System and method for air quality registration

Abstract

A system (100) and a method (500) for air quality registration are provided. The system comprises at least one sensor (110) configured to measure at least one parameter, Pi, associated with air quality, at an openable and closable element (120) between an indoor environment (130) and an outdoor environment (140). The system further comprise a processor (200) coupled to the sensor(s), wherein the processor is configured to obtain (210) information (220) associated with a state of the element being open or closed, and associating (230) the measured parameter(s), Pi, with indoor air quality (240), or outdoor air quality (250), based on the obtained information. The system further comprises a registration unit (300) coupled to the processor, wherein the registration unit is configured to register (310) the measured parameter(s), Pi, associated with the indoor air quality and / or the measured parameter(s), Pi, associated with the outdoor air quality.

Description

[0001] 2024PF80506

[0002] 1

[0003] SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AIR QUALITY REGISTRATION

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention generally relates to a system and method for air quality registration.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Poor air quality, mainly due to fine dust, is detrimental to people’s health. According to an air quality health assessment made by the European Environment Agency (EEA), more than 250,000 premature deaths could have been avoided in the European Union if the fine particulate matter concentrations had met the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations. More specifically, particles less than 1 micrometer (pm) in size, also called PM1 particles, are considered especially dangerous due to their extremely small size. The particles may cause major systemic effects as they may enter people’s blood stream. It will be appreciated that air quality issues are not only related to particles, but also to other pollutants, compositions and / or molecules, e.g. nitrogen oxides (NOX), ozone (O3), etc.

[0008] There is common belief that providing outdoor (fresh) air to a house, apartment, room, office, restaurant, etc., has a positive effect on the indoor air quality.

[0009] However, this is often not the case, and it may even be the contrary. In fact, the quality of the indoor air may even be exacerbated by letting in outdoor air to the indoor environment.

[0010] Sensor technology is often provided in the prior art for assessing and / or addressing issues with indoor air quality. Connected air quality sensors exist which may monitor air quality and visualize the measurements on a dedicated display device or app. For a proper customer information of the air quality of an indoor environment such as a home, it is recommendable to assess both indoor and outdoor air quality. However, many of the prior art systems applying this approach are complex, circumstantial and / or costly regarding installation and / or operation. For example, in order to sense both the indoor and outdoor air qualities, two air quality sensors are required, leading to substantial investments (especially for a consumer). Therefore, it is of interest to develop a system which overcomes at least some of the drawbacks of present techniques / technologies, and which is able to assess, monitor and / or register air quality in a convenient and (cost-) efficient manner.2024PF80506

[0011] 2

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] It is of interest to overcome at least some of the deficiencies of systems related to air quality assessment according to present technologies, and to provide a system and a method which are convenient and (cost-) efficient concerning air quality monitoring and / or registering.

[0014] This and other objects are achieved by providing a system and a method having the features in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0015] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for air quality registration. The system comprises at least one sensor configured to measure at least one parameter, Pi, associated with air quality, at an openable and closable element between an indoor environment and an outdoor environment. The system further comprises a processor coupled to the at least one sensor. The processor is configured to obtain information associated with a state of the element being open or closed, and associating the measured at least one parameter, Pi, with indoor air quality or outdoor air quality, based on the obtained information. The system further comprises a registration unit coupled to the processor, wherein the registration unit is configured to register at least one of the measured at least one parameter, Pi, associated with the indoor air quality, and the measured at least one parameter, Pi, associated with the outdoor air quality.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for air quality registration. The method comprises measuring at least one parameter, Pi, associated with air quality, at an openable and closable element between an indoor environment and an outdoor environment. The method further comprises obtaining information associated with a state of the element being open or closed, and associating the measured at least one parameter, Pi, with indoor air quality or outdoor air quality based on the obtained information. The method further comprises registering at least one of the measured at least one parameter, Pi, associated with the indoor air quality, and the measured at least one parameter, Pi, associated with the outdoor air quality.

[0017] Thus, the present invention is based on the idea of providing a system and a method for air quality registration based on a state of an openable and closable element between an indoor and outdoor environment. Dependently on the information of the state of the element being open or closed, the system and method may associate (a) measured air2024PF80506

[0018] 3

[0019] quality param eter(s), Pi, with indoor or outdoor air quality, and register the param eter(s), Pi, accordingly.

[0020] The present invention is advantageous in that it provides a registration or storing of parameter(s), Pi, whereby the association of the parameter(s), Pi, with indoor or outdoor air quality, is highly accurate due to information of the openable and closable element’s state. In other words, the state of the element being open or closed may significantly influence or affect the measurement results of the parameter(s), Pi, associated with air quality, and via the information of the element’s state, the system and method may more accurately categorize / label the measured parameter(s), Pi, as being associated with either indoor or outdoor air quality.

