Humidifier system and method for using a humidifier system - Patents.com

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a humidifier device and system for adjusting a microclimate in a predetermined microenvironment in a predetermined area. The system includes a humidifier device having a steam source configured to generate water vapor or humidity, and an airflow source configured to generate an airflow, a plurality of sensors, each configured to measure absolute humidity data and / or temperature data, a control unit in operative communication with the humidity unit to control the operation of the humidity unit, a dedicated housing for housing the components, and a tank configured to removably couple with the housing. The system can use sensors that can be located at different predetermined locations and can use techniques such as predictive analytics using location data and using detected data from various sensors to control humidity and adjust the microclimate. Also disclosed herein are methods for using the disclosed humidifier devices and systems.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 128,480, filed December 21, 2020, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for controlling humidity in a predetermined area, such as a child's bed located in a nursery. [Background technology]

[0003] Humidity can have a significant impact on children's health in many ways. For example, humidity is especially important during the winter months when colds are more common and there is drier indoor air due to the use of heat. Thus, low humidity is associated with increased respiratory and skin infections, while high humidity can lead to dust mites and mold. Furthermore, maintaining an ideal humidity level is especially important for infants under the age of one, as they cannot breathe through their mouths. To help infants breathe, many parents purchase humidifiers. However, current humidifiers have significant shortcomings that are not currently addressed, including but not limited to the ability to condition a predefined area of ​​a room, such as a child's bed, while minimizing mold growth from stagnant or pooled water associated with the use of a humidifier. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Thus, there remains a need for improved predefined area humidifier devices and systems that an individual can easily install, deploy, and adjust the humidity in a particular portion of a room, such as a child's bed in a nursery. Such humidifier devices and systems would preferably have a removable, dishwasher safe tank and would also preferably have a design that eliminates or substantially eliminates mold growth associated with stagnant or accumulated water within the humidifier. This and other needs are met by various aspects of the present disclosure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In accordance with the purposes of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention relates in one aspect to a humidifier device and system and method for adjusting humidity in a specific portion of a predefined area, such as a child's bed in a nursery. This brief summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This brief summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] In another exemplary aspect, the invention relates to a humidifier device comprising: a humidity unit, the humidity unit comprising a steam source configured to generate water vapor or humidity, and an air flow source configured to generate an air flow; a plurality of sensors, at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors configured to measure at least one of absolute humidity data or temperature data; a control unit in operative communication with the humidity unit to control operation of the humidity unit; a housing for housing the humidity unit, the plurality of sensors and the control unit; and a tank configured to removably couple with the housing, the tank configured to contain a fluid for generating humidity or water vapor, the humidifier device configured to generate humidified air using the humidity source and the air flow source, the humidified air configured to control a relative humidity in a predetermined portion, and the humidified air configured to move along a predetermined flow path along an output axis.

[0007] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a system for controlling a microclimate in a predetermined microenvironment portion of a predetermined space, the system comprising a humidifier device, the humidifier device comprising a humidity unit comprising a steam source configured to generate water vapor or humidity and an air flow source configured to generate an air flow, the humidity unit configured to generate humidified air using the steam source and the air flow source to control relative humidity in the predetermined portion, the humidified air configured to move through a predetermined flow path along an output axis, a plurality of sensors, each sensor configured to measure absolute humidity data and / or temperature data, a control unit in operative communication with the humidity unit to control operation of the humidity unit, a housing for housing the humidity unit, the plurality of sensors and the control unit, and a tank configured to removably couple with the housing, the tank configured to contain a fluid for generating the humidity or water vapor.

[0008] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a humidifier device comprising: a steam source configured to generate water vapor or humidity; an air flow source configured to generate an air flow; a sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors; a control unit in operative communication with the humidity unit to control operation of the humidity unit; a housing for accommodating device components; and a tank configured to removably couple to the housing, the tank configured to contain a fluid for generating humidity or water vapor.

[0009] In other aspects, the sensors can be located at different predetermined locations along a common plane corresponding to the output axis. In still other aspects, humidifier devices and systems can be configured to generate humidified air using a steam source and an airflow source and to control the relative humidity in a predetermined portion. To that end, the systems and devices can utilize various techniques, including but not limited to artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning techniques, predictive modeling, and / or various algorithms, to control and regulate the microclimate of a predetermined target portion.

[0010] In other aspects, the invention also relates to methods for constructing and using the disclosed humidifier apparatus, devices and systems, as well as kits comprising the disclosed apparatus, devices and systems.

[0011] Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and obtained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. Moreover, features or variations may be provided in addition to the features or variations set forth herein. For example, embodiments may be directed to combinations and subcombinations of various features described in the detailed description.

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this disclosure, illustrate several aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings may contain representations of various trademarks and copyrights owned by the applicant. In addition, the drawings may contain other trademarks owned by third parties and used for illustrative purposes only. All rights to the various trademarks and copyrights depicted herein are granted to and are the property of the applicant, except for the trademarks and copyrights which belong to their respective owners. The applicant retains and reserves all rights in its trademarks and copyrights contained herein and grants permission to reproduce elements only in connection with reproduction of the approved patent and for no other purposes.

[0013] Additionally, the drawings may include text or annotations that may describe particular embodiments of the present disclosure, which text is included for purposes of illustration and not limitation to the particular embodiments that are described in detail in the present disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a humidifier device and system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 illustrates a humidity unit of a humidifier device and system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates a steam source of a humidifier device and system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates an airflow source of a humidifier device and system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 illustrates a steam source of a humidifier device and system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 illustrates a pump of a humidifier device and system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates a humidifier device and system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an access door of a humidifier device and system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] FIG. 13 is a diagram for adjusting humidity in a humidifier device and system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] FIG. 13 is a diagram for adjusting humidity in a humidifier device and system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 is a flow chart of a method for adjusting humidity using the disclosed humidifier system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system including a computing device for enabling the operation of the disclosed device, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12A] FIG. 1 illustrates a humidifier device in a test environment having an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12B] FIG. 1 illustrates a humidifier device in a test environment having an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention and the illustrative examples included therein.

[0016] Before the present articles, systems, devices and / or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not limited to a particular manufacturing method, unless otherwise specified, or to a particular material, unless otherwise specified, and therefore can of course vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is merely for the purpose of describing particular embodiments, and is not intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, exemplary methods and materials are described below.

[0017] Moreover, it should be understood that, unless expressly stated, all methods set forth herein are in no way intended to be construed as requiring that their steps be performed in a particular order. Thus, unless a method claim actually recites the order in which its steps must be followed, or the claim or description is otherwise expressly stated to limit the steps to a particular order, no order is intended to be implied in any respect. This is true for all possible non-obvious bases for interpretation, including questions of logic regarding the arrangement of steps or operational flow, the plain meaning derived from grammatical construction or punctuation, and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

[0018] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated by reference to disclose and describe the methods and / or materials in connection with which the publications are described.

[0019] A.Definition It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification is merely for the purpose of describing a particular embodiment and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this specification and the claims, the term "comprising" can include embodiments "consisting of" and embodiments "consisting essentially of". Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In the following specification and claims, reference will be made to a number of terms that will be defined in this specification.

[0020] As used in this specification and the appended claims, singular terms and references to the antecedent noun include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "one leg" includes reference to two or more legs.

[0021] Ranges can be expressed herein as from one particular value and / or to another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that each endpoint of the range is significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values ​​disclosed herein, and that each individual value is also disclosed herein as "about" that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, when the value "10" is disclosed, "about 10" is also disclosed. It is also understood that each individual unit between two particular units is also disclosed. For example, when 10 and 15 are disclosed, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0022] As used herein, the terms "about" and "at or about" mean that the quantity or value may be approximately or generally similar to some other value designated. It is generally understood that as used herein, unless otherwise indicated or implied, the nominal value designated is a variance of ±10%. The term is intended to convey that similar values ​​facilitate equivalent results or effects as described in the claims. That is, it is understood that the quantities, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as appropriate, to reflect likelihoods, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and the like, and other factors known to those skilled in the art. In general, a quantity, size, formulation, parameter, or other quantity or characteristic is "about" or "approximate" whether or not it is expressly stated to be so. When "about" is used before a value expressing a quantity, it is understood that the parameter also includes the specific value itself expressing the quantity, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0023] The terms "first," "second," "first portion," "second portion," and the like, when used herein, do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0024] As used herein, the term "optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances in which the event or circumstance occurs and instances in which the event or circumstance does not occur. For example, the phrase "optionally affixed to a surface" means that it may or may not be affixed to a surface.

[0025] Disclosed are the materials, components, parts and / or elements used to manufacture the disclosed devices and systems of the present invention, as well as the materials themselves used in the methods disclosed herein. Where these and other materials are disclosed herein, and where combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed, it is understood that specific references to the various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these materials may not be expressly disclosed, but are each specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, where specific materials are disclosed and discussed, and many modifications that can be made to the materials are discussed, each and every combination and permutation of the materials is specifically contemplated, and modifications that are possible are specifically contemplated unless expressly indicated otherwise. Thus, when classes of materials A, B, and C are disclosed, as well as classes of materials D, E, and F, and examples of combination material AD, it is intended to mean that combinations AE, AF, BD, BE, BF, CD, CE, and CF are contemplated and disclosed, each individually and collectively, even if not each is individually described. Similarly, any subset or combination of these is also disclosed. Thus, for example, subgroups of AE, BF, and CE are contemplated and disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this application, including, but not limited to, steps in methods of constructing and using the articles and devices of the invention. Thus, where there are various additional steps that may be performed, it is understood that each of these additional steps may be performed using any particular embodiment of the method of the invention, or combination of aspects of the method of the invention.

[0026] It is understood that the devices and systems disclosed herein have certain functions, and that specific structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions are disclosed herein and associated with the disclosed structures, and that there are a variety of structures capable of performing the same functions that will typically achieve the same results.

