AUTOMATIC MICROPHONE SWITCHING

Abstract

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

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The relevant technical field includes communication devices for respiratory protective equipment. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In an emergency, fractions of a second can mean the difference between life and death for a rescuer. This is critical when it comes to a rescuer's ability to communicate with nearby or distant team members. Wireless communication devices can be integrated into a rescuer's personal protective equipment, such as the face mask or regulator of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). And while face masks are removable and some regulators are designed to be detachable from the face mask, the need for reliable communication remains. Therefore, there is a need to provide a continuous communication capability for SCBA users, regardless of whether a face mask or regulator is removed or attached. SUMMARY

[0003] Systems and procedures include an automatic communication switching system comprising a first communication element, a second communication element, a respiratory protective device with a sensor associated with the first communication element, and a processor configured to activate either the first or second communication element based on data from the respiratory protective device sensor.

[0004] In one example, a processor is configured to perform operations that include establishing a connection to a first and a second communication element, determining the state of the breathing apparatus from the sensor, determining, based on the state of the breathing apparatus, whether the first communication element is being used, transmitting data using the first communication element when its use is determined, and transmitting data over a first network when the first communication element is being used and transmitting data over a second network when the first communication element is not being used.

[0005] In another example, an automatic communication switching method involves establishing a communication link between a processor, a first communication element, and a second communication element. Data is received from a sensor associated with the first communication element, and either the first or second communication element is activated based on the sensor data. A communication signal is transmitted using the activated first or second communication element. Based on the data received from the first or second communication element, it is determined which communication element will be used to transmit a communication signal, and based on the sensor data, it is determined whether a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is being used.A communication signal is transmitted using an activated first or second communication, whereby this transmission may include transmitting a communication signal using the first communication element over a first wireless network and transmitting a communication signal using the second communication element over a second wireless network. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram that represents a system implementation for automatic communication mediation. Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram that represents an exemplary embodiment of an automatic communication switching system in a first state of use. Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram that illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an automatic communication switching system in a second state of use. Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram that represents a second exemplary embodiment of an automatic communication switching system in a first state of use. Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram that represents a second exemplary embodiment of an automatic communication switching system in a second state of use. Fig. Figure 6 represents an exemplary schematic embodiment of a processor. Fig. Figure 7 represents an exemplary embodiment of an automatic communication system in a first state of use, including a breathing regulator connected to a face mask. Fig. Figure 8 represents an exemplary embodiment of an automatic communication system in a second state of use, including a breathing regulator detached from a face mask. Fig. Figure 9 is a flowchart that depicts a procedure for automatic communication mediation. Fig. Figure 10 is a flowchart that represents a second method for automatic communication mediation. Fig. Figure 11 is a flowchart that represents a third method for automatic communication mediation. Fig. Figure 12 is a flowchart that represents a fourth method for automatic communication mediation. Fig. Figure 13 is a flowchart that represents a procedure for automatic communication mediation as performed by a configured processor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] The following detailed description is intended to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the systems, devices, and processes described herein. Accordingly, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the systems, devices, and processes described herein are suggested and are thus obvious to those with ordinary technical knowledge. Descriptions of known functions and designs may also be omitted for the sake of clarity and conciseness.

[0007] Furthermore, it should be understood that the language and terminology used herein serve the purpose of description and should not be considered restrictive. For example, the use of a singular term such as "one" is not to be understood as limiting the number of elements. Similarly, the use of relational terms, such as, but not limited to, "above," "below," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," "bottom," "top," and "side," is used in the description for clarity and is not to be understood as limiting the scope of the invention or the attached claims. It should also be understood that each of the features can be used individually or in combination with other features.Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention are or will become obvious to those with ordinary knowledge in the field of technology upon examination of the detailed description. It is intended that these additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are included in this description, fall within the scope of the present invention, and are protected by the appended claims.

[0008] The terms "electronic circuit," "circuit," or "combination," as used herein, include, but are not limited to, hardware, firmware, software, or combinations thereof for performing one or more functions or actions. Depending on the desired function or requirement, a circuit may, for example, include a software-controlled microprocessor, discrete logic such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmed logic device. A circuit may also be embodied entirely in software. The term "circuit" is used herein as a synonym for "logic." The term "logic," as used herein, includes, but is not limited to, hardware, firmware, software, or combinations thereof for performing one or more functions or actions, or for causing a function or action of another component.Depending on the desired application or requirements, the logic can, for example, include a software-controlled microprocessor, discrete logic such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another programmed logic device. The logic can also be implemented entirely as software.

