Smart mask

Abstract

The present specification relates to a smart mask, and more particularly, to a smart mask capable of measuring breathing regardless of the breathing channel and the breathing method by separating the breathing flow channel and the measurement flow channel. A smart mask according to an embodiment of the present specification comprises: a main body module including a wearing part forced against one side of the user's respiratory organ and an air controller forming a first chamber therein together with the wearing part and changing the user's breathing characteristics; and a cover module extending from or coupled to the main body module to form a plurality of flow channels, wherein the plurality of flow channels include a breathing flow channel through which the user's breathing flows and a measurement flow channel for measuring the flow rate of air according to a change in pressure inside the first chamber, and the measurement flow channel is formed separately from the breathing flow channel.

Description

Smart Mask

[0001] This specification relates to a smart mask, and more specifically, to a smart mask that can accurately measure respiration regardless of the breathing channel and breathing method by separating the breathing tube and the measuring tube.

[0002] A breathing analysis device collects, analyzes, and interprets breathing-related data from a user's breath. Using a breathing analysis device, you can obtain various body data, including respiratory volume, respiratory cycle, respiratory rate, breathing pattern, heart rate, and posture. It is primarily used in various fields, including medicine, sports, and lifestyle health.

[0003] Breath analysis devices can take various forms, such as a wearable device worn on the user's body, a mouthpiece, or a mask attached around the nose or mouth. When the breath analysis device is worn around the user's respiratory tract, such as a mask, the breath analysis device and the user's respiratory tract are positioned in close proximity, and the air generated by the breath is directly transmitted to the breath analysis device. Consequently, the flow rate may be measured unevenly depending on the respiratory cycle and breathing intensity.

[0004] Conventional breath analysis devices have breathing channels and measurement channels formed within the same tube, resulting in uneven breath measurement depending on whether breathing is stable. Therefore, conventional breath analysis devices utilize turbines or methods that generate a pressure difference within the tube to measure the differential pressure.

[0005] However, this method has the problem of being difficult to manage because it requires a process of periodically calibrating the turbine and flow rate, and it takes up a large structural volume because it requires a certain length of duct to stabilize breathing.

[0006] In addition, if calibration of the turbine is not performed, not only is it difficult to measure respiration accurately, but the portability and usability are significantly reduced due to the large volume, so there is a need for a respiration analysis device to solve these problems.

[0007] The purpose of this specification is to provide a smart mask that is easy to manage by separating the breathing tube and the measurement tube, and that structurally minimizes the volume.

[0008] Furthermore, the purpose of the present specification is to provide a smart mask capable of measuring accurate and uniform respiratory flow regardless of the user's respiratory volume, respiratory channel, respiratory rate, and breathing method by eliminating the directionality of breathing through the absence of a rectifier at the inlet of the respiratory tube.

[0009] The purposes of this specification are not limited to those mentioned above, and other purposes and advantages of this specification not mentioned herein can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of this specification. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the purposes and advantages of this specification can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0010] A smart mask according to one embodiment of the present specification includes a body module including a wearing part that adheres closely to one side of a user's respiratory tract and an air control part that forms a first chamber inside together with the wearing part and changes the breathing characteristics of the user, and a cover module that extends from or is coupled to the body module to form a plurality of tubes, wherein the plurality of tubes include a breathing tube through which the user's breath flows and a measuring tube for measuring the flow rate of air according to a change in pressure inside the first chamber, and the measuring tube is characterized in that it is formed separately from the breathing tube.

[0011] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the air conditioning unit includes a breathing tube inlet through which air enters and exits from the breathing tube and a measuring tube inlet through which air enters and exits from the measuring ...

[0012] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the breathing characteristic includes at least one of the velocity, direction, flow rate, directivity, and movement path of air produced through the breathing.

[0013] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the respiratory tube inlet further includes a regulating member that uniformly adjusts the flow rate of the flowing air by changing the breathing characteristics of the user.

[0014] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the rectifier member is characterized in that it is formed in the form of at least one of a mesh member, a turbine blade, a rectifier grid member, and a wing member.

[0015] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the measuring tube includes a measuring sensor, and the measuring sensor measures the pressure inside the first chamber or measures the flow rate of air moving according to the pressure.

