Patent Application
20140216136
The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to the analysis of gas. Specifically, the present disclosure addresses systems and methods to detect substances in air and display the results of the detection.
Breathalyzer devices analyze an exhalation of an individual to determine the amount of alcohol present in the exhalation using a fuel-cell semiconductor sensor. Typically, a fixed conversion ratio is used (e.g., 2100:1) to determine the individual's blood-alcohol content from the individual's breath-alcohol content. Existing devices are expensive, monolithic, and cumbersome.
Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.
Example methods and systems are directed to analysis of one or more gases. Examples merely typify possible variations. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, components and functions are optional and may be combined or subdivided, and operations may vary in sequence or be combined or subdivided. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of example embodiments, it will be evident to one skilled in the art, however, that the present subject matter may he practiced without these specific details.
A device containing a gas sensor is exposed to a gas. The gas sensor emits a voltage based on a property of the gas. For example, the output voltage of the gas sensor may vary based on an electrical property of the gas (e.g., its resistance, capacitance, inductance, or any suitable combination thereof). As another example, the output voltage of the gas sensor may vary based on an optical property of the gas (e.g., its luminosity, visual opacity, transparency to different wavelengths, or any suitable combination thereof). As another example, the output voltage of the gas sensor may vary based on a chemical property of the gas (e.g., its carbon content, its ethanol content, its energy content, its ability to react with different chemical compounds, or any suitable combination thereof).
The voltage output by the gas sensor is received by an integrated circuit (“IC”). In some example embodiments, the IC converts the voltage to a digital representation of the voltage. In some example embodiments, the IC determines a property of the gas based on the voltage. The digital representation of the voltage or a representation of the property of the gas is then transmitted as data via an audio jack.
A device receives the data via an audio jack and, using one or more processors, determines the property of the gas. Based on the property of the gas and, potentially, other information, the one or more processors may determine a derivative property. For example, the concentration of ethanol in the gas, the concentration of a toxic substance in the gas, the concentration of a pathogen in the gas, or any suitable combination thereof. This derivative property may itself be used to determine a further derivative property. For example, the concentration of ethanol in the gas may be used to determine the blood-alcohol content of the person who exhaled the gas. In another example, the concentration of the toxic substance in the gas may be used to determine the toxicity or safety of the gas. In another example, the concentration of the pathogen in the gas may be used to determine the safety of the gas or the efficacy of a quarantine area near to the location from which the sample was taken. As used herein, the term “direct property of the gas” refers to a property of the gas directly measured by the gas sensor, while the term “derivative property of the gas” refers to any property determined based on the direct property of the gas. The general term “property of the gas” includes both direct properties and derivative properties.
Based on the property of the gas, the device may generate a recommendation. The device may then display the property, the recommendation, or both. In some example embodiments, the device may then implement the recommendation, enable the user to implement the recommendation, or bath. For example, if the property of the gas is the BAC of a user, the recommendation may be to call a taxi. In this example, the device may provide a phone number to the user, provide a selection of numbers to call, automatically call a taxi, or any suitable combination thereof.
The network-based gas data processing system 105 may include the server machine 110 and the database 115. The network-based gas data processing system 105 may provide the elements and services of each of the server machine 110 and the database 115, as described in more detail below.
The server machine 110 may receive data from the user devices 130 and 150. The data may indicate a property of a gas (e.g., the purity of the gas, the density of pollutants in the gas, the number of microorganisms in the gas, or any suitable combination thereof). As an alternative, the data may indicate a derivative property of the gas (e.g., that an individual exhaling the gas has a certain BAC, that a machine emitting the gas is or is not functioning properly, that a quarantine area near the location from which the gas was taken is or is not properly sealed, or any suitable combination thereof). Alternatively, the data may indicate a measurement taken by a sensor (e.g., a voltage measurement, a resistance measurement, a temperature measurement, alight flux measurement, or any suitable combination thereof). In some example embodiments, the measurement is used by the server machine 110 to determine the property of the gas. In some example embodiments, the property of the gas is used by the server machine 110 to determine a property associated with the gas. The server machine 110 may store the data in the database 115. The server machine 110 may send a response to the device 130 or 150 in response to receiving the data. In some example embodiments, the server machine 110 sends a recommendation to the device based on the data received. For example, the server machine 110 may send a recommendation that the user 132 call a cab rather than driving if the data indicates that the user 132 may have an unsafe BAC.
The database 115 may store data and stored procedures that operate on the data. In some example embodiments, the database 115 stores data generated by the user devices 130 and 150. For example, the database 115 may store entries including data representing sensor voltages, time stamps, locations, user identifiers (IDs), properties of gases, user data (e.g., age, weight, height, gender, medical history, geolocation, or any suitable combination thereof), device data (e.g., make, model, global positioning system location, device ID, or any suitable combination thereof) or any suitable combination thereof. The database 115 may also store data tables useful for converting sensor voltages into more meaningful values. For example, the database 115 may store a data table that relates sensor voltages to ethanol concentrations. In an example embodiment, the database 115 stores a lookup table that provides the BAC of an individual based on a sensor voltage, a representation of a sensor voltage, a temperature, a concentration of ethanol, a humidity, and personal information of the individual.
