Air quality analysis device

Abstract

To solve the problem, in which devices and methods are needed that generate air quality data associated with an air flow provided by a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, and can ensure that users do not breath in the air flow having mold.SOLUTION: In some embodiments, an air quality analysis device has a housing that has a chamber including an inlet port. In some embodiments, the inlet port is structured to receive an air flow into the chamber. In some embodiments, the air quality analysis device may include a plurality of sensors disposed in the chamber, and configured to generate air quality data associated with an air flow. In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors includes at least one mold sensor. In some embodiments, the air quality analysis device may include a printed circuit board that is configured to communicate with the plurality of sensors, and transmit the air quality data to a computing device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an air quality analyzer and a method for performing air quality analysis.

Background Art

[0002] The applicant recognizes many technical problems and difficulties related to air quality analysis. Through applied efforts, ingenuity, and innovation, the applicant has solved problems related to air quality analysis by developing the solutions embodied in the present disclosure described in detail below.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Various embodiments described herein relate to an air quality analyzer and a method for performing air quality analysis.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an air quality analyzer is provided. In some embodiments, the air quality analyzer includes a housing having a chamber with an inlet port. In some embodiments, the inlet port is structured to receive an air flow into the chamber. In some embodiments, the air quality analyzer includes a plurality of sensors disposed within the chamber and configured to generate air quality data associated with the air flow. In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors includes at least one mold sensor. In some embodiments, the air quality analyzer includes a printed circuit board configured to communicate with the plurality of sensors and transmit the air quality data to a computing device.

[0005] In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors further includes at least one of a particulate matter sensor, a volatile organic compound sensor, a humidity sensor, or a temperature sensor.

[0006] In some embodiments, the particulate matter sensor is configured to generate air quality data indicating the presence of particles having a diameter less than 2.5 microns or 10 microns in the air flow.

[0007] In some embodiments, the sensors further comprise a first volatile organic compound sensor and a second volatile organic compound sensor.

[0008] In some embodiments, a first volatile organic compound sensor is configured to generate air quality data indicating the presence of a first volatile organic compound in the airflow, and a second volatile organic compound sensor is configured to generate air quality data indicating the presence of a second volatile organic compound in the airflow.

[0009] In some embodiments, at least one mold sensor includes a spectrometer.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least one mold sensor is configured to generate air quality data indicating the probability of mold being present in the airflow, based at least on humidity associated with the airflow, temperature associated with the airflow, particle concentration associated with the airflow, and cleaning date associated with the airflow.

[0011] In some embodiments, the chamber includes an outlet port structured to discharge airflow from the chamber.

[0012] In some embodiments, the inlet port is structured to receive airflow from a tube associated with the continuous positive airway pressure machine into the chamber, and the outlet port is structured to discharge airflow from the chamber into a face mask associated with the continuous positive airway pressure machine.

[0013] In some embodiments, the inlet port is structured to receive airflow from the blower of the continuous positive airway pressure machine into the chamber, and the outlet port is structured to discharge airflow from the chamber into a tube associated with the continuous positive airway pressure machine.

[0014] In some embodiments, the chamber comprises a first part and a second part.

[0015] In some embodiments, multiple sensors are arranged in the first part.

[0016] In some embodiments, the computing device includes a user interface configured to display instructions indicating that the user should clean the continuous positive airway pressure machine associated with the user.

[0017] A method for performing air quality analysis is provided according to another aspect of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the method for performing air quality analysis may include receiving air quality data from an air quality analyzer. In some embodiments, the air quality analyzer includes a housing having a chamber with an inlet port. In some embodiments, the inlet port is structured to receive airflow into the chamber. In some embodiments, the air quality analyzer includes a plurality of sensors located in the chamber and configured to generate air quality data associated with the airflow. In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors include at least one mold sensor. In some embodiments, the air quality analyzer includes a printed circuit board configured to communicate with the plurality of sensors and transmit the air quality data to a computing device. In some embodiments, the method for performing air quality analysis may include displaying a command on a user interface to a user associated with a continuous positive airway pressure machine, instructing the user to clean the machine.

[0018] In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors further comprises at least one of the following: a particulate matter sensor, a volatile organic compound sensor, a humidity sensor, or a temperature sensor.

[0019] In some embodiments, the particulate matter sensor is configured to generate air quality data indicating the presence of particles with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less than 10 microns in the airflow.

