Environmental containment and monitoring system

Abstract

An environmental containment and monitoring system includes a blower, and a damper coupled to the blower. A controller is coupled to the damper to control the air flow from the containment area to the outside, and a processor is in communication with the controller. In addition, the system includes an outside pressure sensor in communication with the processor, and an inside pressure sensor in communication with the processor, where the inside pressure sensor is positioned inside the containment area. The system also includes a particle count sensor in communication with the processor. The processor transmits a signal to the controller to remotely adjust the damper or blower in response to receiving pressure sensor data from the outside and inside pressure sensors, and the processor is also configured to transmit an alert to a remote device in response to detecting particle count data exceeding a predefined limit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application no. 63 / 551,727 filed Feb. 9, 2024, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of containment systems, and, more particularly, to an environmental containment and monitoring system.BACKGROUND

[0003] Air containment systems in construction areas within hospitals are designed to control the spread of airborne contaminants, including dust, debris, and pathogens, during construction or renovation projects. Construction areas are often sealed off and maintained at a lower air pressure compared to adjacent areas to prevent airborne particles from escaping into patient care areas. This prevents contaminants from circulating throughout the hospital.

[0004] High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are used to trap and remove airborne particles, including bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants, ensuring the air leaving the construction zone is clean before it is released into other areas of the hospital. Physical barriers such as plastic sheeting or temporary walls are installed to isolate the construction area from patient care areas, reducing the risk of contamination. Entry and exit points to the construction area may be equipped with airlocks to prevent the uncontrolled exchange of air between the construction zone and other parts of the hospital. Regular monitoring of air quality and maintenance of filtration systems are essential to ensure that the containment system is effectively controlling airborne contaminants throughout the construction process.

[0005] Air containment systems play a critical role in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for patients, staff, and visitors during construction activities within healthcare facilities. Even with these safeguards in place, air contamination is common around construction areas. Accordingly, what is needed in the art is an air containment system that has an increased effectiveness of monitoring and preventing air contamination.SUMMARY

[0006] In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an environmental containment and monitoring system. The system includes a containment area defined by physical barriers to isolate a construction area from patient care areas. The system also includes a blower, a damper coupled to the blower and configured to adjust an air flow, and a duct coupled to the damper. The duct has a first end extending into the containment area, and a second end extending outside the containment area. A controller is coupled to the damper and blower and configured to control the air flow from the containment area to the outside. A processor is in communication with the controller. In addition, the system includes an outside pressure sensor in communication with the processor, where the outside pressure sensor is positioned outside of the containment area. An inside pressure sensor is in communication with the processor, where the inside pressure sensor is positioned inside the containment area. The system also includes a particle count sensor in communication with the processor, where the particle count sensor is positioned outside the containment area. The processor is configured to transmit a signal to the controller to remotely adjust the damper and / or blower in response to receiving pressure sensor data from the outside and inside pressure sensors. The processor is configured to transmit an alert to a remote device in response to detecting particle count data exceeding a predefined limit.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The aspects and the attendant advantages of the embodiments described herein will become more readily apparent by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of an environmental containment and monitoring system in which various aspects of the disclosure may be implemented;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the system;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the system illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a dashboard view of a graphical user interface (“GUI”) of the system of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a display of the GUI illustrating values of the plurality of sensors; and

[0013] FIG. 6 is a display of the values of the plurality of sensors of FIG. 5 indicating an alert has been issued in response to a particular value of one of the plurality of sensors.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0015] As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon reading the following disclosure, various aspects described herein may be embodied as a device, a method or a computer program product (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer executable instruction for performing the noted operations or steps). Accordingly, those aspects may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects.

[0016] Furthermore, such aspects may take the form of a computer program product stored by one or more computer-readable storage media having computer-readable program code, or instructions, embodied in or on the storage media. Any suitable computer readable storage media may be utilized, including hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, and / or any combination thereof.