Also shown in
The user devices 130 and 150 may include a sensor module connected to the computing device via an audio jack. The user devices 130 and 150 may use a communications protocol to send data from the Sensor module to the computing device, from the computing device to the sensor module, or both. In some example embodiments, the user 130 may exhale onto or into the sensor module. In other example embodiments, the user 130 may place the sensor module in a location at which measurements are to be taken.
Any of the machines, databases, or devices shown in
The network 190 may be any network that enables communication between or among machines, databases, and devices (e.g., the server machine 110 and the device 130). Accordingly, the network 190 may be a wired network, a wireless network (e.g., a mobile or cellular network), or any suitable combination thereof. The network 190 may include one or more portions that constitute a private network, a public network (e.g., the Internet), or any suitable combination thereof.
The network communication module 210 may send data and commands from the user device 130 to the server machine 110. The communication module 210 may receive data and commands from the server machine 110. In some example embodiments, the communication module 210 sends and receives data over the network 190. In some example embodiments, the communication module 210 sends data received from the sensor module 280 to the server machine 110. The communication module 210 may send data received from the server machine 110 to the display module 250.
The storage module 220 may store and retrieve data. In some example embodiments, the storage module 220 stores a history of sensor values generated by the sensor module 280, a history of BAC levels generated by the analysis module 230, user data, device data, or any suitable combination thereof.
The analysis module 230 may analyze data retrieved by the audio jack communication module 260. In some example embodiments, the audio jack communication module 260 reports a sensor voltage to the analysis module 230. In these example embodiments, the analysis module 230 may convert the sensor voltage value to a value of greater interest to the user. For example, if the sensor operates by reporting a varying voltage based on the resistance of a gas to which the sensor is exposed, this value may be of great interest to an engineer seeking to develop an insulating or conductive gas, but is of little interest to an individual seeking to determine if driving is a legal option. For such an individual, the analysis module 230 may convert the sensor voltage value to a BAC value, to an ethanol concentration value, or both. Similarly, for a user interested in determining if the air in a home has unsafe levels of carbon monoxide, the analysis module 230 nay convert the sensor voltage value to a safety value, to a carbon monoxide concentration value, or both. In other example embodiments, the value received by the analysis module 230 is the value of interest to the user and no conversion by the analysis module 230 is required. In sonic example embodiments, the analysis module 230 sends the resulting values to the network communication module 210, the display module 250, or both. The analysis module 230 may store the resulting values locally for future use. The resulting values may be stored on the server machine 110 after transmission by the network module 210, in some example embodiments, the analysis module 230 determines that the results reported by the audio jack communication module 260 are likely incorrect. In such example embodiments, the analysis module 230 directs the audio jack communication module 260 to request the sensor module 280 to generate new sensor readings. Such a request may be made via the audio jack communication module 270.
The recommendation module 240 may generate a recommendation for the user based on data generated by the sensor module 280, results generated by the analysis module 230, data received by the network communication module 210, data stored in the storage module 220, or any combination thereof. For example, the recommendation module 240 may receive an indication from the analysis module 230 that the user 132 has a BAC over the legal limit. In response, the recommendation module 240 may generate a recommendation that the user 132 take a cab instead of driving a car. In some example embodiments, the recommendation module 240 accesses data from the storage module 220 regarding local taxi cab companies. In other example embodiments, the recommendation module 240 receives a recommendation from the server machine 110 via the network communication module 210. In some example embodiments, the recommendation module 240 provides the recommendation to the display module 250 for display to the user.
The display module 250 may display information to the user or cause such information to be displayed. For example, the display module 250 may display a prompt to the user to blow into or onto the sensor. After the sensor module 280 has reported a sensor value, the display module 250 may display the sensor value. In some embodiments, the sensor module 280 displays a more-relevant value generated by analysis module 230. For example, the analysis module 250 may determine the user's BAC based on the sensor value. Then the analysis module 250 may report the user's BAC to the display module 250. The display module 250 may then display the user's BAC to the user. In some example embodiments, the display module 250 may display a recommendation generated by the recommendation module 240, the server machine 110, or both.
The audio jack communication module 260 may communicate with the audio jack communication module 270 via an audio jack. The audio jack communication module 260 may provide data it receives to network communication module 210 for transmission to server machine 110, to storage module 220 for storage, to the analysis module 230 for analysis, to the recommendation module 240 to be used as the basis for a recommendation, to the display module 250 for display, or any suitable combination thereof. The audio jack communication module 260 may transmit commands to the audio jack communication module 270 via the audio jack. For example, the audio jack communication module 260 may request a sensor reading, request the sensor to be powered up, request the sensor to be powered down, request the audio jack communication module 270 to resend a data packet, request the audio jack communication module 270 to test the communications link, or any suitable combination thereof.