[0021] It should be noted that the measurement(s) of the sensor(s) of the air quality parameter(s), Pi, is dependent on the element’s state, which may fluctuate and vary (significantly). The present invention is hereby advantageous in its versatility and adaptability, as the categorization / labelling of the measured parameter(s), Pi, as being associated with either indoor or outdoor air quality, adapts dependently of the element’s state(s).

[0022] The present invention provides the possibility to measure indoor and outdoor air qualities at (almost) the same location, and thereby provides the advantage of attaining the most accurate difference (delta) between the indoor air quality and the outdoor air quality.

[0023] The present invention is further advantageous in that it provides a highly efficient and convenient registration or storing of the parameter(s), Pi, associated with indoor or outdoor air quality. The configuration of the system’s sensor(s), processor and registration unit, and the communication / coupling therebetween, lead to an effective system operation.

[0024] The present invention is further advantageous in that the system comprises relatively few components, resulting in numerous benefits such as cost-efficiency, system arrangement (mounting) efficiency, etc. The smug, trim and unobtrusive system furthermore provides an aesthetically appealing effect, whereby large and / or obtrusive components are avoided.

[0025] The present invention is further advantageous in that the system is highly integrable, meaning that the system’s components may be integrated in the indoor or outdoor environment and / or that the system’s components may be combined and / or integrated. This even further contributes to the cost-efficiency, space-saving aspect and aesthetical effect of the system.2024PF80506

[0026] 4

[0027] There is provided a system for air quality registration. The system comprises at least one sensor configured to measure at least one parameter, Pi, associated with air quality. By “sensor”, it is here meant substantially any sensor, device, unit, or the like, which is configured or arranged for sensing, measuring and / or registering data and / or parameters. The parameter(s), Pi, associated with air quality may constitute substantially any parameter(s), data, information, or the like, which is (are) associated or linked with, and / or based on, air quality or characteristics. The sensor(s) is (are) arranged at an openable and closable element between an indoor environment and an outdoor environment. Hence, the sensor(s) is (are) arranged at (in a vicinity of, or even on) the element. The element, which is arranged, provided or mounted between an indoor and outdoor environment, is possible to open and to close. The system further comprises a processor coupled to the at least one sensor. Hence, the processor is connected or coupled to the sensor(s), e.g. via a wired or a wireless connection. The processor is configured to obtain information associated with a state of the element being open or closed. By “state of the element”, it is here meant a state, condition or position of the element. More specifically, in the present case of an openable and closable element, the “state of the element” represents an open state or closed state of the element (i.e., a static state of the element). The “state of the element” may furthermore comprise a dynamic state of the element, e.g. an opening or a closing of the element. Furthermore, a partially open and / or a partially closed element may be comprised in the “state of the element”. The processor is further configured to associate the measured at least one parameter, Pi, with indoor air quality or outdoor air quality, based on the obtained information. Hence, based on the obtained information about the state of the element, the processor is configured or arranged to associate, label and / or link the measured air quality parameter(s), Pi, with indoor air quality or outdoor air quality. By “indoor air quality”, it is here meant air quality of an indoor environment, such as a house, apartment, office, museum, etc. By “outdoor air quality”, it is here meant air quality of an outdoor environment. The registration unit, which is coupled to the processor, is configured to register the measured parameter(s), Pi, associated with the indoor air quality, and / or the measured parameter(s), Pi, associated with the outdoor air quality. By “registration unit”, it is here meant substantially any unit which is configured or arranged to register and / or store data, such as a registration and / or storage medium.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one sensor may be further configured to measure at least one parameter, Wi, associated with an environmental condition, and wherein the information associated with a state of the element is2024PF80506