[0020] In some embodiments, the sensors further comprise a first volatile organic compound sensor and a second volatile organic compound sensor.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first volatile organic compound sensor is configured to generate air quality data indicating the presence of the first volatile organic compound in an air stream, and the second volatile organic compound sensor is configured to generate air quality data indicating the presence of the second volatile organic compound in the air stream.

[0022] In some embodiments, at least one mold sensor comprises a spectrometer.

[0023] In some embodiments, at least one mold sensor is configured to generate air quality data indicating the probability of mold in the air stream based at least on humidity associated with the air stream, temperature associated with the air stream, particle concentration associated with the air stream, and cleaning days associated with the air stream.

[0024] In some embodiments, the chamber comprises an outlet port structured to discharge an air stream from the chamber.

[0025] In some embodiments, the inlet port is structured to receive an air stream into the chamber from a tube associated with a continuous positive airway pressure machine, and the outlet port is structured to discharge the air stream from the chamber into a face mask associated with the continuous positive airway pressure machine.

[0026] In some embodiments, the inlet port is structured to receive an air stream into the chamber from a blower of a continuous positive airway pressure machine, and the outlet port is structured to discharge the air stream from the chamber into a tube associated with the continuous positive airway pressure machine.

[0027] In some embodiments, the chamber comprises a first portion and a second portion.

[0028] In some embodiments, a plurality of sensors are disposed in the first portion.

[0029] The above summary is provided for the purpose of summarizing some exemplary embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed in any way as narrowing the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. It will be understood that the scope of the present disclosure encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to those summarized herein. Some of these will be described further below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] Next, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. The components illustrated in the figures may or may not be present in the specific embodiments described herein. Some embodiments may include fewer (or more) components than those shown in the figures according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1] An exemplary air quality analysis device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 2] A side view of an exemplary air quality analysis device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 3] A cross-sectional view of an exemplary air quality analysis device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 4] Another side view of an exemplary air quality analysis device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 5] Another cross-sectional view of an exemplary air quality analysis device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 6] An exemplary user interface of a computing device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 7] A flowchart of an exemplary method for performing air quality analysis according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 8] A block diagram of an exemplary computer processing device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031] Exemplary embodiments are described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but only a few embodiments are shown, not all embodiments of the disclosure. In fact, embodiments of the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein, but rather these embodiments are provided to satisfy the applicable legal requirements of the disclosure. Similar figures refer to similar elements throughout.

[0032] overview The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein address technical issues relating to air quality analyzers and methods for performing air quality analysis. As will be understood by those skilled in the art relating to this disclosure, there are numerous exemplary scenarios in which a user may use an air quality analyzer and methods for performing air quality analysis. For example, an air quality analyzer may be needed to generate air quality data for airflow associated with a CPAP machine, indicating that mold may be present in the airflow and / or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device.

[0033] CPAP machines, for example, provide a flow of pressurized air that is also heated and humidified to the user's upper airway during sleep, ensuring that the user's upper airway is not obstructed so that the user can obtain sufficient oxygen during sleep. In some cases, due to frequent use of the CPAP machine (e.g., every night), humidification of the airflow, heating of the airflow, and / or infrequent cleaning by the user, the CPAP machine often develops mold, resulting in the user being exposed to mold when using the CPAP machine. Therefore, there is a need for a device and method that can generate air quality data associated with the airflow provided by the CPAP machine so that the user can ensure that they do not breathe airflow containing mold.

[0034] Accordingly, to address these and / or other related issues, air quality analyzers and methods for performing air quality analysis are disclosed herein. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure, described in more detail below, include an air quality analyzer having a housing having a chamber with an inlet port. In some embodiments, the inlet port is structured to receive airflow into the chamber. In some embodiments, the air quality analyzer may include a plurality of sensors located in the chamber and configured to generate air quality data associated with the airflow. In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors include at least one mold sensor. In some embodiments, the air quality analyzer may include a printed circuit board configured to communicate with the plurality of sensors and transmit the air quality data to a computing device. Thus, the air quality of the airflow provided by a CPAP machine can be analyzed to ensure that the user of the CPAP machine does not breathe airflow provided by a CPAP machine that has mold.