[0027] B. System Overview As briefly described above, the present disclosure provides, in various aspects, devices and systems for providing humidity to and / or controlling humidity in a predetermined area. This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0028] In one aspect, the disclosed humidifier devices and systems can provide a convenient system that can be installed in a room to provide deployable humidity to create and regulate a microclimate in a predefined microenvironment portion of the room, such as in a pediatric sleeper. The humidifier devices and systems can be easily installed and deployed by a single user to maintain a desired humidity level. In other aspects, the present invention can maintain an optimal relative humidity (RH) level of air in a predefined area a certain distance from the humidifier device. For example, in some embodiments, the present invention can be used in an infant nursery to maintain a pediatric sleeper microenvironment at a comfortable or defined humidity level. The present invention controls the microclimate using various techniques, including, but not limited to, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning techniques, control strategies, predictive modeling, and / or various algorithms. In some aspects, the present invention can combine closed loop control with various techniques to predict and control humidity levels in the end user. In another aspect, the present invention can combine gas diffusion dynamics, knowledge of distance to target, and measurement and filtering of ambient humidity in a room by a sensor, with a proportional-integral controller with anti-windup considerations to predict and control humidity levels at the end user.

[0029] In various aspects, the present invention can mist water from a removable, dishwasher safe tank and propel the mist through the air along a predetermined flow path toward a target area using an air source such as a fan. In some aspects, the output direction can be selected by a user, for example via a rotating output head. In other aspects, the output direction can be determined by a control unit, for example by automatically adjusting the output direction via a rotating output head. In still other aspects, the device can detect or otherwise determine a relative humidity (RH) level using humidity or temperature data detected at one or more points corresponding to the sensor locations of two or more sensors. For example, the device can use a low-pass filtered average of two sensor readings with a fixed target distance as a value for the ambient relative humidity of the room, and use steady state modeling with a fixed humidity density at the output of the steam source to predict the RH level at the target area and proportionally adjust the rate of humidity output.

[0030] In various other aspects, the present invention addresses various shortcomings of many existing humidifiers, which lack the ability to control humidity at a particular point in a room. To do so, many existing humidifiers detect humidity at one point on the machine and output water vapor until the entire room is at the target humidity, wasting water and energy, or only being able to adjust the output rate, which can result in either under- or over-humidifying the room. Furthermore, many existing humidifiers are difficult to clean and prone to mold buildup due to stagnant or pooled water generated during operation. As disclosed herein, various embodiments of the present invention can address these shortcomings by one or more of having a removable water tank that can be cleaned in a dishwasher, removing or substantially removing inaccessible micro-cravasses in the device where water can pool or accumulate, and implementing a control strategy that releases any liquid in the humidity unit as water vapor or transports the liquid back into the tank for storage. In other aspects, the only stagnant water in the device is in the tank, which can prevent mold growth in device components that the user cannot place in the dishwasher. Additionally, various embodiments of the present invention may include doors or accessible openings that a user can use to access the humidity unit, steam source, and / or internal portions such as the transducers, actuators, and / or output components in the housing for easy cleaning.

[0031] In various other aspects, the present disclosure provides a humidifier system comprising a humidity device comprising at least one humidity unit. The humidity unit can comprise a steam source configured to generate water vapor or humidity, and an airflow source configured to generate an airflow. The humidity unit can be configured to generate humidified air for controlling relative humidity in a predetermined portion of a room, for example, by adjusting the steam source and the airflow source. The generated humidified air can be configured to travel a predetermined flow path along an output axis toward a target point. In other aspects, the humidity device can comprise a plurality of sensors. The at least one sensor can be configured to measure absolute humidity data and / or temperature data. In still other aspects, the individual sensors are disposed at different predetermined locations. In still other aspects, the humidity device can comprise a control unit in operative communication with the humidity unit to control operation of the humidity unit. In still other aspects, the humidity device can include a housing for housing device components such as the humidifier unit, the plurality of sensors, and the control unit. In still other aspects, the humidity device can comprise a tank configured to removably couple with the housing. The tank can be configured to contain a fluid such as water for generating mist, humidity or water vapor, and the like.

[0032] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a humidifier device comprising a humidity unit, the humidity unit comprising a steam source configured to generate water vapor or humidity, an air flow source configured to generate an air flow, a plurality of sensors, each configured to measure absolute humidity data and / or temperature data, the individual sensors being disposed at different predetermined positions along a common plane, a control unit in operative communication with the humidity unit to control operation of the humidity unit, a housing for housing device components, and a tank configured to removably couple with the housing, the tank configured to contain a fluid for generating humidity or water vapor. In other aspects, the humidifier device can be configured to generate humidified air using the steam source and the air flow source, and can be configured to control the relative humidity in a predetermined portion.

[0033] In other aspects, the humidity device may further comprise at least one pump in fluid communication between the vapor source and the tank. The pump may be configured to move fluid from the tank to the vapor source and from the vapor source to the tank. The pump may be configured to transport a predetermined amount of fluid to the vapor source. In still other aspects, the pump may be configured to transport a predetermined amount of fluid to the vapor source corresponding to a desired amount of water vapor production. In still other aspects, the pump may be configured to transport excess fluid from the vapor source back to the tank. In still other aspects, the pump may be configured to transport fluid from the vapor source back to the tank when the vapor source is turned off. The pump may be configured to remove stagnant fluid from the vapor source back to the tank when the vapor source is not producing water vapor. In some aspects, the pump is a peristaltic pump.

[0034] In other aspects, the humidity device can further comprise at least one fluid level sensor (which may be referred to herein as a water level sensor) configured to determine a volume of fluid in the vapor source. The fluid level sensor can be configured to determine whether a sufficient volume of fluid is present in the vapor source effective to allow the production of a predetermined volume of water vapor. In still other aspects, the fluid level sensor and pump can cooperate to transport fluid between the vapor source and the tank. In still other aspects, the fluid level sensor and pump can cooperate to transport fluid from the vapor source back to the tank when the vapor source is turned off or is not producing water vapor. In still other aspects, the fluid level sensor and pump can cooperate to transport fluid from the vapor source back to the tank when the vapor source is turned off. In some aspects, the fluid level sensor can be configured to prevent the pump from flooding the vapor source with fluid. In other aspects, the fluid level sensor can comprise a plurality of wire probes behind a transducer connected by a resistor ladder and a noise rejection capacitor.

[0035] In another aspect, the humidity device can further comprise a tank switch configured to determine an installation state of the tank. The tank switch can comprise a push button switch having a roller arm that is deflected when the tank is fully inserted into the machine.

[0036] In other aspects, various embodiments of the present invention may include a steam source or unit configured to generate water vapor or humidity. In yet other aspects, the steam source may be in fluid communication with a fluid in a tank that may contain water or other desired fluid. In yet other aspects, the steam source may be configured to atomize the fluid from the tank. The steam source may be configured to generate water vapor without requiring a stagnant pool of fluid.

[0037] In various aspects, the vapor source can include an actuator and / or a transducer. The transducer can be configured to generate a fine mist from a fluid. The vapor source can include a transducer configured to generate the fine mist without a stagnant pool of fluid. To that end, the vapor source and the fluid source can be located in separate locations, e.g., such that the transducer does not need to be left in a pool of water to generate water vapor. In some aspects, the vapor source comprises a transducer configured to generate the fine mist without being submerged in a stagnant pool of fluid.

[0038] The vapor source can include a mesh transducer. The mesh transducer can include, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic mesh disk, and the like. The transducer or piezoelectric ceramic mesh disk can be temporarily deformed in a direction when a voltage is applied across the piezoelectric ceramic mesh disk. In some embodiments, the piezoelectric ceramic mesh disk can include micropores configured to create microdroplets using fluid from a tank. The micropores can be about 1 μm to about 40 μm, such as about 1 μm to about 20 μm or about 6 μm to about 15 μm, including any subrange therebetween. The piezoelectric ceramic mesh disk can be configured to generate oscillations from a sinusoidal input effective to propel droplets of fluid into the air. In other embodiments, the actuator can utilize a variety of output control mechanisms. In still other embodiments, the actuator can use variable amplitude, fixed frequency sinusoidal, variable frequency and / or variable duty cycle signals that can be generated by many different circuit topologies. Instead of a conventional cavitation transducer placed at a distance below the pool of stagnant water, various embodiments of the present invention may use a mesh transducer configured to be placed between the fluid in the tank and the outside air. The steam source arrangement described above may be effective in removing stagnant water anywhere in the machine except the tank, which may prevent mold buildup in areas outside the tank. In other aspects, various embodiments may include an air flow source or unit for carrying or propelling the water vapor generated by the steam source out of the housing. In still other aspects, the air flow source may propel or move the water vapor along a predetermined flow path at a predetermined speed. In still other aspects, the air flow source may include a fan, or the like, such as a DC fan.

[0039] In other aspects, the devices and systems can include a plurality of sensors. In still other aspects, the devices and systems can include a sensor array with a plurality of sensors. In still other aspects, each sensor can be configured to measure absolute humidity data and / or temperature data. In some aspects, two or more sensors can be positioned at different predetermined locations, for example along a shared plane. In other aspects, two or more sensors can be positioned at different predetermined locations along a shared plane corresponding to an output shaft. In other aspects, a sensor can be positioned at a minimum distance from another sensor. In still other aspects, one or more sensors can be positioned or located behind an output location of the steam source. In still other aspects, one or more sensors can be positioned or located above and behind an output location of the steam source. In still other aspects, the plurality of sensors consists of two sensors positioned or located above and behind an output location of the steam source.