[0029] 5

[0030] based on the at least one parameter, Wi. By “environmental condition”, it is here meant substantially any weather and / or light condition of the environment or ambient surroundings. Hence, in case the sensor(s) measure(s) the environmental condition parameter(s), Wi, the information associated with the state of the element being open or closed may be based on the parameter(s), Wi. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the (dynamics and / or statics) of the environmental condition may indicate the statics and / or dynamics of the state of the element being open(ed) or closed. The present embodiment is further advantageous in that the sensor(s) may conveniently and efficiently measure or estimate the environmental condition parameter(s), Wi, which in turn is (are) included in the information of the open or closed state of the element. The processor may hereby associate the parameter(s), Pi, with indoor air quality, or outdoor air quality, based on the obtained information. Consequently, the system may hereby even further improve the registering of the measured parameter(s), Pi, associated with the indoor air quality and / or the outdoor air quality.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the environmental condition may be at least one of temperature, humidity, wind, precipitation (e.g. rain, snow, hail, etc.) and ambient light characteristics. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the parameter(s), Wi, associated with the environmental condition, may be important and valuable for the information associated with the open or closed state of the element. For example, in case of the environmental condition being an (outdoor-associated) environmental condition such as e.g. wind and / or precipitation, the information associated with the state of the element may indicate that the state of the element is open, or at least that there is a likelihood of the state of the element being open. Based on this information, the processor may even more accurately associate the measured parameter(s), Pi, with indoor air quality or outdoor air quality, and the measured param eter(s), Pi, as indoor and / or outdoor air quality, may be registered accordingly.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the processor may further be configured to determine the state of the element based on the obtained information associated with the state of the element, and associate the measured at least one parameter, Pi, with indoor air quality, or outdoor air quality, based on the determined state of the element. The processor may hereby determine (or at least assess or estimate) the element’s state, and the system may accordingly associate the measured parameter(s), Pi, with indoor air quality, or outdoor air quality, based on the determined state of the element. For example, static and / or dynamic parameter, Pi, measurements by the sensor(s), e.g. a (sharp) temperature rise, or2024PF80506

[0033] 6

[0034] decline of the temperature, may indicate the state of the element being open (opening) or closed (closing), and the processor, being coupled to the sensor(s), may hereby use this information upon determination of the element’s state. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the processor may efficiently use the obtained information associated with the state of the element being open or closed to determine the element’s state.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system may further comprise a state-sensing device configured to determine the state of the element. The statesensing device is coupled to the processor, and the obtained information of the state of the element is associated with the determined state of the element. By the term “state-sensing device” it is here meant substantially any sensor, device, unit, or the like, which is configured or arranged to sense the state of the element. More specifically, the “state-sensing device” may be configured to determine the static or dynamic state of the element, comprising e.g. the opening or closing (dynamic state) of the element, the element being open or closed (static state), or being partially open or partially closed (static state). Furthermore, this determination by the state-sensing device may be time dependent (e.g. for how long and / or when in time) a static and / or dynamic state of the element, such as the opening thereof, the element being open, the closing thereof, or the element being closed, occurred. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the state-sensing device may conveniently and efficiently determine, or at least assess or estimate, the state of the element. Consequently, based on this even more accurate information of the element’s state, the processor may accordingly associate the measured parameter(s), Pi, with indoor air quality or outdoor air quality more accurately, and the measured parameter(s), Pi, may be registered accordingly.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the state-sensing device may comprise at least one of a sensor coupled to the element, wherein the sensor(s) is (are) configured to sense an open state or a closed state of the element, a (presence or state of a) handle of the element, a monitoring device configured to monitor the element, an accelerometer coupled to the element, and a vibrometer coupled to the element. Hence, the state-sensing device may comprise one or more of these mentioned units or arrangements for sensing, determining, assessing or estimating the state of the element being open or closed. The sensor(s) configured to sense the element’s state may, for example, comprise a thermometer for measuring a temperature difference between the indoor and outdoor environments. This may e.g. indicate an open element in case of a relatively low temperature difference between the indoor and outdoor environments, and in contrast, indicate a closed2024PF80506

[0037] 7

[0038] element in case of a relatively high temperature difference between the indoor and outdoor environments. By “monitoring device”, it is here meant substantially any device which, from a distance (i.e. separately arranged from the element), may monitor the element, and preferably, assess and / or estimate the element’s state. An example of a monitoring device may be an image-capturing device, which may constitute any device configured to capture (take) one or more images, such as a camera, a video camera, or the like, having the element in its field of view. Another example of a monitoring device may be a thermal imaging device. Concerning the handle of the element as an example of a state-sensing device, an open handle may be associated with an open state of the element, whereas a closed handle may be associated with a closed state of the element. In addition, or as an alternative, a temperature sensor of the handle to measure a person’s contact with the handle may indicate the element’s state. Furthermore, the accelerometer and / or vibrometer coupled to the element may conveniently indicate or assess an opening and / or closing of the element. For instance, the accelerometer may measure the orientation or angle of the element. For instance, the accelerometer may measure the orientation or angle of the element. It should be noted that numerous alternative state-sensing devices may be envisaged, such as e.g. a gyroscope (which may measure angular velocity used to detect changes in the element), (a) tiltmeter(s) (e.g. (a) rolling ball switch(es)), (a) magnetic compass(es) (which may derive the element’s state since the orientation with respect to the earth’s magnetic field will change), etc. The present embodiment is advantageous in that these examples of units or arrangements are particularly convenient and efficient for sensing, monitoring and / or assessing the element’s state. The present embodiment is further advantageous in that the units or arrangements may (already) be integrated in the indoor and / or outdoor environment, thereby leading to a cost-efficient and / or aesthetically desired system. For example, in case the element is a window or a door, the handle thereof may constitute or form part of the state-sensing device for sensing if the window or door is opening, open, closing, or being closed. For instance, the handle could have integrated (sensing) means to detect its own state and emit a (RF or IR) signal upon detecting that its state has changed.