[0009] The term "processor," as used herein, includes, but is not limited to, one or more of virtually any number of processor systems or standalone processors, such as microprocessors, microcontrollers, central processing units (CPUs), and digital signal processors (DSPs), in any combination. The processor may be associated with various other circuits that support its operation, such as random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), clocks, decoders, memory controllers, or interrupt controllers, and the like. These supporting circuits may be located inside or outside the processor or its associated electronic package. The supporting circuits are operationally connected to the processor.The supporting circuitry is not necessarily shown separately from the processor in block diagrams or other drawings.

[0010] The term "software," as used herein, includes, among other things, one or more computer-readable or executable instructions that cause a computer or other electronic device to perform functions, actions, or exhibit a desired behavior. The instructions may be embodied in various forms, such as routines, algorithms, modules, or programs, including separate applications or code from dynamically linked libraries. Software may also be implemented in various forms, such as a standalone program, a function call, a servlet, an applet, instructions stored in memory, part of an operating system, or other types of executable instructions.For a person with ordinary technical knowledge, it is obvious that the form of the software depends, for example, on the requirements of a desired application, the environment in which it is run, or on the wishes of a designer / programmer or the like.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, devices, systems, and methods described herein are used in conjunction with a facepiece or face mask for use in a pressure-controlled or demand-controlled respiratory protective device, such as a SCBA described above. However, these devices, systems, and methods may be used in conjunction with any system in which breathing gas is supplied to a user. Other applications include, but are not limited to, demand-controlled respiratory protective devices, pressure-controlled respiratory protective devices, constant-air-supply respiratory protective devices, constant-air-supply SCBAs, air-purifying respiratory protective devices, powered air-purifying respiratory protective devices, and breath-responsive powered air-purifying respiratory protective devices.

[0012] Fig. Figure 1 represents an embodiment of an automatic communication switching system. A processor 100 is connected to a first communication element 110, a second communication element 120, and a breathing apparatus 130, which has a sensor 131 associated with the first communication element 110. The processor 100 is configured to activate either the first communication element 110 or the second communication element 120 based on data from the breathing apparatus sensor 131. In one example, the processor 100 activates the first communication element 110 when data from the sensor 131 indicates that the breathing apparatus 130 is being used by a user. Alternatively, the processor 100 activates the second communication element 120 when data from the sensor 131 indicates that the breathing apparatus 130 is not being used by a user.

[0013] Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an automatic communication switching system in a first state of use, in which a first communication element is used to transmit a communication signal to a wireless network. In this example, the breathing apparatus 130 includes a portable facepiece 200 with a detachable regulator 210. The sensor 131 is connected to the regulator 210, the portable facepiece 200, or both. The regulator 210 may also include the first communication element 110. The processor 100 is connected to a transmission element 230, which is configured to send or receive a communication signal over a wireless network 270. When the regulator 210 is attached to the facepiece 200, the sensor 131 sends data to the processor 100 indicating that the regulator 210 is in a secured position.The processor 100 activates the first communication element 110 based on data from the sensor 131. Communication data 240 is acquired using the first communication element 110 and used to transmit a communication signal to the wireless network 270 using the transmission element 230.

[0014] Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an automatic communication switching system in a second state of use, wherein a second communication element is used to transmit a communication signal to a wireless network. In this example, when the regulator 210 is not attached to the facepiece 200, sensor 131 sends data to processor 100 indicating that the regulator 210 is in a detached position. Processor 100 activates the second communication element 120 based on data from sensor 131. Communication data 250 is acquired using the second communication element 120 and used to transmit a communication signal 310 to the wireless network 270 using transmission element 230.

