Environmental automation 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 an environmental monitoring sensor system, and more particularly to an indoor air quality monitoring system and related methods for monitoring environmental parameters and indoor air quality.

Background Art

[0002] Children spend much more time indoors along with adults who spend up to 90% of their time indoors. Currently, children spend only half as much time outdoors as their parents, that is, an average of 68 minutes a day.

[0003] Children are also more vulnerable to poor indoor air quality, especially because their lungs are still developing. Since children's airways are smaller, they are more likely to have their airways narrowed by inflammation due to pollution than adults. Currently, in the UK, one in eleven children and one in twelve adults are receiving asthma treatment. In addition, due to the increased time spent indoors due to COVID-19, indoor air quality has become a matter of concern like never before for people in other indoor environments such as families and workplaces.

[0004] Although various air quality monitors are available, they tend to focus on the detection of a single pollutant, provide numerical information to users, but it can be difficult to interpret the information and draw conclusions from it. Since the information provided by the sensors is not clear and attractive, people cannot understand when they need to take action and it does not motivate them to take action to improve the air quality in their homes and other indoor environments.

[0005] Furthermore, since existing solutions are not adjusted for various scenarios and various households, there is a risk of false detection, which tends to reduce the user's motivation over time.

[0006] While various large-scale collective monitoring schemes have been implemented to monitor outdoor air quality, similar insights do not exist for indoor air quality. This results in a lack of information for policymakers, governments, local councils, and other organizations such as large property owners to understand the data and trends and inform policy and infrastructure investments.

[0007] Therefore, environmental monitoring systems need to be improved to facilitate and promote good health and habits in homes and other indoor environments. [Overview of the project]

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an environmental sensor system is provided comprising a plurality of sensor assemblies, each including one or more base units and one or more body units, wherein the body units are selectively engageable with the base units by hand.

[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 includes an actuator for switching the user interface of the main unit between a first mode and a second mode.

[0012] Each mode preferably provides a variety of menu display options and a variety of graphic appearances and textures for display to the user.

[0013] Preferably, the first mode includes detailed display information intended for adults or experienced users of the system, while the second mode displays only a portion of the information shown in the first mode.

[0014] The second mode may include different graphic elements and different presentations designed for different users who may have different needs, preferences, or levels of access to data. One particular use case is to provide a simpler or more engaging way to present information to children, which may include cartoon elements and modified language explaining the meaning of important terms. The second display mode may also provide a gamified interface.

[0015] Preferably, the operating means includes means for receiving signals wirelessly from the associated information processing device or Web service.

[0016] Alternatively, the operating means may include a physical or capacitive switch provided on the main body of the main unit.

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

[0018] Preferably, the selectively mountable physical actuator member includes a cap member that can be selectively mounted on the top of the main unit.

[0019] Preferably, the main unit and the selectively attachable physical actuator members are each provided with cooperating magnetic members to facilitate the joining of the members and to ensure correct alignment when the members are placed together.

[0020] Preferably, the main unit and the selectively attachable physical actuator members are provided with proximity air gap wireless communication means, most preferably with cooperating near-field communication (NFC) tags and readers.

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

[0022] Preferably, the main unit and the base unit each have cooperating magnetic members that encourage the members to fit together and ensure correct alignment when the members are arranged together.

[0023] Preferably, the main unit and the base unit each have cooperating electrical actuators that enable the communication of power and data therebetween.

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

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

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

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

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

[0029] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of sensing environmental parameters, including providing a plurality of sensor assemblies including one or more base units and one or more main units, wherein the main unit is selectively engageable by hand with the base unit.