[0039] According to an example of the present invention, the system may further comprise an air flow sensor at the openable and closable element, wherein the air flow sensor is configured to sense an air flow direction between the indoor environment and the outdoor environment. The air flow sensor may hereby sense, assess and / or register an air flow direction either from the indoor environment to the outdoor environment, or from the outdoor2024PF80506

[0040] 8

[0041] environment to the indoor environment. The present example is highly advantageous in that the air flow sensor may contribute to an even more accurate association of (a) measured air quality param eter(s), Pi, with indoor or outdoor air quality.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one sensor and the state-sensing device may be integrated in a sensor arrangement. Hence, the system may comprise a sensor arrangement which comprises the sensor(s) and the state-sensing device. Alternatively, or additionally, the sensor arrangement may constitute a (single) device or unit configured to perform the task(s) of the sensor(s) and the state-sensing device. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the sensor arrangement may replace the sensor(s) and the state-sensing device, whereby only a (single or common) device or arrangement is required, leading to a saving of space and / or cost of the system. The present embodiment is further advantageous in that the sensor arrangement may conveniently and efficiently perform the task(s) of the sensor(s) and the state-sensing device. The present embodiment is further advantageous by the space-saving factor of incorporating the task(s) of sensor(s) and the statesensing device in a single / common sensor arrangement, which may lead to a cost-efficient and / or aesthetically desired solution.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one sensor may comprise an air inlet arranged at an edge portion of the element, and an air outlet, for sampling ambient air, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to measure the at least one parameter, Pi, based on the sampled ambient air. In other words, the sensor(s) may comprise a passage between an air inlet and an air outlet for sampling of ambient air, wherein the air inlet of the sensor(s) is arranged at (in a vicinity of) an edge portion of the element. The parameter(s), Pi, may hereby be measured by the sensor(s) based on the sampled ambient air. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the same, or similar, property(ies) of the air passing from the outdoor environment to the indoor environment (or vice versa) may pass through (or by) the sensor(s), thereby leading to an even more truthful measurement of the parameter(s), Pi, associated with air quality. Consequently, the embodiment may lead to a more accurate association of the measured parameter(s), Pi, with indoor air quality or outdoor air quality.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the information of the state of the element may comprise at least one of information of a current state of the element, and information of an historical state of the element. Hence, the information of the state of element being open or closed may comprise information of a current (instantaneous) state2024PF80506

[0045] 9

[0046] (static or dynamic) of the element and / or a historical state (static and / or dynamic) of the element. The historical state of the element may comprise substantially any time-dependent information of the element’s state, such as the amount of time the element has been open or closed, when (in time) the element was open or closed, one or more opening or closing actions of the element, etc. For example, the information may indicate that the element has been closed for at least a specific time period, whereby the measured parameter(s), Pi, is (are) associated with indoor air quality. Analogously, the information may indicate that the element has been open for at least a specific time period, whereby the measured parameter(s), Pi, is (are) associated with outdoor air quality. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the information of the present and / or past state(s) of the element may strongly contribute to a more accurate association of the measured parameter(s), Pi, with indoor air quality or outdoor air quality.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the element may be a window, a door or a vent. The present embodiment is advantageous in that these examples of openable and closable elements are (almost always) provided in houses, offices, etc., and the system of the present invention may hereby be conveniently applied to the element(s) for air quality registration.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one parameter, Pi, may comprise at least one of a concentration of air pollutants, a concentration of particles (e.g., fine dust), temperature, humidity, a concentration of nitrogen oxide, NOX, a concentration of carbon oxide, COX, and a concentration of volatile organic compounds, VOCs. The parameter(s), Pi, may furthermore comprise biological components such as virus, bacteria, fungi, etc., dispersed in the air (presence and / or concentration). It should be noted that the mentioned parameter(s), Pi, constitute important air quality parameters or factors, which may affect the well-being of persons, and the present embodiment is advantageous in that the system may conveniently and efficiently register these parameter(s), Pi, associated with indoor or outdoor air quality.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one sensor may be configured to measure the at least one parameter, Pi, according to one of a predetermined schedule, and dependently on the obtained information. Hence, the sensor(s) may be configured to measure the parameter(s), Pi, according to a predetermined (i.e. in advance determined) schedule or dependently on the obtained information associated with the state of the element being open or closed. It should be noted that the parameter, Pi,2024PF80506