[0016] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the measurement sensor is characterized in that it is an absolute pressure sensor that measures the pressure inside the first chamber.

[0017] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the measurement sensor is characterized in that it is a flow sensor that measures the flow rate of air moving according to the pressure inside the first chamber.

[0018] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the air conditioning unit is connected to allow air to flow into or out of at least one of the breathing tube and the measuring tube, and includes a first hole formed on one side of the air conditioning unit.

[0019] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the air conditioning unit is connected to the breathing tube so that air can be introduced or discharged, and includes a second hole formed in at least a portion of a direction different from the first hole on one side of the air conditioning unit.

[0020] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the main body module includes a third hole penetrating the inner surface and the outer surface of the main body module to discharge liquid generated by the user to the outside.

[0021] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the cover module includes a front cover and a rear cover, and the rear cover is coupled with the main body module to form a second chamber and a breathing tube.

[0022] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the measuring tube includes a first tube through which external air enters and exits the first hole, and a second tube that guides air introduced through the first tube to the first chamber or discharges air in the first chamber to the first tube.

[0023] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the wearable part further includes a PPG sensor provided in a direction facing the user on at least a portion of the wearable part.

[0024] The smart mask according to various embodiments of the present specification can be easily managed by separating the respiratory tube and the measurement tube, and can also structurally minimize volume.

[0025] In addition, the smart mask according to various embodiments of the present specification can measure the respiratory flow rate accurately and uniformly regardless of the user's respiratory volume, respiratory channel, breathing method, and breathing rate by eliminating the directionality of breathing through the absence of a rectifier at the respiratory tract inlet.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a smart mask according to various embodiments of the present specification.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a smart mask from different angles according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a combination of a main body module and a cover module in various embodiments of the present specification.

[0029] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a main body module and a cover module in various embodiments of the present specification.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a first hole of an air conditioning unit in various embodiments of the present specification.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the second hole and the third hole of the air conditioning unit in various embodiments of the present specification.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a rear cover in various embodiments of the present specification.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a body module and a cover module combined in various embodiments of the present specification.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a rear cover including an absolute pressure sensor in various embodiments of the present specification.

[0035] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of an absolute pressure sensor according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of a side cross-section including an absolute pressure sensor in various embodiments of the present specification.

[0037] FIG. 12 is a rear view of a smart mask according to various embodiments of the present specification.

[0038] FIG. 13 is a rear view of a smart mask showing the main hole and auxiliary hole in various embodiments of the present specification.

[0039] FIG. 14 is a rear view of a smart mask showing a respiratory tract inlet including a rectifying member in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 15 is a table showing test results of a smart mask according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0041] Since the embodiments described in this specification are intended to clearly explain the idea of ​​the present invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in this specification, and the scope of the present invention should be interpreted to include modified or altered examples that do not depart from the idea of ​​the present invention.

[0042] The terms used in this specification have been selected from widely used terms, taking into account the functions of the present invention. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. However, if a specific term is defined and used with an arbitrary meaning, the meaning of that term will be described separately. Therefore, the terms used in this specification should be interpreted based on the actual meaning of the term and the overall content of this specification, rather than simply the name of the term.

[0043] The drawings attached to this specification are intended to facilitate explanation of the present invention, and the shapes depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated as necessary to help understanding of the present invention, and therefore the present invention is not limited by the drawings.

[0044] In this specification, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0045] If a detailed description of the composition or function of a known disclosure related to the present invention in this specification is deemed to obscure the gist of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted as necessary. Furthermore, the numbers (e.g., "first," "second," etc.) used throughout the description of this specification are merely identifiers used to distinguish one component from another.

[0046] In addition, the suffixes "part" and "part" for components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0047] That is, the embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to make the present disclosure complete and to inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present disclosure, and the invention of the present disclosure is defined solely by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0048] Terms such as “first” and / or “second” may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another, for example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components in between. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between. Other expressions that describe the relationship between components, such as "between" and "directly between" or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to", should be interpreted similarly.

