Environmental Monitoring Sensor System

Abstract

An environmental sensor system for measuring indoor air quality provides one or more modular base units (100) selectively coupled to one or more main units (400), and the environmental sensor system also preferably has a removable cap (900) that can be used to change a mode of a user interface to improve indoor air quality by increasing interest, attention and learning outcomes.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to environmental monitoring sensor systems, and more particularly to indoor air quality monitoring systems and related methods for monitoring environmental parameters and indoor air quality. [Background technology]

[0002] With adults spending up to 90% of their time indoors, children are also spending much more time indoors: Children now spend only half the time outdoors as their parents do, an average of 68 minutes a day.

[0003] Children are also particularly susceptible to the effects of poor indoor air quality as their lungs are still developing. Children's airways are smaller and therefore can be narrowed more easily than adults due to inflammation caused by pollution. Currently, one in 11 children and one in 12 adults in the UK are being treated for asthma. In addition to this, with people spending more time indoors due to COVID-19, indoor air quality has become more of a concern than ever before for families and people in other indoor environments such as the workplace.

[0004] While a variety of air quality monitors are available, they tend to focus on sensing a single pollutant and provide users with numerical information that can be difficult to interpret and draw conclusions from. Because the information provided by the sensors is not clear and compelling, people do not understand when they need to take action and are not motivated to take action to improve the air quality in their homes and other indoor environments.

[0005] Furthermore, existing solutions are not tailored to different scenarios and different households, which means there is a risk of false positives occurring, which tends to discourage users over time.

[0006] While a variety of large-scale collective monitoring schemes have been put in place to monitor outdoor air quality, no similar insight exists for indoor air quality, leaving policy makers and other organisations such as governments, local councils or large property owners with a lack of information to make sense of the data and trends and inform policy and infrastructure investment.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for improved environmental monitoring systems to facilitate and promote good health and habits in the home and other indoor environments. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an environmental sensor system is provided that includes a plurality of sensor assemblies including one or more base units and one or more body units, the body units being selectively manually engageable with the base units.

[0009] Preferably, the base unit includes a first set of environmental sensors and the main unit includes a second set of environmental sensors.

[0010] Preferably, the main unit includes a display screen and a user interface.

[0011] Preferably, the system comprises actuation means for converting the user interface of the main unit between the first and second modes.

[0012] Each mode preferably provides a different set of menu display options and a different graphical look and feel for presentation to the user.

[0013] Preferably, the first mode includes detailed display information targeted at adults or experienced users of the system, while the second mode displays a subset of the information shown in the first mode.

[0014] The second mode may include different graphical elements and a different presentation designed to target a different user, who may have different needs or preferences, or different levels of access permissions to the data. One particular use case is to provide a simpler or more engaging way to present information to children, and may include cartoon elements and modified language that explains the meaning of key terms. The second display mode may also provide a gamified interface.

[0015] Preferably, the activation means includes means for wirelessly receiving a signal from an associated information processing device or web service.

[0016] Alternatively, the actuation means comprises a physical or capacitive switch provided on the body of the main unit.

[0017] Alternatively, the actuation means comprises a selectively attachable physical actuator member.

[0018] Preferably, the selectively attachable physical actuator member includes a cap member selectively attachable to an upper portion of the body unit.

[0019] Preferably, the body unit and the selectively attachable physical actuator member are each provided with cooperating magnetic members to urge the members together and to ensure correct alignment when the members are placed together.

[0020] Preferably, the body unit and the selectively attachable physical actuator member are provided with proximity air-gap wireless communication means, most preferably cooperating Near Field Communication (NFC) tags and readers.

[0021] Preferably, the selectively attachable physical actuator members are tagged with a unique ID and the user interface mode is selected based on the ID.

[0022] Preferably, the body unit and base unit are each provided with cooperating magnetic members to urge the members together and to ensure proper alignment when the members are placed together.

[0023] Preferably, the main unit and base unit are each provided with cooperating electrical actuators which enable the communication of power and data therebetween.

[0024] Preferably, the base unit and / or the main unit are configured to communicate with a remote data platform.

[0025] Preferably, the base unit is provided with a location identifier, and the base unit and main unit are configured to share this location identifier when connected.

[0026] Preferably, the location ID is stored on the remote platform.

[0027] Preferably, the base unit and main unit are configured to exchange network authentication information upon connection so that the main unit can automatically join the network when mated with the base unit.

[0028] Preferably, the system is coupled to other devices that may affect air quality and can generate control signals for these devices based on the air quality measurements and / or recommended actions.