The audio jack communication modules 260 and 270 may communicate via a telephone modem protocol, such as the CCITT v. series of standards. The audio jack communication modules 260 and 270 may communicate via a duration modulation protocol. For example, pulses may be sent at regular intervals, with the duration of the pulse indicating if the bit corresponding to the pulse is a 0 or a 1. In some example embodiments, a short pulse represents a 0 and a long pulse represents a 1. In sonic example embodiments, a short pulse has a duration of 0.01 s and a long pulse has a duration of 0.02 s. The audio jack communication modules 260 and 270 may communicate via a frequency modulation protocol. For example, a 0 bit may be transmitted by transmitting a sound on the audio jack at a particular frequency and holding it for a particular period of time. In this example, a 1 bit may be transmitted by transmitting a sound on the audio jack at a different frequency and holding it for the same period of time. In some example embodiments, the nominal frequency for a 0 bit, denoted as f0, is 2.2 kHz. In some example embodiments, the nominal frequency for a 1 bit, denoted as is 1.2 kHz. In some example embodiments, f0 falls into the range 2.083-2.5 kHz. In some example embodiments, f1 falls into the range 1.042-1.316 kHz. The nominal duration of a 0 bit, denoted t0, may be 3.3 ms. The nominal duration of a 1 bit, denoted t1, may be 3.3 ms. In some example embodiments, t0 is in the range 2.77-3.6 ms. In some example embodiments, t1 is in the range'2.96-3.8 ms. In some example embodiments, the least significant bit (LSB) is sent first. In some example embodiments, a start hit is sent before the data bits. A stop bit may be sent after the data bits. In some example embodiments, the start bit is a 0 and the stop bit is a 1. A period of silence, denoted tsilence, may be used between data segments. In some example embodiments, t,silence is nominally 10.8 ms.
In some example embodiments, the audio jack communication modules 260 and 270 use the protocol shown below.
An example communication between the device 205 and the device 290 is shown in
In the sample communication sequence, the first Data block is missed. After time out, the App will send the Resend command and the device should reply with the last communication, which is Data.
The audio jack communication module 270 may communicate with audio jack communication module 260 via an audio jack. The audio jack communication module 270 may communicate with the sensor module 280. In some example embodiments, multiple sensor modules 280 are present. For example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an ethanol sensor may be present. The audio jack communication module 270 may send data packets containing representations of sensor values generated by the sensor modules 280 to audio jack communication module 260. The audio jack communication, module 270 may receive commands from audio jack communication module 260. Based on commands received, the audio jack communication module 270 may control power provided to the sensor module 280, request a sensor reading from the sensor module 280, retransmit a packet to the audio jack communication module 260, or any suitable combination thereof.
The sensor module 280 may include a gas sensor. The gas sensor may detect a property (e.g., pressure, volume, temperature, mass, chemical composition, resistance, opacity, color, degree of contamination, or any suitable combination thereof) of a gas. The gas sensor may continuously monitor the gas, take readings only when requested, or both. The sensor module 280 may provide sensor readings to the audio jack communication module 270, receive commands from the audio jack communication module 270, or both. In some embodiments, the gas sensor may also provide error information to the audio jack communication module 270. For example, in an embodiment with a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor, if the humidity sensor only provides valid data within a range of temperatures, the sensor module 280 may provide an error value instead of a humidity value when the temperature is outside of the range of temperatures.
The communication module 310 may send data and commands from the server machine 110 to the user device 130. The communication module 310 may receive data and commands from the user device 130. In some example embodiments, the communication module 310 sends and receives data over the network 190. In some example embodiments, the communication module 310 sends data received from the user device 130 to the storage module 320. In some example embodiments, the communication module 310 sends data received from the user device 130 to the analysis module 340.
The storage module 320 may store and retrieve data from the database 115. The storage module 320 may process data before storing or retrieving it. For example, the storage module 320 may receive data in one format (e,g., binary-coded-decimal) and send it to the database 115 in another format (e.g., floating-point).
The recommendation module 330 may provide a recommendation based on data received from the communication module 310. For example, the communication module 310 may report data indicating that the user 132 has a BAC above the legal limit. In response, the recommendation module 330 may provide a recommendation that the user 132 call a cab instead of driving. In this example, recommendation module 330 provides the recommendation to the communication module 310, which transmits the recommendation to the user device 130. In some example embodiments, the recommendation module 330 may recommend that the user call a specific cab company. For example, the database 115 may store information regarding taxi companies in various areas. If the user device 130 reports that the user is in an area for which database 115 has information regarding taxi companies, recommendation module 330 may access the corresponding data and include the contact information of the taxi company with the recommendation. In some example embodiments, the choice of the taxi company to recommend is determined by an advertising fee paid by the taxi company. In other example embodiments, the choice of the taxi company to recommend is determined based on the shortest wait time for a cab.
