilitate airflow through a filter material of the face mask; and a controller configured to control the operation of the fan using a drive signal. The controller is further configured to: obtain operational data of the fan driven by a test drive signal; and determine a type of the face mask based on the operational data, wherein the type is associated with the filtering characteristics of the face mask.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, the controller is configured to determine the type of mask based only on the operating data of the fan. In other words, the controller only receives the operating data of the fan as external input and output, and does not receive input from, for example, other sensors.

[0007] In some embodiments, different types of masks have different filtering characteristics, which in turn are correlated with the fan's operational performance. For example, when the fans are driven by the same drive signal and operate at a specific voltage, a fan attached to a mask with high filtering characteristics will rotate at a high speed. In contrast, a fan attached to a mask with low filtering characteristics will rotate at a low speed. In this way, the controller can automatically identify the type of mask based on the fan's operational data obtained from the fan without additional components, providing a cost-effective and design-friendly solution.

[0008] In some embodiments, the controller can be further configured to determine the mask type by obtaining reference data associated with the test drive signal, the reference data including operational data of a fan not coupled to the mask; and determining the type based on the reference data, the operational data, and preset criteria. Even fans of the same model may have different operational performance. In these embodiments, by considering reference data during standalone operation without being coupled to any mask, the accuracy of determining the mask type can be improved.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method may further include: a memory configured to store reference data and preset standards as fan specifications. In these embodiments, by providing the memory, useful data obtained in advance can be stored.

[0010] In some embodiments, the controller may be further configured to determine the type of the mask by: selecting at least one threshold range associated with the test drive signal from preset criteria; determining a difference between reference data and operational data; and, in response to determining that the difference is within a first threshold range of the at least one threshold range, determining the type of the mask to be the first type; and / or in response to determining that the difference is within a second threshold range of the at least one threshold range, determining the type of the mask to be the second type, wherein the second type has lower filtration characteristics than the first type, and the threshold value within the second threshold range is lower than the threshold value within the first threshold range. In these embodiments, the type of the mask may be determined by comparing the difference between the reference data and the operational data with different threshold ranges associated with different operating settings of the fan. In these embodiments, the threshold range is proportional to the filtration characteristic. For example, a larger value within the threshold range may indicate a higher filtration characteristic of the mask type. The filtration characteristic may be represented by a filtration resistance value of the mask, a filtration resistance-pressure difference curve, a filtration resistance-flow curve, a filtration resistance-rotation rate curve trend, a curve characteristic, or filtration resistance values at more than one test point, thereby determining the type of the mask in a manner similar to value comparison.

[0011] In some embodiments, determining the difference between the reference data and the operational data may include: determining, based on the operational data, whether the total airflow through the fan system includes respiratory airflow; in response to determining that the total airflow includes respiratory airflow, determining a base value for the operational data and determining the difference between the reference data and the base value; and / or in response to determining that the total airflow does not include respiratory airflow, determining the difference between the reference data and the values of the operational data. In these embodiments, if a mask is not worn when the fan is on, the airflow through the fan system does not involve respiratory airflow exhaled by the user. In this case, the operational data of the fan is stable. Therefore, any value of the operational data can be used to determine the difference. Accordingly, if a mask is worn when the fan is on, the airflow through the fan system necessarily includes respiratory airflow from the user. Respiratory airflow is periodic, causing the operational data to have an oscillating pattern. A base value for the operational data can be selected to determine the difference. In some embodiments, the base value can be a maximum, minimum, or average value of the operational data.

[0012] In some embodiments, the controller can be further configured to determine the type of mask by obtaining reference data associated with the test drive signal, the reference data including rated operating data for the fan; and determining that the type of mask is an abnormal type in response to determining that the reference data and the operating data do not meet preset criteria. In these embodiments, if the mask is an abnormal type, the fan system may not be configured for the mask. The fan system can then cease operation, thereby avoiding a malfunction that could result in an uncomfortable wearing experience.