[0017] The environmental containment and monitoring system is universal and allows for a way to improve air quality around indoor construction areas that is less time consuming and more efficient than has been accomplished before.

[0018] An object of the system is adjustment of the equipment for changing conditions. For example, a condition may be detected that there is a pressure differential within the containment area is out of the set parameters. The system is configured to adjust the fan speeds within the containment area to meet the appropriate pressure. If adjustment in fan speed does not accomplish that, it transmits an alert.

[0019] Another object of the system is adjustment of equipment and data analysis for recommended user actions. This describes the circumstances where air quality, pressure differential, and temperature / humidity relationships and trends are analyzed by the system and potential issues and solutions are identified. The system is configured to adjust the physical equipment and sends checklist recommendations to the users for resolving the issues.

[0020] An object of the system is to generate user performance analysis. For example, various data may be analyzed, which may include response time to alerts, checklist completion percentage, quantity of alerts, etc. The system analyzes the data and provides user performance feedback and recommendations.

[0021] An object of the system is to respond to pressure relationships, temp / humidity, and air quality to adjacent space. Pressure monitors may be placed in adjacent areas to monitor whether work activity is affecting pressure relationships, temperature / humidity, or air quality to adjacent spaces. These relationships are critical in hospitals for infection prevention. The system analyzes the data and alerts users that the work activity is affecting pressure relationships outside the work area.

[0022] Another object of the system is to analyze pressure relationships to adjacent spaces. For example, pressure monitors may be placed in adjacent areas to monitor whether work activity is affecting pressure relationships. For example, when preparing an area for construction work, it is standard operating procedure to seal off air ventilation systems in that area. This typically affects the amount of air going to vents outside the construction area. Pressure relationships in hospitals are critical for infection prevention. The system is configured to analyze the data and alerts users that the work activity is affecting pressure relationships outside the work area.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 1, an environmental containment and monitoring system is disclosed and generally designated 100. An exemplary floorplan 105 of a building is shown to illustrate the system 100. The floorplan 105 is a helpful reference to identify the containment area 102 for construction and to determine the positions of the plurality of sensors within the building.

[0024] In this example, the containment area 102 is to the right-hand side of the floorplan 105. The containment area 102 is isolated from the rest of the building using barriers 104 across the hallways. The barriers 104 may be temporary walls or plastic sheeting, for example, that are designed to prevent contaminants from escaping the containment area 102.

[0025] One or more air filters 106 may be used to ensure that air leaving the containment area is clean and not contaminated. The one or more air filters 106 use a blower to pull air from the containment area through a filter, such as a HEPA filter, and then blow the air through an exhaust duct positioned outside the containment area 102. The air filters 106 may have a controller 112 that is configured to control the operation of the air filter 106 remotely.

[0026] The plurality of sensors include pressure sensors 108a, 108b, 108c, and particle sensors 110a-g. At least one pressure sensor 108a is located inside the containment area and at least one pressure sensor 108b, 108c is located outside the containment area 102. Accordingly, a pressure differential can be calculated to determine whether the air filter 106 or other device is required to be adjusted to maintain negative air pressure within the containment area 102.

[0027] Similarly, at least one particle sensor 110a is located within the containment area 102 and at least one particle sensor 110b-g is located outside the containment area 102. The particle sensors 110b-g located outside the containment area 102 are used to determine if particulates are escaping the containment area 102. This could be caused by a broken barrier 104, for example.

[0028] The plurality of sensors 108a-c and 110a-g are configured to transmit data through a network 115. The network 115 may be wired or wireless. The network 115 is configured to communicate with a server 120. The server 120 includes a processor, a memory, and input / output devices. The server 120 is also configured to communicate with a plurality of remote devices 122a, 122b, 112c (e.g. mobile phone, laptop, or desktop, tablet). As those of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate, the plurality of sensors may include additional sensors such as temperature sensors and humidity sensors, for example.