In other example embodiments, the data received by the communications module 310 may relate to the carbon monoxide concentration at the location of the user device 130. In these example embodiments, the recommendation module 330 may provide a recommendation of increasing ventilation, evacuating the building, or both.
In other example embodiments, the data received by the communications module 310 may related to the concentration of pathogens at the location of the user device 130. In these example embodiments, the recommendation module 330 may provide a recommendation of contacting medical authorities, evacuating the area, quarantining the area, or any suitable combination thereof.
The analysis module 340 may perform analysis of data received by the communications module 310 or stored in the database 115. For example, after a number of users have reported their BACs, the analysis module 340 may analyze the aggregated data to determine patterns or trends of intoxication with respect to other collected data (e.g., location, population density, time of day, age of the individual, income of the individual, education level of the individual, or any suitable combination thereof).
The housing 505 may be used to contain the battery 540, the gas sensor 550, the IC 560, and any other components of the device 500. In some example embodiments, the housing 505 protects its contents. In some example embodiments, the housing 505 is constructed from plastic, metal, or both. In some example embodiments, the housing is completely or partially transparent.
The audio jack 510 may he used to send data gathered by the gas sensor 550 to another device. In some example embodiments, the audio jack 510 is used to transmit power to the gas sensor 550, the IC 560, and any other components of the device 500. In such embodiments, the battery 540 may be absent or may be recharged by power received via the audio jack 510. For example, the audio jack 510 may be controlled by the audio jack communication module 270 and send data to be received by the audio, jack communication module 260. The audio jack 510 may protrude from the housing 505. In other example embodiments, the audio jack 510 may receive electronic signals sent by the audio jack communication module 260, and provide those signals to the audio jack communication module 270 for interpretation. In some example embodiments, the audio jack 510 has a tip-sleeve (“TS”) configuration, a tip-ring-sleeve (“TRS”) configuration, or a tip-ring-ring-sleeve (”TRRS”) configuration. For example, in a TRRS configuration, the sleeve may be grounded, the tip may provide power to the device 500, and each ring may provide a data channel,
The has intake port 520 may be used to receive the gas to be analyzed. For example, a user 132 may blow air directly into gas intake port 520. In another example, a user 132 may wave the device through the air to push air through the gas intake port 520. In other example embodiments, a tube, a fan, a vacuum device, or any suitable combination thereof may be used in conjunction with the gas intake port 520 to guide the gas to be tested to the gas sensor 550. In some example embodiments, a valve is used in conjunction with the gas intake port 520 to control the flow of gas. The gas intake port 520 may be an integral part of the housing 505 or a separate component. In some example embodiments, a tube is connected to the gas intake port 520. The gas may be blown through the tube into the gas intake port 520. Alternatively, the gas intake port 520 may be connected to a side of the tube and a pump used to siphon gas passing through the tube into the gas intake port 520. In some example embodiments, a flow sensor may be used to detect how much gas has passed through the tube, the gas intake port 520, or both. In some example embodiments, the gas sensor 550 does not begin sensing the property of the gas until a minimum amount of gas has been passed through the tube, the gas intake port 520, or both. The gas sensor 550 may stop sensing the property of the gas after a maximum amount of gas has been passed through the tube, the gas intake port 520, or both. In some example embodiments, the first portion of gas may have higher levels of undesired contamination and better results may be obtained by ignoring the first portion of the gas. For example, in a BAC tester, it may be desirable to ignore the first liter of gas exhaled. The amount of gas to be ignored may depend on a number of factors, such as the gender of the individual, the weight of the individual, the age of the individual, or any suitable combination thereof. For example, an average female has a lower total lung, capacity than an average male, and thus better results may be obtained by ignoring a greater volume of as from a male than from a female. As used herein, “active testing” refers to testing performed when the flow of gas from the location to be tested to the sensor is controlled. An example of active testing is when a user breathes into a tube that guides the exhaled air to the gas sensor 550. In contrast, “passive testing” refers to testing performed without such control of the flow of the gas. An example of passive testing is when a user exhales about one inch away from the as intake port 520. In this example, the user is forcing gas over the gas sensor 550, but the as to which the gas sensor 550 is exposed is a mixture of the exhaled air and other air from the environment.
The gas output port 530 may be used to exhaust the gas after the gas sensor 550 has been exposed to the gas. In some example embodiments, a valve is used in conjunction with the gas output port 530 to control the flow of gas. The gas output port 530 may be an integral part of the housing 505 or a separate component.
The battery 540 may be used to provide power to the gas sensor 550 and the IC 560. In some example embodiments, the battery 540 is easily replaceable by the user. In other example embodiments, the battery 540 is integrated into the device 500. In such example embodiments, after the battery 540 dies, the device 500 may be disposed of recycled, or both. In some example embodiments, the battery 540 is a standard AA or AAA battery. In some example embodiments, the battery 540 is a watch battery. In some example embodiments, the battery 540 is rechargeable. The battery 540 may be mounted directly to the housing 505, mounted to another component within the housing 505, or both.