[0013] In some embodiments, the controller can be further configured to: obtain a customized drive signal for the determined mask type; and utilize the customized drive signal to control fan operation. In these embodiments, each mask type is associated with an appropriate customized drive signal for controlling the fan. After determining the mask type, the corresponding customized drive signal can be transmitted to control the fan, thereby optimizing fan operation.

[0014] In some embodiments, the operational data may include at least one of the following: a fan speed value and / or speed sequence; a fan current value and / or current sequence; or a fan power consumption value and / or power consumption sequence. In these embodiments, the fan speed, current value, and power consumption are all correlated with the filtering characteristics of the mask. Thus, the type of mask can be determined based on any one of the speed, current value, and power consumption.

[0015] In a second aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a mask that covers at least a portion of a wearer's face to form a mask volume. The mask includes: a connector for connecting to the wearer; and an integrated filter sheet material disposed between the mask volume and the atmosphere, at least one sheet of the integrated filter sheet material being directly and / or indirectly secured to the connector, and the integrated filter sheet material having an input filter portion and an output filter portion, wherein the input filter portion and / or the output filter portion have predetermined filtering characteristics to indicate the type of mask, one of the input filter portion or the output filter portion being adapted for coupling, and a filtering resistance of one of the input filter portion or the output filter portion being greater than a filtering resistance of the other of the input filter portion and the output filter portion. According to the present disclosure, the filtering characteristics of the mask affect the operating performance of a fan. In other words, the material of the mask is configured to allow the fan system to identify its type using a mechanism according to the present disclosure.

[0016] In some embodiments, a visual indicator is further included for indicating one of the input filter portion and / or the output filter portion for coupling. In these embodiments, by providing the visual indicator, the input filter portion and the output filter portion for coupling can be clearly distinguished.

[0017] In some embodiments, the input filter portion is configured such that when the wearer inhales, airflow from the atmosphere to the mask volume passes through the input filter portion, and the output filter portion is configured such that when the wearer exhales, airflow from the mask volume to the fan system passes through the output filter portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, one of the input filter part or the output filter part is suitable for connecting to a fan system, and the filtration resistance of one of the input filter part or the output filter part is greater than the filtration resistance of the other of the input filter part or the output filter part. Preferably, the filtration resistance of one of the input filter part or the output filter part is 6 times the filtration resistance of the other of the input filter part or the output filter part.

[0019] In a third aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a mask assembly. The mask assembly includes: a mask according to the second aspect of the present disclosure; and a fan system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure. The fan system is coupled to the mask and configured to facilitate airflow through a filter material of the mask.

[0020] In a fourth aspect, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for determining a type of a face mask. The method includes acquiring operational data of a fan coupled to the face mask and driven by a test drive signal. In this case, the fan is configured to facilitate airflow through a filter material of the face mask. The method also includes determining the type of the face mask based on the operational data. In this case, the type is associated with the filtering characteristics of the face mask.

[0021] In a fifth aspect, an example embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes a computer-readable medium containing computer-readable code. The computer-readable code, when executed by a controller of a fan system, causes the controller to perform the method according to the third aspect of the present disclosure.

[0022] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein will become more readily understood through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which several exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are shown in an illustrative and non-limiting manner, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1A to Figure 1B Schematically illustrates a mask assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2 Schematically illustrates a fan system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 3 Schematically illustrates a face mask according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 4 A diagram schematically illustrates operating data of a fan at different filtration resistances according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figures 5A to 5C schematically illustrates a diagram of airflow through a mask assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 6 Schematically shows a flow chart of a method for determining the type of a mask according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 7 Schematically shows a flow chart of a method for determining a mask type based on collected data according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 8 a diagram schematically illustrating operational data with respiratory airflow during operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figures 9A to 9B a diagram schematically illustrating operational data for different types of masks according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0033] Figure 10 The diagram schematically shows a computing device for implementing the method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numbers are used to refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to several example embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Although example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the purpose of describing these embodiments is only to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and further implement the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0036] As mentioned above, in order to adapt the performance of the fan to different types of masks respectively, the fan can be configured to identify the type of mask. Traditionally, there are some active mask products with a type reorganization function to identify the type of mask and record the mask usage time. The most common solution is to add a digital tag (such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, or a near field communication (NFC) chip) to the mask and increase the detection function on the fan module. However, the mask will be discarded after use, and if the digital tag is discarded together with the mask, it will result in huge waste. At the same time, most masks are very soft, and it is difficult to install the tag element on the soft mask. Therefore, the digital tag solution is costly and has technical problems.