[0029] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method of sensing an environmental parameter is provided that includes providing a plurality of sensor assemblies including one or more base units and one or more body units, the body units being selectively manually engageable with the base units.

[0030] Methods of the present disclosure may also include providing or using the system of the first aspect, or performing various other steps and processes as described herein.

[0031] The present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 illustrates a base unit of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a further view of the base unit of FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the base unit of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates a main display and sensor unit of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 5 is a diagram of the main unit of FIG. 4 coupled with the base unit of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a further view of the combination of the main unit and base unit of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the main unit of FIG. [Figure 8] 5 is an exploded view of selected components of the base unit of FIG. 1 and the body unit of FIG. 4, illustrating aspects of how the units cooperate to couple together. [Figure 9] 5 is a diagram showing an actuator mechanism that can be selectively attached to the main unit of FIG. 4. [Figure 10] 10 is a view of the main unit of FIG. 4 coupled to the actuator mechanism of FIG. 9, and a view of the base unit of FIG. 2, the main unit of FIG. 4, and the actuator mechanism of FIG. 9 all combined. [Figure 11] 11 is a further view of the combination of the base unit, main unit, and actuator mechanism shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the actuator mechanism of FIG. [Figure 13] 5A-5C are diagrams illustrating various exemplary display modes of the main unit of FIG. 4. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 shows further details of the base unit of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing further details of the main unit of FIG. 4. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 illustrates an overview of a system architecture according to the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a method for starting up the main unit. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 illustrates a method for tracking a main unit among different base units. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing data sharing between the base unit and the main unit 400. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] According to the present disclosure, an environmental sensor system includes one or more base units that contain a set of environmental sensors.

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a base unit 100 according to the present disclosure, showing a left side view 100a, a front view 100b, and an isometric view 100d along with a further perspective view 100c.

[0035] The base unit 100 includes a set of base sensors. In one embodiment, the set of base sensors may include one or more of a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor, a sensor for detecting one or more types of nitrogen oxides (NOx), such as NO or NO2, a temperature sensor, a relative humidity sensor, and an ambient light sensor. It will be appreciated that the particular set of sensors selected to be incorporated into the base unit 100 may vary depending on different specific implementations. The base unit 100 may also include basic display capabilities (see display 102). The base 100 functions as a standalone entry-level sensor, and in one embodiment, an environmental monitoring system can be realized by simply providing one or more of these base sensors. The display 102 may include a simple screen that displays basic information. As shown in FIG. 2, this may provide some simple numerical information along with a general status report on air quality.

[0036] The base unit 100 may be enabled with wireless communications such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless standards for connecting to mobile devices or other network components, either via a central hub or a mesh network.

[0037] The base unit is designed to be a relatively low-cost unit, providing an entry level for new users while allowing for future expansion. Users can get the benefits of some simple air quality monitoring using just the base unit if they wish.

[0038] The base is preferably powered by a mains power source 104, as shown in Figure 2. In alternative embodiments it could be battery powered, but a mains power source is preferred so that the base can be reliably powered for long periods of time.

[0039] As will be described in more detail below, the base unit is provided with a series of vents that allow air to flow around the components.

[0040] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the base 100 showing the various component parts.

[0041] The screen member 102 is housed within a lid member 104 which is mounted on a sensor / light emitting diode printed circuit board (PCB) 105. The connector PCB 106 includes contacts for an electrical connector, in this embodiment a pogo pin connector, here a set of targets provided for engagement with corresponding pin elements of a connector 413 on the body 400 (see FIG. 7). These components are nested within a base enclosure 107, which is provided with a number of magnetic members 108 to mate or cooperate with a corresponding set of magnetic members on the body, as described elsewhere. A counterweight 110, preferably made of steel or similar material, is provided to provide mechanical stability, and rubber or similar high friction foot members 112 provide high friction contact with the surface on which the base unit 100 rests. The components are held by fasteners 114, here in the form of a helical screw.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, the system may also be provided with a body unit 400, as shown in Figure 4, which shows an isometric view of the body unit 400, along with a front view 400a, a left side view 400b, and a further perspective view 400c.