The gas sensor 550 may determine a property of a was to which it is exposed. In some example embodiments, the gas sensor 550 provides an Output voltage indicating the property. For example, the gas sensor 550 may detect the electrical resistance of the gas, and output a higher voltage when a higher resistance is detected. In other example embodiments, the gas sensor 550 may detect a concentration of ethanol, carbon monoxide, pathogen, or other chemical or biological compound in the gas. In such example embodiments, the gas sensor 550 may output a voltage indicative of the concentration of the compound. The gas sensor 550 may be mounted directly to the housing 505, mounted to another component within the housing 505, or both. In some example embodiments, the gas Sensor 550 is a tin oxide (SnO2) sensor, specific to ethanol sensing. In some example embodiments, the gas sensor 550 is optimized for a range near 0.05% BAC. In some, example embodiments, the tolerance of the gas sensor 550 is +/−0.02 at 0.1% BAC.
The IC 560 may control the gas sensor 550. The IC 560 may receive data from the gas sensor 550. In some example embodiments, the IC 560 and the gas sensor 550 are integrated into a single component. In some example embodiments, IC 560 is a dedicated hardware unit. In other example embodiments, IC 560 includes a general-purpose processor configured by software. The software may be stored in non-volatile memory within IC 560, on a separate IC, or both. The IC 560 may implement the sensor module 280, the audio jack communication module 270, or both. The IC 560 may implement these modules alone or in combination with the other elements of the device 500. The IC 560 may control output on the audio jack 510. The IC 560 may receive input from the audio jack 510. The IC 560 may be mounted directly to the housing 505, mounted to another component within the housing 505, or both. The IC 560 May receive a number of samples each second from the gas sensor 550. The IC 560 may s,ore, the highest sensor voltage received in a given period of time. The IC 560 may use an algorithm that compares the highest sensor voltage received to a data table stored in on board memory. The IC 560 may report a BAC based on the highest sensor voltage. The table mapping the highest sensor voltage to the BAC may be specific to individual gas sensor 550, and have been created via calibration. In some example embodiments, the calibration points are at 0.05% BAC and 0.1.5% BAC. The IC 560 may communicate with the gas sensor 550 via an application protocol interface (API).
In operation 610, the audio jack communication module 260 receives a representation of a sensor voltage output from an audio jack generated in response to an exhalation by an individual. The individual may have exhaled into the gas input port 520. The sensor voltage may have been generated by the gas sensor 550. The sensor voltage may have been converted into a representation of the sensor voltage by the IC 560. The audio jack communication module 270 may have transmitted the representation of the sensor voltage via audio jack 510.
In operation 620, the analysis module 230 identifies a BAC of the individual based on the representation of the sensor voltage. In some example embodiments, the BAC of the individual is found by using a lookup table. For example, a table may be constructed in which each possible sensor voltage value provides a corresponding BAC. In some example embodiments, a multidimensional lookup table is used, with additional data used to determine a BAC for a particular sensor voltage value. For example, the BAC may vary based on the gender of the individual, the weight of the individual, the temperature of the gas, the humidity of the gas, or any suitable combination thereof. In some example embodiments, the BAC of the individual is found by using an equation. In such example embodiments, the BAC corresponding to the sensor voltage value may be calculated each time the sensor is read, rather than being stored in a lookup table. In some example embodiments, the BAC of the individual is determined on a different computing device, e.g., server machine 110. In such example embodiments, network communication module 310 may communicate the sensor voltage value to the server machine 110 and receive the BAC of the individual in response.
In operation 630, the display module 250 causes the BAC of the individual to be displayed. In sonic example embodiments, the BAC is displayed in numerical form. For example, a BAC of 0.08% may be represented by the text “0.08” on screen. In some example embodiments, the BAC is displayed as a point on a graph. In some example embodiments, the BAC is displayed as a boolean value resulting from the comparison of the BAC to a threshold value. For example, if the legal driving limit is 0.08, a portion of the screen may turn green if the BAC is below the limit and red if the BAC is above the limit. In another example embodiment, the information is displayed in text form. For example, if the BAC is below the limit, the string “Alcohol has been detected, but you are not over the limit” may be displayed, while if the BAC were above the limit, the string “Get a friend to drive” may be displayed. In some example embodiments, the device 205 is a smart phone and the display module 250 causes the BAC to be displayed on the screen of the smart phone.
In operation 710, the audio jack communication module 260 receives a representation of a sensor voltage output from an audio jack generated in response to exposure to a gas. The gas may have entered the device 500 via the gas input port 520. The sensor voltage may have been generated by the gas sensor 550. The sensor voltage 550 may have been converted into a representation of the sensor voltage by the IC 560. The audio jack communication module 270 may have transmitted the representation of the sensor voltage via audio jack 510.