[0015] The processor 100 can be configured to maintain a connection with the first communication element 110 and the second communication element 120 to enable rapid activation of the communication elements. In one embodiment, the processor 100 activates the first communication element 110 based on data from the sensor 131. While the first communication element 110 is activated, the processor 100 maintains a connection with the inactive second communication element 120. In such an embodiment, the processor 100 can quickly activate the second communication element 120 based on data from the sensor 131. In such an embodiment, the overall time required to activate the second communication element 120 is significantly reduced because the additional time required to establish a connection between the processor 100 and the second communication element 120 prior to activation is eliminated.

[0016] In some embodiments, only one of the first communication element 110 or the second communication element 120 is activated at a time. For example, if the first communication element 110 is activated, the second communication element 120 is not activated, and vice versa. In other embodiments, both the first communication element 110 and the second communication element 120 are activated simultaneously based on data from the sensor 131. In such an embodiment, the processor 100 receives communication data 240 acquired from the first communication element 110 and communication data 250 acquired from the second communication element 120. Based on the data received from the sensor 131, the processor 100 determines which communication data, 240 or 250, is to be used to transmit a communication signal to the wireless network 270.In one example, processor 100, using the first communication element 110, sends a communication signal 260 to transmission element 230 when sensor 131 indicates that regulator 210 is in a locked position. Alternatively, processor 100, using the second communication element 120, sends a communication signal 310 to transmission element 230 when sensor 131 indicates that regulator 210 is in a unlocked position. Transmission element 230 then transmits the communication signal to a wireless network 270.

[0017] In one embodiment, the processor 100 selectively determines which communication element is used to generate a communication signal based on data received from either the first communication element 110 or the second communication element 120. In one example, the processor 100 activates and receives data from the first communication element 110. The processor 100 analyzes the received data to determine whether a user's respiratory data has been captured. If the processor 100 determines that the data received from the first communication element 110 does not contain the user's respiratory data over a certain period, the processor 100 can then activate the second communication element 120. If the processor 100 determines that the data received from the first communication element 110 again contains user respiratory data, the processor 100 deactivates the second communication element 120.

[0018] In one embodiment, the processor 100 activates and receives data from both the first communication element 110 and the second communication element 120. The processor 100 determines which communication data, 240 or 250, is used to generate a communication signal based on the specific content of each communication data piece. For example, based on the user's breathing or speech data contained in the communication data 240, the processor 100 determines that a user is using the first communication element 110. The processor 100 then uses the communication data 240 to generate a communication signal for transmission to the wireless network 270. Alternatively, based on the absence of user breathing or speech data in the communication data 240, the processor 100 determines that a user is not using the first communication element 110.The processor 100 then uses the communication data 250 from the second communication element 120 to generate a communication signal for transmission to the wireless network 270.

[0019] In another embodiment, the processor 100 can determine that a user's voice is contained in both the communication data 240 of the first communication element 110 and the communication data 250 of the second communication element 120. The processor 100 determines which communication data to use when generating a communication signal based on the comparative quality of the user's voice contained in the respective communication data 240 and 250. For example, the processor 100 can determine that the user's voice data contained in communication data 250 is of higher quality than the voice data contained in communication data 240. The processor 100 then uses the communication data 250 from the second communication element 120 to transmit a communication signal to the wireless network 270.

[0020] The Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 presents exemplary embodiments of a system for automatic communication switching in a first and second use state of transmitting a communication to a wireless network. Fig. 4. A first communication element 110 and a second communication element 120 are connected to a logic element 101. The logic element 101 can comprise one or more processors, controllers, or any other computational control elements. The logic element 101 can comprise one or more different system components and can be integrated into or separate from other connected system components. In one embodiment, the logic element 101 comprises a processor 100 that is separate from the first communication element 110 and the second communication element 120. In another embodiment, the logic element 101 comprises a processor 100 integrated into the first communication element 110. In another embodiment, the logic element 101 comprises a processor 100 integrated into the second communication element 120. In yet another embodiment, the logic element 101 comprises a processor 100 integrated into the sensor 131.In another embodiment, the logic element 101 comprises both a first processor integrated into the first communication element 110 and a second processor integrated into the second communication element 120. In embodiments in which the logic element 101 comprises more than one processor, the individual processors can be configured to communicate cooperatively with each other.