[0037] To at least partially address the above and other potential issues, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a novel mechanism for determining mask type is provided. According to the present disclosure, the operating characteristics of the fan are used as input to identify the mask type. This eliminates the need for additional identification components, such as additional labels. Mask type can be automatically identified during regular mask use, allowing the fan module to be appropriately configured for the corresponding type and provide increased comfort.

[0038] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 1A to 10 Describes an example construction and operating principle of a harmonic reducer.

[0039] Figure 1A Schematically illustrates a mask assembly 10 in an assembled state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1A As shown, the mask assembly 10 includes a mask 200 that covers at least a portion of the wearer's face to form a mask volume. In order to promote airflow between the mask volume and the atmosphere near the mask 200, a fan system 100 is fixed to the surface of the mask 200. It should be understood that although the fan system 100 shown in FIG1 is disposed on the outer surface of the mask 200 opposite the wearer's face, the fan system 100 can also be disposed on the inner side of the mask 200. Figures 2 to 3 The detailed structures of the fan system 100 and the mask 200 are described.

[0040] Figure 1B Schematically shows Figure 1A An exploded view of the mask assembly 10. Figure 1B As shown, the mask 200 includes an integrated filter sheet 220 that is arranged between the mask volume and the atmosphere. The integrated filter sheet 220 includes filter material and can filter air flowing from the atmosphere into the mask volume and air flowing from the mask volume into the atmosphere. The filter material covers most of the mask, and the mask does not include any valves or other parts that are permeable to air. The mask also includes connectors 210-1 and 210-2 for connecting to the wearer. In this embodiment, the connectors 210-1 and 210-2 extend from the edges of the integrated filter sheet 220 and can be hung on the wearer's ears. The mask can also include an inner bracket 230 to support the fan system 100.

[0041] Figure 2 The fan system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 2 As shown, the fan system 100 includes a housing 110. A fan 120 is provided in the housing 110. The fan 120 may include an electric motor (e.g., a brushless direct current (DC) motor) to drive the blades of the fan 120 to rotate. The fan 120 operates to facilitate airflow through the mask 200. The fan system 100 also includes a controller 130 provided in the housing 110. The controller 130 may transmit a drive signal to the motor of the fan 120 to control the operation of the fan 120. The controller 130 may also collect operating data of the fan 120 from the motor, such as the speed, current, and power consumption of the fan 120. The controller 130 also includes a processor 131 that processes the collected operating data of the fan; and a memory 132 that stores instructions to be executed by the processor 131 and other data necessary for executing pre-configured functions of the fan system 100. It should be understood that the controller 130 may be a processor.

[0042] Fan system 100 may further include a wireless communication module 150 coupled to fan 120, and a computing device 160. Computing device 160 may communicate with fan 120 via wireless communication module 150 to receive operational data of fan 120. After receiving the operational data, computing device 160 may process the operational data and generate instructions for fan 120. Computing device 160 may then remotely transmit the generated instructions to fan 120 via wireless communication module 150.

[0043] Figure 3 Schematically shows Figure 1A Mask 200. Figure 3As shown, the integrated filter sheet 220 of mask 200 includes a first portion 221 and a second portion 222. Second portion 222 is defined by a bracket 230. When fan system 100 is secured by bracket 230, fan system 100 and bracket 230 surround second portion 222 and form a filter channel through second portion 222. When the wearer inhales, air flows from the atmosphere into the mask volume through first portion 221, and when the wearer exhales, air flows from the mask volume into the atmosphere through second portion 222. Therefore, first portion 221 may also be referred to as the "input filter portion," and second portion 222 may also be referred to as the "output filter portion." It should be understood that while fan system 100 is positioned on the outside of mask 200 and facilitates air flow out of the mask volume, fan system 100 may also be positioned on the inside of mask 200 and configured to facilitate air flow into the mask volume. In these cases, the second portion, located within the airflow channel formed by the fan system, may also be the input filter portion, and the first portion, outside the second portion, may be the output filter portion.