In operation 720, the analysis module 230 identifies a property of the gas based on the representation of the sensor voltage. In some example embodiments, the property of the gas is found by using a lookup table. For example, a table may be constructed in which each possible sensor voltage value provides a corresponding property of the gas. In some example embodiments, a multidimensional lookup table is used, with additional data used to determine a property of the gas for a particular sensor voltage value. The property of the gas may vary based on the temperature of the gas, the humidity of the gas, the GPS location at which the sensor was exposed to the gas, or any suitable combination thereof. In some example embodiments, the property of the gas is found by using an equation. In such example embodiments, the property of the gas corresponding to the sensor voltage value may be calculated each time the sensor is read, rather than being stored in a lookup table, in some example embodiments, the property of the gas is determined on a different computing device, e.g., server machine 110. In such example embodiments, network communication module 310 may communicate the sensor voltage value to the server machine 110 and receive the property of the gas in response.
In operation 730, the display module 250 causes the property of the gas to be displayed. In some example embodiments, the property of the gas is displayed in numerical form. For example, a carbon monoxide concentration of 5 parts per million (ppm) may be represented by the text “5” on screen. In some example embodiments, the property of the gas is displayed as a point on a graph. In some example embodiments, the property of the gas is displayed as a boolean value resulting from the comparison of the property to a threshold value. For example, if a toxicity level of carbon monoxide is 100 ppm, a portion of the screen may turn green if the carbon monoxide concentration is below the limit and red if the carbon monoxide concentration is above the limit. In another example embodiment, the information is displayed in text form. For example, if the property is below the limit, the string “Air OK” may be displayed, while if the property were above the limit, the string “Air Toxic” may be displayed. In some example embodiments, the device 205 is a smart phone and the display module 250 causes the property to be displayed on the screen of the smart phone.
In operation 830, the device 205, via network communications module 210, may send the property of the gas determined in operation 720 to the server machine 110In alternative embodiments, data derived from the property of the gas may be sent to the server machine 110 in addition to or instead of the property of the gas itself.
In operation 840, the device 205, via the network communications module 210, may receive a recommendation based on the property of the gas from the server machine 110. For example, if the property of the gas is the concentration of carbon monoxide in the gas, the recommendation may recommend evacuating the area if the carbon monoxide concentration is high.
In operation 850, the device 205, via the display module 250, may cause the display the property of the as and the recommendation received front the server machine 110. For example, if the property of the gas is a concentration of 110 ppm carbon monoxide, the recommendation may be to evacuate the building, and both “110 ppm” and “Evacuate” may be displayed. As described above with respect to operation 730, the property and the recommendation may be displayed in various ways such as numerical, text, color, or any suitable combination thereof.
In operation 930, the device 205, via network communications module 210, may send the BAC determined in operation 620 to the server machine 110.
In operation 940, the device 205, via the network communications module 210, may receive a recommendation based on the BAC from the server machine 110. The recommendation may be a recommendation to call a taxi company. For example, if the BAC of the individual exceeds the legal limit, the device 205 may receive a recommendation to call a nearby taxi company. The taxi company may be recommended based on proximity to the individual, availability of cabs, a fee paid by the taxi company, or any suitable combination thereof.
In operation 950, the device 205, via the display module 250, may cause the display of the BAC of the individual and the recommendation received from the server machine 110. The BAC may be displayed in a variety of forms, including numerical, text, and graphical, as described above with respect to operation 630. The recommendation to call a taxi company may also be displayed in a variety of forms. For example, the recommendation may appear in text “Please call Taxi Company X at (555) 555-1234.” Or, if the device 205 is capable of placing telephone calls, a button or other user interface element may be displayed that, when activated, calls the taxi company.
According to various example embodiments, one or more of the methodologies described herein may facilitate identification of a property of a gas. In some example embodiments, the use of a portable device 290 in combination with a processing device 205 is more convenient and less expensive than the use of a monolithic device capable of identifying a property of a gas. In some example embodiments, the user device 130 in combination with the server device 110 is more convenient and less expensive than the use of a monolithic device capable of identifying a property of a gas. In some example embodiments, the use of an audio jack to communicate data between the device 205 and the device 290 is more convenient and more efficient than using a traditional data connection to connect the devices.
When these effects are considered in aggregate, one or more of the methodologies described herein may obviate a need for certain efforts or resources that otherwise would be involved in identifying properties of gases. Efforts expended by a user in identifying a property of a gas may be reduced by one or more of the methodologies described herein. Computing resources used by one or more machines, databases, or devices (e.g., within the network environment 100) may similarly be reduced. Examples of such computing resources include processor cycles, network traffic, memory usage, data storage capacity, power consumption, and cooling capacity.
