Mold Spore Data Correlation Using Climate Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing indoor airborne fungal spores lack accurate representation of outdoor spore levels due to climate variations and weather-related events, leading to unreliable comparisons and potential misinterpretation of spore origins, which can result in unnecessary remediation efforts.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a computer and database that correlates subregion codes with climate classification codes and historical mold spore data, allowing for the identification of specific climate codes and retrieval of historical spore data from similar subregions to provide a more accurate assessment of outdoor spore levels, thereby enhancing the analysis of indoor spore samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If outdoor spore samples are collected locally within 20 feet of the building, then the samples should represent the immediate outdoor environment, but climate variations within a region cause spore levels to vary dramatically between different areas, reducing the reliability of local samples as representative data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple outdoor spore samples from different geographic locations within the same climate zone to create a composite reference dataset. By merging data from multiple subregions that share the same climate classification code, the system creates a more robust and reliable representation of outdoor spore levels that accounts for local variations while maintaining climate-based consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces climate classification codes as an intermediary layer between geographic location and spore sample data. Instead of directly comparing samples from specific locations, the system uses climate codes to group and correlate samples from different areas, allowing for indirect comparison that accounts for climatic influences on spore levels while filtering out location-specific anomalies.
2Reliability
If outdoor spore samples are collected during or after significant weather events, then the samples capture real-time environmental conditions, but these events temporarily and significantly alter spore levels, making the data misleading and non-representative of typical conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary filtering of spore sample data to identify and exclude samples collected during or immediately after significant weather events. By applying predetermined criteria to detect weather-related anomalies before using the data for comparison, the system prevents distorted samples from affecting the reliability of indoor-outdoor spore level comparisons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors outdoor spore sample data against established climate-based patterns. When significant deviations are detected that correlate with weather events, the system flags these samples for exclusion or adjustment, using the feedback from pattern recognition to maintain data quality and prevent misleading comparisons.
3Productivity
If a single outdoor spore sample is taken near the building, then the sampling process is simple and quick, but the sample size is insufficient to provide confident representation of the outdoor ambient environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal reference database of outdoor spore samples organized by climate classification codes that can serve multiple buildings and locations within the same climate zone. This multi-functional database allows a single comprehensive dataset to provide reference information for numerous indoor spore analysis cases, maintaining high reliability while avoiding the need to collect new samples for each individual building.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copies of outdoor spore sample data from different subregions within the same climate zone as proxies for local outdoor conditions. Instead of collecting physical samples at every location, the system creates and uses digital copies of spore data from climate-matched areas, providing sufficient sample size and statistical confidence without the logistical burden of extensive field sampling.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed for obtaining historical mold spore data. The system may have a computer with a processor. At least one database may be used which contains information correlating subregion codes of a geographic area with ones of predetermined climate classification codes associated with each of the subregion codes. The database further may have available historical mold spore data for the subregion codes and be configured to receive an input indicating a target subregion code that identifies an area falling within the geographic area; to identify a specific one of the codes that is associated with the target subregion code; and to obtain portions of the stored historical mold spore data which is associated with ones of the subregion codes falling within the geographic area that have the specific one of the codes associated therewith.