[0021] In the example of Fig. Figure 4 shows a first communication element 110, a second communication element 120, and a sensor 131 in conjunction with the logic element 101. The logic element 101 determines, based on data received from the first communication element 110, the sensor 131, or both, that a user is breathing. Communication data 240 is acquired using the first communication element 110 and used to transmit a communication signal to a wireless network 270 using the transmission element 230. In the example of Fig. 5. Based on data received from the first communication element 110, the sensor 131, or both, the logic element 101 determines that a user is not breathing. Communication data 250 is acquired using the second communication element 120 and used to transmit a communication signal to a wireless network 270 using the transmission element 230. In both examples of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 The data communication between the first and second communication elements 110, 120 and the logic element 101 remains uninterrupted, regardless of which communication data, 240 or 250, is used to transmit a communication signal.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first communication element 110, the breathing regulator 210, and the sensor 131 are integrated into a first single component. The second communication element 120 and the transmission element 230 are integrated into a second single component. The logic element 101 comprises, together, a first processor integrated in the first single component and a second processor integrated in the second single component. A wired or wireless data connection is maintained between the first and second single components, regardless of which communication element, 110 or 120, is used to transmit a communication signal. A selection function to determine which communication element, 110 or 120, is used to transmit a communication signal can be performed by the first processor, the second processor, or both.

[0023] In some embodiments, a communication signal can be selectively transmitted to more than one wireless network. In some embodiments, communication data from a communication element can be transmitted to both a first wireless network 270 and a second wireless network. In some embodiments, the processor 100 can determine which wireless network to transmit to based on a variety of factors. Examples of such factors include the availability of a wireless network, the link signal strength of a wireless network, or the bandwidth range of a wireless network. Other examples of such factors may include an operating state of the processor or the connected element, including, but not limited to, the power level of a connected battery or the link integrity between the processor 100 and a connected element.In one example, processor 100 determines, based on poor connection quality to a first wireless network 270, that a communication signal is transmitted to a second wireless network. In another example, processor 100 determines, based on the low energy status of a connected battery, that a communication signal is transmitted to a first wireless network 270. In yet another example, processor 100 determines, based on poor connection quality with a first communication element 110, that a communication signal is transmitted to a second wireless network.

[0024] Fig. Figure 6 presents an exemplary schematic embodiment of a processor. In this example, the processor 100 can include a variety of components and functionalities. In one embodiment, the processor 100 includes a CPU, a GPU, memory, ROM, RAM, a sensor, a battery, an input / output interface, a communication module, a security module, and a transmission element. Exemplary sensors include a microphone, a light detector, an accelerometer, a barometer, a temperature sensor, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, or any other sensor suitable for acquiring data associated with an internal or external state with respect to the processor 100. In one embodiment, a sensor of the processor 100 is a communication element 120.An input / output interface can include a digital or analog input, a direct digital output, a modulated digital output, an analog output, parallel data transmission, serial transmission, or any other input / output configured for connection to an external device. The communication module is configured to enable connections between the processor 100 and external elements such as the first communication element 110, the second communication element 120, and the sensor 130. The communication module can include wireless connection components such as an antenna or a transponder. The communication module can also be configured to run software or algorithms for processing received communication data and generating a communication signal.The security module can be configured to perform cryptographic processes on incoming or outgoing data streams of the processor 100. The security module can perform encryption and decryption operations, as well as authentication and management of security keys. The transmission element 230 can include any type of wireless signal transmitter or receiver. For example, the transmission element 230 can include an omnidirectional antenna, a directional antenna, a WLAN antenna, a Bluetooth antenna, a long-range radio, or a short-range radio. In some embodiments, the transmission element 230 is integrated within the processor 100. In other embodiments, the transmission element 230 is externally connected to the processor 100.

[0025] The processor 100 can be connected to an external power source, an external sensor, a light source, a display, a speaker, and a user input device. In some embodiments, the processor 100 can use one or a combination of a connected light, a display, or a speaker to indicate information about the processor 100's status. In some embodiments, the processor 100 can use one or a combination of a connected external sensor, a light, a display, or a speaker to detect or transmit communication data received or generated by the processor 100. In one embodiment, the external sensor is a communication element 110.