[0050] Each block of the flowchart drawings and combinations of flowchart drawings in the drawings can be performed by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be installed in a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing equipment, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing equipment create a means for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s). These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-available or computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to implement the functions in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-available or computer-readable memory can also produce an article of manufacture that includes an instruction means for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s). Since the computer program instructions may be installed on a computer or other programmable data processing device, a series of operational steps may be performed on the computer or other programmable data processing device to create a computer-executable process, so that the instructions that cause the computer or other programmable data processing device to perform the steps for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s) may also be able to provide steps for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s).

[0051] Additionally, a device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0052] Additionally, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code that contains one or more executable instructions for performing a specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementation examples, the functions mentioned in the blocks may occur out of order. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be performed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be performed in reverse order, depending on their respective functions. For example, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be performed in a different order, omitted, or one or more additional operations may be added.

[0053] The term 'unit' as used in this disclosure means a software or hardware component such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). The 'unit' performs specific roles, but is not limited to software or hardware. The 'unit' may be configured to reside on an addressable storage medium and may be configured to play one or more processors. Accordingly, according to some embodiments, the 'unit' includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functionality provided within the components and 'units' may be combined into a smaller number of components and 'units' or further separated into additional components and 'units'. Additionally, the components and '~parts' may be implemented to activate one or more CPUs within a device or secure multimedia card. Furthermore, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the '~parts' may include one or more processors.

[0054] The operating principles of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In the following description of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of related known functions or configurations will be omitted if they are deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined based on the functions of the present disclosure and may vary depending on the intent or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, their definitions should be based on the overall content of this specification.

[0055] Hereinafter, the "user" refers to a person wearing the smart mask of the present disclosure. While the smart mask is described as a device for analyzing the user's breathing, it can function as a device encompassing various purposes and functions in addition to breath analysis. Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0056] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a smart mask according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the smart mask from another angle according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the smart mask of the present disclosure includes a main body module (10), a cover module (20), and a fixing module (30). The main body module (10) is coupled with the cover module (20) to measure and analyze a user's breathing, and the cover module (20) is connected to the fixing module (30) via a band holder (340) formed on one side.

[0057] Specifically, the fixed module (30) includes a band portion (610) and a head support portion (620), and the band holder (340) of the cover module (20) can be connected to the band portion (610) of the fixed module (30).

[0058] The band part (610) is formed of an elastic material like a rubber band and can be stretched according to the size of the user's head. One end is connected to the head support part (620), and as the head support part (620) is fixedly supported on the back of the user's head, the band part (610) forms tension between the head support part (620) and the cover module (20), and the smart mask is fixed so that it does not come off the user's head.

[0059] In the drawing, the head support (620) is depicted as an 'H' shape, but is not necessarily limited thereto and may include various shapes capable of supporting the user's head.

[0060] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a body module and a cover module combined in various embodiments of the present specification, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a body module and a cover module separated in various embodiments of the present specification, FIG. 5 is a view showing a first hole of an air conditioning unit in various embodiments of the present specification, FIG. 6 is a view showing a second hole and a third hole of an air conditioning unit in various embodiments of the present specification, FIG. 7 is a view showing a rear cover in various embodiments of the present specification, and FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a body module and a cover module combined in various embodiments of the present specification. Hereinafter, the structure of a smart mask will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8.

[0061] Referring to the drawings, the smart mask of the present specification includes a main body module (10) and a cover module (20) that is coupled with the main body module (10) and covers the front of the main body module (10). In the drawings, the cover module (20) is depicted as a separate part that can be detachably attached to the main body module (10), but the main body module (10) and the cover module (20) may be fixedly coupled, or the cover module (20) may be formed as a single structure extending from the main body module (10).

[0062] The main body module (10) includes a wearing part (100) and an air conditioning part (200).

[0063] The wearable part (100) is in close contact with the user's respiratory organs, such as the nose and mouth. A first chamber (110) with a predetermined volume is provided inside the wearable part (100) and the air conditioning part (200), and when the user wears the smart mask, the user's respiratory organ is positioned in the first chamber (110).

[0064] The wearing part (100) can be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the user's face, and for example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the nose part can be concave and the cheek part can be convexly protruded, which can not only improve the fit when worn, but also increase the sealing force inside the main body module (10).