[0040] In other aspects, the devices and systems can include additional sensors not located along the output axis, such as one or more remote sensors located within and / or outside the target portion (e.g., a child's bed) of the region (e.g., a room). In other aspects, the sensors can be configured to measure both humidity and temperature data. The measured humidity and temperature data can be used to determine a relative humidity (RH) level. The sensors can be in operative communication with the control unit. In other aspects, the system can be configured to detect multiple relative humidity levels at multiple points along the output axis. In various aspects, the system is configured to detect relative humidity levels in the region and / or at multiple different points along the output axis using the multiple sensors. In some examples, the multiple sensors can include a first sensor and a second sensor. In other examples, the multiple sensors can include a first sensor and a second sensor, and a remote third or fourth sensor. In other aspects, the system can be configured to detect relative humidity levels at two different points along the output axis using the first sensor and a second sensor. In yet other aspects, the system can be configured to use a remote third and / or fourth sensor to detect the relative humidity level at two different points within and / or outside the target portion of the area. In still other aspects, the system and device controlling the operation of the humidifier device can be based at least on absolute humidity data and / or temperature data from multiple sensors. Measured data, such as humidity data and temperature data, can further include the use of low pass filters. For example, the determined relative humidity (RH) level can include an average of measured humidity data and temperature data from multiple sensors.

[0041] In yet another aspect, the plurality of sensors may comprise at least one additional sensor selected from one or more of a boost rail voltage sensor, a converter sine wave amplitude sensor, or a fan current sensor, or a combination thereof. The boost rail voltage sensor may be configured to monitor the actual voltage at the output of the DC / DC boost converter. In some embodiments, the boost converter operates in an open loop fashion. The resistance of the bottom leg of the voltage divider of the reference pin on the boost converter IC may be controlled via a digital rheostat. By varying this resistance, it may be expected that the boost converter will vary its output in proportion to the change in resistance. To achieve tighter control of this boosted voltage, some embodiments may incorporate a voltage sensor in the boost rail portion to achieve a form of feedback control. To that end, it is believed that this will allow more information regarding the steam output, since the amount of water spray emitted by the converter is proportional to the amplitude of the AC waveform applied across the converter terminals. In other aspects, a converter sine wave amplitude sensor may be configured in parallel with the converter to obtain information regarding the waveform downstream of the resonant circuit. It is said that this can allow for better knowledge of the amount of mist emitted, which can be used to achieve feedback control of the converter. In yet another embodiment, a fan current sensor can be incorporated to provide tighter control of the airflow source (i.e., the DC fan) responsible for establishing the airflow in the humidified air flow path.

[0042] In another aspect, the device further comprises a control unit in operative communication with the humidifier device or unit to control operation of the humidifier device or unit. The control unit may be in operative communication with the steam source and / or air flow source to control operation of the steam source and / or air flow source. Control of operation of the steam source and / or air flow source may be based at least on absolute humidity data and / or temperature data from the multiple sensors.

[0043] In yet another embodiment, the control unit comprises or otherwise uses at least one control strategy for operating the humidifier device or unit. The control strategy may include a model in steady state using the output data of multiple sensors, e.g., a low-pass filtered average of two sensor readings, as the value of the ambient relative humidity in the room, and a fixed humidity density at the output of the vapor source. To that end, it has been surprisingly found that the control unit of the humidity device can use knowledge of the distance to the target point (i.e., the pediatric bed in the room) to control the ambient humidity of the target point using the air source speed (i.e., fan speed) to dictate the dynamics of gas diffusion and the path of the vapor output. In another embodiment, the output speed of the air source output in the control strategy and / or the flow path of the water vapor output can be modeled as a parabolic arc. In yet another embodiment, the air source speed (i.e., fan speed) in the control strategy can be calculated or determined to ensure delivery of the mist to the appropriate target location.

[0044] In yet another aspect, the control unit comprises a microcontroller, a DC / DC variable boost circuit, and / or an oscillator circuit for driving the actuator. The control unit may further comprise a user interface for communicating with a user and / or allowing a user to interact with the device. The user interface may comprise an LCD screen and / or any I / O devices such as switches, buttons or dials, etc., that may communicate with an end user and / or control one or more functions of the device.

[0045] In various aspects, the systems and devices can use various techniques, including but not limited to artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning techniques, predictive modeling / analysis, and / or various algorithms, in connection with performing different computational functions. For example, the systems and devices can use various algorithms, predictive analytics, AI, and machine learning techniques to search a room for sensors and determine locations for sensors and / or distances relative to other sensors, such as sensors integrated in a machine and / or housing. Still consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, the systems and devices can receive data as they track and / or monitor microclimates (i.e., temperature, humidity, etc.) while controlling or adjusting one or more microclimates of the microenvironment within the room. In other aspects, the systems can be configured to use the detected RH values ​​and programmed (e.g., user-entered) or calculated (e.g., determined by the device) knowledge of the distances between two or more sensors together with the predetermined portion distances of the fixed targets to predict the RH level in a predetermined portion of the space. For example, the system can be configured to use the two detected RH values ​​and programmed knowledge of the distance between the first and second sensors positioned in the housing along with a fixed target distance (measured, predicted, or provided by a user) to predict the RH level in a given portion of the predefined space. The system can be configured to use the predicted RH level in a given portion of the predefined space to control the humidity unit, e.g., to control the rate of humidity output. In yet other aspects, the system can be configured to use the predicted RH level in a given portion of the predefined space to control the humidity / moisture and / or airflow rate of the humidified air output from the humidity unit. In some embodiments, the real-time detected and calculated data can be combined with historical data and / or biometric data retrieved from remote and / or wearable sensors. This combination can then be used to identify microclimate characteristics and patterns within the microenvironment.Such characteristics and patterns can be identified by performing predictive analytics and / or machine learning on historical data. In other examples, the system can build predictive models that can determine microclimate conditions and determine necessary adjustments to the microenvironment.

[0046] To that end, the system can be configured to use water more efficiently, provide longer run times for the same tank volume, avoid the negative effects of humidity levels being too high or too low, avoid the tendency for mold to grow in the room, and avoid respiratory discomfort.

[0047] In other aspects, the invention can include a housing for housing various components such as a steam source, an airflow source, a number of sensors, and / or a control unit. In some embodiments, the housing can include a rotating output head configured to control the output direction of the humidified air. The output direction of the humidified air can correspond to an output axis. The output head can be configured to be rotated by a user about an axis to control the output direction. In some aspects, the output head can have a sensor configured to be disposed in the same plane as the output axis. In yet other aspects, the housing can include an output shaft configured to convey the humidified air along a predetermined flow path. The output shaft can be connected to the output head and can further include an access door for easy access. For example, in some aspects, the output shaft can include an access door on the front that can be opened to more easily access the output shaft for cleaning.

[0048] In other aspects, the device may further comprise at least one tank for containing a fluid for generating moisture or water vapor. The tank may be configured to removably couple with the housing. In yet other aspects, the tank may be removable and dishwasher safe. In still other aspects, the tank does not include small, hard-to-reach crevices. In some aspects, the tank may be constructed from a transparent material to allow a user to visually verify the water level. Additionally, the system may employ a tank interface component configured to secure the tank in place so that water does not leak until the user removes the tank. To that end, the system may be configured to position a transducer at the fluid-free air interface within the tank. Due to the different transducers used and their different location requirements for the water in the tank (at the water-free air interface as opposed to being submerged), the system is less susceptible to water or mold accumulation.

[0049] In various aspects, device component characteristics and configurations, such as size and dimensions, can be configured to adjust for the intended area, individual user characteristics, and other factors to achieve optimal humidity control. In other aspects, device and component characteristics, such as tank size and output connections, can be configured to set and / or control microclimate characteristics or can be utilized to set and / or control microclimate characteristics. In other aspects, the vapor source and / or airflow source described herein can be permanently attached in or on the device housing or device structure, although this is not a requirement. In still other aspects, one or more vapor sources and / or device elements can be detachably connected to the housing, for example, to allow for exchange and / or replacement of one or more elements. Such configurations allow a user to select desired humidity levels and room characteristics, for example, for personalization purposes to personal preferences, thereby tailoring to a desired treatment application, a subject's physical characteristics, a subject's symptoms, or to repair or replace defective or damaged device components, etc.

[0050] In other aspects, the disclosed humidifier devices and systems may further comprise one or more of the following components: a voltage regulator, a power switch, a power management module, an antenna (e.g., a Bluetooth LE antenna), a transceiver (e.g., a Bluetooth LE transceiver), a motor controller, an interface module, a control module, a voltage sensor, a current sensor, a pulse-width modulation (PWM) module, a power input, a magnetic switch, a motor control module (e.g., an actuator control module), and a motor drive. In still other aspects, a number of internal components may be mounted within an internal portion of the device and / or housing. For example, in some embodiments, the device may have an internal component configuration that further comprises a controller that houses a processing unit, a battery pack, a voltage regulator, a power switch, a battery management module (e.g., a fuel gauge), an antenna (e.g., a Bluetooth LE antenna), and a transceiver (e.g., a Bluetooth LE transceiver). In still other aspects, the device may further comprise a disinfection or sterilization module. The module may be configured to emit electro-optical (EO) radiation into the interior of the housing, the tank, and / or the vapor source. EO radiation or "disinfecting EO radiation" means any suitable wavelength and / or type of EO radiation capable of disinfecting a surface, including, but not limited to, Type-C ultraviolet radiation (UV-C), including wavelengths between 280 nm and 100 nm, Type B ultraviolet radiation (e.g., UV-B), middle ultraviolet radiation (MUV), far ultraviolet radiation (FUV), ionizing EO radiation, non-ionizing EO radiation, combinations of wavelengths and / or EO radiation types, and the like.

[0051] In other aspects, the disclosed devices can include one or more steam and / or airflow sources that can be selectively operated to handle air humidity. In yet other aspects, the GUI can provide at least one of a graphical image of a predefined area to which the steam and / or airflow source is attempting to deliver (and / or other characteristics of humidity and / or temperature) during operation, and telemetry data received from a sensor in the device.