[0026] The Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 represents exemplary embodiments of an automatic communication system in a first and second state of use, including a breathing regulator engaged with a face mask and not engaged with a face mask. Fig. Figure 7 represents a user 700 wearing a facepiece 200, a regulator 210 including a first communication element 110 and a sensor 131, a processor 100 including a second communication element 120, and a regulator holster 701. When the sensor 131 indicates that the regulator 210 is in an engagement position with the facepiece 200, the processor 100 activates the first communication element 110. Communication data from the user 700, such as voice data, is captured using the activated first communication element 110 and used to transmit a communication signal to a wireless network 270. The processor 100 maintains a connection with both the first communication element 110 and the second communication element 120. Fig. Figure 8 shows that the regulator 210, containing the first communication element 110 and the sensor 131, is in a position detached from the face element 200. The regulator 210 is attached to a regulator holster 701. When the regulator 210 is not engaged, an opening 702 in the face element 200 is accessible. The processor 100, containing the second communication element 120, receives data from the sensor 131 indicating that the regulator 210 is in the detached position. The processor 100 activates the second communication element 120. The user 700 speaks 703 through the opening 702, and the second communication element 120 receives the communication data from the user 700. The processor 100 uses the communication data from the second communication element 120 to generate a communication signal for transmission to a wireless network 270.The processor 100 maintains a connection with both the first communication element 110 and the second communication element 120.

[0027] Fig. Figure 9 presents an exemplary flowchart of an embodiment of an automatic communication switching method. A communication link is established between a processor, a first communication element, and a second communication element. Data from a sensor associated with the first communication element is received by the processor. A first or second communication element is activated based on the sensor data. The processor maintains a communication link with the inactive first or second communication element. A communication signal is transmitted using the activated first or second communication element. In one example, a processor establishes a communication link between a first and a second microphone. An electrical sensor connected to the microphone sends data to the processor.The first microphone is activated based on the received data. The processor maintains a communication link with the inactive second microphone. Subsequently, a communication signal is transmitted using the data from the activated first microphone.

[0028] Fig. Figure 10 presents an exemplary flowchart of a second embodiment of a method for automatic communication switching. Including the embodiment of Fig. 9. The processor also receives data from a first or second communication element. Based on the received data, the processor then determines which communication element will be used to generate a communication signal. In an example, the processor receives data from a first microphone, where the data includes a user's voice or breathing pattern. Based on the received data, the processor determines that the first microphone will be used to generate a communication signal. The processor then activates the first microphone and transmits a communication signal using the data from the activated first microphone.

[0029] Fig. Figure 11 presents an exemplary flowchart of a third embodiment of a method for automatic communication switching. Including the embodiment of Fig. 9. The processor further determines, based on sensor data, whether a respiratory protective device is being used. For example, the processor uses data received from an electrical sensor to determine that a user is not wearing a respiratory protective device. The processor then activates a second microphone and transmits a communication signal using this second microphone.

[0030] Fig. Figure 12 presents an exemplary flowchart of a fourth embodiment of a method for automatic communication switching. Including the embodiment of Fig. 9. A communication signal is transmitted over a first wireless network using the first communication element, and a communication signal is transmitted over a second wireless network using the second communication element. In an example, the processor transmits a communication signal generated using a first microphone over a short-range wireless network and a communication signal generated using a second microphone over a long-range wireless network.

[0031] Fig.Figure 13 presents an exemplary flowchart of an embodiment of an automatic communication switching method as executed by a configured processor. A processor establishes a connection to a first and a second communication element. The processor then determines the state of a breathing apparatus based on sensor data. Based on the state of the breathing apparatus, the processor determines whether the first communication element is in use. If the first communication element is in use, the processor transmits data. In another embodiment, the processor can transmit data over a first network when the first communication element is in use and transmit data over a second network when the first communication element is not in use.In one example, the processor establishes a connection to a first and a second radio. Based on data from an electrical sensor, the processor then determines whether a user is wearing a face mask. After determining from the data that the user is wearing a face mask, the processor decides to use the first radio. The processor then transmits the data using the first radio over a short-range radio network.