[0050] 10

[0051] measurements may be provided for each of the element states. The present embodiment is advantageous in that it provides a versatility for the measurement operation of the sensor(s). For example, in case of a predetermined schedule, the sensor(s) may advantageously assess the air quality over time (e.g. on a day-by-day basis). According to the example of measurement of the parameter(s), Pi, dependently on the obtained information associated with the state of the element being open or closed, the sensor(s) may advantageously adapt the measurement(s) as a function of the element being open or closed, such as an increased number of measurements in case of an opening of the element.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an arrangement for air quality registration. The arrangement comprises an openable and closable element between an indoor environment and an outdoor environment, and the system according to any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0053] According to an example of the present invention, the arrangement may further comprise a user interface (UI) configured to indicate the state of the element being open or closed. The UI, which may constitute a system (control) app on e.g. a mobile phone, tablet, dashboard, or the like, may hereby indicate an outdoor condition or state if the element is open and a an indoor condition or state if the element is closed.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the method of the second aspect of the present invention, the measuring of the at least one parameter, Pi, is performed by at least one sensor, and the obtaining of the information is performed by a state-sensing device configured to determine the state of the element.

[0055] Further objectives of, features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the following detailed disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will realize that different features of the present invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following.

[0056] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention.

[0058] Fig. la schematically shows a system according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,

[0059] Fig. lb schematically shows an operation of a system according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,2024PF80506

[0060] 11

[0061] Figs. 2a, 2b and 2c schematically show portions of a system according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention,

[0062] Figs. 3a and 3b schematically show a portion of a system according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention,

[0063] Figs. 4a and 4b schematically show operations of a sensor of a system according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention, and

[0064] Fig. 5 schematically shows a method according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Fig. la schematically shows a system 100 for air quality registration according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 comprises at least one sensor 110. Here, the system 100 is exemplified as having a (single) sensor 110, but the system 100 may comprise an arbitrary number of sensors 110. The sensor 110 is configured to measure at least one parameter, Pi, associated with air quality. For example, the parameter(s), Pi, may be associated with a concentration of air pollutants and / or particles (e.g. fine dust), temperature, humidity, a concentration of nitrogen oxide, NOX, and / or carbon oxide, COX, a concentration volatile organic compounds, VOCs, biological components (e.g. viral, bacterial, fungal components) etc. The sensor 110 is provided or arranged at (in a vicinity of) an openable and closeable element 120, or even be attached on the element 120. The element 120, which for example may constitute a window, a door, a vent, etc., is exemplified as a window in Fig. la. The element 120 is arranged or positioned between an indoor environment 130 and an outdoor environment 140, wherein the indoor environment 130 is exemplified as a room in a house or apartment, and the outdoor environment 140, accordingly, represents an environment outside the indoor environment 130.

[0067] The system 100 in Fig. la further comprises a processor 200 coupled (connected) to the sensor 110, e.g. via wire or a wireless connection. Albeit being shown as different entities in Fig. la, it should be noted that the processor 200 and the sensor 110 may be integrated into a single unit (e.g. as a sensor arrangement). The processor 200 is schematically indicated, and may furthermore be arranged or provided substantially anywhere in the system 100 or in the indoor environment 130. The processor 200 is configured to obtain information 220 which is associated with a state of the element 120 being open or closed. The element 120 (window) may be open (e.g., ajar), closed, etc., but it should be noted that the2024PF80506

[0068] 12

[0069] state of the element 120 may be any (static or dynamic) state of the element 120 such as open, being opened, closed, being closed, etc. The processor 200 is further configured to associate the parameter(s), Pi, with indoor air quality or outdoor air quality based on the obtained information 220 of the element 120. Alternatively, the processor 200 may determine (or at least assess or estimate) the state of the element 120 based on the obtained information 220 associated with the state of the element 120, and associate the measured param eter(s), Pi, with indoor air quality or outdoor air quality based on the determined state of the element 120.

[0070] In Fig. la, the system 100 further comprises a registration unit 300 which is coupled (connected) to the processor 200, e.g. via wire or a wireless connection. The registration unit 300 is schematically indicated, and may furthermore be arranged or provided substantially anywhere in the system 100 or in the indoor environment 130. The registration unit 300 is configured to register the measured parameter(s), Pi, associated with the indoor air quality and / or the measured parameter(s), Pi, associated with the outdoor air quality.