[0044] The second part 222 has a predetermined filtering characteristic associated with its type. For example, the filtering resistance of a KN95 / N95 mask is greater than that of an ordinary medical mask. In addition, the filtering characteristic is represented by more than one filtering resistance value of the mask, such as a filtering resistance-pressure difference curve, a filtering resistance-flow curve, a filtering resistance-rotation rate curve trend, a curve characteristic, or filtering resistance values at more than one test point, so as to determine the type of the mask in a manner similar to the value comparison described in the embodiments of this document. Therefore, the filtering characteristic of the mask can indicate the type of the mask. In addition, it has been surprisingly found that the filtering characteristic of the mask is also associated with the operating performance of the fan. In the following, reference will be made to Figures 4 to 5C Describe the relationship between the fan's operating performance and the mask's filtering characteristics.

[0045] Figure 4 Schematically shows a speed diagram 400 of a fan at different filter resistances according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4As shown, fan 120 can operate at three power levels. Speed curve 410 at power level 1 increases from approximately 8,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) to 8,600 rpm. Speed curve 420 at power level 2 increases from approximately 9,900 rpm to 10,600 rpm. Speed curve 430 at power level 3 increases from approximately 10,950 rpm to 11,950 rpm. The lowest speed may correspond to a situation where the fan is not attached to a mask. The intermediate speed may correspond to a situation where a conventional medical mask is used. The highest speed may correspond to a situation where a KN95 / N95 mask is used. It can be seen that at a certain power level, the speed of fan 120 increases as the filtration resistance of mask 200 increases, and the speed associated with the mask type is within a certain range. Therefore, the type of mask can be distinguished by different threshold ranges of speed.

[0046] The following describes the derivation of the relationship between the rotation speed of the fan 120 and the filtration resistance. It is known that the rotation speed of the fan 120 is inversely proportional to the load (i.e., airflow) by a coefficient:

[0047]

[0048] Among them, S fan is the speed of fan 120, Q fan is a load applied to the fan 120 , and k1 is a predetermined coefficient related to the design of the fan 120 .

[0049] In the mask assembly, the airflow through the fan 120 is determined by both the operating characteristics of the fan 120 and the filtration resistance of the mask. The operating characteristics of the fan 120 are as follows:

[0050] P fan =P fan_max -k2·Q fan (2)

[0051] Among them, P fan is the pressure of the fan 120 during operation, P fan_max is the maximum static pressure of the fan 120 determined by the fan design, and k2 is another predetermined coefficient also related to the fan design. fan_max Can be obtained through measurement.

[0052] Consider the filtration resistance of the mask 200 as follows:

[0053] P mask =Q mask ·R mask (3)

[0054] Among them, R mask Indicates the filtration resistance of the mask 200 when the pressure and airflow are balanced:

[0055] P fan =P mask (4)

[0056] Q fan =Q mask (5)

[0057] It can be calculated as:

[0058]

[0059] Based on formulas (1) and (2), it can be concluded that:

[0060]

[0061]

[0062]

[0063] Since C1 and C2 are only related to the fan design, once the fan is determined, C1 and C2 are fixed. Therefore, under a certain driving voltage, the speed of the fan 120 is proportional to the filtration resistance of the mask 200. In addition, the filtration resistance of the mask is also related to the wearing method of the mask, which will be referred to below. Figures 5A to 5C Describe in detail the relationship between the two.

[0064] Figure 5A Schematically shows an airflow model diagram of the mask assembly 10 that is not worn. Figure 5A As shown, the second portion 222 of the integrated filter sheet 220 is aligned with the fan system 100. When the mask assembly 10 is not worn, air flows directly to the second portion 222, and is then pushed by the fan 120 to flow through the second portion 222 and the fan system 100 into the atmosphere. In this case, the filtration resistance of the mask 200 is the same as the filtration resistance of the second portion 222:

[0065] R mask =R second portion (10)

[0066] Among them, R second portion represents the filtering resistance of the second part 222. Therefore, the rotation speed of the fan 120 depends on the filtering resistance of the second part 222.