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

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

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a base unit of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a further diagram of the base unit of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is an exploded view of the base unit of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a main display and a sensor unit of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] It is a diagram of the main body unit of FIG. 4 coupled to the base unit of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a further diagram of the combination of the main body unit of FIG. 5 and the base unit. [Figure 7] It is an exploded view of the main body unit of FIG. 4. [Figure 8] It is an exploded view of selected components of the base unit of FIG. 1 and the main body unit of FIG. 4 showing how the units cooperate to couple with each other. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an actuator mechanism that can be selectively attached to the main body unit of FIG. 4. [Figure 10] It is a diagram of the main body unit of FIG. 4 coupled to the actuator mechanism of FIG. 9, and a diagram combining all of the base unit of FIG. 2, the main body unit of FIG. 4, and the actuator mechanism of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] It is a further diagram of the combination of the base unit, the main body unit, and the actuator mechanism shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] It is an exploded view of the actuator mechanism of FIG. 9. [Figure 13] Figure 4 shows various exemplary display modes of the main unit. [Figure 14] This figure shows further details of the base unit shown in Figure 1. [Figure 15] This figure shows further details of the main unit shown in Figure 4. [Figure 16] This figure shows an overview of the system architecture as disclosed in this disclosure. [Figure 17] This diagram shows how to start the main unit. [Figure 18] This diagram shows how to track the main unit between different base units. [Figure 19] This diagram shows data sharing between the base unit and the main unit 400. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] According to this disclosure, the environmental sensor system includes one or more base units which include a set of environmental sensors.

[0034] Figure 1 shows one embodiment of the base unit 100 according to the present disclosure, and includes an isometric view 100d along with a left side view 100a, a front view 100b, and 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 the following: 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 understood that the specific 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 functions (see display 102). The base 100 functions as a standalone entry-level sensor and, in one embodiment, enables an environmental monitoring system 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 Figure 2, this may provide some simple numerical information along with a general status report regarding air quality.

[0036] The base unit 100 can be implemented via wireless communication such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless standards to connect to mobile devices or other network components, either through a central hub or a mesh network.

[0037] The base unit is designed to be a relatively low-cost unit, offering an entry-level option for new users while also allowing for future expansion. Users can, if desired, benefit from some simple air quality monitoring using only the base unit.

[0038] The base is preferably powered by the main power supply 104, as shown in Figure 2. In an alternative embodiment, it may be battery-powered, but the main power supply is preferable so that the base can be reliably powered over a long period 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] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the base 100, illustrating various component parts.

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

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

[0043] The main unit 400 includes a second set of sensors that can provide additional functionality compared to the set of sensors in 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 in the base unit 100, thereby enabling constant monitoring of certain critical parameters regardless of whether the main unit is provided as part of a whole system, and enabling constant monitoring at all locations where the sensor assembly exists. In non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the second set of sensors may include one or more of the following: particulate matter sensors, carbon dioxide sensors, temperature sensors, relative humidity sensors, motion sensors (such as accelerometers), and compass sensors. The particulate matter sensors may include one or more of the following: PM1.0 sensors, PM2.5 sensors, PM4.0 sensors, and PM10 sensors, or sensors designed to target other particulate matter concentrations. The main unit 400 also includes a screen member 402, which can optionally be a touchscreen.

[0044] Figure 5 shows an exemplary information display on the touchscreen 402. Figure 5 shows the main body 400 coupled with a base unit 100 of the type shown in Figures 1 and 2.

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

[0046] A typical implementation of the system in a home environment may include multiple base units 100 and a single body 400. However, it will be understood that in an alternative embodiment, multiple body units 400 may be provided, including providing one body 400 for each base unit 100. However, by having a single body unit 400 that can be flexibly moved between different base units 100, consumers can benefit from the system in a cost-effective way.

[0047] The main unit 400 can be moved to various locations throughout the day based on where people are present in the residence or internal environment, for example, by moving it from the living room during the day to the bedroom at night in order to collect more data.

[0048] Figure 6 shows further diagrams of the base 100 and the main body 400 joined together, including 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 unit 400 can be selectively coupled to the base unit 100. The modules must be connected in a visually inconspicuous and mechanically secure manner. Furthermore, the main unit 400 and the base 100 must also be able to transfer data to each other.

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

[0051] The magnetic connection means may include one or more pairs of cooperating magnetic members, where the pair or members of each pair are positioned at specific, suitable locations on each device to be connected.