[0035] Examples of air quality analyzers Referring to Figures 1 to 5, embodiments of this specification provide an exemplary air quality analyzer 100. The air quality analyzer 100 may be configured to generate airflow-associated air quality data. In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figure 1, the air quality analyzer 100 may be configured to generate airflow-associated air quality data provided by a continuous positive pressure (CPAP) machine 120. Although referred to herein as performing air quality analysis associated with airflow provided by a CPAP machine, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure relates that the air quality analyzer 100 may be used to generate airflow-associated air quality data provided by any type of positive airway pressure machine, such as an automated positive airway pressure (APAP) machine, a two-stage positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine, an adaptive servo ventilation (ASV) machine, or other mechanical ventilation machine.

[0036] In some embodiments, the air quality analyzer 100 may include a housing 102. The housing 102 may be substantially cubic, substantially rectangular, and / or substantially cylindrical. In some embodiments, the housing 102 may include a chamber 104. The chamber 104 may be substantially cubic, substantially rectangular, and / or substantially cylindrical. In some embodiments, the chamber 104 may be substantially the same shape as the housing 102. In some embodiments, the chamber 104 may not be substantially the same shape as the housing 102. In some embodiments, the housing 102 and / or the chamber 104 may be made of plastic or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the housing 102 and / or the chamber 104 may be constructed using injection molding and / or 3D printing.

[0037] In some embodiments, the chamber 104 may have an inlet port 106 and / or an outlet port 108. In this regard, for example, the inlet port 106 may be configured to receive airflow into the chamber 104, and the outlet port 108 may be configured to discharge airflow into the chamber 104 (for example, the airflow moves through the chamber 104 from the inlet port 106 to the outlet port 108). In some embodiments, the inlet port 106 may be structured to receive airflow into the chamber 104 from the blower 122 of the CPAP machine 120, and the outlet port 108 may be configured to discharge air into a tube 124 associated with the CPAP machine 120 (for example, the inlet port 106 may be structured to be attached to the blower 122 of the CPAP machine 120, and the outlet port 108 may be structured to be attached to a tube 124 associated with the CPAP machine 120). Additionally or alternatively, the inlet port 106 may be structured to receive airflow from the tube 124 of the CPAP machine 120 into the chamber 104, and the outlet port 108 may be structured to discharge air into a face mask 126 associated with the CPAP machine 120 (for example, the inlet port 106 may be structured to be attached to the tube 124 of the CPAP machine 120, and the outlet port 108 may be structured to be attached to a face mask 126 associated with the CPAP machine 120).

[0038] In some embodiments, the air quality analyzer 100 may include a plurality of sensors 110 arranged within a chamber 104. The plurality of sensors 110 may be arranged within the chamber 104 in any manner that enables the plurality of sensors 110 to generate air quality data associated with airflow. In other words, for example, the plurality of sensors 110 may be arranged within the chamber 104 in any manner that enables each of the plurality of sensors 110 to interact with the airflow so that each of the plurality of sensors 110 can generate air quality data associated with airflow. For example, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the plurality of sensors 110 may be arranged on the inner surface 114 of the chamber 104. As another example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the plurality of sensors 110 may be arranged within a first portion 116 of the chamber 104. That is, all of the plurality of sensors 110 may be arranged in the first portion 116 of the chamber 104, and none of the plurality of sensors 110 may be arranged in a second portion 118 of the chamber 104.

[0039] In some embodiments, the multiple sensors 110 may be configured to generate airflow-associated air quality data. In this regard, for example, the multiple sensors 110 may be configured to generate airflow-associated air quality data by generating air quality data indicating the probability of mold in the airflow, air quality data indicating the presence of particles of a particular size in the airflow, air quality data indicating volatile organic compounds in the airflow, air quality data indicating humidity associated with the airflow, and / or air quality data indicating temperature associated with the airflow. In some embodiments, the multiple sensors 110 may determine, based on the air quality data generated by the multiple sensors 110, the probability of mold being present in the airflow, the probability of particles of a particular size being present in the airflow, and / or the probability of volatile organic compounds being present in the airflow. In this regard, for example, the air quality data may indicate the presence of mold, particles of a particular size, and / or volatile organic compounds in the CPAP machine 120, tube 124, and / or face mask 126.