[0067] Figure 5B Schematically shows an airflow model diagram of a mask assembly 10 that is worn and has no leakage. Figure 5BAs shown, mask assembly 10 is properly fitted by wearer 20. Air flows from the atmosphere through first portion 221 into the mask volume. Driven by the rotation of fan 120 of fan system 100, the air within the mask volume flows toward second portion 222, and then through second portion 222 and fan system 100 into the atmosphere. The filtration resistance of mask 200 can be considered the sum of the filtration resistance of first portion 221 and the filtration resistance of second portion 222 connected in series:

[0068] R mask =R first portion + R sec ond portion (11)

[0069] Among them, R first portion represents the filtration resistance of the first portion 221. Since the first portion 221 and the second portion 222 are generally made of the same material, the ratio of their filtration resistances is the inverse of the ratio of their sizes. In some embodiments, the size of the second portion 222 may be approximately 1 / 6 of the size of the first portion 221. Therefore, the filtration resistance of the second portion 222 is approximately 6 times that of the first portion 221:

[0070]

[0071]

[0072] Therefore, the rotation speed of the fan 120 mainly depends on the filtering resistance of the second portion 222 , which is the portion connected to the fan system 100 .

[0073] Figure 5C Schematically shows an airflow model diagram of a mask assembly 10 that is worn and has a leak. Figure 5C As shown, the mask assembly 10 is not worn correctly by the wearer 20, resulting in a gap between the mask 200 and the face of the wearer 20. In this case, air flows from the atmosphere into the mask volume through the first portion 221 and the gap between the mask 200 and the wearer 20. Under the action of the rotation of the fan 120 of the fan system 100, the air in the mask volume flows to the second portion 222, and flows through the second portion 222 and the fan system 100 into the atmosphere. The increase in airflow caused by the leakage can be regarded as a decrease in the filtration resistance of the first portion 221. Figure 5B Compared with the embodiment shown, the ratio of the filtration resistance of the first part 221 to the total filtration resistance of the first part 221 and the second part 222 becomes smaller. Therefore, the rotation speed of the fan 120 also mainly depends on the filtration resistance of the second part 222.

[0074] In short, Figures 5A to 5C In all the wearing conditions shown, the rotation speed of the fan 120 is related to the filtration resistance of the mask 200, which is mainly determined by the filtration resistance of the second portion 222 in the air path formed by the fan 120. Therefore, by monitoring the rotation speed of the fan 120, the filtration resistance of the second portion 222 can be determined to identify the type of mask. Figures 6 and 7 A method for determining mask type based on the operating performance of a fan is described.

[0075] Figure 6 The flowchart of the method 600 for determining the type of the mask according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. The method 600 may be Figure 2 For the sake of brevity and generality, the following will refer to the controller 130 or computing device 160. Figures 2 to 3 To describe this method.

[0076] At 602, the controller 130 obtains operational data of the fan 120 driven by the test drive signal. The type identification process can be automatically initiated when the fan system 100 of the mask assembly 10 is turned on. During the type identification process, the controller 130 sends the test drive signal under test conditions (e.g., at a certain drive voltage) to control the rotation of the fan 120. The controller 130 collects operational data of the fan 120, for example, from its motor. The test conditions can be specific configuration conditions of the fan 120 or normal operating conditions.

[0077] At 604, controller 130 determines the type of mask based on the operational data. In this case, as described above, the type is associated with the mask's filtering characteristics. After collecting the operational data of fan 120, controller 130 can process the data and determine the type of mask 200. In this way, the type of mask can be determined based solely on the collected operational data without the need for an additional indication mechanism.

[0078] Figure 7 Schematically shows a flow chart of a method 700 for determining a mask type based on collected data according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 700 may correspond to step 604 of the method 600. The method 700 may also be performed by Figure 2 The controller 130 or computing device 160 in is implemented.