[0029] The network 115 may be configured in any combination of wired and wireless networks. For example, in some embodiments, the network 115 may be: a local-area network (LAN); a metropolitan area network (MAN); a wide area network (WAN); a primary public network; and a primary private network. Additional embodiments may include a network 115 of mobile telephone networks that use various protocols to communicate among mobile devices. For short range communications within a WLAN, the protocols may include 802.11, Bluetooth, and Near Field Communication (NFC), and encrypted Radio Frequency (RF) communication, for example. The network 115 is also configured to transmit data from the sensors and to the air filters and dampers and / or fan motors, for example. Similarly, the network 115 is configured to transmit alerts to the remote devices 122a, 122b, 122c.

[0030] The server 120 may be any server type such as, for example: a file server; an application server; a web server; a proxy server; an appliance; a network appliance; a gateway; an application gateway; a gateway server; a virtualization server; a deployment server; a Secure Sockets Layer Virtual Private Network (SSL VPN) server; a firewall; a web server; a server executing an active directory; or a server executing an application acceleration program that provides firewall functionality, application functionality, or load balancing functionality.

[0031] The server 120 may execute, operate or otherwise provide an application that may be any one of the following: software; a program; executable instructions; a virtual machine; a hypervisor; a web browser; a web-based client; a client-server application; a thin-client computing client; an ActiveX control; a Java applet; software related to voice over internet protocol (VoIP) communications like a soft IP telephone; an application for streaming video and / or audio; an application for facilitating real-time-data communications; a HTTP client; a FTP client; an Oscar client; a Telnet client; or any other set of executable instructions.

[0032] The server 120 includes one or more processors 118 coupled to a memory 116. The memory 116 may be configured to store data about each of the sensors and respective data, for example.

[0033] In addition, the server 120 may be configured to communicate with the air filter via controller 112. The air filter 106 includes a blower / fan motor, and a damper coupled to the blower that is configured to adjust an air flow, and a duct coupled to the damper. The duct has a first end extending into the containment area 102, and a second end extending outside the containment area 102 to the outdoors for clean exhaust air. The controller 112 may be coupled to the damper and / or fan motor and configured to control the air flow from the containment area 102 to the outdoors or other areas, where the server 120 is in communication with the controller 112. The fan motor can be adjusted by adjusting the blade speed.

[0034] The system 100 is configured to use the data from the particle sensors 110b-g in the building to generate a baseline air quality map and compare that data to construction project activity. Accordingly, the system 100 implements a holistic approach to identify trends / relationships that may point to the project having a negative impact on other areas of the building.

[0035] For example, the dust from a construction project within the containment area 102 could be carried half-way across the building due to egress patterns, HVAC systems, material handling, exterior work kicking up dust and getting into the hospital, etc. The system 100 is configured to monitor not just the immediate area around the containment area 102 but the entire building and outside the building.

[0036] Turning to FIG. 2, a block diagram of the environmental containment and monitoring system 100 is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The system 100 comprises a server 120, devices 122a-c, sensors 108a-c and 110a-g, and equipment 106.

[0037] The server 120 comprises processors 118, and machine intelligence 180. Machine intelligence 180 includes machine learning 182, predictive algorithms 184, and an application 186. Machine intelligence 180 can be implemented using one or more systems, such as an artificial intelligence system, a neural network, a Bayesian network, an expert system, a fuzzy logic system, a genetic algorithm, or other suitable types of systems. Machine learning 182 and predictive algorithms 184, in addition to other elements and programs, such as application 186, make the server 120 a special purpose computer for a environmental containment and monitoring system.

[0038] Predictive algorithms 184 may be configured for use by machine intelligence 180 to use patterns and anomalies, as well as numerical values, statistical weights for determining whether adjusting the equipment is necessary and by what amount is likely to succeed at having the desired air quality results.

