AU2020264280A1

AU2020264280A1 - Modular electronic apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2020264280A1
Application number: AU2020264280A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Rayomand SHAHLORI
Original assignee: Citizen Science Ltd
Current assignee: Citizen Science Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-04
Filing date: 2020-11-03
Publication date: 2021-05-20
Anticipated expiration: 2040-11-03
Also published as: AU2020264280B2

Abstract

A modular electronic apparatus 100 for monitoring one or more environmental conditions is disclosed. The apparatus 100 comprises at least one sensing module 102 configured to detect and measure at least one environmental data and output the 5 detected and measured environmental data. The apparatus 100 also comprises at least one processing module 104 configured to be detachably mounted with the sensing module 102 and be in an electronic communication with the sensing module 102. The processing module 104 is configured to receive the environmental data from the sensing module 102 as an input and process the received environmental data to produce a 10 processed data that provides a meaningful information regarding one or more environmental conditions. 1/5 100 102 106 _ _ _ _ Sensing Display _ _ _ _ module module Processing module 104 Power supply 108 FIGURE 2 100124 102 11,2 106 -16 -+ Seso Dsly s cr ee~n 4- - -10 Transceiver| 104 Processor| 114AL -- -- -- -- - -- Battery ( X108 120J12 FIGURE 2

Description

1/5 100 102 106

_ ___ Sensing Display _ _ _ _ module module

Processing module

104

Power supply

108

FIGURE 2

100124 102 11,2 106

-16 -+Seso Dsly scr ee~n 4- -

-10 Transceiver|

104 Processor| 114AL

-- -- -- -- - -- Battery

( X108 120J12

FIGURE 2

MODULARELECTRONICAPPARATUS

The present invention relates to a modular electronic apparatus, and more particularly but not exclusively to modular electronic apparatus suitable for monitoring one or more environmental conditions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Monitoring environmental conditions or parameters such as air quality, water quality, temperature and humidity is important for exposure assessment, environmental policy formulation and contamination control. Poor environmental conditions may have a negative effect on the health and wellbeing of the population.

W01998040859 discloses a system and method for systematically and continuously monitoring an environment. The system and method disclosed in W01998040859 includes a data acquisition system which is programmed to systematically collect environment data for a site. The data acquisition system includes sensors coupled to a data storage device having a remote access device for electronic access from a remote system. Data may be uploaded to a remote database for storing environment data from many sites. The remote database includes a remote access device so that the data storage devices of various data acquisition sites can be electronically coupled to the remote database centralized data collection and storage.

However, one disadvantage of previously known devices is that they are usually bulky and therefore not easily portable.

Another disadvantage is that such devices can be expensive to run or operate as they often rely on electricity to operate. That also means, such devices cannot be used in locations or sites such as camping sites, beaches, deserts, mountains etc. where electricity is not necessarily available.

Another disadvantage is that if a particular component of the device gets damaged or malfunctions, then it can be expensive to repair and sometimes the whole device needs replacement. Even if the device can be repaired, the repair task is usually complex often involving technicians and this can be expensive.

Since such devices are often used outside, they can get easily damaged upon physical impact.

Further, such devices do not usually have multiple uses and are confined to be used for only one application, i.e. for monitoring environmental conditions.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular electronic apparatus suitable for monitoring one or more environmental conditions which overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

BRIEFDESCRIPTIONOFTHEINVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a modular electronic apparatus for monitoring one or more environmental conditions, the apparatus comprising: at least one sensing module configured to detect and measure at least one environmental data and output the detected and measured environmental data; and at least one processing module configured to be detachably mounted with and preferably to the at least one sensing module and be in an electronic communication with the at least one sensing module, the at least one processing module configured to receive the environmental data from the at least one sensing module as an input and process the received environmental data to produce a processed data that provides a meaningful information regarding one or more environmental conditions.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises at least one display module configured to be detachably mounted with and preferably to the at least one processing module and be in an electronic communication with the at least one processing module, the at least one display module configured to receive and display the processed data into at least one display screen of the at least one display module.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises at least one power supply module configured to be detachably mounted with and preferably to the at least one processing module and be in an electronic communication with at least the at least one processing module to provide electric power to at least the at least one processing module.

In one embodiment, the modular electronic apparatus is a portable apparatus.

In one embodiment, the at least one processing module includes at least one processor configured to process the received environmental data to produce the processed data.

In one embodiment, the at least one processor is a microprocessor.

In one embodiment, the microprocessor is a programmable microprocessor.