[0040] In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors 110 may include at least one mold sensor. In this regard, for example, the plurality of sensors 110 may include at least one mold sensor configured to generate air quality data indicating the probability of mold in the airflow (e.g., mold is present in the airflow). In some embodiments, at least one mold sensor may include a spectrometer configured to generate air quality data indicating the probability of mold in the airflow. Additionally or alternatively, at least one mold sensor may be configured to generate air quality data indicating the probability of mold in the airflow based on one or more of the following: humidity associated with the airflow, temperature associated with the airflow, particle concentration associated with the airflow, and cleaning date associated with the airflow. For example, the mold sensor may be configured to generate air quality data indicating the probability of mold being present in the airflow if the humidity associated with the airflow is above a humidity threshold (e.g., above 95%) and the cleaning date associated with the airflow is longer than a cleaning time threshold (e.g., it has been 6 months since the CPAP machine 120 was cleaned and the cleaning time threshold is 3 months). In this regard, for example, in some embodiments, at least one mold sensor may be configured to determine, based on the generated air quality data, that the probability of mold being present in the airflow is low, moderate, or high.

[0041] In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors 110 may include at least one particulate matter sensor. In this regard, for example, the plurality of sensors 110 may include at least one particulate matter sensor configured to generate air quality data (e.g., the number of particles in the airflow, the concentration of particles in the airflow, the size of particles in the airflow, etc.) indicating the presence of particles in the airflow, such as particles having a diameter of 2.5 microns and / or less than 10 microns. In this regard, for example, the plurality of sensors 110 may include a first particulate matter sensor for generating air quality data indicating the presence of particles having a diameter of 2.5 microns or less, and / or a second particulate matter sensor for generating air quality data indicating the presence of particles having a diameter of 10 microns or less. In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors 110 may include particulate matter sensors configured to generate air quality data indicating the presence of multiple particles of multiple diameters, such as a particulate matter sensor capable of generating air quality data indicating the presence of particles having a diameter of 2.5 microns or less, and / or particles having a diameter of 10 microns or less.

[0042] In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors 110 may include at least one volatile organic compound sensor. In this regard, for example, the plurality of sensors 110 may include at least one volatile organic compound sensor configured to generate air quality data indicating volatile organic compounds in the airflow, such as one or more of benzene, ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, acetone, methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, toluene, xylene, and / or 1,3-butadiene. In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors 110 may include volatile organic compound sensors, each configured to generate air quality data indicating the presence of a specific volatile organic compound in the airflow. For example, the plurality of sensors 110 may include a first volatile organic compound sensor configured to generate air quality data indicating the presence of a first volatile organic compound, such as benzene, in the airflow, and a second volatile organic compound sensor configured to generate air quality data indicating the presence of a second volatile organic compound, such as acetone. In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors 110 may include volatile organic compound sensors configured to generate air quality data indicating the presence of two or more volatile organic compounds in the airflow.

[0043] In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors 110 may include at least one humidity sensor. In this regard, for example, the plurality of sensors 110 may include at least one humidity sensor capable of generating air quality data indicating humidity associated with airflow. For example, at least one humidity sensor may generate air quality data indicating that the airflow is associated with a humidity of 90%. In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors 110 may include at least one temperature sensor. In this regard, for example, the plurality of sensors 110 may include at least one temperature sensor capable of generating air quality data indicating temperature associated with airflow. For example, at least one temperature sensor may generate air quality data indicating that the airflow has a temperature of 90 degrees.

[0044] In some embodiments, air quality data generated by multiple sensors 110 may be acquired and stored in structured and / or unstructured data formats. For example, the air quality data may indicate, based on air quality data generated by a mold sensor, that the probability of mold being present in the airflow is low, moderate, or high. As another example, the air quality data may include a count of the number of times that at least one particulate matter sensor generated air quality data indicating the presence of particles of a particular size in the airflow (e.g., at least one particulate matter sensor counted 25 particles having a size of 2.5 microns or less in the airflow). As yet another example, the air quality data may include an indication of whether at least one volatile organic compound sensor generated air quality data indicating the presence of a particular volatile organic compound in the airflow (e.g., an indication of whether at least one volatile organic compound sensor generated air quality data indicating the presence of formaldehyde in the airflow). As yet another example, the air quality data may include temperature and humidity associated with the airflow, such as those generated by at least one temperature and / or humidity sensor.