[0065] The air conditioning unit (200) is extended and connected to the wearable unit (100) and is positioned in front of the user's respirator to change the user's breathing characteristics. The air conditioning unit (200) is the first part that air generated through breathing encounters, and the breathing characteristics are changed as the air generated through breathing is introduced or discharged through the air conditioning unit (200). Here, the breathing characteristics may include at least one of the speed, direction, flow rate, directivity, and movement path of the air generated through breathing.

[0066] In various embodiments, the air conditioning unit (200) may include at least one first hole (230) and at least one second hole (240). Specifically, the first hole (230) may be formed on one side of the air conditioning unit (200), and the second hole (240) may be formed in at least a portion in a different direction from the first hole (230). For example, the first hole (230) may be formed on a side of the air conditioning unit (200), as illustrated in FIG. 5, and the second hole (240) may be formed on a lower surface of the air conditioning unit (200), as illustrated in FIG. 6. The first hole (230) and the second hole (240) form a space as a gap between the air conditioning unit (200) and the cover module (20), so that air may be introduced into or discharged from the interior of the main body module (10) through the first hole (230) and the second hole (240).

[0067] In various embodiments, the main body module (10) may include a third hole (250). The third hole (250) is provided at the bottom of the main body module (10) and may penetrate the inner and outer surfaces of the main body module (10). By discharging saliva, sweat, and condensed water vapor generated by the user to the outside of the smart mask through the third hole (250), the internal environment of the main body module (10) may be maintained clean.

[0068] The cover module (20) includes a front cover (300), a rear cover (400), and an internal module. The cover module (20) is coupled to one side of the air conditioning unit (200) to form a plurality of tubes. The plurality of tubes may include a breathing tube through which the user's breath flows and a measuring tube for measuring the air flow rate according to pressure changes within the first chamber. A detailed description of the breathing tube and the measuring tube will be provided later.

[0069] The front cover (300) is an area exposed to the outside from the cover module (20), and may include a light-emitting lamp (320) for checking the voltage of the battery and a band holder (340) connected to the band portion (610) of the fixed module (30). The front cover (300) blocks wind flowing forward or sideways based on the direction in which the user is looking, thereby minimizing the influence of external air inflow during respiration measurement and preventing measurement errors.

[0070] The rear cover (400) may include a breathing tube, a power switch (440), a charging terminal (450), and an additional sensor (460), as shown in FIG. 7.

[0071] The respiratory tract refers to a passage through which air generated by the user's breathing is introduced or discharged. Referring to FIG. 8, when the cover module (20) is combined with the main body module (10), a second chamber (410) having a partially closed structure is formed at a position corresponding to the respiratory tract inlet (210) between the rear cover (400) and the air control unit (200). The second chamber (410) is connected to the second hole (240) to form a flow path and allow air to communicate. In various embodiments, the second chamber (410) is also connected to the first hole (230) to form a flow path and allow air to communicate. That is, when the user inhales, negative pressure is applied to the first chamber (110), causing external air to be introduced through the second hole (240) and along the respiratory tract into the first chamber (110). Conversely, when the user exhales, air passes through the respiratory tract inlet (210) and the respiratory tract and is discharged through the second hole (240) and the first hole (230).

[0072] The additional sensor (460) may be at least one sensor for obtaining various additional information of the main body module (10), for example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, an oxygen / carbon dioxide concentration sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or a geomagnetic sensor. The additional sensor is not limited to the type of sensor and may include all sensors that may be added for analyzing the user's breathing and posture. In Fig. 7, the additional sensor (460) is illustrated as being arranged on one side of the first tube, but the location of the additional sensor (460) is not limited thereto, and may be arranged on at least a part of the cover module (20).

[0073] The internal module is a module provided between the front cover (300) and the rear cover (400), and may include a measurement tube, a measurement sensor (520), a battery, and a control module.

[0074] The measuring tube is a passage for measuring the flow rate of air according to the pressure change inside the first chamber (110) that is not directly affected by the user's breathing.