[0071] Fig. lb schematically shows an operation of the system 100 of Fig. la according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. It is hereby also referred to Fig. la and the associated text for an increased understanding of the system 100 and its components. In Fig. lb, the sensor 110 of the system 100 is configured to measure the parameter(s), Pi, associated with air quality, wherein the sensor 110 is provided or arranged at (in a vicinity of) an openable and closeable element. The sensor 110 is arranged or positioned between an indoor and an outdoor environment. The system 100 in Fig. lb comprises a processor 200 coupled (connected) to the sensor 110. The processor 200 is configured to obtain 210 information 220 which is associated with a state of the element being open or closed. The processor 200 is further configured to associate 230 the parameter(s), Pi, with indoor air quality 240 or outdoor air quality 250 based on the obtained information 220. The system 100 further comprises a registration unit 300 which is coupled (connected) to the processor 200. The registration unit 300 is configured to register 310 the measured parameter(s), Pi, associated with the indoor air quality 240 and / or the measured parameter(s), Pi, associated with the outdoor air quality 250. According to an embodiment, the sensor 110 is further configured to measure at least one parameter, Wi, associated with an environmental condition, and the information 220 associated with a state of the element is based on the parameter(s), Wi. The environmental condition may be, or comprise, temperature, humidity, wind, precipitation (e.g., rain, snow, hail, etc.), ambient light characteristics (e.g. day (light),2024PF80506

[0072] 13

[0073] dawn, amount of sunshine, dusk, darkness, etc.), and the parameter(s), Wi, may accordingly be associated with one or more of these environmental conditions.

[0074] Fig. 2a schematically shows a portion of a system 100 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. It is hereby also referred to Fig. la and / or lb and the associated text(s) for an increased understanding of the system 100 and its components and / or operation. The system 100 in Fig. 2a further comprises a (schematically indicated) state-sensing device 400 configured to determine the state of the element 120 exemplified as a window. The state-sensing device 400 is coupled (connected) to the processor 200, e.g. via wire or a wireless connection. The information of the state of the element 120 obtained by the processor 200 is associated with the state of the element 120 as determined by the state-sensing device 400. The processor 200 may accordingly associate the measured parameter(s), Pi, with indoor or outdoor air quality based on the obtained information, and the measured parameter(s), Pi, may subsequently be registered and associated with indoor or outdoor air quality via the registration unit.

[0075] Fig. 2b schematically shows examples of different kinds or types of a statesensing device, as described in Fig. 2a and the associated text, of a system 100 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. According to Fig. 2b, the state-sensing device may comprise, e.g., a sensor 410 coupled to (arranged or attached on) the element 120, wherein the sensor(s) 410 is (are) configured to sense an open state or a closed state of the element 120. The state-sensing device may alternatively, or additionally, comprise a handle 420 of the element 120, an accelerometer 440 and / or a vibrometer 450 coupled to the element 120. According to yet another alternative, the state-sensing device may be a monitoring device 430 (e.g. remotely arranged at a distance from the element 120), wherein the monitoring device 430 is configured to monitor the element 120. The monitoring device 430 may constitute e.g. a covering camera, LiDAR, or any (distance-sensing) device configured to monitor the element’s 120 state from a distance. The monitoring device 430 may constitute a thermal-imaging device or an image-capturing device configured to take (capture) at least one image of the element 120, such as a camera, a video camera, or the like.

[0076] Fig. 2c schematically shows a sensor arrangement 500 of a system 100 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. The sensor arrangement 500 of the system 100 comprises the sensor(s) 110 for measuring the parameter(s), Pi, associated with air quality and the state-sensing device 400 for determining the state of the element 120. Alternatively, or additionally, the sensor arrangement 500 may constitute a2024PF80506

[0077] 14

[0078] (single) device or unit configured to perform the task(s) of the sensor(s) 110 and the statesensing device 400. It should be noted that in case the state-sensing device 400 and the sensor(s) 110 are not encompassed (integrated) in the sensor arrangement 500, the statesensing device 400 and the sensor(s) 110 may be paired or detected to be in proximity (e.g. in a same room of the indoor environment).

[0079] Figs. 3a and 3b schematically show a portion of a system 100 according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention. The sensor 110 of the system 100, which is configured to measure the parameter(s), Pi, associated with air quality, is exemplified as comprising an air inlet 600 and an air outlet 620 for sampling and / or analyzing ambient air. The sensor 110 may hereby comprise a passage between the air inlet 600 and the air outlet 620 for sampling and / or analyzing ambient air. The air inlet 600 is arranged at (in a vicinity of) an edge portion of the element 120. The sensor 110 is hereby configured to measure the parameter(s), Pi, based on the sampled ambient air.