[0079] At 702, controller 130 acquires reference data associated with the test drive signal. Due to manufacturing tolerances, fans of the same model may have slightly different rotational speeds. In this case, the reference data includes operating data of the fan not coupled to the mask. Basic operating data of fan 120 can be tested before sales to serve as reference data. In some embodiments, the reference data can be stored in memory 132.

[0080] At 704, controller 130 selects at least one threshold range associated with the test drive signal from a preset standard. The preset standard may include multiple sets of threshold ranges. Each set of threshold ranges may be associated with one of the multiple power levels. The number of threshold ranges in each set may correspond to the number of mask types. For example, if fan 120 has three power levels and is suitable for two types of masks, such as a standard medical mask and a KN95 / N95 mask, the preset standard may include three sets of threshold ranges, each set including two threshold ranges corresponding to the two types. The threshold ranges may be obtained through testing and stored in memory 132.

[0081] At 706, the controller 130 determines whether the total airflow through the fan system includes respiratory airflow based on the operational data. If the wearer turns on the fan while wearing the mask, the total airflow through the fan system 100 may include respiratory airflow exhaled by the wearer. Since respiratory airflow oscillates, the operational data also oscillates, such as Figure 8 shown.

[0082] Figure 8 Schematically illustrates operational data graph 800 with respiratory airflow during operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 As shown, the speed of the fan 120 oscillates over time. Specifically, the speed curve 810 of the fan 120 coupled to the low filtration resistance mask oscillates approximately between 10,400 rpm and 10,500 rpm. The speed curve 820 of the fan 120 coupled to the high filtration resistance mask oscillates approximately between 10,550 rpm and 10,750 rpm.

[0083] Back to Figure 7 If the controller 130 determines based on the operational data that the total airflow through the fan system includes respiratory airflow, for example, if the operational data has an oscillating pattern, then method 700 proceeds to 708. At 708, the controller 130 determines a base value for the operational data and, at 710, determines the difference between the reference data and the base value. In this case, it is necessary to select specific data as the base value for subsequent calculations. In some example embodiments, the base value may be a maximum value, a minimum value, or an average value of the operational data.

[0084] If the controller 130 determines based on the operational data that the total airflow through the fan system does not include respiratory airflow, for example, if the operational data has a linear pattern, then the method 700 proceeds to 712. At 712, the controller 130 determines the difference between the reference data and the operational data. In this case, the operational data of the fan 120 may be substantially the same, meaning that the difference in the operational data is within an acceptable small range. Therefore, any operational data may be used for subsequent calculations. In some example embodiments, a statistical value of the operational data may be determined to calculate the difference.

[0085] After determining the difference, the controller 130 compares the difference to the selected threshold ranges in turn. At 714, the controller 130 determines whether the difference is within a first threshold range of at least one threshold range. If the controller 130 determines that the difference is within the first threshold range, the method proceeds to 716, where the controller 130 determines that the type of mask is the first type.

[0086] If the controller 130 determines that the difference is not within the first threshold range, the method proceeds to 718, where the controller 130 determines whether the difference is within a second threshold range of the at least one threshold range. The second range may be adjacent to the first threshold range, and the threshold value within the second threshold range may be lower than the threshold value within the first threshold range. If the controller 130 determines that the difference is within the second threshold range, the method proceeds to 720, where the controller 130 determines that the type of mask is the second type.

[0087] Furthermore, if the controller 130 determines that the difference is not within the second threshold range, which means that the difference is neither within the first threshold range nor within the second threshold range, the method proceeds to 722, where the controller 130 determines that the type of mask is an abnormal type. If the type of mask does not correspond to any preconfigured type, the fan system 100 may not be suitable for this type of mask and may therefore not provide a comfortable breathing experience.

[0088] In this manner, by comparing the difference between the collected data and the corresponding reference data with a threshold range, the type of mask can be accurately determined. In some exemplary embodiments, once the type of mask is determined, the controller 130 can select a customized drive scheme corresponding to that type. The controller 130 can then generate a customized drive signal and use the customized drive signal to control fan operation.