[0043] The body 400 includes a second set of sensors that can provide additional functionality compared to the set of sensors of the base unit 100. The second set of sensors may also include sensors that perform the same functions as one or more of the sensors of the base unit 100, allowing certain important parameters to be monitored at all times, regardless of whether the body unit is provided as part of an overall system, and at all times where the sensor assembly is present. As a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the second set of sensors may include one or more of a particulate matter sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a temperature sensor, a relative humidity sensor, a motion sensor (such as an accelerometer), and an orientation sensor. The particulate matter sensor may include one or more of a PM1.0 sensor, a PM2.5 sensor, a PM4.0 sensor, and a PM10 sensor, or sensors designed to target other particulate matter concentrations. The body unit 400 also includes a screen member 402, which may optionally be a touch screen.

[0044] 5 shows an exemplary display of information on a touch screen 402. FIG 5 shows a main body 400 coupled with a base unit 100 of the type shown in FIGS.

[0045] The body 400 is designed to fit neatly into the base 100 and can be easily moved from base to base. It can be selectively attached and removed by hand without the need for any tools.

[0046] A typical system implementation in a home environment may include multiple base units 100 and a single main unit 400. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, multiple main units 400 may be provided, including providing one main unit 400 per base unit 100. However, having a single main unit 400 that can be flexibly moved between different base units 100 allows consumers to benefit from the system in a cost-effective manner.

[0047] The main unit 400 can be moved to different locations throughout the day based on where people are present in the residence or interior environment, for example, from the living room during the day to a bedroom at night so that more data can be collected.

[0048] FIG. 6 shows further views of the base 100 and body 400 joined together, with a front view (a), a left side view (b) and a further perspective view (c) as well as an isometric view (d).

[0049] The main body 400 can be selectively coupled to the base unit 100. The modules need to be connected in a visually unobtrusive and mechanically secure manner. Additionally, the main body 400 and the base 100 need to transfer data between each other.

[0050] Thus, the main body 400 and the base unit 100 can be selectively coupled by using a connection means that may include an electrical connection means and one or more of a magnetic connection means and a physical connection means. The electrical connection means may include an electrical connector, and preferably a spring-loaded pogo pin mechanism, whereby one of the two components to be connected is provided with a set of target connection surfaces and the other is provided with a set of pin members. Generally, in this specification, where a pogo pin arrangement is shown in one target and pin arrangement, the targets and pins can be reversed as needed.

[0051] The magnetic connection means may include one or more pairs of cooperating magnetic members, with the or each pair of members being provided in a specific suitable location on each device to be connected.

[0052] The magnetic members are preferably provided within the housing of each device and positioned just beneath the respective surfaces to provide a strong magnetic coupling, yet are invisible to the everyday user.

[0053] Connecting the device in a self-locating orientation using cooperating magnetic members guides the user into correct placement.

[0054] 7 shows an enlarged view of the body 400. The main containment vessel 401 receives a screen member 402 and is connected to a bottom cover member 404.

[0055] The housing 401 contains a body sensor printed circuit board (PCB) 406 and a particulate matter (PM) sensor 407 which is preferably separated from the body PCB 406 for air flow considerations. A NFC connector printed circuit board 410 is further provided for electrical communication with the cap member 900, if provided. A first set of magnetic members 408 are provided for mechanical connection with the base 100 as described elsewhere, and an electrical connector PCB 412 is provided for electrical connection with the base 100.

[0056] 8 shows the cooperation between the base portion 304 of the main body 300 and the lid member 104 of the base unit 100. As can be seen, the magnets 308 of the main body unit 300 are arranged to align with corresponding magnets 108 provided in the main body of the base unit 100, and the electrical connector includes a pogo pin mechanism including a set of pin members 306 provided on the main body 300 that mate with a set of target members 106 provided on the base lid. A screw member 310 is also used as part of the main body to hold the main body.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the system may also include a physical actuator member 900, as shown in Figure 9. Here, an exemplary physical actuator member is provided in the form of a cap, as shown in an isometric view 900 shown with a front view 900a, a left side view 900b, and a further perspective view 900c.

[0058] The cap member 900 is designed to selectively engage with the body unit 300 so that the appearance of the device can be changed to have a more attractive appearance to appeal to children, or to generally provide a more aesthetically pleasing effect. In this example, the cap member 900 has a body 902 provided with a pair of ear portions 904.

[0059] Selective attachment of the cap member 900 to the base 400 is used as a trigger to change the operational mode of the user interface provided via the display 402 of the body 400. This may include converting the user interface to a special child mode, which may include graphic elements that complete the appearance of a special character that matches the physical design of the cap member 900, as can be seen in FIG.

[0060] The system may be provided with different cap members 900, which may have different personalities and different designs to accommodate different preferences and different franchise opportunities for engaging different audiences. The cap members 900 are magnetically connected to the body 400, as described in more detail elsewhere herein.