[0052] In various aspects, the components and components of the disclosed systems can be detachably attached. In other aspects, the components can be connected by a connecting means. In still other aspects, the connecting means can comprise fittings, inserts, adhesives, brazing, soldering, welding, spot welding, screw with nut, rivet, threading, friction fit, snap fit, twist-lock or interlocking mechanism, or combinations thereof. In still other aspects, the connection can be achieved using snaps, friction fittings, snap rings, O-rings, pressure fittings, clips, clasps, and the like. The snap ring or O-ring can be held in a groove for receiving the snap ring or O-ring. In other aspects, the system can comprise an engaging means for joining and holding the components together. In other aspects, the engaging means can be a screw-fastening mechanism, a click-lock mechanism, or a friction mechanism, and the like. In still other aspects, the system components can be integrally or mechanically attached to the other components. In yet other aspects, the disclosed components can be connected, attached, or attached using a connection means comprising fittings, inserts, adhesives, brazing, soldering, welding, spot welding, threads with nuts, rivets, fittings, inserts, threading, friction or snap fits, or combinations thereof. In other aspects, the system can comprise one or more locking or securing mechanisms configured to releasably secure the tank and / or other components in a desired state or position.

[0053] C. System Configuration According to various aspects of the invention, the humidifiers, devices and systems of the present disclosure can have a number of configurations. In various embodiments, the invention can include one or more of the following components and features: Humidity Unit: Steam and Air Source An actuator for releasing water vapor into the air at a variable rate; a transducer disk that can temporarily deform in a certain direction when a voltage is applied across it; tiny (6-15um) holes in the center for creating tiny water droplets; oscillation from a periodic oscillating wave or signal such as a sine wave input, square wave input or sawtooth input, etc., effective to propel the water droplets into an air DC fan configured to create an air flow at a variable rate, configured to propel the water vapor out of the machine at a faster rate than the transducer could generate on its own. Sensor: Two or more relative humidity sensors configured to detect temperature and absolute humidity to calculate RH and determine humidity at remote locations and / or fixed locations on the machine, communicating with a control unit, e.g., a microcontroller via a wired or wireless serial or parallel communication protocol. Housing: A component that holds the actuators, sensors, and electronics and has an interface to mate with the tank; the tank interface locks the tank in place so that water does not leak until the user removes the tank. The housing can have an access door on the front that can be opened to allow easier access to the output shaft for cleaning. A mating interface between the tank and the housing allows the use of a mesh transducer. Tank: Has no small, hard-to-reach crevasses, is removable, and is dishwasher safe. It may be constructed from a transparent material to allow the user to visually verify the water level, and when inserted, the tank may be constrained by a slot such that the tank is free to translate in only one direction and cannot rotate around any axis. Control Unit and Electronics: may include a microcontroller, DC / DC variable boost circuit, and oscillator circuitry to drive the actuator, generate drive waveforms for the actuator, compile sensor data, and calculate output rates; the microcontroller may take sensor inputs via an electronic communication protocol to calculate an appropriate output rate of water vapor; the actuator may be controlled by varying the amplitude of a constant frequency sine wave applied across the terminals of the converter, the amplitude of the signal may be a function of the output voltage on the DC / DC boost converter; the output of the boost converter may be controlled by a digital potentiometer, which may interface with the microcontroller, which may interface with an LCD screen and user input devices (i.e., buttons and dials); User Interface: may include an LCD screen and any I / O devices (i.e., buttons, dials, etc.) that are intended to communicate with an end user.

[0054] In various other aspects, Figures 1-12B show non-limiting illustrations of examples of operating environments, mechanisms and components for the disclosed humidifier devices and systems. Although operating environments, mechanisms and components having specific functionality are disclosed, it is understood that functionality can be shared among the mechanisms and / or components, some functions are divided among the mechanisms and / or components, and other functions are duplicated by the mechanisms and / or components. Furthermore, the names of the mechanisms and / or components should not be construed as limitations on the functionality of the mechanisms and / or components. Furthermore, individual steps in the method or claim language may be considered independently without the context of other steps. Individual steps may include language defined elsewhere in this specification. Individual steps disclosed for one mechanism and / or component may be mixed with the operating steps of another mechanism and / or component. Individual steps may be claimed by themselves and / or may be interchangeable with other steps of other mechanisms and / or components.

[0055] According to the present invention, FIGS. 1-8 show an embodiment of a humidifier device 100 for adjusting humidity in a predetermined target microenvironment, the predetermined target microenvironment including a portion of a predetermined area, such as a child's bed, disposed in a room. The humidifier device 100 includes a humidity unit 102 including a steam source 104 configured to generate a mist, water vapor or humidity source, and an airflow source 106 configured to generate an airflow. The steam source is configured using a transducer to generate tiny water droplets, and a fan to generate an airflow to move the water droplets. The humidifier device includes two sensors 108, each configured to measure absolute humidity data or temperature data. A control unit 110, which may include an LCD and / or a manual button, is in operative communication with the humidity unit to control the operation of the humidity unit and / or provide device operating condition and status information.

[0056] The device components are contained within a dedicated housing 112 configured to detachably couple to a removable tank 114 that holds the fluid used to generate water moisture or water vapor and humidified air. In other aspects, a tank switch can be provided to provide installation status information regarding the tank, for example, to be provided or used in connection with operating the device and transporting fluid. In some embodiments, the tank switch can comprise a push button switch having a roller arm that deflects when the tank is fully inserted into the housing.

[0057] In other aspects, the humidifier device 100 is configured to generate humidified air using a steam source and an air flow source, the humidified air configured to control the relative humidity in a predetermined target microenvironment. As will be further discussed, the humidified air is configured to travel a predetermined flow path 116 along an output axis 118 that can be directed by a user towards a target location.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 2, the humidifier device 100 includes two relative humidity (RH) sensors 108 configured to detect both absolute humidity and temperature. The sensors 108 observe the relative humidity at two points on the humidifier device 100, which is used to calculate and control the humidity at a point not on the machine, using only information from the humidifier device 100. As described herein, one problem with existing humidifiers is their inability to adjust a predefined portion of a room, such as a child's bed in a nursery. These products tend to detect humidity at one point on the machine and output water vapor until the entire room is at the target humidity, wasting water and energy. As such, these existing products do not create an optimal microclimate in a particular target area. In contrast, the configuration and combination of elements of the present invention can create a microclimate within a target area. To that end, the humidifier device 100 typically uses the detected RH values ​​and programmed knowledge of the distance between the two sensors to predict the RH level in a given portion of the predefined space, and uses the predicted RH level in the given portion of the predefined space to control the humidifier device, for example, to control the amount of steam / moisture and / or the airflow rate of the humidified air output from the humidifier unit. It was found that the size of the humidifier device 100 was too small to effectively measure the humidity gradient across the room. This shortcoming was investigated and attributed to three main factors: the sensors were too close to each other, the data from the sensors was noisy, and the assumption of a uniform humidity distribution, which was found to be inaccurate for scenarios where there was a net airflow in the room. According to some embodiments, the humidifier device 100 utilizes the average of the two sensors as a measure of the ambient relative humidity. Surprisingly, it has been found that sensors can be placed behind the vapor and air sources to provide detection data that can be used to determine a highly accurate approximation to the ambient relative humidity of a target location by averaging the sensors and low-pass filtering the signal.

[0059] In other aspects, the humidifier device 100 generates humidified air using water droplets atomized by an actuator typically housed within the steam source 104, which are carried by the airflow generated by the fan of the airflow source 106. The primary actuator is a mesh transducer, specifically a piezoelectric ceramic mesh disk with tiny (6-15 um) holes configured to create the micro-droplets using fluid transported from the tank 114. More specifically, the piezoelectric ceramic mesh disk generates oscillations from an oscillating wave input that are effective to propel the fluid droplets into the air. The transducer uses a variable amplitude, fixed frequency sine wave that can be generated by many different circuit topologies.

[0060] The most common type of actuator is called a cavitation transducer, which vibrates under a pool of stagnant water, releasing microparticles from the surface of the pool. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, and in contrast to conventional cavitation transducers that are placed at a distance below the pool of stagnant water, the mesh transducer used in this embodiment is placed between the fluid in the tank and the outside air. However, by having an array of micro-holes in the transducer, the mesh transducer can achieve the same effect without having a pool of stagnant water above it, thereby allowing accessibility and cleanability of the device. Furthermore, such a steam generating structure can eliminate stagnant water in the machine, thereby preventing mold buildup on the outside of the tank. Water from the tank can be pumped to one side of the transducer, while the other side can be open to free air, with a watertight seal around the perimeter of the transducer. As shown in Figure 3, the airflow source 106 includes a second actuator in the form of a DC fan configured to establish an airflow flow path to a target location point (i.e., the infant's cot in the room) for delivering humidity. Applicants have discovered that the transducer itself can only emit water vapor a short distance, and this is solved by adding a secondary actuator to carry the water droplets to the intended delivery point.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 6, the humidifier device 100 further includes a pump 122 in fluid communication between the steam source 104 and the tank 114. It has been found that when the mesh transducer operates and the surface tension of the water behind the transducer is broken, water will leak through the holes in the mesh. However, if the head height of the water behind the transducer is low enough, leakage will be prevented. To achieve this functionality, the pump 122 moves water from the tank to the transducer. The pump 122 can be configured to move fluid from the tank to the steam source and from the steam source to the tank. The pump 122 can be configured to transport a predetermined amount of fluid to the steam source, which may correspond to the amount of steam production required to reach the humidity level at the target location. To maintain cleanability (i.e., no stagnant water in the device except the tank), the humidifier device includes a control strategy that either releases any water in the steam source to the transducer and releases it as a mist or pumps it back to the tank. In other examples, the pump can be configured to transport a predetermined amount of fluid to the vapor source corresponding to a desired amount of water vapor production and / or to transport excess fluid from the vapor source back to the tank, i.e., the pump can be configured to transport fluid from the vapor source back to the tank when the vapor source is turned off or is not producing water vapor.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5, the steam source further includes a fluid level sensor 120 configured to determine when a sufficient amount of water is present at the transducer level without overflowing, such as when a pump is transporting water from a tank to the transducer. The fluid level sensor 120 includes a series of wire probes behind the transducer connected by a resistor ladder and a noise rejection capacitor. The voltage on the top of the transducer wires is applied to a GPIO pin of the microcontroller, pulsing a 3V signal. The center of the ladder is attached to an analog input of the microcontroller. When water connects the wire probes, the voltage seen at the analog input will drop, signaling that the water is at the proper level.