[0080] According to the embodiment of Fig. 3a, the system 100 further comprises a (schematically indicated) state-sensing device 400 according to Fig. 2a and the associated text. The sensor 110 and the state-sensing device 400 are exemplified as being integrated in a (schematically indicated) sensor arrangement 500. More specifically, the state-sensing device 400 in Fig. 3a comprises a contact / proximity element 402 attached to (arranged on) the element (window) 120 and a sensor device 404 which is arranged or mounted adjacent to the element 120 (e.g. on the element 120 (window) frame or wall). The sensor arrangement 500 is exemplified as an elongated arrangement along a (vertical) side edge of the element 120 (window), but it should be noted that the sensor arrangement 500 alternatively may be provided at / along a (horizontal) side edge of the element 120. In either case, the sensor 110 (notably the air inlet 600 thereof) as well as the state-sensing device 400 as integrated in the sensor arrangement 500 are hereby both provided at the same location with respect to the element 120. More specifically, the sensor arrangement 500 may typically elongate near the side of the element 120, where both the state-sensing device 400 (comprising the contact / proximity element 402 and the sensor device 404) and the air inlet 600 of the sensor 100 are located.

[0081] The embodiment of Fig. 3b corresponds to (and has many features in common with) the embodiment of Fig. 3a, and it is hereby also referred to Fig. 3a for figure references and / or an increased understanding of the system 100. In addition to the described sensor arrangement 500, sensor 110, air inlet 600 and air outlet 620, the state-sensing device2024PF80506

[0082] 15

[0083] comprises, or constitutes, a handle 420 of the element 120, whereby the handle 420 (optionally via additional components) is configured to determine the open or closed state of the element 120.

[0084] The system(s) 100 as exemplified in Fig. 3a and 3b hereby synergistically combine(s) the feature of measuring the parameter(s), Pi, based on the sampled ambient air with the feature of the state-sensing device for determining the state of the element 120. The processor of the system 100 may accordingly associate the measured param eter(s), Pi, with indoor or outdoor air quality based on the obtained information, and the measured parameter(s), Pi, may subsequently be registered and associated with indoor or outdoor air quality via the registration unit.

[0085] Figs. 4a and 4b schematically show operations of a sensor which is configured to measure the parameter(s), Pi, associated with air quality according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention.

[0086] In Fig. 4a, the sensor may perform the measurements according to a predetermined schedule 700 as exemplified. Here, the sensor performs e.g. four measurements 710 of the param eter(s), Pi, wherein the measurements 710 are separated by the (same) time period, Ti. After a time interval, T3, of the predetermined schedule 700, the sensor performs e.g. three measurements 720 of the parameter(s), Pi, wherein the measurements 720 are separated by the (same) time period, T3 (wherein T3 > T2 according to this example). It should be noted that the predetermined schedule 700 may comprise substantially any deployment of measurements with substantially any variation of time separation(s), and that the timeline of the predetermined schedule 700 is for illustrative purposes only. For example, there may be a predetermined schedule 700 associated with (for) each element state, such as, e.g., a (first) predetermined schedule 700 in case an (initial) state of the element is an open state, a (second) predetermined schedule 700 in case an (initial) state of the element is a closed state, etc.

[0087] In Fig. 4b, the sensor may perform the measurements 750 dependently on the obtained information 220 associated with the state of the element being open or closed. For example, the sensor performs e.g. four measurements 760 of the parameter(s), Pi, wherein the measurements 760 are separated by the (same) time period, Ti (e.g. according to the operation according to the predetermined schedule 700 of Fig. 4a). At time, ti, (the) information 220 associated with a state of the element being open or closed may be obtained (by the processor of the system) that affects the measurements 750 concerning e.g. their frequency, intermittent time (periods), etc. For example, in case the obtained information 220 at time, ti, indicates a2024PF80506

[0088] 16

[0089] (fully) open element (e.g. window or door), the sensor may (immediately) perform several measurements 770 at a relatively high frequency, exemplified as six measurements 770 separated by the (same, relatively short) time period, T4. At time, t2, (the) information 220 associated with a state of the element being open or closed may be obtained (by the processor of the system) that anew affects the measurements 750 concerning e.g. their frequency, intermittent time (periods), etc. For example, in case the obtained information 220 at time, t2, indicates a (fully) closed element (e.g. window or door), the sensor may perform measurements 780 at a relatively low frequency, exemplified as three measurements 780 separated by the (same, and relatively long) time period, T5. It should be noted that the measurements 750 may comprise substantially any deployment of measurements with substantially any variation of time separation(s), and that the timeline of the measurements 750 dependent on the obtained information 220 is for illustrative purposes only. For example, the measurements 770 dependent on the obtained information 220 may be performed time-dependently after e.g. 30 minutes or 60 minutes in case of a state of the element being closed (or open).