[0061] Kid mode engages, educates and entertains children at a level they can understand. The main unit 400 can also be detached from the base to allow for even more opportunities for play / exploration.

[0062] Once the cap 900 is attached, its presence must be made known to both the body 400 and the base unit 100. The body 400 and cap 900 are provided with cooperating magnets beneath their surfaces to ensure that the cap is naturally aligned in the correct orientation.

[0063] The cap can use an RFID tag or an NFC connection to signal that it has been attached to the main body 400 .

[0064] FIG. 11 shows in further detail how the base unit 100, main unit 400 and cap member 900 are connected, showing a front view (a), a left side view (b) and a further perspective view (c) as well as an isometric view (d).

[0065] 12 shows an exploded view of the cap member 900. Here, the cap housing 902 is coupled to a cap underside member 906 and includes a number of magnetic members 908 designed to align with corresponding magnetic members 414 on the body 400. An NFC connector PCB 910 is also provided for communication with the body 400.

[0066] FIG. 13 illustrates, by way of example, how various operational user interface modes may be displayed in response to selective attachment of the cap member 900. As shown in FIG.

[0067] In FIG. 13(a), the cap member is not attached and the user interface is in a full-function mode suitable for use by adults and other skilled users. Data is provided but in a clear manner and possible improvements are suggested. However, when the cap 900 is attached, the user interface can change to a child's character that can interact with the child to educate and entertain. Figures (b) and (c) show various character options that can be provided. Various characters can be provided based on the age and preferences of the user.

[0068] In alternative embodiments, different user interface modes can be triggered without the need for a physical actuator. For example, the modes can be switched by sending a command from a remote control or a dedicated on-mobile application on a smartphone or PC. Furthermore, the physical actuator can include a physical actuator such as a push button, a rocker switch, or a touch-sensitive element provided on the surface of either the base unit or the main unit. If a selectively attachable physical actuator member is provided, it can be selectively attached to other parts of the main unit, such as the side of the main unit, or to the base unit, i.e., it is not essential that the selectively attachable physical actuator member be attachable to the top surface of the main unit or have the form of a cap member.

[0069] In such systems, the various components generate a significant amount of heat that can interfere with the temperature and humidity sensors in the module. Therefore, to minimize or eliminate this problem, various features are provided to ensure heat flow.

[0070] FIG. 14 shows a solution that can be provided as part of the base. Here, a small pocket is created between the base enclosure and the printed circuit board using ribs protruding from the printed circuit board. This isolates the components in the pocket from the air in the rest of the base 100 and also creates a crack in the PCB to prevent conduction through the board. All components in the pocket are primarily exposed only to the surrounding air. These components may include an ambient light sensor.

[0071] Additional vents are placed on the circuit board to isolate other sensor components from the main heat generating components, and rib members 1400 are provided to separate the base enclosure into two sections. The vents also act as a chimney to draw warm air from below the circuit board past the less sensitive components, aiding in air quality detection.

[0072] 15 illustrates how a chimney effect can be created within the body 400 to draw air past the components on the printed circuit board. The inlet and outlet vents of the particulate matter sensor can also be separated by rib members to prevent cross contamination.

[0073] As mentioned above, the base unit can include a basic set of sensors. The main unit can include a comprehensive suite of sensors for measuring various pollutants and environmental factors. These can include sensors that measure temperature, humidity, volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide equivalent, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter including, for example, PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 sensors.

[0074] When provided together, the base unit and main unit sensors work together to provide increased processing capabilities.

[0075] The system can also accommodate smaller, lower-cost ambient sensors to create a more complete air quality map of the entire home.

[0076] The system's modularity provides an affordable means to support a product ecosystem, allowing new features and sensor technologies to be cost-effectively added and upgraded as they become available.

[0077] The system including the sensors may also communicate wirelessly or otherwise to transmit sensor data for user viewing and monitoring of the information. The system may include applications running on a mobile device or as web applications. The applications may provide context from the information and may be dedicated applications for modules of the system.

[0078] At a basic level, the system can provide alerts when certain thresholds of measured parameters are reached, exceeded, or exceeded. In preferred embodiments, however, the system can learn the individual needs of each home it serves and tailor its feedback and advice appropriately. These recommendations can range from immediate quick fixes to longer term resident actions based on more advanced insights provided by analysis of data trends.