[0075] In various embodiments, the measurement tube includes a first tube (511) through which external air is introduced through a first hole (230), and a second tube (515) that guides the air introduced through the first tube (511) to the first chamber (110). The first tube (511) may be formed as a horizontal tube as illustrated in FIG. 7, and the second tube (515) may be formed as a vertical tube as illustrated in FIG. 8. In addition, the inlet (512) of the first tube may be connected to the first hole (230) of the air conditioning unit (200), and air introduced through the inlet (512) of the first tube may be discharged through the inlet (516) of the second tube. Alternatively, air introduced through the inlet (516) of the second tube may be discharged through the inlet (512) of the first tube through the measurement tube.

[0076] Specifically, the first hole (230) can be connected to allow air to flow into or out of at least one of the respiratory tube and the measurement tube, and the second hole (240) can be connected to allow air to flow into or out of the respiratory tube. Accordingly, air flowing in through the first hole (230) flows into different channels as it is separated into the first tube inlet (512) and the respiratory tube.

[0077] Meanwhile, in various embodiments, the entrance (516) of the second tube may be formed in a narrow, curved band shape, as illustrated in FIG. 7. However, the entrance (516) of the second tube is not limited to this band shape, and may be formed in various shapes that facilitate respiration measurement.

[0078] The measuring tube includes a measuring sensor (520) therein, and the measuring sensor (520) may be a flow sensor (521) that measures the flow rate of air moving through the measuring tube. In various embodiments, the measuring tube may be formed as a protruding structure in which at least a portion of one side thereof protrudes at a position corresponding to a position where the measuring sensor (520) is provided. Since the pressure inside the measuring tube changes before and after the protruding structure, when the measuring sensor (520) is a flow sensor (521), the differential pressure inside the measuring tube can be measured. The protruding structure may be, for example, an orifice structure or a segmental wedge structure, but is not limited thereto and may include any type of structure that generates a pressure difference inside the measuring tube.

[0079] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a cover module including an absolute pressure sensor in various embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing an absolute pressure sensor in various embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of the side cross-sectional view showing an absolute pressure sensor in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, in various embodiments, the measurement sensor (520) may be an absolute pressure sensor (522). The absolute pressure sensor (522) measures the pressure inside the first chamber (110), and when the absolute pressure sensor (522) is included, the measurement pipe may be formed only by the second pipe (515) excluding the first pipe (511). In this case, one end of the second pipe (515) may be connected to the inlet (516) of the second pipe, and the other end may be formed in a closed structure. The absolute pressure sensor (522) may be disposed on one side of the second pipe (515), and for example, may be disposed at a position corresponding to the closed structure of the second pipe (515).

[0081] Meanwhile, since the absolute pressure sensor (522) only measures the pressure inside the first chamber (110), it may be difficult to accurately measure the intensity of breathing. In various embodiments, by adding an auxiliary pressure sensor (not shown) to the outer surface of the main body module (10) or cover module (20), the accuracy of the measurement can be improved by measuring not only the pressure inside the first chamber (110) but also the atmospheric pressure.

[0082] The battery supplies the power necessary to operate electronic devices, such as the additional sensor (460), the light lamp (320), and the control module. The control module electrically connects the various devices of the smart microphone and controls their operation. The control module can be implemented, for example, as a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0083] FIG. 12 is a rear view of a smart mask according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 13 is a rear view of a smart mask showing a main hole and an auxiliary hole according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 14 is a rear view of a smart mask showing a respiratory tract inlet including a rectifying member according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the smart mask will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14.

[0084] Referring to the drawing, the air control unit (200) includes a breathing tube inlet (210) and a measuring tube inlet (220). The user's breath flows through the breathing tube inlet (210), and as described above, the breathing characteristics are changed, such as removing the directionality of the air during the gas flow process. The measuring tube inlet (220) is provided at a position corresponding to the measuring tube, and air can be introduced into the measuring tube through the measuring tube inlet (220) or discharged from the measuring tube depending on the pressure change in the first chamber (110).

[0085] In various embodiments, the measurement channel can be formed separately from the respiratory channel. In other words, the measurement channel can be formed as a separate structure by being spaced apart from the respiratory channel by a predetermined distance. Since the separation of the respiratory channel and the measurement channel eliminates the need for a minimum tube length to stabilize respiration, the volume can be minimized. In addition, the smart mask of the present disclosure not only enables uniform and accurate respiration measurement through channel separation, but also has the advantage of being easy to manage because a calibration process does not need to be performed for each respiration measurement.