[0052] The magnetic components are preferably provided within the housing of each device and positioned directly beneath their respective surfaces to provide strong magnetic coupling, while remaining invisible to the everyday user.

[0053] By connecting the device in a self-locating orientation using cooperating magnetic components, the user is guided to the correct position.

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

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

[0056] Figure 8 shows the connection between the base portion 304 of the main body 300 and the lid member 104 of the base unit 100. As can be seen here, the multiple magnets 308 of the main body unit 300 are positioned to correspond to the magnets 108 provided within the main body of the base unit 100, and the electrical connector includes a pogo pin mechanism, which includes 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 in place.

[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 the isometric view 900, along 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 main unit 300, and is designed so that the appearance of the device can be changed to have a more appealing appearance that is attractive to children, or to have a more aesthetically pleasing effect in general. In this example, the cap member 900 has a main body 902 provided with a pair of ear portions 904.

[0059] Selectively attaching the cap member 900 to the base 400 is used as a trigger to change the operating mode of the user interface provided via the display 402 of the main body 400. This may include changing 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 understood in Figure 10.

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

[0061] The kids' mode engages children at a level they can understand, educating and entertaining them. The 400 unit can also be detached from the base, providing more opportunities for play and exploration.

[0062] When the cap 900 is attached, both the main body 400 and the base unit 100 need to be notified of the cap's presence. The main body 400 and the cap 900 are equipped with cooperative magnets beneath their surfaces to ensure that the cap naturally aligns in the correct orientation.

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

[0064] Figure 11 shows in more detail how the base unit 100, the main body unit 400, and the cap member 900 are connected, and includes an isometric view (d) along with a front view (a), a left side view (b), and a further perspective view (c).

[0065] Figure 12 shows an exploded view of the cap member 900. Here, the cap storage container 902 is coupled to the cap lower cover member 906 and includes several magnetic members 908 designed to align with the corresponding magnetic member 414 of the main body 400. An NFC connector PCB 910 is also provided for communication with the main body 400.

[0066] Figure 13 illustrates how various operating user interface modes are displayed depending on the selective mounting of the cap member 900.

[0067] In Figure 13(a), the cap component is not attached, and the user interface is in a fully functional mode suitable for use by adults or other experienced users. Data is provided, but in a clear manner, actionable improvements are suggested. However, when the cap 900 is attached, the user interface can transform into a child character that can interact with, educate, and entertain children. Figures (b) and (c) show various character options that may be provided. Different characters can be provided based on the user's age and preferences.

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

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

[0070] Figure 14 shows a possible solution provided as part of the base. Here, a small pocket is created between the base container and the printed circuit board using ribs protruding from the printed circuit board. This isolates the components within 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 substrate. All components within the pocket are exposed primarily only to ambient air. These components may include ambient light sensors.

[0071] The placement of additional vents on the circuit board isolates other sensor components from the main heat-generating components, and the provision of rib members 1400 allows the base containment to be separated into two parts. The vents also function as chimneys, drawing in warm air from below the circuit board through less sensitive components, thus aiding in air quality detection.

[0072] Figure 15 illustrates how a chimney effect is generated within the main body 400 to draw in air through components on the printed circuit board. The inlet and outlet vents of the particulate matter sensor can also be isolated with rib members to prevent cross-contamination.

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

[0074] The sensors in the base unit and the main unit work together when provided together to improve processing capabilities.

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

[0076] The modularity of this system provides an affordable way to support the product ecosystem, allowing for cost-effective additions and upgrades as new features and sensor technologies become available.

[0077] The system, including sensors, can transmit sensor data wirelessly or by other means, allowing users to view and monitor the information. The system may include applications running on mobile devices or as web applications. These applications may reveal context from the information and may also be dedicated applications for modules of the system.

[0078] At a basic level, the system can provide warnings when a measured parameter reaches, exceeds, or surpasses a specific threshold. However, in a preferred embodiment, the system can learn the individual needs of each household it serves and tailor its feedback and advice accordingly. These recommendations can range from immediate, rapid corrections to long-term resident behaviors based on more advanced insights derived from the analysis of data trends.