[0079] This can be achieved by collecting various data about the resident's home and environment during set-up, allowing the system to tailor the nature and intensity of the actionable advice provided. Data collected can include information about the furniture, windows, heating and ventilation systems in the building, as well as information about family members' health conditions, such as asthma and other respiratory conditions. This data can be used to tailor recommendations and adjust alert triggers according to specific requirements.

[0080] The data collected in this setup study allows the system to understand the specific air quality needs of a user or group of users (such as a family). This allows the system to automatically adjust its warnings and advice to provide a tailored solution for everyone. For example, someone with asthma may be more sensitive to particulate matter (PM), so if a user with this condition is in the home, the system could place more weight on PM readings and prompt them to correct any issues at a lower threshold. Or, if there are young children in the home, the system could ensure that their bedroom does not reach conditions that could be potentially harmful to their respiratory development. This is an improvement over existing systems that offer a one-size-fits-all approach to air quality feedback, which is often not suitable for everyone, especially when allergies or other respiratory conditions are involved. The system can adjust its monitoring, recognizing that everyone is different, with a unique combination of issues and sensitivities.

[0081] The system uses artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to learn trends and detect when events occur that diverge from those trends, meaning the system gets smarter over time and reduces false positives as it begins to recognize relationships in air quality, pollution events, and changes in user behavior.

[0082] Additionally, the system can be linked to other devices that may affect air quality, and can generate control signals for these devices to automatically intervene and take steps to improve indoor air quality. For example, based on air quality measurements, the system can automatically start a purifier, dehumidifier, HVAC system, or open or close windows, or physically implement recommended actions that the system suggests. These actions can be performed automatically or can be pre-approved by the user, for example by sending a notification to the user via a smartphone app.

[0083] Data from the system can be collated, aggregated and made available to other users such as government agencies, local councils and academic institutions. The data is collected with the user's explicit consent and can be anonymised. This means policymakers can have data on indoor air quality that informs policy decisions such as introducing or maintaining regulations on home ventilation or traffic controls. This can also be combined with occupant demographic and health data from device set-up surveys, creating valuable datasets on a scale not possible with existing approaches.

[0084] The system can also be understood in terms of the underlying system architecture shown in FIG. 16, which shows a base unit 100, a body unit 400 (also known as a "module device") and a physical actuator member 900 (referred to herein as a hat).

[0085] As can be seen herein, the base unit 100 includes a microcontroller configured to communicate over a serial communication channel with an interface, which communicates with a wireless communication module (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), a display unit, and a set of indicators such as red-green-blue light emitting diodes for providing user feedback / status information. The base unit also includes a power input (USB-C in this example) and a power regulator. The microcontroller is also coupled to a first set of sensors, the core sensor suite, which will be described elsewhere herein.

[0086] The body unit 400 can be selectively coupled or uncoupled from the base unit 100 and includes electrical interfaces for coupling to the respective interfaces of the base unit 100. The body unit 400 is provided with an internal power source, such as a rechargeable battery, and a power regulator. The functionality of the body unit 400 is controlled by a core microprocessor and memory including non-volatile memory, preferably FLASH, and volatile random access memory (RAM). The microprocessor is communicatively coupled to the interfaces by a communication bus, preferably a serial interface, and also to other components including wireless communication modules (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), a large display unit and touch panel, a speaker, an RFID transceiver / NFC reader, and an extensive sensor suite, as described elsewhere herein.

[0087] The physical actuator member 900 is preferably provided with a tag, preferably an RFID tag or transceiver, which is provided with a unique ID. The behavior of the system can depend on the unique ID, for example by changing the display mode or the appearance of the user interface.

[0088] When the main unit 400 is set up in a new system, it is necessary to start the main unit 400 so that it can function with other devices in the system. Starting up a new Internet of Things (IoT) device is often a complicated manual process for users. Figure 17 shows how to start up the main unit 400, preferably in an automated manner.

[0089] Herein, a newly purchased main unit 400 can simply be dropped into an existing base unit 100 and the main unit 400 will automatically power up. Using a two-way communication interface with the base 100, the main unit 400 can request current valid Wi-Fi or other network credentials and other relevant information (user / system ID) to power up the main unit 400 for immediate use.

[0090] Part (a) of Figure 17 shows the base 100 connected to a network and activated at a user's home. Then, in part (b), the main unit 400 is attached to the base 100. The base unit 100 then communicates the active network connection credentials and user ID to the main unit 400, which then (in part (c)) connects to the network using the new credentials and activates using the provided user ID.