The machine 1000 includes a processor 1002 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a radio-frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), or any suitable combination thereof), a main memory 1004, and a static memory 1006, which are configured to communicate with each other via a bus 1008. The machine 1000 may further include a graphics display 1010 (e.g., a plasma display panel (PDP), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a projector, or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The machine 1000 may also include an alphanumeric input device 1012 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 1014 (e,g., a mouse, a touchpad, a trackball, a joystick, a motion sensor, or other pointing instrument), a storage unit 1016, a signal generation device 1018 (e.g., a speaker), and a network interface device 1020.
The storage unit 1016 includes a machine-readable medium 1022 on which is stored the instructions 1024 embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The instructions 1024 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 1004, within the processor 1002 (e.g., within the processor's cache memory), or both, during execution thereof by the machine 1000. Accordingly, the main memory 1004 and the processor 1002 may be considered as machine-readable media. The instructions 1024 may be transmitted or received over a network 1026 (e.g., network 190) via the network interface device 1020.
As used herein, the term “memory” refers to a machine-readable medium able to store data temporarily or permanently and may he taken to include, but not be limited to, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), buffer memory, flash memory, and cache memory. While the machine-readable medium 1022 is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, or associated caches and servers) able to store instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any medium, or combination of multiple media, that is capable of storing instructions for execution by a machine (e,g., machine 1000), such that the instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the machine (e.g., processor 1002), cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies described herein. Accordingly, a “machine-readable medium” refers to a single storage apparatus or device, as well as “cloud-based” storage systems or storage networks that include multiple storage apparatus or devices. The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, one or more data repositories in the form of a solid-state memory, an optical medium, a magnetic medium, or any suitable combination thereof.
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In the screen 1720, a timer is shown as counting down from 20 seconds. In some example embodiments, a delay is required to prepare the gas sensor module for testing. In some example embodiments, the length of the required delay is 20 seconds. Also shown on the screen 1620 are recommendations for the proper use of the device.
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In the screen 1820, a prompt is shown that instructs the user to “Breathe hard into sensor.” Also shown is a circle. The circle may fill with color as the flow of air is detected, in some example embodiments, the circle completely fills with color when sufficient air for a valid test is detected. In some example embodiments, the circle completely fills with color after a set amount of time (e.g., 5 seconds) has passed.
The circle may be shown filling with color as the animation ring completes its progress over 5 seconds (e.g., like a clock or pie chart).
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The screen 2220 depicts a profile-editing screen, according to some example embodiments. The screen 2220 depicts a text field for receiving a zip code of a user. The zip code entered into the text field may be used to determine a taxi company to call when BAC levels exceed legal limits. The screen 2220 depicts a slider for allowing a user to choose whether to save BAC results or not. In some example embodiments, BAC results are stored only when the user's profile enables the storage. In other example embodiments, BAC results are stored without personally identifying information when the user has disabled storage. In some example embodiments, the user profile includes personal data such as height, weight, age, gender, medical history, occupation, or any suitable combination thereof.
Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein,
Certain embodiments are described herein as including logic or a number of components, modules, or mechanisms. Modules may constitute either software modules (e.g., code embodied on a machine-readable medium or in a transmission Signal) or hardware modules. A “hardware module” is a tangible unit capable of performing certain operations and may be configured or arranged in a certain physical manner. In various example embodiments, one or more computer systems (e.g., a standalone computer system, a client computer system, or a server computer system) or one or More hardware modules of a computer system (e.g., a processor or a group of processors) may be configured by software (e.g., an application or application portion) as a hardware module that operates to perform certain operations as described herein.
In some embodiments, a hardware module may be implemented mechanically, electronically, or any suitable combination thereof. For example, a hardware module may include dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured to perform certain operations. For example, a hardware module may be a special-purpose processor, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an ASIC. A hardware module may also include programmable logic or circuitry that is temporarily configured by software to perform certain operations. For example, a hardware module may include software encompassed within a general-purpose processor or other programmable processor. It will be appreciated that the decision to implement a hardware module mechanically, in dedicated and permanently configured circuitry, or in temporarily configured circuitry (e.g., configured by software) may be driven by cost and time considerations.
Accordingly, the phrase “hardware module” should be understood to encompass a tangible entity, be that an entity that is physically constructed, permanently configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarily configured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a certain manner or to perform certain operations described herein. As used herein, “hardware-implemented module” refers to a hardware module. Considering embodiments in which hardware modules are temporarily configured (e.g., programmed), each of the hardware modules need not be configured or instantiated at any one instance in time. For example, where a hardware module comprises a general-purpose processor configured by software to become a special-purpose processor, the general-purpose processor may be configured as respectively different special-purpose processors (e.g., comprising different hardware modules) at different times. Software may accordingly configure a processor, for example, to constitute a particular hardware module at One instance of time and to constitute a different hardware module at a different instance of time.