[0063] Another problem with existing humidifiers is the buildup of mold due to the design of the housing and tank of existing humidifiers, making them partially difficult to reach. As described herein, various embodiments of the present invention can be easily disassembled and assembled, allowing the user to access all or substantially all areas inside the housing where water or water vapor may be present, and cleaning and maintenance can be efficiently performed. Furthermore, all or substantially all parts are dishwasher safe. In various embodiments, a dedicated housing according to the present invention can generally house all device components together, can be opened to easily clean the interior, and can interact with a removable tank in a manner that does not allow water to leak between the components and that provides water from the tank to the converter until the tank is empty. As shown in FIG. 7, the humidifier device 100 can further include a rotatable output head 124 arranged to convey humidified air along the air flow path 116.

[0064] 7, the dedicated housing 114 in this embodiment can have a rotating output head 118 that can control the output direction of the humidified air flow passage 116, which can be rotated by a user about the output axis 118 to control the output direction. In some embodiments, the output head can include extension tubing and components to cover the target area. For example, the device can include a covering that fits over the open top of the pediatric bed to create a closed microenvironment within the three-dimensional volume of the pediatric bed.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 8, the dedicated housing 114 in this embodiment can include an access door 126 that can be opened to more easily access the interior humidity unit area for cleaning. In various embodiments, the removable, dishwasher safe tank is free of small, hard to reach crevices and is preferably constructed from a transparent material to allow the user to visually verify the water level. In other embodiments, the dedicated mating interface between the tank and the housing allows for the use of a mesh transducer and steam generating structure due to the location of the transducer relative to the water in the tank, i.e., within the tank at the fluid-free air interface as opposed to being submerged.

[0066] As described herein, the humidifier device 100 includes a control unit 110 having a microcontroller in operative communication with the humidifier unit 102 to control the operation of the steam source and the airflow source. The control of the operation of the steam source and / or the airflow source can be based at least on absolute humidity data and / or temperature data from the sensor 108. The control unit can employ a control strategy for operating the humidifier unit. The control strategy can include a model in steady state using the output data of the sensor 108, e.g., a low-pass filtered average of two sensor readings, as a value of the ambient relative humidity of the room, and a fixed humidity density at the output of the steam source. To that end, it has surprisingly been found that the control unit of the humidity device can use knowledge of the distance to a target point (i.e., a pediatric bed in the room) to control the ambient humidity of the target point using the air source speed (i.e., fan speed) to dictate the dynamics of gas diffusion and the path of the steam output. In another aspect, the output speed of the air source output and / or the flow path of the water vapor output in the control strategy can be modeled as a parabolic arc. In yet another embodiment, the air source speed (i.e., fan speed) in the control strategy can be calculated or determined to ensure delivery of mist to the appropriate target location. To that end, the control unit 110 includes a proportional-integral controller with anti-windup considerations. Figure 9A is a block diagram of the complete controller and regulator that determines the required output of the converter, and Figure 9B is a block diagram of the relative humidity regulator.

[0067] Plant: Describes the target location and the dynamic model of what happens in the room when mist is released into the room by the device 100. r: Reference Command - the desired ambient relative humidity in the room, which is dictated by the distance from the device 100 to the target point (this calculation is performed in the reference selector). y': Plant output - actual relative humidity of the machine part. y: Measured plant output - relative humidity measured from the machine, after low pass filtering. u: Actuator input – mist is being released into the room. w: A disturbance to the system - something not taken into account in the first order approximation of diffusion dynamics (e.g. air flowing in from a vent, someone walking in front of the device). v: Sensor noise - inaccuracy from sensor non-idealities. σ: Error integrator - This is the accumulated error over time, by adding an integral term we can guarantee zero steady state error. e: Error between the reference command and the plant output. u': Actuator Request - requested amount of mist. u: Actual actuator input - the transducer is saturated as it can only output between 0% and 100% (e.g. if the demand was 200% power or -10% power then the actual input will saturate to 100% and 0% respectively). awf: Anti-windup flag - this stops the error integrator from increasing if the actuator becomes saturated.

[0068] D. System Operation and Methods for Use and Construction Methods of using the disclosed humidifier devices and systems are also disclosed herein. For example, in another exemplary aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of humidifying a portion of a predetermined space using the disclosed devices and systems. In other aspects, the predetermined space may be a nursery, a child's bed, and the like. In one aspect, the disclosed method may include one or more of the following steps: positioning an output from any of the humidity devices or systems of the claims in a predetermined target portion; determining a relative humidity level of the target portion based at least on detected humidity data and / or temperature data from a plurality of sensors; activating steam generation from a steam source using air flow generation from an air flow source to output humidified air into the target portion; adjusting the amount of steam from the steam source and / or the air flow rate from the air flow based at least on the relative humidity level of the target portion; and deactivating the steam generation from the steam source and / or the air flow generation from the air flow source upon meeting a predetermined humidity criterion in the target portion. The relative humidity level of the target portion can be determined based at least on two or more detected RH values ​​and programmed or system determined knowledge of the distance between the first and second sensors along with a fixed target distance to the target portion that is predefined. Such knowledge can be determined by the system using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning techniques, predictive modeling and / or algorithms. In some embodiments, the system can utilize remote sensors located in and around the target microenvironment, such as remote sensors located within or positioned at the external boundary. To that end, the system can use positional data, such as from wireless feedback, etc., to measure and / or determine various distances, such as the distance between the sensor, the humidification unit and the target microenvironment. In other aspects, remote sensors can be used to define the boundaries of the target microenvironment and, for example, adjust the target output.

[0069] FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating general steps included in a method 1000 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure for operating the disclosed humidifier devices and systems. Method 1000 may be implemented, at least in part, using humidifier system 100 or 200, as described in more detail in connection with FIGS. 1-14. Additionally, method 1000 may be implemented, at least in part, using controller 1100 (e.g., an on-board computing device), as described in more detail below in connection with FIG. 11. Controller 1100 may comprise a controller for operating devices and device components, and for performing other operational tasks, including, but not limited to, humidity and / or airflow control and parameters, heat control and parameters, and communications. Thus, controller 1100 may be configured to operate and communicate with, for example, but not limited to, a steam source (e.g., an actuator), an airflow source (e.g., a fan), an activation switch, various sensors, a communications module, a power source, a power conditioner, a transceiver, and an antenna. 11, the controller 1100 may include a remote communication module to enable remote operation as described herein. In other embodiments, the controller 1100, once configured, may be fully automated.

[0070] Although the steps are disclosed with reference to the humidifier device and system of Figures 1-10, it is understood that other disclosed embodiments or components may enable operation of the method 1000, including, but not limited to, other mechanisms, machine components, environmental characteristics (e.g., temperature, humidity), user conditions, and the like. Additionally, while the steps depicted by the flow charts are disclosed in a particular order, it is understood that this order is disclosed for illustrative purposes only. The steps may be combined, separated, reordered, and various intermediate steps may be present. Thus, it is understood that the various steps depicted in the flow charts may be performed in different arrangements than those depicted in various embodiments. Additionally, various steps may be added or removed from the flow charts without altering or interfering with the basic scope of the depicted methods and systems disclosed herein.

[0071] Method 1000 may begin at start block 1005 and proceed to step 1010 where a humidifier system is installed in a room and an output head is positioned in a predetermined target portion, such as in a child's bed. Method 1000 may proceed from step 1010 where the output is positioned in the target portion of the room to step 1020 where a relative humidity level of the target portion may be determined based at least on detected humidity and / or temperature data from a plurality of sensors. From step 1020 where the relative humidity level of the target portion has been determined, method 1000 may proceed to step 1030 where steam generation from a steam source may be initiated using air flow generation from an air flow source to output humidified air into the target portion.

[0072] Method 1000 can proceed from step 1030, where humidified air output is initiated, to step 1040, where the system can adjust the amount of steam from the steam source and / or the air flow rate from the air flow based on at least real-time or continuous determination of the relative humidity level of the target portion. Method 1000 can proceed from step 1040, where the amount of steam and / or the air flow rate are adjusted, to step 1050, where activation of steam generation from the steam source and / or air flow generation from the air flow source can be deactivated upon meeting a predetermined humidity criterion in the target portion, such as a target relative humidity level in the range of about 30% to about 60%. After step 1050, method 1000 can end at step 1060 or return to step 1020 to determine the current RH level. Steps 1020 to 1050 can be repeated until the target relative humidity is reached or is within the desired range. For example, if the target relative humidity level determined during step 1020 is outside the desired range, the method can begin again with step 1030.

[0073] In some embodiments, the present invention allows the humidifier device and / or humidification element of the device to be activated remotely from the device by the user. In other aspects, the user does not need to touch the device to activate, deactivate, and / or adjust the humidity level and / or airflow rate in adjustable embodiments of the device. In still other aspects, the user can activate or deactivate the steam source and / or airflow source (and / or otherwise control operation thereof) by using a wireless control unit, such as a wireless or mobile device, in operative communication with the steam source and / or airflow source of the device. The wireless device may be a device that can be used for additional purposes other than those for use with the present invention, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, notebook computer, desktop computer, and the like. In some embodiments, the present invention can provide a dedicated wireless device solely for use with the present invention. In other embodiments, the dedicated wireless device can include other uses, where the use is not limited to this particular embodiment of the present invention. In other embodiments, the control unit used to control the steam source and / or airflow source of the device can include an application or application software ("app") created specifically for such use. Users may download and / or otherwise obtain apps from sources that supply apps, such as independent developers and app storehouses. Apps used with embodiments of the present invention communicate wirelessly, such as by using technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and the like.