[0032] A variety of configurations can be used to establish a connection with elements of the embodiments. In one embodiment, the processor 100, the first communication element 110, the second communication element 120, and the sensor 131 are connected via a wireless connection. In another embodiment, the processor 100, the first communication element 110, the second communication element 120, and the sensor 131 are connected via physical wired connections. In yet another embodiment, the processor 100, the first communication element 110, the second communication element 120, and the sensor 131 are connected via a combination of wireless and wired connections.

[0033] The processor 100 can use a variety of wireless connection technologies and standards. In one embodiment, the processor 100 is connected to the first communication element 110, the second communication element 120, and the sensor 131 via Bluetooth, ZigBee, NFC, or another personal area network (PAN) connection. In another embodiment, the processor 100 is connected via WLAN or another local area network (LAN). In yet another embodiment, the processor 100 is connected via a combination of PAN and LAN connections.

[0034] In some embodiments, the wearable face element 200 can be a facepiece, a face mask, or any element configured to conform to the anatomical shape of all or part of the human face. The face element 200 can include a shield or lens, providing the user with a field of vision of their surroundings. In some embodiments, the face element 200 includes a first communication element 110 and a sensor 131. The face element 200 can also include a digital display configured to show various operational information to the user. Examples of such information include environmental information, SCBA status information, power source information, regulator-supplied oxygen tank levels, and communication source, channel, and network information.

[0035] In some embodiments, the wearable facepiece 200 is configured for interaction with a regulator 210. The regulator 210 supplies the user wearing the facepiece 200 with gas from a gas source such as a pressurized container or a purification system. Because a user may wish to connect or disconnect the regulator 210 from the facepiece 200 as needed, the regulator can be configured to be variably connected to or disconnected from the facepiece 200.

[0036] In some embodiments, the breathing regulator 210 includes a first communication element 110 and a sensor 131. In such an embodiment, the sensor 131 can be configured to simultaneously detect a state, position, or orientation of both the breathing regulator 210 and the first communication element 110.

[0037] In some embodiments, the sensor 131 is associated with a state, position, or orientation of the breathing regulator 210. In one example, the sensor 131 detects that the breathing regulator 210 is engaged with the face element 200. In another example, the sensor 131 is configured to detect whether the breathing regulator 210 is in an on or off position. In yet another example, the sensor 131 is configured to detect whether a user is breathing or speaking through the breathing regulator 210.

[0038] In some embodiments, the sensor 131 can also detect a state, position, or orientation of the face element 200, either in conjunction with or separately from the breathing regulator 210. In one example, the sensor 131 detects whether the breathing regulator 210 is engaged with or disengaged from the face element 200. In another example, the sensor 131 detects whether a user is wearing the face element 200 or not. In yet another example, the sensor 131 detects whether a user is wearing the face element 200 in a specific or optimal position that is operationally connected to the first communication element 110. Exemplary embodiments of the sensor 131 include an electrical switch, a microphone, a diaphragm, a Hall-effect sensor, a pressure sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a magnetometer.

[0039] In some embodiments, the regulator 210 is configured for interaction with a holster 701 when not connected to the face element 200. The holster 701 may include a sensor connected to the processor 100 and configured to detect the presence or absence of the regulator 210 in the holster 701. The processor 100 may change the activation state of a communication element or a communication signal based on data from the holster sensor.

[0040] In one embodiment, the processor 100 can be configured to activate communication elements based on parameters other than vocalization, respiration, or sensor data 131. For example, the processor 100 can activate the first communication element 110 or the second communication element 120 based on the pressure level of a compressed gas cylinder of a SCBA. In another example, the processor 100 can activate the first communication element 110 or the second communication element 120 based on the energy level of a connected battery or power source. In yet another embodiment, the processor 100 can activate the first communication element 110 or the second communication element 120 based on a specific user input.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first communication element 110 and the second communication element 120 are each configured to capture audio data. In some embodiments, the first communication element 110 and the second communication element 120 are configured to capture vocalization data, respiratory data, or both of a user. In some embodiments, the first communication element 110 and the second communication element 120 can further be configured to isolate a user's vocalization or respiratory data from ambient noise in the user's environment. In some embodiments, the first communication element 110 and the second communication element 120 can also be configured to output tones to the user. In one example, the first communication element 110 and the second communication element 120 are each a microphone.In another example, the first communication element 110 and the second communication element 120 are each a radio with a microphone and a loudspeaker.