[0079] This can be achieved by allowing the system to adjust the nature and intensity of the actionable advice it provides, by collecting various data about the residents' homes and environment during setup. The data collected may include information about furniture, windows, heating and ventilation systems within the building, and information about the family's health status, such as asthma or other respiratory conditions. This data can be used to tailor recommendations and alert triggers according to specific requirements.

[0080] The data collected in this setup survey allows for an understanding of the specific air quality needs of a user or group of users (such as a family). This enables the system to automatically adjust its warnings and advice to provide personalized solutions for everyone. For example, people with asthma may be more sensitive to particulate matter (PM), and therefore, if there is a user with this condition in the household, the PM measurements can be given more weight, prompting corrections if any problems are found at a lower threshold. Or, if there are young children in the household, the system can ensure that bedrooms do not reach conditions that could be potentially harmful to respiratory development. This is an improvement over existing systems that offer a uniform approach to air quality feedback, which is often unsuitable for everyone, especially when allergies or other respiratory conditions are involved. This system recognizes that everyone has a unique combination of problems and sensitivities, and can adjust monitoring accordingly.

[0081] The system uses artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to learn trends and detect when events deviate from those trends occur. In other words, as the system becomes smarter over time and begins to recognize relationships between air quality, pollution events, and changes in user behavior, it can reduce false positives.

[0082] Furthermore, the system can be linked with other devices that may affect air quality, and these devices can generate control signals to automatically intervene and take measures to improve indoor air quality. For example, based on air quality measurements, the system can automatically activate air purifiers, dehumidifiers, or HVAC systems, or open or close windows, or physically implement recommended measures suggested by the system. These measures can be performed automatically or approved in advance by the user, for example, by sending a notification via a smartphone app.

[0083] Data from the system can be matched and aggregated and provided to other users, such as government agencies, local councils, and academic institutions. Data is collected with the explicit consent of users and can be anonymized. Specifically, policymakers can obtain indoor air quality data to inform policy decisions, such as introducing or maintaining regulations on household ventilation or traffic control. This can also be combined with resident demographic and health data from device setup surveys, creating valuable datasets on a scale unattainable with existing approaches.

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

[0085] As can be understood here, the base unit 100 includes a microcontroller configured to communicate via a serial communication channel through 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 with a first set of sensors, which is a core sensor suite, and will be described elsewhere in this document.

[0086] The main unit 400 can be selectively coupled to or uncoupled from the base unit 100 and is equipped with electrical interfaces for coupling to each interface of the base unit 100. The main unit 400 is provided with an internal power supply, such as a rechargeable battery, and a power regulator. The functions of the main unit 400 are controlled by a core microprocessor and memory, which preferably includes non-volatile memory, such as FLASH, and volatile random-access memory (RAM). The microprocessor is communicatively coupled to the interface by a communication bus (preferably a serial interface) and is also communicatively coupled 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 extended sensor suite, as described elsewhere in this specification.

[0087] The physical actuator member 900 is provided with a tag (preferably an RFID tag or transceiver), and it is preferable that the tag is assigned 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 setting up the main unit 400 in a new system, it needs to be started up so that it can function with other devices in the system. Starting up a new Internet of Things (IoT) device is often a complex manual process for the user. Figure 17 shows a preferred automated method for starting up the main unit 400.

[0089] In this specification, a newly purchased main unit 400 can be simply unloaded onto an existing base unit 100, and the main unit 400 will start up automatically. By using a bidirectional communication interface with the base 100, the main unit 400 can be started up to be ready for immediate use by requesting currently valid Wi-Fi or other network authentication information and other relevant information (user / system ID).

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

[0091] The main unit 400 may be moved to fit another base unit 100. The system can track this, as shown in Figure 18. It is desirable that the base unit 100 knows its position so that it can provide accurate positional information when the main unit moves from base to base. To address this, a bidirectional communication interface is provided between the base unit 100 and the main unit 400. When the main unit 400 is placed on the new base unit 100, the base unit 100 communicates a unique ID. This ID is linked to a static position known to the system and is recorded on the data platform (accessible by an application or web interface). That is, the module can use this new ID to communicate sensor readings and link them to their current position.