[0074] In other aspects, the controller 1100 (e.g., an on-board computing device) can automatically activate the vapor source and / or airflow source immediately upon initiation or after a certain set amount of time has elapsed since initiation. In other examples, activation can occur when a reading from an on-board sensor (e.g., including but not limited to a sensor deployed in the device) reaches a particular value. For example, activation of the vapor source and / or airflow source may be dependent on certain environmental factors and / or user conditions such as, for example, humidity, temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and the like. The controller 1100 can be configured to trigger activation of various device components upon certain pre-set conditions being met. Such conditions can be defined prior to activation.

[0075] In various aspects and stages of the disclosed methods, the device can be in operative communication with a user via an antenna or wireless communication components. The user can receive various readings from various device components and sensors. In some examples, the user can control the operation of the vapor source and / or air flow source during use. For example, the user can control device components including, but not limited to, the vapor source, the air flow source, the LCD screen, the activation switch or dial, the communication module, the power source, the power regulator, various sensors, the transceiver, and the antenna.

[0076] In other embodiments, the controller 1100 may be an integrated controller pre-configured with operational control instructions and / or data. In other aspects, the disclosed devices may include, but are not limited to, an integrated controller and / or an on-board computing module. The computing module may be operatively configured and may communicate with, for example, but not limited to, a steam source, an airflow source, an activation switch, a communication module, a power source, a power conditioner, various telemetry sensors, transceivers, and antennas. Additionally, the computing module may be in operative communication with another computing device consistent with the description herein, and may include, but is not limited to, a wireless device, a smart phone, a desktop computer, a laptop, a tablet, or a mobile remote communication device. Such remote devices may be used to control and / or configure the integrated computing module (e.g., activation conditions, humidity operating parameters and settings, etc.). Additionally, the device may be in operative communication with a centralized server, such as, for example, a cloud computing service. While operations are described as being performed in part by the controller 1100, it should be understood that in some embodiments, different operations may be performed by different networked elements in operative communication with the controller 1100.

[0077] An embodiment of the present disclosure may include a system having a memory storage device and a processing unit. The processing unit may be coupled to the memory storage device, and the processing unit may be configured to perform the steps of the method 1000. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a system including a controller 1100. The memory storage device and the processing unit may be implemented in a computing device, such as the controller 1100, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The memory storage device and the processing unit may be implemented using any suitable combination of hardware, software, or firmware. For example, the memory storage device and the processing unit may be implemented using the controller 1100, or any of the vapor source, air flow source, sensor, and device components 1118, or any other control units and wireless devices 1122 in combination with the controller 1100. The other device components 1118 may include, for example, but are not limited to, a control mechanism, a vapor source, an air flow source, a sensor, a switch, a communication module, a power source, a power conditioner, various transceivers, and antennas. The above systems, devices, and processors are illustrative, and other systems, devices, and processors may include the above memory storage device and processing unit, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] 11, a system consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure may include a computing device, such as a controller 1100. In a basic configuration, the controller 1100 may include at least one processing unit 1102 and a system memory 1104. The system memory 1104 may comprise, but is not limited to, volatile (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (e.g., read-only memory (ROM)), flash memory, or any combination, depending on the configuration and type of computing device. The system memory 1104 may include an operating system 1105, one or more programming modules 1106, and may also include program data 1107. The operating system 1105 may be, for example, suitable for controlling the operation of the controller 1100. In one embodiment, the programming module 1106 may include a controller application ("app") 1120. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with graphics libraries, other operating systems, or any other application programs, and are not limited to any particular application or system. This basic configuration is illustrated in FIG. 11 by the components within dashed line 1108. In other aspects, an app may provide a user with information, as well as a user interface for operating embodiments of the present invention. An app may include one or more graphic user interfaces (GUIs). In particular, the GUI of the app may be a GUI that allows a user to pick a vapor source and / or air flow source to activate when multiple vapor sources and / or air flow sources are present, and also allows a user to select (if available) one or more operating parameters or characteristics (such as amplitude, frequency, air flow rate, and / or temperature) of the vapor source and / or air flow source of the device. The user may adjust such selections without having to unactivate the embodiment from the app's GUI.The user can also use the app to turn on and off device components. The GUI can include additional or other information related to the water vapor being generated by the actuators, such as the strength (amplitude) or frequency (speed) of the actuators, or related to the humidity or speed of the air being output by the device. This additional or other information can be color coded and / or otherwise presented in a manner that is easily understood by the user by viewing the app's GUI. The app can also present information to the user, such as environmental and telemetry data from sensors received from the device components. In some embodiments, the GUI can be presented on an LCD screen integrated into the device housing.

[0079] The controller 1100 may have additional features or functionality. For example, the controller 1100 may also include additional data storage devices (removable and / or non-removable), such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 11 by removable storage 1109 and non-removable storage 1110. Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. The system memory 1104, the removable storage 1109, and the non-removable storage 1110 are all examples of computer storage media (i.e., memory storage devices). Computer storage media may include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store information and that can be accessed by the controller 1100. Any such computer storage media may be part of the device 1100. The controller 1100 may also operate with input devices 1112, such as a keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device (e.g., an integrated LCD screen), and the like. The input devices 1112 may be used to access and program the controller 1100, for example, manually. Output devices 1114, such as a display, speakers, printer, and the like, may also be included. The above-mentioned devices are illustrative and other devices may be used.

[0080] The controller 1100 may also contain communication connections 1116 that may allow the device 1100 to communicate with other control units, and may also contain wireless devices 1122 as well as vibration sources, thermal elements, and other components 1118 (e.g., transceivers, sensors, thermal elements), such as through an encrypted network in a distributed computing environment. The communication connections 1116 are an example of communication media. Communication media may typically be embodied by computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and may include any information-bearing media. The term "modulated data signal" may describe a signal that has one or more characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of non-limiting example, communication media may include wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media, such as acoustic, Bluetooth, radio frequency (RF), infrared, and other wireless media. As used herein, the term computer-readable media may include both storage media and communication media. As mentioned above, a number of program modules and data files, including the operating system 1105, can be stored in the system memory 1104. While executing on the processing unit 1102, the programming module 1106 (e.g., controller application 1120) can perform a process including, for example, one or more of the steps of the method 1000 described above, or a portion of the steps of the method 1000. The app 1120 can be configured to operate the device components 1118, for example, to receive instructions from the communication connection module 1116. The processes mentioned above are illustrative and the processing unit 1102 can perform other processes.

[0081] Typically, program modules can include routines, programs, components, data structures, and other types of instructions that can perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced using other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Embodiments of the present disclosure can also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0082] Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in electrical circuits with discrete electronic elements, packaged or integrated electronic chips containing logic gates, circuits utilizing a microprocessor, or on a single chip containing electronic elements or a microprocessor. Embodiments of the present disclosure may also be practiced using other technologies capable of performing logical operations such as AND, OR, and NOT, including, but not limited to, mechanical, optical, fluidic, and quantum technologies. Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure may also be practiced within a general purpose computer or any other circuit or system.

[0083] Embodiments of the disclosure may be realized, for example, as a computer process (method), a computing system, or as an article of manufacture such as a computer program product or computer readable medium. A computer program product may be a computer storage medium readable by a computer system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. A computer program product may also be a propagated signal on a carrier wave readable by a computer system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. Thus, the disclosure may be embodied in hardware and / or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.). In other words, embodiments of the disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a computer usable or computer readable storage medium having computer usable or computer readable program code embodied in the medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system. A computer usable or computer readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0084] A computer usable or computer readable medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. In more specific computer readable medium examples (a non-exclusive list), the computer readable medium may include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a random-access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). It is noted that a computer usable or computer readable medium may further be paper or another suitable medium on which a program is printed, since a program may be captured electronically, for example, via optical scanning of paper or other medium, and then compiled, translated, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner as required, and then stored in computer memory.

[0085] Also disclosed herein are kits comprising the disclosed modular humidifier devices and systems. For example, in an exemplary aspect, the present disclosure provides a humidifier kit for a pediatric sleeper comprising the disclosed humidifier device or system.

[0086] E. Examples The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how the articles, devices and / or methods claimed herein are constructed and evaluated, and are intended to be merely exemplary of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors regard as their invention. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers (e.g., amounts, temperature, etc.), but some errors and deviations should be accounted for.

[0087] Examples are provided herein to illustrate the invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way. Examples are provided herein to illustrate the invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.

[0088] 1. Device Control of Target Microenvironment Humidity in Defined Test Microenvironments In this example, a humidity device according to the present invention was evaluated to assess its effectiveness in controlling humidity of a target microenvironment in a defined environmental region or microenvironment.

[0089] The general research methodology of the study was as follows.

[0090] As shown in Figures 12A-12B, a test microenvironment 1200 was created and the humidity device 100 was placed within the test microenvironment along with a pediatric bed representing the target microenvironment 1202. The humidity device 100 was operated and evaluated to demonstrate that humidity at a target location point (2) could be effectively controlled by the humidity device using only data from the humidity sensor in the test microenvironment. During operation, humidity levels at the target location point (2) and at various points (1, 3-6) just outside the target location were measured to evaluate the ability of the humidity device to control the exact target location and also to evaluate the accuracy of the humidity device's predicted relative humidity.

[0091] The distance between the humidity machine and the target location was input into the control unit of the humidity device, and the water vapor output shaft was aimed at the target location. The humidity device was then operated, and the humidity levels at the target location point (2) and various points (1, 3-6) were measured and compared against the relative humidity level determined by the humidity device using sensor data from two sensors on the device housing. The data shows that the humidity device's control strategy and parabolic arc output flow path of the water vapor are effective in accurately controlling the humidity level at the target location point (2) to a desired humidity level, with or without the same humidity level changes at the various points (1, 3-6) just outside the target location. The data also shows that the humidity device can accurately calculate the relative humidity level at the target location point (2) using only the sensed environmental data utilized from the humidity device's sensor located behind the water vapor output location. In other embodiments, the desired humidity level (or range) at the target location can be input into the control unit to automatically and continuously control the humidity of the target location microenvironment.