In one embodiment, the at least one processing module comprises at least one receiving device that is configured to receive the at least one environmental data from the at least one sensing module.

In one embodiment, the at least one receiving device is a transceiver.

In one embodiment, the transceiver is configured to receive the at least one environmental data from the at least one sensing module.

In one embodiment, the transceiver is configured to facilitate electronic communication between the at least one processing module and at least one external electronic device.

In one embodiment, the transceiver is configured to facilitate electronic communication between the at least one processing module and an at least one external electronic device to allow software installation, software repair and/or software upgrade on the apparatus.

In one embodiment, the transceiver is a Near Field Communication (NFC) transceiver that is configured to send and receive NFC data.

In one embodiment, the transceiver is a Bluetooth transceiver that is configured to send and receive Bluetooth data.

In one embodiment, the at least one power supply module comprises at least one battery that is integrated to the at least one power supply module to provide the electric power.

In one embodiment, the at least one battery is a rechargeable battery.

In one embodiment, the at least one power supply module comprises at least one solar panel that is integrated into an outer surface of the at least one power supply module and the rechargeable battery is electrically connected to the at least one solar panel to be recharged by energy from the at least solar panel to provide the electric power.

In one embodiment, the at least one power supply module is configured to be electrically connected to the at least one display module to provide electric power to the at least one display module.

In one embodiment, the at least one display screen is a liquid colour display (LCD) screen or a light emitting diode (LED) display screen.

In one embodiment, the at least one display screen is a touch screen.

In one embodiment, the at least one display module comprises at least one user input interface for controlling an operation of the at least one display screen.

In one embodiment, the at least one sensing module comprises at least one sensor attached to the sensing module, the at least one sensor being configured to detect and output the at least one environmental data.

In one embodiment, the at least one sensor is a programmable sensor.

In one embodiment, the at least one sensor is an ultraviolet (UV) sensor for detecting and measuring the intensity of incident ultraviolet (UV) radiation as the environmental data.

In one embodiment, the at least one sensor is a temperature and humidity sensor for detecting and measuring an ambient temperature and humidity as the environmental data.

In one embodiment, the at least one sensor is a Carbon monoxide (CO) sensor for detecting presence of CO gas at ambient.

In one embodiment, the at least one sensor is a fine particle sensor for detecting and fine particles at ambient.

In one embodiment, the at least one sensor is a water quality sensor for detecting water quality.

In one embodiment, the water quality sensor is a turbidity sensor for measuring and detecting turbidity of a water sample.

In one embodiment, the at least one sensing module comprises plurality of sensors attached to the at least one sensing module, and each of the plurality of sensors being configured to detect and output the at least one environmental data.

In one embodiment, the plurality of sensors includes any two or more of the UV sensor, the CO sensor, the temperature and humidity sensor, the water quality sensor and the fine particle sensor.

In one embodiment, the at least one sensing module, the at least one display module and the at least one power supply module are configured to be detachably mounted to the at least one processing module with a slidable arrangement.

In one embodiment, the each of the at least one sensing module, the at least one processing module, the at least one display module and the at least one power supply module is a block or is disposed at least partially within a housing in the form of a block, each block having an outer surface.

In one embodiment, an engagement portion is formed (preferably integrally formed) on an outer surface of a first block that is the at least one processing module or houses the at least one processing module, the engagement portion being configured to removably engage with a complementary engagement portion formed on an outer surface of a second block that is the at least one sensing module or houses the at least one sensing module, an outer surface of a third block that is the at least one display module or houses the at least one display module, and an outer surface of a fourth block that is the at least one power supply module or houses the at least one power supply module , thereby allowing the at least one sensing module, the at least one display module and the at least one power supply module to be detachably mounted to the at least one processing module.

In one embodiment, the outer surface of each of the first, second, third and fourth blocks are formed is made of a plastic or similar polymeric material.

In one embodiment, the engagement portion and the complimentary engagement portion comprise or are made of at least one electrically conductive material to provide electrically conductive contacts thereby allowing each of the at least one sensing module, the at least one display module and the at least one power supply module to be in electrical communication with the at least one processing module when the at least one display module and the at least one power supply module are detachably mounted to the at least one processing module.

In one embodiment, the complementary engagement portion comprises: a first complementary engagement terminal that is formed on the outer surface of the second block, a second complementary engagement terminal that is formed on the outer surface of the third block, and a third complementary engagement terminal is formed on the outer surface of the fourth block, wherein the engagement portion is formed on outer surface of the first block comprises: a first engagement terminal that is configured to detachably engage with the first complementary engagement terminal, a second engagement terminal that is configured to detachably engage with the second complementary engagement terminal, and a third engagement terminal that is configured to detachably engage with the third complementary engagement terminal.