[0039] The memory 116 comprises historical sensor data 188. The air quality characteristics model 190 comprises the characteristics of the air quality at a particular sensor location. For example, this can include the desired air quality characteristics at a particular location.

[0040] Predicted air quality characteristics comprise those parameters for a particular location and comparing data of the characteristics for the air quality at that location with their listed or desired characteristics. This is done by a machine intelligence application running on the one or more processors, to compare the air quality data from the sensors to the air quality characteristics model 190 for the selected location.

[0041] Which equipment 106 will be activated to adjust the air quality at a particular location is based on the equipment characteristics model 192. The equipment characteristics model 192 predicts what air quality will result when activating a particular piece of equipment 106 (e.g. air filter) and is accomplished by using probabilistic neural network algorithms that compare the historical data of the sensors in response to activation of the equipment.

[0042] The machine or artificial intelligence of the system is configured to automate the activation of the equipment 106 and transmit alerts via push notification. In addition, the machine or artificial intelligence may be configured to communicate and / or control third-party devices via an Application Programming Interface (API).

[0043] FIG. 3 is a general flowchart illustrating a method 50 of operating the system of FIG. 2. The method begins, at 152, and includes calculating a pressure differential, at 154, using the outdoor pressure data and the indoor pressure data to determine whether a negative air pressure is being maintained within the containment area. Accordingly, the method and system supports functionality for monitoring the environment outside of the containment area. The method includes, at 156, transmitting a signal to a controller to remotely adjust a damper and / or fan motor in response to receiving inside pressure data and outside pressure data maintained within the containment area. Moving to 158, the method includes generating a baseline air quality map using inside particle count data the containment area, and, at 160, comparing data, by a machine intelligence application, of anticipated air quality values to the baseline air quality map values. In addition, the method includes determining which of the available equipment to adjust and amount of adjustment, at 162, using probabilistic neural network algorithms that compare data of air pressure data to the baseline air quality map. At 164, the method includes generating a visual display of a trend of air quality extracted from the inside particle count data, and transmitting an alert to a remote device in response to detecting the inside particle count data exceeding a predefined limit of the baseline air quality map, at 166. The method ends at 168. In addition, the method and system is configured to collect the data, analyze it, and generate feedback as to potential regulatory compliance issues based on regulations stored in a database.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 4, a graphical user interface (“GUI”) of the system 100 is shown. The dashboard screenshot 200 includes a summary of data received from the plurality of sensors and processed by the server 120. For example, data of the “pressure differential”, “particle count inside”, and “particle count outside” are displayed in summary fashion. On the bottom half of the screen is a “Daily Tasks” list and “Construction Checklist” that can be used to maintain proper protocol and schedule. The equipment characteristics model 192 may be used to adjust the equipment to meet the desired air quality requirements around the construction area. For example A time graph of the data from the plurality of sensors 110a-g, 108a-c is displayed in FIG. 5. Accordingly, the trend of the air quality can be monitored. In addition, a reason for a decline in air quality can also be deduced by comparing a time of any anomalies in the data to events (e.g. thunderstorms, high foot traffic, etc.) that occurred at that time using the air quality characteristics model 190.

[0045] In addition, the computer system or server 120 is configured to transmit an alert when an anomaly is detected in the data as shown in FIG. 6. In particular, the processor is configured to transmit a signal to the controller 112 to remotely adjust the damper and / or fan motor in response to receiving pressure sensor data from the outside and inside pressure sensors or from the particle sensors. The fan motor can be adjusted by adjusting the blade speed. The processor 118 is configured to transmit an alert to a remote device 122a-c in response to detecting particle count data exceeding a predefined limit, or other data that affects air quality being exceeded.