[0092] The present invention includes at least the following aspects: Aspect 1: A humidifier device for controlling a microclimate in a predetermined target microenvironment comprising a portion of a predetermined space, the humidifier device comprising: a humidity unit, the humidity unit comprising a steam source configured to generate water vapor or humidity, and an air flow source configured to generate an air flow, a plurality of sensors, at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors configured to measure at least one of absolute humidity data or temperature data, a control unit in operative communication with the humidity unit to control an operation of the humidity unit, a housing for housing the humidity unit, the plurality of sensors, and the control unit, and a tank configured to removably couple with the housing, the tank configured to contain a fluid for generating humidity or water vapor, the humidifier device configured to generate humidified air using the humidity source and the air flow source, the humidified air configured to control a relative humidity in the predetermined portion, and the humidified air configured to move along a predetermined flow path along an output axis.

[0093] Aspect 2: A system for controlling a microclimate in a predetermined target microenvironment portion of a predetermined space, the system comprising a humidifier device, the humidifier device comprising a humidity unit comprising a steam source configured to generate water vapor or humidity, and an air flow source configured to generate an air flow, the humidity unit configured to generate humidified air using the steam source and the air flow source to control relative humidity in the predetermined portion, the humidified air configured to move through a predetermined flow path along an output axis, a humidity unit, a plurality of sensors, each sensor configured to measure absolute humidity data and / or temperature data, a control unit in operative communication with the humidity unit to control operation of the humidity unit, a housing for housing the humidity unit, the plurality of sensors and the control unit, and a tank configured to removably couple with the housing, the tank configured to contain a fluid for generating humidity or water vapor.

[0094] Aspect 3: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the predetermined microenvironment portion is a defined microenvironment having a microclimate. Aspect 4: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the predetermined portion is a defined microenvironment volume having a microclimate disposed within the predetermined space. Aspect 5: The system or device of any preceding aspect, further comprising a pump in fluid communication between the vapor source and the tank. Aspect 6: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the pump is configured to move fluid from the tank to the vapor source and from the vapor source to the tank. Aspect 7: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the pump is configured to transport a predetermined amount of fluid to the vapor source. Aspect 8: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the pump is configured to transport a predetermined amount of fluid to the vapor source corresponding to an amount of desired water vapor production. Aspect 9: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the pump is configured to transport excess fluid from the vapor source back to the tank. Aspect 10: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the pump is configured to transport fluid from the vapor source back to the tank when the vapor source is turned off. Aspect 11: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the pump is configured to remove stagnant fluid from the vapor source back to the tank when the vapor source is not producing water vapor. Aspect 12: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the pump is a peristaltic pump. Aspect 13: The system or device of any preceding aspect, further comprising a fluid level sensor configured to determine a volume of fluid in the vapor source. Aspect 14: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the fluid level sensor is configured to determine whether a sufficient volume of fluid is present in the vapor source effective to allow production of a predetermined volume of water vapor. Aspect 15: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the fluid level sensor and the pump cooperate to transport fluid between the vapor source and the tank. Aspect 16: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the fluid level sensor and pump cooperate to transport fluid from the vapor source back to the tank when the vapor source is turned off or is not producing water vapor.Aspect 17: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the fluid level sensor and pump cooperate to transport fluid from the vapor source back to the tank when the vapor source is turned off. Aspect 18: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the fluid level sensor is configured to prevent the pump from flooding the vapor source with fluid. Aspect 19: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the fluid level sensor comprises a multiple wire probe behind the transducer connected by a resistor ladder and a noise rejection capacitor.

[0095] Aspect 20: The system or device of any preceding aspect, further comprising a tank switch configured to determine an installation status of the tank. Aspect 21: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the tank switch comprises a push button switch having a roller arm that deflects when the tank is fully inserted into the machine. Aspect 22: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the at least two sensors are disposed at different predetermined locations. Aspect 23: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the at least two sensors are disposed at different predetermined locations along a common plane. Aspect 24: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the at least two sensors are disposed at different predetermined locations along a common plane aft of the output shaft. Aspect 25: The system or device of any preceding aspect, further comprising at least one remote sensor disposed remotely from the housing. Aspect 26: The system or device of any preceding aspect, further comprising at least one additional sensor selected from one or more of a boost rail voltage sensor, a transducer sine wave amplitude sensor, or a fan current sensor, or combinations thereof. Aspect 27: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the vapor source is in operative communication with the fluid in the tank. Aspect 28: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the vapor source is configured to atomize the fluid from the tank. Aspect 29: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the vapor source is configured to generate water vapor without requiring a stagnant pool of fluid. Aspect 30: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the vapor source and the fluid source used to generate the water vapor are in separate locations. Aspect 31: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the vapor source comprises an actuator or transducer, or a combination thereof. Aspect 32: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the vapor source comprises a transducer configured to generate a fine mist from the fluid. Aspect 33: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the vapor source comprises a transducer configured to generate a fine mist without a stagnant pool of fluid.Aspect 34: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the vapor source comprises a transducer configured to generate a fine mist without being submerged in a stagnant pool of fluid. Aspect 35: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the vapor source comprises a mesh transducer. Aspect 36: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the mesh transducer comprises a mesh disk. Aspect 37: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the mesh transducer comprises a piezoelectric ceramic mesh disk. Aspect 38: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the mesh disk can temporarily deform in a direction when a voltage is applied across the mesh disk. Aspect 39: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the mesh disk comprises holes configured to create microdroplets using fluid from the tank. Aspect 40: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the mesh disk comprises holes from about 6 um to about 15 um configured to create microdroplets using fluid from the tank. Aspect 41: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the holes are from about 1 μm to about 40 μm. Aspect 42: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the holes are from about 6 μm to about 15 μm. Aspect 43: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the holes are from about 8 μm to about 18 μm. Aspect 44: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the holes are from about 18 μm to about 30 μm. Aspect 45: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the piezoelectric ceramic mesh disk is configured to generate oscillations from a periodic oscillating wave input effective to propel droplets of fluid through the air. Aspect 46: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the piezoelectric ceramic mesh disk is configured to generate oscillations from a sinusoidal wave input effective to propel droplets of fluid through the air. Aspect 47: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the actuator uses waveforms of variable amplitude, fixed frequency, variable amplitude, frequency or duty cycle, and the like.Aspect 48: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the mesh transducer is configured to be placed between the fluid in the tank and the outside air.Aspect 49: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the steam source arrangement is configured to remove stagnant water anywhere in the machine except the tank, which will prevent mold buildup.

[0096] Aspect 50: The system or device of any preceding embodiment, wherein the airflow source is capable of generating an airflow effective to propel or move water vapor at a predetermined velocity along a predetermined flow path. Aspect 51: The system or device of any preceding embodiment, wherein the flow path comprises a parabolic arc. Aspect 52: The system or device of any preceding embodiment, wherein the airflow source is a DC fan. Aspect 53: The system or device of any preceding embodiment, wherein the microclimate is humidity. Aspect 54: The system or device of any preceding embodiment, wherein the predetermined microenvironment portion is a pediatric bed. Aspect 55: The system or device of any preceding embodiment, wherein a fixed target distance to the predetermined portion is measured or determined based at least on data associated with one or more sensors. Aspect 56: The system or device of any preceding embodiment, wherein a fixed target distance to the predetermined portion is measured or determined based at least on data associated with at least two sensors. Aspect 57: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the relative humidity level of the predetermined portion of the target is determined using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning techniques, predictive modeling, and / or algorithms. Aspect 58: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the sensor is configured to measure humidity data and temperature data. Aspect 59: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the relative humidity (RH) level is determined using the measured humidity data and temperature data. Aspect 60: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the measured humidity data and temperature data further comprises the use of a low pass filter. Aspect 61: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the determined relative humidity (RH) level comprises an average of the measured humidity data and temperature data from the multiple sensors. Aspect 62: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the multiple sensors are in operative communication with the control unit. Aspect 63: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the system is configured to detect multiple humidity data and temperature data at multiple points.Aspect 64: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a first sensor and a second sensor. Aspect 65: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the system is configured to detect a relative humidity level at two different points. Aspect 66: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the system is configured to detect a relative humidity level at two different points using the first sensor and the second sensor. Aspect 67: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the control of the operation of the humidity source is based at least on absolute humidity data and / or temperature data from the plurality of sensors. Aspect 68: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the control unit is in operative communication with the humidity unit to control the operation of the humidity unit. Aspect 69: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the control unit is in operative communication with the steam source and / or air flow source to control the operation of the steam source or air flow source or a combination thereof. Aspect 70: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the control of the operation of the steam source and / or air flow source is based at least on absolute humidity data and / or temperature data from the plurality of sensors. Aspect 71: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the control unit comprises a microcontroller. Aspect 72: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the control unit comprises a proportional-integral controller with anti-windup considerations. Aspect 73: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the control unit is configured. Aspect 74: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the system is configured to use the detected RH values ​​and a programmed knowledge base to predict an RH level in a predetermined portion of a predefined space. Aspect 75: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the system is configured to use the detected RH values ​​and programmed knowledge of at least one of a distance between one or more sensors, a distance between one or more sensors and a fixed target, or a fixed target distance to predict an RH level in a predetermined portion of a predefined space.Aspect 76: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the system is configured to use the two detected RH values ​​and programmed knowledge of the distance between the first and second sensors along with a fixed target distance to predict an RH level in a predetermined portion of the predetermined space. Aspect 77: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the target distance is determined using sensor location data measured by Bluetooth or RF. Aspect 78: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the system is configured to use the predicted RH level in a predetermined portion of the predetermined space to control the humidity unit. Aspect 79: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the system is configured to use the predicted RH level in a predetermined portion of the predetermined space to control a rate of humidity output. Aspect 80: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the system is configured to use the predicted RH level in a predetermined portion of the predetermined space to control an amount of vapor / moisture and / or an airflow rate of humidified air output from the humidity unit. Aspect 81: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the relative humidity level and / or target distance are determined using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning techniques, predictive modeling and / or algorithms. Aspect 82: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the system is configured to use water more efficiently, provide longer runtime for the same tank volume, and avoid negative effects of humidity levels being too high or too low, avoiding the tendency for mold to grow in the room, and avoiding respiratory discomfort. Aspect 83: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the housing comprises a rotating output head configured to control the output direction of the humidified air. Aspect 84: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the output direction of the humidified air corresponds to the output shaft.Aspect 85: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the output head is configured to be rotated about an axis by a user to control the output direction. Aspect 86: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the housing comprises an output shaft configured to convey humidified air along a predetermined flow path. Aspect 87: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the output shaft is connected to the output head. Aspect 88: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the output shaft comprises an access door for easy access. Aspect 89: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the output shaft comprises an access door on a front side that can be opened to more easily access the output shaft for cleaning. Aspect 90: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the tank is removable and dishwasher safe. Aspect 91: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the tank does not comprise small, hard to reach crevasses. Aspect 92: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the tank is constructed from a transparent material to allow a user to visually verify the water level. Aspect 93: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the device comprises a tank interface component configured to secure the tank in place such that water does not leak until the user removes the tank. Aspect 94: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the system or device is configured to position the transducer at a boundary between the fluid and the free air within the tank. Aspect 95: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the predetermined target microenvironment or portion is a portion of a space having a defined volume. Aspect 96: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the predetermined target microenvironment or portion has a volume that is smaller than the volume of the space. Aspect 97: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the predetermined target microenvironment or portion of the predetermined area is a pediatric bed.Aspect 98: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the system or device is effective to create a microclimate within a predetermined portion of a predetermined space.Aspect 99: The system or device of any preceding aspect, wherein the system or device is effective to create a microclimate within a child's sleeper disposed within a nursery or room.