[0045] In some embodiments, the air quality analyzer 100 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 112. In some embodiments, the PCB 112 may be positioned in close proximity to the multiple sensors 110. For example, if the multiple sensors 110 are arranged on the inner surface 114 of the chamber 104, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the PCB 112 may be positioned on the inner surface 114 of the chamber 104. Additionally or alternatively, if the multiple sensors are arranged in a first portion 116 of the chamber 104, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the PCB may be positioned in the first portion 116 of the chamber 104.

[0046] In some embodiments, the PCB 112 may be configured to communicate with a plurality of sensors 110 and transmit air quality data generated by the plurality of sensors 110 to a computing device 128. In some embodiments, the PCB 112 may transmit the air quality data generated by the plurality of sensors 110 to the computing device 128 via Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth. In some embodiments, the PCB 112 may be configured to transmit air quality data to the computing device in real time. For example, whenever at least one volatile organic compound sensor generates air quality data indicating the presence of volatile organic compounds in the airflow, the PCB 112 may transmit the generated air quality data to the computing device 128.

[0047] In some embodiments, the PCB 112 may be configured to transmit air quality data to the computing device 128 on a predetermined schedule. For example, the PCB 112 may transmit air quality data to the computing device 128 every 20 seconds. In some embodiments, the PCB 112 may be configured to transmit air quality data to the computing device 128 at the end of the analysis period. For example, the PCB 112 may be configured to identify when the airflow has started to flow through the chamber 104 and when the airflow has stopped flowing through the chamber 104. In this regard, when the PCB 112 identifies that the airflow has stopped flowing through the chamber 104, the PCB 112 may transmit air quality data to the computing device 128. In some embodiments, the PCB 112 may be configured to transmit air quality data to the computing device 128 upon receiving a command from the computing device 128 to transmit air quality data.

[0048] Referring to Figure 6, in some embodiments, the computing device 128 may include a user interface 602. In some embodiments, the user interface 602 may be provided by a mobile application running on the computing device 128. In some embodiments, the user interface 602 may include an air quality data component 604 configured to display air quality data generated by a plurality of sensors 110. For example, if at least one mold sensor determines that the probability of mold being present in the airflow is low, medium, or high, the air quality data component 604 may indicate that the probability of mold being present in the airflow is low, medium, or high, and then indicate the CPAP machine 120, tube 124, and / or face mask 126. As another example, if at least one particulate matter sensor determines the count of the number of times at least one particulate matter sensor has generated air quality data indicating particles of a specific size and the size of particles in the airflow, the count of the number of times at least one particulate matter sensor has generated air quality data indicating particles of a specific size and the size of particles in the airflow, the CPAP machine 120, the tube 124, and / or the face mask 126. As another example, if at least one volatile organic compound sensor has generated air quality data indicating the presence of a specific volatile organic compound in the airflow (for example, if at least one volatile organic compound sensor has generated air quality data indicating the presence of formaldehyde in the airflow), the airflow, the CPAP machine 120, the tube 124, and / or the face mask 126 may indicate the presence of at least one volatile organic compound sensor in the airflow, the CPAP machine 120, the tube 124, and / or the face mask 126. As another example, the air quality data component 604 may indicate the humidity and / or temperature associated with the airflow of the CPAP machine 120, the tube 124, and / or the face mask 126, based on air quality data indicating the humidity of the airflow generated by at least one humidity sensor and / or air quality data indicating the temperature of the airflow generated by at least one temperature sensor.

[0049] In some embodiments, the user interface 602 may include a cleaning component 606 configured to display instructions indicating that the CPAP machine 120, tube 124, and / or face mask 126 should be cleaned. For example, the cleaning component 606 may display instructions indicating that the CPAP machine 120, tube 124, and / or face mask 126 should be cleaned if there is a moderate or high probability of mold being present in the airflow, CPAP machine 120, tube 124, and / or face mask 126. As another example, the cleaning component 606 may display instructions indicating that the CPAP machine 120, tube 124, and / or face mask 126 should be cleaned if the count of the number of times at least one particulate matter sensor has generated air quality data indicating particles of a particular size in the airflow of the CPAP machine 120, tube 124, and / or face mask 126 exceeds a particle threshold. As another example, the cleaning component 606 may display an instruction indicating that the CPAP machine 120, tube 124, and / or face mask 126 should be cleaned if at least one volatile organic compound sensor generates air quality data indicating the presence of a specific volatile organic compound in the airflow (for example, at least one volatile organic compound sensor generates air quality data indicating the presence of formaldehyde in the airflow). As yet another example, the cleaning component 606 may display an instruction indicating that the CPAP machine 120, tube 124, and / or face mask 126 should be cleaned if the humidity of the airflow exceeds a humidity threshold and / or the temperature of the airflow exceeds a temperature threshold, and the temperature and humidity, and / or temperature are related to the airflow of the CPAP machine 120, tube 124, and / or face mask 126.