[0046] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An environmental containment and monitoring system comprising:a containment area defined by a plurality of physical barriers to isolate a construction area from a patient care area;a blower configured to provide an air flow;a damper coupled to the blower and configured to adjust the air flow from the blower;a duct coupled to the damper and the duct having a first end extending into the containment area, and a second end extending outside of the containment area to an outdoor area;a controller coupled to the damper and configured to control the air flow from the containment area to the outdoor area by adjustment of at least one of the damper and blower;an outdoor pressure sensor positioned outside of the containment area and configured to generate outdoor pressure data;an inside pressure sensor positioned inside the containment area and configured to generate inside pressure data;an outside particle count sensor positioned outside of the containment area and configured to generate outside particle count data; andan inside particle count sensor configured to be positioned inside of the containment area and configured to generate inside particle count data.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a computer in communication with the controller, wherein the computer comprises a microprocessor coupled to a memory.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the computer is configured to transmit a signal to the controller to remotely adjust at least one of the damper and blower in response to receiving the inside pressure data and the outside pressure data.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the computer is configured to transmit an alert to a remote device in response to detecting inside particle count data exceeding a predefined limit.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of physical barriers comprises plastic sheeting that encloses the containment area.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising an actuator coupled to the damper and configured to adjust a volume of airflow in response to the controller.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein the computer is configured to calculate a pressure differential using the outdoor pressure data and the indoor pressure data to determine whether a negative air pressure is being maintained within the containment area.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle count sensor comprises an optical particle counter.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising an air filter coupled to the blower and configured to remove contaminants from the air flow.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a filter controller configured to control an operation of the air filter remotely.

11. The system of claim 2, wherein the computer is configured to generate a baseline air quality map using the inside particle count data.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the computer is configured to generate a visual display of a trend of air quality extracted from the inside particle count data.

13. An environmental containment and monitoring system to isolate a construction area from a patient care area, the system comprising:a computer having a microprocessor coupled to a memory;a blower configured to provide an air flow;a damper coupled to the blower and configured to adjust the air flow from the blower;a duct coupled to the damper and the duct having a first end configured to extend into the construction area, and a second end configured to extend outside of the construction area to an outdoor area;a controller in communication with the computer and coupled to the damper and configured to control the air flow from the construction area to the outdoor area by adjustment of the damper;at least one outdoor pressure sensor configured to be positioned outside of the construction area and in communication with the computer;at least one inside pressure sensor configured to be positioned inside the construction area and in communication with the computer;at least one outside particle count sensor configured to be positioned outside of the construction area and in communication with the computer; andat least one inside particle count sensors configured to be positioned inside of the construction area in communication with the computer.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the computer is configured to transmit a signal to the controller to remotely adjust the damper in response to receiving pressure sensor data from the at least one outdoor pressure sensor and the at least one inside pressure sensor.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the computer is configured to transmit an alert to a remote device in response to detecting particle count data from the at least one inside particle count sensor exceeding a predefined limit.

16. The system of claim 13, further comprising an actuator coupled to the damper and configured to adjust a volume of airflow in response to the controller.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein the computer is configured to calculate a pressure differential using an outdoor pressure reading from the at least one outdoor pressure sensor and an indoor pressure reading from the at least one indoor pressure sensor to determine whether a negative air pressure is being maintained within the construction area.

18. The system of claim 13, wherein the computer is configured to generate a baseline air quality map using data from the at least one inside particle count sensor.

19. The system of claim 13, wherein the computer is configured to generate a visual display of a trend of air quality extracted from particle count data from the at least one inside particle count sensor.

20. A method to monitor a containment area defined by a plurality of physical barriers to isolate a construction area from a patient care area, the method comprising:calculating a pressure differential using the outdoor pressure data and the indoor pressure data to determine whether a negative air pressure is being maintained within the containment area;transmitting a signal to a controller to remotely adjust a damper in response to receiving inside pressure data and outside pressure data;generating a baseline air quality map using inside particle count data;generating a visual display of a trend of air quality extracted from the inside particle count data; andtransmitting an alert to a remote device in response to detecting the inside particle count data exceeding a predefined limit of the baseline air quality map.

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