[0090] Fig. 5 schematically shows a method 800 for air quality registration according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. The method 800 comprises measuring 810 at least one parameter, Pi, associated with air quality, at an openable and closable element between an indoor environment and an outdoor environment. The method 800 further comprises obtaining 820 information associated with a state of the element being open or closed, and associating 830 the measured at least one parameter, Pi, with indoor air quality or outdoor air quality based on the obtained information. The method 800 further comprises registering 840 at least one of the measured at least one parameter, Pi, associated with the indoor air quality, and the measured at least one parameter, Pi, associated with the outdoor air quality.

[0091] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the sensor(s) 110, element 120, processor 200, registration unit 300, etc., may have different positions, dimensions and / or sizes than those depicted / described.

Claims

2024PF8050617CLAIMS1. A system (100) for air quality registration, comprisingat least one sensor (110) configured to measure at least one parameter, Pi, associated with indoor and outdoor air quality dependent on a state of an openable and closable element (120), wherein the sensor (110) is arranged at the openable and closable element (120) which is arranged between an indoor environment (130) and an outdoor environment (140), wherein the element 120 is one of a window, a door, and a vent,a processor (200) coupled to the at least one sensor, wherein the processor is configured toobtain (210) information (220) associated with the state of the element being open or closed, andassociating (230) the measured at least one parameter, Pi, with indoor air quality (240), oroutdoor air quality (250),based on the obtained information,anda registration unit (300) coupled to the processor, wherein the registration unit is configured toregister (310) at least one ofthe measured at least one parameter, Pi, associated with the indoor air quality, andthe measured at least one parameter, Pi, associated with the outdoor air quality.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is further configured to measure at least one parameter, Wi, associated with an environmental condition, and wherein the information associated with a state of the element is based on the at least one parameter, Wi.2024PF80506183. The system according to claim 2, wherein the environmental condition is at least one oftemperature,humidity,wind,precipitation, andambient light characteristics.

4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor is further configured todetermine the state of the element based on the obtained information associated with the state of the element, andassociate the measured at least one parameter, Pi, withindoor air quality, oroutdoor air quality,based on the determined state of the element.

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a state-sensing device (400) configured to determine the state of the element, wherein the state-sensing device is coupled to the processor, and wherein the obtained information of the state of the element is associated with the determined state of the element.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the state-sensing device comprises at least one ofa sensor (410) coupled to the element, wherein the sensor is configured to sense an open state or a closed state of the element,a handle (420) of the element,a monitoring device (430) configured to monitor the element,an accelerometer (440) coupled to the element, anda vibrometer (450) coupled to the element.

7. The system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the at least one sensor and the state-sensing device are integrated in a sensor arrangement (500).2024PF80506198. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor comprisesan air inlet (600) arranged at an edge portion of the element, and an air outlet (620),for sampling ambient air, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to measure the at least one parameter, Pi, based on the sampled ambient air.

9. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the information of the state of the element comprises at least one ofinformation of a current state of the element, andinformation of an historical state of the element.

10. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one parameter, Pi, comprises at least one ofa concentration of air pollutants,a concentration of particles,temperature,humidity,a concentration of nitrogen oxide, NOX,a concentration of carbon oxide, COX,a concentration volatile organic compounds, VOCs, anda concentration of biological components.

11. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to measure the at least one parameter, Pi, according to one ofa predetermined schedule, anddependently on the obtained information.

12. An arrangement for air quality registration, comprisingan openable and closable element between an indoor environment and an outdoor environment, andthe system according to any one of the preceding claims.2024PF805062013. A method (800) for air quality registration, comprisingmeasuring (810) at least one parameter, Pi, associated with indoor and outdoor air quality dependent on a state of an openable and closable element (120), wherein the sensor (110) is arranged at the openable and closable element (120) which is arranged between an indoor environment (130) and an outdoor environment (140), wherein the element 120 is one of a window, a door, and a vent,obtaining (820) information (220) associated with the state of the element being open or closed, andassociating (830) the measured at least one parameter, Pi, withindoor air quality (240), oroutdoor air quality (250),based on the obtained information,andregistering (840) at least one ofthe measured at least one parameter, Pi, associated with the indoor air quality, andthe measured at least one parameter, Pi, associated with the outdoor air quality.

14. The method according to claim 13, whereinthe measuring of the at least one parameter, Pi, is performed by at least one sensor (110), andthe obtaining of the information is performed by a state-sensing device (400) configured to determine the state of the element.

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