[0050] An exemplary method for performing air quality analysis Referring now to Figure 7, a flowchart is shown that provides an exemplary method 700 for performing air quality analysis. In this regard, Figure 7 shows operations that may be performed by the computing device 128 and / or the air quality analyzer 100.

[0051] As shown in block 710, the method 700 for performing air quality analysis may include receiving air quality data from an air quality analyzer. As described above, the air quality analyzer may include a housing. In some embodiments, the system may include a chamber. In some embodiments, the housing and / or chamber may be made of plastic or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the housing and / or chamber may be constructed using injection molding and / or 3D printing.

[0052] In some embodiments, the chamber may have an inlet port and / or an outlet port. In this regard, for example, the inlet port may be configured to receive airflow into the chamber, and the outlet port may be configured to discharge airflow into the chamber (for example, the airflow moves through the chamber from the inlet port to the outlet port). In some embodiments, the inlet port may be structured to receive airflow into the chamber from the blower of the CPAP machine, and the outlet port may be structured to discharge air into a tube associated with the CPAP machine (for example, the inlet port may be structured to be attached to the blower of the CPAP machine, and the outlet port may be structured to be attached to a tube associated with the CPAP machine). Additionally or alternatively, the inlet port may be structured to receive airflow into the chamber from the tube of the CPAP machine, and the outlet port may be structured to discharge air into a face mask associated with the CPAP machine (for example, the inlet port may be structured to be attached to the tube of the CPAP machine, and the outlet port may be structured to be attached to a face mask associated with the CPAP machine).

[0053] As described above, in some embodiments, the air quality analyzer may include a plurality of sensors arranged in a chamber. The plurality of sensors may be arranged in the chamber in any way that enables the plurality of sensors to generate air quality data associated with airflow. In other words, for example, the plurality of sensors may be arranged in the chamber in any way that enables each of the plurality of sensors to interact with the airflow so that each of the plurality of sensors can generate air quality data associated with airflow. For example, the plurality of sensors may be arranged on the inner surface of the chamber. As another example, the plurality of sensors may be arranged in a first part of the chamber. That is, all of the plurality of sensors may be arranged in a first part of the chamber, and none of the plurality of sensors may be arranged in a second part of the chamber.

[0054] As described above, in some embodiments, the multiple sensors may be configured to generate airflow-associated air quality data. In this regard, for example, the multiple sensors may be configured to generate airflow-associated air quality data by generating air quality data indicating the probability of mold in the airflow, air quality data indicating the presence of particles of a particular size in the airflow, air quality data indicating volatile organic compounds in the airflow, air quality data indicating humidity associated with the airflow, and / or air quality data indicating temperature associated with the airflow. In some embodiments, if the multiple sensors determine, based on the air quality data generated by the multiple sensors, the probability of mold being present in the airflow, the probability of particles of a particular size being present in the airflow, and / or the probability of volatile organic compounds being present in the airflow, this may indicate that mold, particles of a particular size, and / or volatile organic compounds are present in the CPAP machine, tubes, and / or face mask.

[0055] As described above, in some embodiments, air quality data generated by multiple sensors can be acquired and stored in structured data format and / or unstructured data format. In some embodiments, the air quality analyzer may include a printed circuit board (PCB). In some embodiments, the PCB may be located in close proximity to the multiple sensors. For example, if the multiple sensors are located on the inner surface of a chamber, the PCB may be located on the inner surface of the chamber. Additionally or alternatively, if the multiple sensors are located in a first part of the chamber, the PCB may be located in the first part of the chamber.

[0056] As described above, in some embodiments, the PCB may be configured to communicate with multiple sensors and transmit air quality data generated by the multiple sensors to a computing device, and the computing device may be configured to receive air quality data from the PCB. In some embodiments, the PCB may transmit air quality data generated by the multiple sensors to a computing device via Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth.

[0057] As shown in block 720, the method 700 for performing air quality analysis may also include displaying a command on the user interface to a user associated with a continuous positive airway pressure machine, instructing the user to clean the machine.