[0089] In the following, reference Figures 9A to 9B A specific example process for determining mask type is shown. Figure 9ASchematically showing the rotational speed of the fan 120 at power level 3 for a common medical mask is shown in graph 901. Once the operating data is obtained, the controller 130 processes the data and determines that the data in graph 901 has an oscillation pattern and is therefore related to respiratory airflow. According to graph 901, the maximum rotational speed detected is 12262 rpm and the minimum rotational speed is 12220 rpm. Therefore, the average of the maximum and minimum values, 12241 rpm, can be determined as a base value. A reference value associated with the fan 120 at power level 3, i.e., a rotational speed of 12250 rpm, is stored in the memory 132. The difference between the base value and the reference value is then calculated by the following formula:

[0090] S difference =|S base -S reference |=|12241-12250|=9 (14)

[0091] Among them, S difference Indicates the speed difference, S base represents the base value, and S reference Indicates reference value.

[0092] In this case, for a fan operating at power level 3, the threshold range for a general medical mask may be [0, 50], and the threshold range for a KN95 / N95 mask may be (50, +∞). Therefore, the calculated difference is within the threshold range for a general medical mask, and it is inferred that the mask is a general medical mask.

[0093] Figure 9B Graph 903 schematically illustrates the rotational speed of fan 120 at power level 3 for a KN95 / N95 mask. Similarly, the data in graph 903 also exhibits an oscillatory pattern, thus confirming that respiratory airflow is involved. According to graph 903, the maximum rotational speed detected is 12735 rpm, and the minimum rotational speed is 12667 rpm. Therefore, the average of the maximum and minimum values, 12701 rpm, can be determined as the base value. The reference value is also 12250 rpm. The difference between the base value and the reference value is then calculated using the following formula:

[0094] S difference =|S base -S reference |=|12701-12250|=451 (15)

[0095] In this case, based on the same threshold range as described above, the calculated difference is within the threshold range for KN95 / N95 masks, and it is inferred that the mask is a KN95 / N95 mask.

[0096] Figure 10A schematic diagram of a computing device 1000 for implementing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Computing device 1000 may include a controller 130 and / or a computing device 160. Computing device 1000 includes at least one processor 1010 and at least one memory 1020. The at least one processor 1010 may be coupled to the at least one memory 1020. The at least one memory 1020 contains instructions 1022. When executed by the at least one processor 1010, the instructions 1022 implement method 600 or 700.

[0097] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium for adjusting a robot path is provided. The computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method for managing a camera system as described in the preceding paragraphs, the details of which are omitted here.

[0098] In general, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Although various aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representation, it will be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or a controller or other computing device, or some combination thereof.

[0099] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer executable instructions, such as instructions contained in program modules, which are executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor to implement the above-mentioned Figure 6 and Figure 7 Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functionality of program modules can be combined or split between program modules as desired. Machine-executable instructions for program modules can be executed on local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, program modules can be located in local and remote storage media.

[0100] The program code for executing the disclosed method can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes can be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device so that when the program code is executed by the processor or controller, the functions / operations specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram are implemented. The program code can be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0101] The above program code can be contained on a machine-readable medium, which can be any tangible medium containing or storing a program used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, device or apparatus. The machine-readable medium can be a machine-readable signal medium or a machine-readable storage medium. The machine-readable medium can include, but is not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, device or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing media. More specific examples of machine-readable storage media include an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer floppy disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0102] In addition, although operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that these operations be performed in the particular order shown or in a continuous order, or requiring that all illustrated operations be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although the details of several specific embodiments have been included in the above discussion, these should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as describing features specific to a particular embodiment. Certain features described in the context of a separate embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the other hand, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any appropriate subcombination.

[0103] Although the subject matter is described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are merely example forms of implementing the claims.

[0104] It should be understood that the above detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are merely illustrative or illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of the present disclosure. At the same time, the claims appended to the present disclosure are intended to cover all variations and modifications that fall within the scope and boundaries of the claims or equivalents of the scope and boundaries.