[0092] Part (a) of Figure 18 shows the base unit 100, which transmits location-specific sensor data, preferably as part of the system or to a cloud platform provided for communication with the system, with the main unit 400 not yet attached. In Part (b), the main unit 400 is then attached to the base unit 100, and the base unit 100 communicates its location ID to the main unit 400. The module then (in Part (c)) accepts the location ID and begins transmitting location-specific data.

[0093] As shown in Figure 19, the system disclosed herein can also share data in real time between the base unit 100 and the main unit 400.

[0094] The real-time data displayed by the module should ideally be updated quickly, but is usually stored on the cloud platform at intervals shorter than necessary.

[0095] The user air quality index (such as the light provided by the LEDs in this specification) may change to indicate the overall air quality (AQ). However, the sensors that control the brightness of the LEDs and the display are located only on the base. To address this, a communication interface provides a means for the base 100 and the main unit 400 to share real-time information more frequently than would be possible by sending it to the cloud. Air quality sensor data from the base 100 is sent to the main unit 400 to update its display. Air quality sensor data from the main unit 400 is sent to the base unit 100 to update the overall air quality index, for example, by converting it to a different base LED color display. The presence of the character's "hat" or other physical actuator member 900 is also transmitted from the main unit 400 to the base 100, and the base LED output is changed. The base unit 100 can also transmit ambient light details to the main unit 400 to adjust the brightness of the display or switch to "dark mode" when there is no light.

[0096] As described above, the physical actuator member 900 can be assigned a unique user ID. This allows the progress of the "character's 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 progress, and this progress can be saved to a remote platform. In this way, by disconnecting and later reconnecting the hat, the user can resume the game or "journey" guided by the character. Multiple users within a family, each with their own hat, can have independent progress. This can function not only within one household but also in systems in other households.

[0097] Various improvements and modifications 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, wherein the body units are selectively engageable by hand with the base units, the body units include a user interface, and further comprising actuators for switching the user interface of the body units between a first mode and a second mode, the actuators including selectively mountable physical actuator members, the selectively mountable physical actuator members being designed to be selectively engageable with the body units.

2. The system according to 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 according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the main unit includes a display screen.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the first mode includes detailed display information intended for adults or experienced users of the system, and the second mode displays a portion of the display information shown in the first mode.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the operating means includes means for receiving signals wirelessly from an associated information processing device or Web service.

6. The system according to claim 4, wherein the operating means includes a physical or capacitive switch provided on the main body of the main unit.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the selectively attachable physical actuator member includes a cap member that can be selectively attached to the upper part of the main unit.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the main unit and the selectively attachable physical actuator member are each provided with a plurality of cooperating magnetic members, the plurality of magnetic members promote the combination of the plurality of magnetic members and ensure correct alignment when the plurality of magnetic members are arranged together.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the main unit and the selectively attachable physical actuator member are provided with proximity air gap wireless communication means, and most preferably a cooperating short-range wireless communication (NFC) tag and reader.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the selectively attachable physical actuator member is provided with a tag to which a unique ID is assigned, and the mode of the user interface is selected based on the ID.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the base unit is provided with a location identifier (ID), and the base unit and the main unit are configured to share this location identifier (ID) when connected.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the location identifier (ID) is stored on the remote platform.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the base unit and the main unit are configured to exchange network authentication information when connected, so that the main unit can automatically join the network when it is coupled with the base unit.

14. A method for sensing environmental parameters, comprising providing a plurality of sensor assemblies comprising one or more base units and one or more body units, wherein the body units are selectively engageable by hand with the base units, the body units include a user interface, and further comprising providing an actuator for switching the user interface of the body units between a first mode and a second mode, wherein the actuator includes a selectively mountable physical actuator member, the selectively mountable physical actuator member being designed to be selectively engageable with the body units.

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