[0058] As described above, in some embodiments, the user interface may include a cleaning component configured to display instructions indicating that the CPAP machine, tube, and / or face mask should be cleaned. For example, if the probability of mold being present in the airflow is moderate or high in the airflow, CPAP machine, tube, and / or face mask, the cleaning component may display instructions indicating that the CPAP machine, tube, and / or face mask should be cleaned. As another example, if air quality data generated by at least one particulate matter sensor indicates that the number of particles of a particular size in the airflow of the CPAP machine, tube, and / or face mask exceeds a particle threshold, the cleaning component may display instructions indicating that the CPAP machine, tube, and / or face mask should be cleaned. As yet another example, if at least one volatile organic compound sensor generates air quality data indicating a particular volatile organic compound in the airflow (for example, if at least one volatile organic compound sensor generates air quality data indicating that formaldehyde is present in the airflow), the cleaning component may display instructions indicating that the CPAP machine, tube, and / or face mask should be cleaned. As another example, the cleaning component may display instructions indicating that the CPAP machine, tubes, and / or face mask should be cleaned if the humidity of the airflow exceeds a humidity threshold and / or the temperature of the airflow exceeds a temperature threshold, and if the temperature and humidity and / or temperature are related to the airflow of the CPAP machine, tubes, and / or face mask.

[0059] Exemplary computer processing unit Referring to Figure 8, block diagrams of exemplary computer processing units 800 according to several exemplary embodiments are shown. In some embodiments, the PCB 112, computing device 128, and / or other devices may be embodied as one or more computer processing units, such as the computer processing unit 800 in Figure 8. However, it should be noted that the components, devices, or elements shown and described in relation to Figure 8 below may not be essential, and therefore one or more may be omitted in certain embodiments. In addition, some embodiments may include further or different components, devices, or elements other than those shown and described in Figure 8.

[0060] The computer processing unit 800 includes, or can otherwise communicate with, a processing circuit 802 which can be configured to perform operations according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. In this regard, the processing circuit 802 may be configured to perform and / or control the performance of one or more functions of the computer processing unit 800 according to various embodiments, and thus may provide means for performing functions of the computer processing unit 800 according to various embodiments. The processing circuit 802 may be configured to perform data processing, application execution and / or other processing and management services according to one or more embodiments. In some embodiments, the computer processing unit 800, or its part(s) or component(s) such as the processing circuit 802, may be embodied as a chip or chipset, or comprise such a chip. In other words, the computer processing unit 800 or the processing circuit 802 may comprise one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) including materials, components, and / or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide physical strength, size preservation, and / or limitations on electrical interactions of the component circuits contained thereon. Accordingly, the computer processing unit 800 or processing circuit 802 may, in some cases, be configured to implement embodiments of the present disclosure on a single chip or as a single “system on a chip”. Accordingly, in some cases, the chip or chipset may constitute means for performing one or more operations to provide the functions described herein.

[0061] In some embodiments, the processing circuit 802 may include a processor 806, and in some embodiments, such as those shown in Figure 8, it may further include a memory 804. The processing circuit 802 may communicate with a user interface 808 and / or a communication interface 810, or otherwise control them. Thus, the processing circuit 802 may be embodied as a circuit chip (e.g., an integrated circuit chip) configured to perform the operations described herein (e.g., having hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software).

[0062] The processor 806 can be embodied in a number of different ways. For example, the processor 806 may be embodied in various processing means, such as a microprocessor or other processing element, a coprocessor, a controller, or one or more of various other computing or processing devices, including, for example, an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc. Although shown as a single processor, it will be understood that the processor 806 may comprise multiple processors. Multiple processors may communicate with each other in an operable manner and may be collectively configured to perform one or more functionalities of the circuits of the computer processing device 800 as described herein. In some embodiments, the processor 806 may be configured to execute instructions stored in memory 804 or instructions that are otherwise accessible to the processor 806. Thus, whether configured by hardware or by a combination of hardware and software, the processor 806 may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in a circuit in the form of a processing circuit 802) that can perform the operations according to embodiments of this disclosure while configured accordingly. Therefore, for example, if the processor 806 is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA, etc., the processor 806 may be specifically configured in hardware to perform the operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, if the processor 806 is embodied as an executable of software instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor 806 to perform one or more operations described herein.