Hardware modules can provide information to, and receive information from, other hardware modules. Accordingly, the described hardware modules may be regarded as being communicatively coupled. Where multiple hardware modules exist contemporaneously, communications may he achieved through signal transmission (e.g., over appropriate circuits and buses) between or among two or more of the hardware modules. In embodiments in which multiple hardware modules are configured or instantiated at different times, communications between such hardware modules may be achieved, for example, through the storage and retrieval of information in memory structures to which the multiple hardware modules have access. For example, one hardware module may perform an operation and store the output of that operation in a memory device to which it is communicatively coupled. A further hardware module may then, at a later time, access the memory device to retrieve and process the stored output. Hardware, modules may also initiate communications with input or output devices, and can operate on a resource (e.g., a collection of information).
The various operations of example methods described herein may be performed, at least partially, by one or more processors that are temporarily configured (e.g., by software) or permanently configured to perform the relevant operations. Whether temporarily or permanently configured, such processors may constitute processor-implemented modules that operate to perform one or more operations or functions described herein. As used herein, “processor -implemented module” refers to a hardware module implemented using one or more processors.
Similarly, the methods described herein may be at least partially processor-implemented, a processor being an example of hardware. For example, at least some of the operations of a method may be performed by one or more processors or processor-implemented modules. Moreover, the one or more processors may also operate to support performance of the relevant operations in a “cloud computing” environment or as a “software as a service” (SaaS). For example, at least some of the operations may be performed by a group of computers (as examples of machines including processors), with these operations being accessible via a network (e.g., the Internet) and via one or more appropriate interfaces (e.g., an application program interface (API)).
The performance of certain of the operations may be distributed among the one or more processors, not only residing within a single machine, but deployed across a number of machines. In some example embodiments, the one or more processors or processor-implemented modules may be located in a single geographic location (e.g., within a home environment, an office environment, or a server farm). In other example embodiments, the one or more processors or processor-implemented modules may be distributed across a number of geographic locations.
Some portions of the subject matter discussed herein may be, presented in terms of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on data stored as bits or binary digital signals within a machine memory (e.g., a computer memory). Such algorithms or symbolic representations are examples of techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the data processing arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. As used herein, an “algorithm” is a self consistent sequence of operations or similar processing leading to a desired result. In this context, algorithms and operations involve physical, manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, but not necessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical, magnetic, or optical signals capable of being stored, accessed, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated by a machine, it is convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to such signals using words such as “data,” “content,” “bits,” “values,” “elements,” “symbols,” “characters,” “terms,” “numbers,” “numerals,” or the like. These words, however, are merely convenient labels and are to be associated with appropriate physical quantities.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, discussions herein using words such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” “presenting,” “displaying,” or the like may refer to actions or processes of a machine (e.g., computer) that manipulates or transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic, magnetic, or optical) quantities within one or more memories (e.g., volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or any suitable combination thereof), registers, or other machine components that receive, store, transmit, or display information. Furthermore, unless specifically stated otherwise, the terms “a” or “an” are herein used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one instance. Finally, as used herein, the conjunction “or” refers to a non exclusive “or,” unless specifically stated otherwise.
The following enumerated descriptions define various example embodiments of methods, machine-readable media, and systems (e.g., apparatus) discussed herein:
1. A device comprising:
2. The device of description 1, wherein
3. The device of description 1, wherein
4. The device of description 1, further comprising:
5. The device of description 4, wherein the substance is ethanol and the property is a concentration of ethanol in the gas.
6. The device of description 5, wherein the processor is further configured to generate an indication of blood alcohol content of a person that exhaled the gas based on the concentration of the ethanol in the gas.
7. The device of either description 4 or 5, wherein the substance is ethanol and the property is a blood alcohol content of a person that exhaled the gas.
8. The device of any of descriptions 4-7, wherein the substance is carbon monoxide and the property is a concentration of carbon monoxide in the gas.
9. The device of any of descriptions 48, further comprising: a second electronic sensor configured to emit a second sensor voltage used on water vapor detected in a gas passed over the second sensor; and wherein the processor is configured to determine the property of the gas based on the second sensor voltage.
10. The device of description 9, further comprising:
11. The device of any of descriptions 1-10, further comprising:
12. A system comprising:
13. The system of description 12, wherein:
14. The system of description 12, wherein:
15. A method comprising:
16. The method of description 15, wherein identifying the blood-alcohol content of the individual accesses a table in a memory, the table storing a plurality of values corresponding to a plurality of sensor voltages.
17. A method comprising;
18. The method of description 17, further comprising:
19. The method of description 18, wherein;
20. The method of description 19, further comprising:
The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to and incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/665,152, filed Jun. 27, 2012, entitled “Mobile Phone Breathalyzer.” The present application claims priority to and incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/808,933, filed Apr. 5, 2013, entitled “Smart Phone Sensor Platform.”
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61808933 | Apr 2013 | US | |
| 61665152 | Jun 2012 | US |