Claims

1. A fan system adapted to be coupled to a face mask, comprising: a fan configured to facilitate airflow through the filter material of the mask; as well as a controller configured to control the fan to operate using a driving signal, Wherein, the controller is further configured to: acquiring operation data of the fan driven by the test drive signal; and A type of the mask is determined based on the operational data, wherein the type is associated with filtering characteristics of the mask.

2. The fan system according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to determine the type of the mask based solely on the operational data of the fan.

3. The fan system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to determine the type of the mask by: acquiring reference data associated with the test drive signal, the reference data including operational data of the fan not coupled to a mask; and The type is determined based on the reference data, the operational data, and a preset standard.

4. The fan system according to claim 3, further comprising: A memory is configured to store the reference data and the preset standard as fan specifications.

5. The fan system of claim 3 , wherein the controller is further configured to determine the type of the mask by: selecting at least one threshold range associated with the test drive signal from the preset criteria; determining a difference between the reference data and the operational data; as well as In response to determining that the difference is within a first threshold range of the at least one threshold range, determining that the type of the mask is a first type, and / or In response to determining that the difference is within a second threshold range in the at least one threshold range, determining that the type of the mask is a second type, wherein the second type has a smaller filtration resistance than the first type, and a threshold value within the second threshold range is smaller than a threshold value within the first threshold range.

6. The fan system according to claim 5, wherein: Determining the difference between the reference data and the operational data includes: determining, based on the operational data, whether a total airflow through the fan system includes respiratory airflow; In response to determining that the total airflow includes the respiratory airflow, determining a baseline value for the operational data, and determining a difference between the reference data and the baseline value, and / or In response to determining that the total airflow does not include the respiratory airflow, a difference between the values of the reference data and the operational data is determined.

7. The fan system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to determine the type of the mask by: acquiring reference data associated with the test drive signal, the reference data including operational data of the fan not coupled to a mask; and In response to determining that the reference data and the operational data do not satisfy a preset criterion, the type of the mask is determined to be an abnormal type.

8. The fan system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to: generating a customized drive signal for the determined type; and The fan is controlled to operate using the customized drive signal.

9. The fan system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the operating data comprises at least one of the following: speed value and / or speed sequence of the fan; the current value and / or current sequence of the fan; or The power consumption value and / or power consumption sequence of the fan.

10. A face mask for covering at least a portion of a wearer's face to form a mask volume, the face mask comprising: a connector for connecting to said wearer; as well as an integrated filter sheet disposed between the mask volume and the atmosphere, at least one sheet of the integrated filter sheet being secured directly and / or indirectly to the connector, and having an input filter portion and an output filter portion, wherein the input filter portion and / or the output filter portion has predetermined filter characteristics to indicate the type of the mask, One of the input filtering portion or the output filtering portion is adapted to be coupled to, The filtration resistance of the one of the input filter portion or the output filter portion is greater than the filtration resistance of the other of the input filter portion or the output filter portion.

11. The mask according to claim 10, further comprising, A visual indicator is provided for indicating the one of the input filtering portion or the output filtering portion for coupling.

12. The mask according to claim 10, wherein: The input filtering portion is configured such that when the wearer inhales, airflow from the atmosphere to the mask volume passes through the input filtering portion, and The output filtering portion is configured such that, when the wearer exhales, airflow from the mask volume to the fan system passes through the output filtering portion.

13. The mask of claim 10, wherein: The filtration resistance of the one of the input filter portion or the output filter portion is 6 times the filtration resistance of the other of the input filter portion or the output filter portion.

14. A mask assembly comprising: A mask according to any one of claims 10 to 13; as well as The fan system of any one of claims 1 to 9, the fan system being coupled to the mask and configured to facilitate airflow through the filter material in the mask.

15. A method for determining a type of face mask, comprising: acquiring operational data of a fan coupled to the mask and driven by a test drive signal, the fan configured to facilitate airflow through a filter material of the mask; as well as A type of the mask is determined based on the operational data, the type being associated with filtering characteristics of the mask. 16 . A computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium having computer-readable code stored therein, the computer-readable code being configured to, when executed by a controller of a fan system, cause the controller to perform the method according to claim 15 .

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