In one embodiment, the first engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal channel (preferably substantially T-shaped) extending in a longitudinal direction of the first block and the first complementary engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal protrusion (preferably substantially T-shaped) extending in a longitudinal direction of the second block.

In one embodiment, the first engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal protrusion (preferably substantially T-shaped) extending in a longitudinal direction of the first block and the first complementary engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal channel (preferably substantially T-shaped) extending in a longitudinal direction of the second block.

In one embodiment, the second engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal channel (preferably substantially T-shaped) extending in a longitudinal direction of the first block and the second complementary engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal protrusion (preferably substantially T-shaped) extending in a longitudinal direction of the third block.

In one embodiment, the second engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal protrusion (preferably substantially T-shaped) extending in a longitudinal direction of the first block and the second complementary engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal channel (preferably substantially T-shaped) extending in a longitudinal direction of the third block.

In one embodiment, the third engagement terminal (preferably substantially T shaped) is formed as at least one longitudinal channel extending in a longitudinal direction of the first block and the third complementary engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal protrusion (preferably substantially T-shaped) extending in a longitudinal direction of the fourth block.

In one embodiment, the third engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal protrusion extending in a longitudinal direction of the first block and the third complementary engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal channel extending in a longitudinal direction of the fourth block.

In one embodiment, the at least one longitudinal protrusion is substantially T shaped.

In one embodiment, the at least one longitudinal channel is substantially T shaped.

In one embodiment, the first block is a substantially T- shaped block extending longitudinally between two opposed ends that are a first end and a second end.

In one embodiment, the second block is shaped as a substantially triangular block extending longitudinally between two opposed ends that are a first end and a second end.

In one embodiment, the second block is shaped as a substantially equilateral triangle in cross section in a plane that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end.

In one embodiment, the at least one sensor of the at least one sensing module is configured to be attached to at least one sloped portion of the at least one second block that is substantially triangular with at least a portion of the at least one sensor being exposed outside the second block.

In one embodiment, the third block is a substantially triangular block extending longitudinally between two opposed ends that are a first end and a second end.

In one embodiment, the third block is shaped as a substantially right-angled triangle in cross-section in a plane that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end.

In one embodiment, the at least one display screen of the at least one display module is configured to be attached to a sloped portion of the third block that is substantially triangular with at least a portion of the at least one display screen being exposed outside the third block.

In one embodiment, at least one button of the display module is configured to be attached to a or the sloped portion of the third block that is substantially triangular and at least a portion of the button is exposed outside the third block.

In one embodiment, the fourth block is a substantially triangular block extending longitudinally between two opposed ends that are a first end and a second end.

In one embodiment, wherein the fourth block is shaped as a substantially right angled triangle in cross-section in a plane that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end.

In one embodiment, the solar panel is configured to be attached to a sloped portion of the fourth block that is substantially triangular with at least a portion of the solar panel is exposed outside the fourth block.

In one embodiment, in an assembled position where the at least one sensing module, the at least one display module and the at least one power supply module are detachably mounted to the processing module, at least one sloped surface facing external to the apparatus is formed, the apparatus being longitudinally extending between a front surface and a rear surface located opposite to each other with the first end of each of the first, second, third and fourth blocks forming the front surface of the apparatus and the second end of each of the first, second, third and fourth blocks forming the rear surface of the apparatus.

In one embodiment, at least one sloped surface facing external to the apparatus is formed in an or the assembled position.

In one embodiment, the at least one sloped surface facing external to the apparatus is at least one of: the sloped portion of the second block or at least a portion thereof; the sloped portion of the third block or at least a portion thereof; and the sloped portion of the fourth block or at least a portion thereof.

In one embodiment, the apparatus is of a substantially polygonal structure in the assembled position.

In one embodiment, the apparatus is of a substantially triangular structure in the assembled position.

In one embodiment, in the assembled position, all sloped portions of the second, third and fourth blocks are exposed to the ambient (i.e. exposed external to the apparatus).

In one embodiment, in the assembled position, only sloped portions of the second, third and fourth blocks are exposed to the ambient (i.e. exposed external to the apparatus).

In one embodiment, in the assembled position, apparatus is a handheld apparatus.

In one embodiment, the apparatus is an interactive educational apparatus.