[0042] Although certain embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is therefore intended to include in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, the features disclosed in the claims, the description, and the drawings may be essential for the various embodiments of the claimed subject matter, either individually or in any combination.

Claims

[1] System for automatic communication switching, comprising: a first communication element (110); a second communication element (120); a respiratory protection device (130) including a sensor (131) associated with the first communication element (110); and a processor (100) configured to activate one of the first (110) and second communication elements (120) based on data from the respirator sensor (131), wherein the processor (100) is configured to establish a communication connection with the first communication element (110) and the second communication element (120), and wherein the processor (100) is configured to maintain the communication connection with the deactivated second communication element (120) when the first communication element (110) is activated, and to maintain the communication connection with the deactivated first communication element (110) when the second communication element (120) is activated. [2] The system of claim 1, wherein the respiratory protective device (130) comprises a wearable face member (200) and / or a regulator (210) optionally configured for engagement with the wearable face member (200). [3] The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor (131) is configured to detect whether the respiratory protective device (130) is in use, optionally via detection of user breathing or vocalization data. [4] System according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (131) is configured to detect position and / or orientation data, which in particular indicate whether the respiratory protective device (130) is worn by a user. [5] The system of at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor (100) is configured to activate the second communication element (120) when the sensor (131) indicates that the respiratory protective device (130) is not in use. [6] The system of at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor (100) is further configured to selectively determine which communication element (110, 120) is being used, optionally to generate a communication signal (310), optionally based on data (250) received from the first (110) and / or second communication element (120). [7] The system of at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor (100) is configured to communicate with the first (110) and / or second communication element (120) via a wired connection, a wireless connection (270) or a combination of wired and wireless connections. [8] System according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor (100) is connected to a transmission element (230) and / or is further configured to transmit a communication signal (260) generated by the first communication element (110) via a first wireless network and / or to transmit a communication signal (310) generated by the second communication element (120) via a second wireless network. [9] System according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (131) comprises an electrical switch, a Hall effect sensor, a pressure sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope and / or a magnetometer. [10] System according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first communication element (110) is a first microphone and / or the second communication element is a second microphone (120). [11] System according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first communication element (110) is a first radio device, and / or wherein the second communication element (120) is a second radio device. [12] The system of at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor (100) is configured to perform operations comprising: Establishing a connection to a first (110) and / or second communication element (120); Determining a state of the respiratory protective device (130) with the sensor (131); Determining, optionally based on the state of the respiratory protective device, whether the first communication element (110) is being used; and / or Transmitting data using the first communication element (110), optionally when it is determined that the first communication element (110) is to be used. [13] The system of claim 12, further comprising the following operations: Transmitting data over a first network (270), optionally when the first communication element (110) is used, and / or transmitting data over a second network (310), optionally when the first communication element (110) is not used. [14] A method for automatic communication switching, comprising the following steps: Establishing a communication connection between a processor (100), a first communication element (110) and a second communication element (120); Receiving data from a sensor (131) associated with the first communication element (110); Activating one of the first (110) or second communication elements (120) based on data from the sensor (131) while maintaining the communication connection with the inactive one of the first (110) or second communication elements (120); and Transmitting a communication signal using an activated first (100) or second communication element (120). [15] The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of: Determining, optionally based on data received from the first (110) and / or second communication element (120), which communication element (110, 120) is used to transmit a communication signal. [16] The method of claim 14 or 15, further comprising the step of: Determine, optionally based on data from the sensor (131), whether a respiratory protective device (130) is being used. [17] The method of claim 16, wherein data from the sensor (131) comprises respiration data, vocalization data, position data, or orientation data. [18] The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein data from the sensor (131) includes engagement state data optionally describing an engagement state between a breathing regulator (210) and a facial element (200). [19] Method according to at least one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the sensor (131) comprises an electrical switch, a Hall effect sensor, a pressure sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope and / or a magnetometer. [20] Method according to at least one of claims 14 to 19, wherein transmitting a communication signal using an activated first (110) and / or second communication element (120) comprises: Transmitting a communication signal using the first communication element (110) over a first wireless network (270), and / or Transmitting a communication signal using the second communication element (120) over a second wireless network (310).

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