[0097] Aspect 100: A method of controlling humidity or microclimate within a predetermined target microenvironment comprising a portion of a predetermined space, the method comprising the steps of: a) positioning an output from a humidifier device or system of any preceding aspect toward a predetermined target microenvironment within the predetermined space; b) determining a relative humidity level of the target portion based at least on detected humidity and / or temperature data from a plurality of sensors in the humidifier device; c) activating steam generation from a steam source and air flow generation from an air flow source to output humidified air into the target microenvironment according to a predetermined flow path; d) adjusting an amount of steam generation from the steam source and / or an air flow rate from the air source based at least on the determined relative humidity level of the target microenvironment; and e) deactivating the steam generation from the steam source and / or the air flow generation from the air source upon meeting a predetermined humidity criterion in the target microenvironment. Aspect 101: The method of any preceding aspect, wherein the relative humidity level of the target microenvironment is based at least on the two detected RH values ​​and programmed knowledge of the distance between the first sensor and the second sensor along with a fixed target distance to the predetermined target portion. Aspect 102: The method of any preceding aspect, wherein the predetermined humidity criterion is a relative humidity level ranging from about 30% to about 60%. Aspect 103: The method of any preceding aspect, wherein the fixed target distance is measured or determined by the system based at least on data associated with the one or more sensors. Aspect 104: The method of any preceding aspect, wherein the fixed target distance is input into the device by a user. Aspect 105: The method of any preceding aspect, wherein the relative humidity level of the target portion is determined using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning techniques, predictive modeling and / or algorithms. Aspect 106: The method of any preceding aspect, wherein the vapor production volume, vapor production duration, airflow duration and / or airflow rate are determined using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning techniques, predictive modeling and / or algorithms.Example 107: The method of any preceding example, wherein the steam generation and airflow generation are controlled by the control unit using the disclosed control strategy.

[0098] Although aspects of the invention may be described and claimed in a particular statute class, such as a system statute class, this is merely for convenience and individual aspects of the invention may be described and claimed in any statute class unless expressly stated otherwise, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that no attempt is made to construe any method or aspect described herein as requiring its steps to be performed in a particular order. Thus, if a method claim does not expressly state in the claims or description that the steps are limited to a particular order, no order is expressly intended to be implied in any respect. This is true for all possible non-expressive bases for interpretation, including questions of logic regarding the placement of steps or operational flow, the plain meaning derived from grammatical construction or punctuation, or the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

[0099] Various publications are referenced throughout this application. The disclosures of these publications are incorporated by reference in their entireties into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this application pertains. Additionally, the references disclosed are individually and specifically incorporated by reference into this application to the extent that they include the material discussed in the sentence in which the reference is utilized. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate the date of such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided herein may be different from the actual publication dates, which may require independent confirmation. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be included within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims or if they contain equivalent structural elements that are insubstantial different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A humidifier device for controlling a microclimate in a predetermined target microenvironment comprising a portion of a predetermined space, the humidifier device comprising:

1. A humidity unit comprising: a steam source configured to generate water vapor or moisture; and An air flow source configured to generate an air flow a humidity unit comprising: a plurality of sensors, at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors configured to measure at least one of absolute humidity data or temperature data; a control unit in operative communication with the humidity unit for controlling operation of the humidity unit; a housing for housing the humidity unit, a plurality of sensors and a control unit; a tank configured to removably couple to the housing, the tank configured to contain a fluid for generating moisture or water vapor; Equipped with The humidifier device is configured to generate humidified air using a moisture source and an air flow source, the humidified air is configured to control relative humidity in a predetermined portion, and the humidified air is configured to move along a predetermined flow path along an output axis.

2. 1. A system for controlling a microclimate in a predetermined target microenvironment portion of a predetermined space, the system comprising: a humidifier device, the humidifier device comprising:

1. A humidity unit comprising: a steam source configured to generate water vapor or humidity; and an air flow source configured to generate an air flow, the humidity unit comprising: The steam source and the air flow source are configured to generate humidified air to control the relative humidity at a predetermined portion, the humidified air being configured to travel along a predetermined flow path along an output axis. A humidity unit, a plurality of sensors, each configured to measure absolute humidity data and / or temperature data; a control unit in operative communication with the humidity unit for controlling operation of the humidity unit; a housing for housing the humidity unit, a plurality of sensors and a control unit; a tank configured to removably couple to the housing, the tank configured to contain a fluid for generating moisture or water vapor; A system comprising:

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the predetermined microenvironment portion is a defined microenvironment having a microclimate.

4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the predetermined portion is a defined microenvironment volume having a microclimate disposed within the predetermined space.

5. The system of claim 4 , further comprising a pump in fluid communication between the vapor source and the tank.

6. The system of claim 4 , wherein the pump is configured to move the fluid from the tank to the vapor source and from the vapor source to the tank.

7. The system of claim 5 , further comprising a fluid level sensor configured to determine a volume of fluid in the vapor source.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the fluid level sensor and the pump cooperate to transport fluid between the vapor source and the tank.

9. 10. The system of claim 8, further comprising a tank switch configured to determine an installation state of the tank.

10. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the tank switch comprises a push button switch having a roller arm that deflects when the tank is fully inserted into the machine.

11. The system of claim 10 , wherein at least two sensors are located at different predetermined locations.

12. The system of claim 11 further comprising at least one remote sensor located remotely from the housing.

13. The system of claim 11 , wherein the vapor source is in operative communication with a fluid in the tank.

14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the vapor source is configured to atomize the fluid from the tank.

15. The system of claim 13 , wherein the vapor source comprises a converter configured to generate a fine mist without stagnant fluid pools.

16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the vapor source comprises a mesh transducer.

17. The system of claim 16 , wherein the mesh transducer comprises a mesh disk.

18. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the air flow source is capable of generating an air flow effective to propel or move water vapor along a predetermined flow path at a predetermined velocity.

19. The system of claim 17 , wherein the microclimate is humidity.

20. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the predetermined microenvironment portion is a pediatric bed.

21. The system of claim 17 , wherein a fixed target distance to the predetermined portion is measured or determined based at least on data associated with one or more sensors.

22. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the relative humidity level of the predetermined portion of the target is determined using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning techniques, predictive modeling and / or algorithms.

23. The system of claim 17 , wherein the sensor is configured to measure humidity and temperature data.

24. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the measured humidity and temperature data are used to determine a relative humidity (RH) level.

25. 20. The system of claim 17, further comprising the use of a low pass filter on the measured humidity and temperature data.

26. 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the determined relative humidity (RH) level comprises an average of measured humidity and temperature data from the multiple sensors.

27. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the plurality of sensors are in operative communication with the control unit.

28. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the system is configured to detect a plurality of humidity and temperature data at a plurality of points.

29. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein control of operation of the humidity source is based at least on absolute humidity data and / or temperature data from the plurality of sensors.

30. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the control unit is in operative communication with the steam source and / or air flow source to control operation of the steam source or air flow source or combination thereof.

31. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein control of operation of the steam source and / or air flow source is based at least on absolute humidity and / or temperature data from the plurality of sensors.

32. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the system is configured to use the detected RH values ​​and a programmed knowledge base to predict RH levels in a given portion of a predetermined space.

33. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the system is configured to use the detected RH values ​​and programmed knowledge of at least one of the distances between one or more sensors, the distances between one or more sensors and a fixed target, or a fixed target distance to predict an RH level in a given portion of a predetermined space.

34. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the system is configured to use a predicted RH level in the predetermined portion of the predetermined space to control the amount of steam / moisture and / or airflow rate of the humidified air output from the humidity unit.

35. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the relative humidity level and / or target distance are determined using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning techniques, predictive modeling and / or algorithms.

36. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the predetermined target microenvironment or portion is a portion of a space having a defined volume.

37. The system of claim 26 , wherein the predetermined target microenvironment or portion has a volume smaller than a volume of the space.

38. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the system or device is effective to create a microclimate within the predetermined portion of the predetermined space.

39. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the system or device is effective to create a microclimate within a nursery or child's sleeper located within the room.

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