[0091] The body unit 400 may be moved to fit another base unit 100. The system can track this as shown in FIG. 18. It is desirable for the base unit 100 to know its location so that it can provide accurate location information as it moves from base to base. To address this, a two-way communication interface is provided between the base unit 100 and the body unit 400. When the body unit 400 is placed on a new base unit 100, it communicates a unique ID. This ID is linked to a static location known to the system and is recorded in the data platform (accessed by the application or web interface). This means that the module can use this new ID to communicate sensor readings and link them to the current location.

[0092] Part (a) of Figure 18 shows the base unit 100 without the body unit 400 attached transmitting location specific sensor data, preferably to a cloud platform provided as part of or for communication with the system. In part (b), the body unit 400 is then attached to the base unit 100, which communicates its location ID to the body unit 400. The module then adopts the location ID (in part (c)) and begins transmitting location specific data.

[0093] The system of the present disclosure can also share data in real time between the base unit 100 and the main unit 400, as shown in FIG.

[0094] The real-time data displayed by the module is preferably updated quickly, but is typically stored in the cloud platform at intervals less than necessary.

[0095] The user air quality index (such as the light provided by the LEDs herein) may change to indicate the overall air quality (AQ). However, the sensors controlling the LEDs and display brightness are located only in the base. To address this, the communication interface provides a means for the base 100 and the body unit 400 to share real-time information more frequently than is sent to the cloud. Air quality sensor data from the base 100 is sent to the body unit 400 to update its display. Air quality sensor data from the body unit 400 is sent to the base unit 100 to update the overall air quality index and is translated, for example, into a different base LED color display. The presence of a character's "hat" or other physical actuator member 900 is also translated from the body unit 400 to the base 100, causing the base LED output to be changed. The base unit 100 can also send ambient light details to the body unit 400 to adjust the display brightness or change to "dark mode" in the absence of light.

[0096] As mentioned above, the physical actuator member 900 can be given a unique user ID. This allows the progress of the "character journey" to be saved, which can be customized for different people, such as different members of a family. Each unique ID can be recorded to track the progress, and this progress can be saved to a remote platform. In this way, detachment and later reattachment of the hat allows the user to resume the game or "journey" guided by the character. Multiple users in a family, each with their own hat, can have independent progress. This can work within one home as well as in other home systems.

[0097] Various modifications and variations can be made to the above without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An environmental sensor system comprising a plurality of sensor assemblies including one or more base units and one or more body units, the body units being selectively manually engageable with the base units.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the base unit comprises a first set of environmental sensors and the main unit comprises a second set of environmental sensors.

3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the main unit comprises a display screen and a user interface.

4. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising actuation means for transforming the user interface of the main unit between a first mode and a second mode.

5. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first mode includes detailed display information targeted to adults or experienced users of the system, while the second mode displays a portion of the information shown in the first mode.

6. 6. The system of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the actuation means includes means for wirelessly receiving a signal from an associated information processing device or web service.

7. The system according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the actuation means comprises a physical or capacitive switch provided on the body of the main unit.

8. 6. A system according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the actuation means comprises a selectively attachable physical actuator member.

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the selectively attachable physical actuator member comprises a cap member selectively attachable to an upper portion of the body unit.

10. 10. The system of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the body unit and the selectively attachable physical actuator member are each provided with cooperating magnetic members to urge the members together and to ensure correct alignment when the members are placed together.

11. A system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the body unit and the selectively attachable physical actuator member are provided with proximity air-gap wireless communication means, most preferably cooperating Near Field Communication (NFC) tags and readers.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the selectively attachable physical actuator member comprises a tag having a unique ID, and the user interface mode is selected based on the ID.

13. The system of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the body unit and the base unit are each provided with cooperating magnetic members to urge the members together and to ensure correct alignment when the members are placed together.

14. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the main unit and the base unit are each provided with cooperating electric actuators enabling power and data communication therebetween.

15. The system of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the base unit and / or the main unit are configured to communicate with a remote data platform.

16. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the base unit is provided with a location identifier, and the base unit and the main unit are configured to share this location identifier when connected.

17. The system of claim 16 , wherein the location ID is stored on a remote platform.

18. The system of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the base unit and main unit are configured to exchange network authentication information upon connection so that the main unit can automatically join the network when coupled to the base unit.

19. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, which is coupled to other devices that may affect air quality and is capable of generating control signals for these devices based on the air quality measurements and / or recommended actions.

20. A method for sensing an environmental parameter, comprising providing a plurality of sensor assemblies including one or more base units and one or more body units, the body units being selectively manually engageable with the base units.

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