[0086] The respiratory tube inlet (210) of the air conditioning unit (200) is not fixed in one shape and can be formed in various shapes. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the respiratory tube inlet (210) can be rectangular or round, and is not limited in size and shape and can include any structure that forms a flow path and allows the user's breathing to flow.

[0087] In various embodiments, the breathing tube inlet (210) of the air conditioning unit (200) may include a stopper member (213) that is fixedly coupled to the breathing tube inlet (210) or removably fitted thereto.

[0088] The user's breathing channel has a mouth and a nose, and when breathing through the mouth, the air has a high directivity. In particular, when breathing with the mouth closed, the directivity of the air is very strong, so the air escapes outside at a high speed without any time to measure the breathing, making accurate breathing analysis difficult. In addition, when breathing with the mouth closed, the air inside the first chamber (110) also escapes, and a negative pressure is momentarily applied to the first chamber (110), which may cause an error in measuring the breathing as inhalation.

[0089] Therefore, in order to prevent these problems, a process of removing the directionality of the air is necessary, and the rectifying member (213) can uniformly control the flow rate of the air flowing through the respiratory tube inlet (210) and evenly distribute the pressure in the first chamber by changing the user's breathing characteristics such as the speed, direction, flow rate, directionality, and movement path of the air.

[0090] The rectifying member (213) may be formed in the shape of at least one of a mesh member, a turbine blade, a rectifying grid member, and a wing member, and may be implemented in various shapes and materials having an air rectifying function, without being limited thereto. In an embodiment, when the rectifying member (213) is formed in the shape of a turbine blade, when a user inhales, the outside air drawn in through the breathing tube passes through the rectifying member (213), and the air rotates along the turbine blade. Accordingly, the drawn-in air loses its directivity, changes its movement path in various directions, and can be spread at a uniform flow rate throughout the first chamber (110).

[0091] In this way, by using the rectifier (213) of this specification, not only is uniform flow measurement possible regardless of the breathing channel, but it also has the advantage of being able to measure uniform flow even under conditions where high flow rates occur, such as high-intensity training, by offsetting the directionality of air.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 14, in various embodiments, the breathing tube inlet (210) may include a main hole (212) through which the user's main breath passes and at least one auxiliary hole (214) forming a predetermined distance from the main hole (212).

[0093] If the main hole (212) includes a stopper (213), the breathing path may be partially blocked, making it difficult for the user to breathe smoothly. Therefore, by utilizing the auxiliary hole (214), the air movement path is secured through the auxiliary hole (214), making breathing easier and increasing the duration of wearing the smart mask.

[0094] In addition, in various embodiments, the wearable part (100) may include a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor (120). Again, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the PPG sensor (120) is provided on at least a portion of the wearable part (100) in a direction facing the user, and may sense blood flowing on the user's face to obtain heart rate information. The PPG sensor (120) may perform data communication and receive power through a battery-connected power supply module (480) of the cover module (20) of FIG. 7, and the power supply module (480) may be formed in a pogo pin shape.

[0095] Below, we will explain how the smart mask works.

[0096] When a user wearing a smart mask breathes, a flow of air is generated, and a pressure change occurs in the first chamber (110) of the main body module (10). For example, when breathing is inhalation, the pressure in the first chamber (110) decreases due to the intake of air, creating a negative pressure.

[0097] At this time, since the smart mask of this specification has separate breathing tubes and measuring tubes, outside air is introduced into the smart mask through two paths.

[0098] The first path is related to breathing, in which external air that has been introduced through the first hole (230) and the second hole (240) of the main body module (10) passes through the breathing tube inlet (210) of the breathing tube and air control unit (200) and enters the first chamber (110). At this time, as described above, the introduced air is quickly stabilized through the rectifying member (213).

[0099] In the second path, external air that is introduced through the first hole (230) of the main body module (10) in relation to measurement is introduced into the first chamber (110) through the first pipe (511) and the second pipe (515).

[0100] Each path is separated from each other and does not interfere with each other, and the measuring tube measures breathing in a stabilized state through the first path, so uniform breathing can be measured regardless of the characteristics of breathing.