[0063] In some embodiments, memory 804 may include one or more non-temporary memory devices, such as volatile and / or non-volatile memory, which may be fixed or removable. In this regard, memory 804 may comprise non-temporary computer-readable storage media. Although memory 804 is shown as a single memory, it will be understood that memory 804 may comprise multiple memories. Memory 804 may be configured to store information, data, content, applications, instructions, etc., to enable the computer processing unit 800 to perform various functions according to one or more embodiments. For example, memory 804 may be configured to buffer input data for processing by processor 806. Additionally or alternatively, memory 804 may be configured to store instructions for execution by processor 806. As yet another alternative, memory 804 may include one or more databases that can store various files, content, or datasets. Among the contents of memory 804, applications may be stored for execution by processor 806 to perform functions associated with each respective application. In some cases, the memory 804 may communicate with one or more of the processor 806, the user interface 808, and / or the communication interface 810 via a bus(s) for passing information between components of the computer processing unit 800.

[0064] The user interface 808 communicates with the processing circuit 802 to receive user input instructions and / or provide the user with auditory, visual, mechanical, or other outputs. Therefore, the user interface 808 may include, for example, a keyboard, mouse, joystick, display, touchscreen display, microphone, speaker, and / or other input / output mechanisms. Thus, in some embodiments, the user interface 808 can provide means for the user to access and interact with the PCB 112 and / or computing device 128.

[0065] The communication interface 810 may include one or more interface mechanisms for enabling communication with other devices and / or networks. In some cases, the communication interface 810 may be any means, such as a device or circuit embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware and software, configured to receive and / or transmit data to a network and / or any other device or module communicating with the processing circuit 802. For example, the communication interface 810 may be configured to enable PCB 112 to communicate with computing device 128 and / or multiple computing devices. Thus, the communication interface 810 may include, for example, an antenna (or multiple antennas) and supporting hardware and / or software for enabling communication with a wireless communication network (e.g., a wireless local area network, a cellular network, a global positioning system network, etc.), and a communication modem or other hardware / software for supporting communication via cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet, or other means.

[0066] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention described herein will be conceived by those skilled in the art who are interested in these inventions and who benefit from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. While the drawings show only certain components of the apparatus described herein, it will be understood that various other components may be used in conjunction with the system. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the steps in the methods described above do not necessarily have to be performed in the order depicted in the appended drawings, and in some cases, one or more of the depicted steps may be performed substantially simultaneously, or additional steps may be included. Certain terms are used herein, but these are used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes.

[0067] While various embodiments based on the principles disclosed herein have been shown and described above, modifications thereof can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of this disclosure. The embodiments described herein are merely representative and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations, combinations, and modifications are possible and within the scope of this disclosure. Alternative embodiments resulting from combining, integrating, and / or omitting features of the embodiments are also within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, the scope of protection is not limited by the descriptions given above.

[0068] In addition, the section headings used herein are provided to be consistent with the proposals of 37C.FR1.77 or to give a structural implication. These headings are not intended to limit or characterize the invention as described in any claim that may be issued from this disclosure.

[0069] The use of broader terms such as “comprises,” “includes,” and “having” should be understood as providing support for narrower terms such as “consisting of,” “consisting essentially of,” and “comprised substantially of.” The use of terms such as “optionally,” “may,” “might,” and “possibly” with respect to any element of an embodiment means that the element is either not required or is required alternatively, and both options are within the scope of the embodiment. Furthermore, references to embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be exclusive.

Claims

1. An air quality analyzer, wherein the air quality analyzer is A housing having a chamber with an inlet port, wherein the inlet port is structured to receive airflow into the chamber, A plurality of sensors arranged within the chamber and configured to generate air quality data associated with the airflow, including at least one mold sensor, the at least one mold sensor configured to generate air quality data indicating the probability of mold being present in the airflow, based at least on the humidity associated with the airflow and the cleaning date associated with the airflow, An air quality analyzer comprising a printed circuit board configured to communicate with the plurality of sensors and transmit the air quality data to a computing device.

2. The air quality analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors further comprises at least one of a particulate matter sensor, a volatile organic compound sensor, a humidity sensor, or a temperature sensor.

3. The air quality analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the particulate matter sensor is configured to generate air quality data indicating the presence of particles having a diameter of 2.5 microns or less than 10 microns in the airflow.

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