[0101] Figure 15 is a table showing test results of a smart mask according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0102] Referring to the drawing, the results of an experiment were presented for four cases of breathing through various channels and methods, including mouth breathing, pursed-mouth breathing, mouth and nose breathing, and nose breathing. The experiment was conducted by connecting a facial model simulating the human oral structure to a smart mask and a flowmeter in series, and then supplying air from an external pump at the back of the facial model to change the breathing channel.

[0103] In the table, the x-axis represents pressure (Pa), the y-axis represents flow rate (SLM), and the graph shows the true flowmeter measured by the flowmeter and the values ​​of the measurement sensor measured in the measurement tube of the smart mask.

[0104] Experimental results confirm that all four breathing cases produce similar graphs without significant errors. Consequently, the smart mask described herein enables consistent breathing measurements regardless of the user's breathing channel or breathing method.

[0105] As described above, the smart mask according to various embodiments of the present specification can be easily managed by separating the respiratory tube and the measurement tube, and the volume can be structurally minimized.

[0106] In addition, the smart mask according to various embodiments of the present specification can measure an accurate and uniform respiratory flow rate regardless of the user's respiratory volume and rate by eliminating the directionality of breathing through the absence of a rectifier at the respiratory tract inlet.

[0107] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings exemplified above, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Furthermore, even if the operational effects according to the configuration of the present invention were not explicitly described and explained while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects predictable by the corresponding configuration should also be acknowledged.

Claims

1. A main body module including a wearable part that adheres closely to one side of the user's respiratory tract and an air control part that forms a first chamber inside together with the wearable part and changes the breathing characteristics of the user; and Includes a cover module extending from or coupled to the main body module to form a plurality of pipes, The above multiple related It includes a breathing tube through which the user's breath flows and a measuring tube for measuring the flow rate of air according to the pressure change inside the first chamber, The above measurement tube is characterized in that it is formed separately from the respiratory tube. Smart Mask 2. In paragraph 1, The above air conditioning unit A device that includes a breathing tube inlet at a position corresponding to the breathing tube through which air enters and exits from the breathing tube and a measuring tube inlet at a position corresponding to the measuring tube through which air enters and exits from the measuring tube. Smart Mask 3. In paragraph 1, The above breathing characteristics are At least one of the speed, direction, flow rate, directivity and movement path of the air generated through the above breathing Smart Mask 4. In paragraph 2, The above respiratory tract entrance is Further comprising a rectifying member that uniformly controls the flow rate of the flowing air by changing the breathing characteristics of the user. Smart Mask 5. In paragraph 4, The above rectifier is absent characterized in that it is formed in the form of at least one of a mesh member, a turbine blade, a commutation grid member and a wing member. Smart Mask 6. In paragraph 1, The above measurement tube includes a measurement sensor, The above measurement sensor measures the pressure inside the first chamber or measures the flow rate of air moving according to the pressure. Smart Mask 7. In paragraph 6, The above measurement sensor characterized in that it is an absolute pressure sensor that measures the pressure inside the first chamber. Smart Mask 8. In paragraph 6, The above measurement sensor It is characterized by being a flow sensor that measures the flow rate of air moving according to the pressure inside the first chamber. Smart Mask 9. In paragraph 1, The above air conditioning unit Connected to at least one of the above breathing tube and the above measuring tube so that air can be introduced or discharged, and including a first hole formed on one side of the air control unit Smart Mask 10. In paragraph 9, The above air conditioning unit Connected to allow air to flow into or out of the above breathing tube, and including a second hole formed in at least a part of the air control unit in a direction different from the first hole. Smart Mask 11. In paragraph 1, The above main body module A third hole is included that penetrates the inner and outer surfaces of the main body module to discharge the liquid generated by the user to the outside. Smart Mask 12. In paragraph 1, The above cover module Includes front cover and back cover, The above rear cover is combined with the above main body module to form a second chamber and a breathing tube. Smart Mask 13. In paragraph 9, The above measurement related A first pipe through which external air enters and exits through the first hole, and a second pipe that guides air introduced through the first pipe to the first chamber or discharges air in the first chamber to the first pipe. Smart Mask 14. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned wearing part Further comprising a PPG sensor provided in a direction facing the user on at least a portion of the above-mentioned wearable part. Smart Mask

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