In one embodiment, the apparatus is an interactive educational apparatus for teaching elementary school age children.

In one embodiment, the apparatus is an environmental condition monitoring apparatus.

In one embodiment, the apparatus is an environmental condition monitoring apparatus for monitoring one or more environmental conditions.

In one embodiment, the meaningful information is information on (and/or information pertaining/corresponding to measurement of) at least one of the following environmental conditions: air quality (preferably at ambient or quality of air that is external to the apparatus), water quality (preferably of a water sample), temperature (preferably at ambient or temperature of the air external to the apparatus), humidity (preferably at ambient or humidity of the air external to the apparatus), intensity of incident ultraviolet (UV) radiation, presence of CO gas at ambient, and turbidity of a water sample.

In one embodiment, the environmental conditions are selected from one or more of: air quality (preferably at ambient or quality of air that is external to the apparatus), water quality (preferably of a water sample), temperature (preferably at ambient or temperature of the air external to the apparatus), humidity (preferably at ambient or humidity of the air external to the apparatus), intensity of incident ultraviolet (UV) radiation, presence of CO gas at ambient, and turbidity of a water sample.

In a second aspect, the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a modular electronic apparatus for monitoring one or more environmental conditions, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of blocks that are configured to be detachably mounted together to form a single block having at least one sloped surface facing external to the apparatus, the single block longitudinally extending between a front surface and a rear surface located opposite to each other with the first end of each of the plurality of blocks forming the front surface of the single block and the second end of the plurality of blocks forming the rear surface of the single block, wherein at least one of the plurality of blocks being or at least partially housing at least one sensing module that is configured to detect and measure at least one environmental data and output the detected and measured environmental data, and wherein at least another one of the plurality of blocks being or at least partially housing at least one processing module configured to be in an electronic communication with the at least one sensing module in the assembled condition to receive the environmental data from the at least one sensing module as an input and process the received environmental data to produce a processed data that provides a meaningful information regarding one or more environmental conditions.

In one embodiment, the apparatus is an environmental condition monitoring apparatus configured to monitor one or more environmental conditions.

In one embodiment, the single block is of a substantially polygonal structure.

In one embodiment, the single block is of a substantially triangular structure.

In one embodiment, the plurality of blocks comprises at least three blocks that are a first block, a second block and a third block, the first block being or at least partially housing the at least one processing module, the second block being or at least partially housing the at least one sensing module, the third block being or at least partially housing at least one display module that is configured to be in electronic communication with the at least one processing module in the assembled condition, the at least one display module configured to receive and display the processed data into at least one display screen of the at least one display module.

In one embodiment, the plurality of blocks comprises at least four blocks that are a first block, a second block, a third block and a fourth block, the first block being or at least partially housing the at least one processing module, the second block being or at least partially housing the at least one sensing module, the third block being or at least partially housing at least one display module that is configured to be in an electronic communication with the at least one processing module in the assembled condition, the at least one display module configured to receive and display the processed data into at least one display screen of the at least one display module, the fourth block being or at least partially housing at least one power supply module configured to be detachably mounted with the at least one processing module in an electronic communication with at least the at least one processing module to provide electric power to at least the at least one processing module.

In one embodiment, an engagement portion is formed on an outer surface of the first block, the engagement portion being configured to removably engage with a complementary engagement portion formed on an outer surface of the second block, an outer surface of the third block, and an outer surface of the fourth block, thereby allowing the at least one sensing module, the at least one display module and the at least one power supply module to be detachably mounted to the at least one processing module.

In one embodiment, at least one of the first, second and third engagement terminals is formed as at least one longitudinal channel extending in a longitudinal direction of the first block and at least one of the first, second and third complementary engagement terminals is formed as at least one longitudinal protrusion extending in a longitudinal direction of at least one of the second, third and fourth blocks respectively.

In one embodiment, the third engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal channel (preferably substantially T-shaped) extending in a longitudinal direction of the first block and the third complementary engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal protrusion (preferably substantially T-shaped) extending in a longitudinal direction of the fourth block.

In one embodiment, the at least one longitudinal channel (is substantially T shaped.

In one embodiment, the first block is a substantially T- shaped block extending longitudinally between two opposed ends that are a first end of the first block and a second end of the first block.

In one embodiment, the second block is shaped as a substantially triangular block extending longitudinally between two opposed ends that are a first end of the second block and a second end of the second block.

In one embodiment, the second block is shaped as a substantially equilateral triangle in cross section in a plane that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis extending between the first end of the second block and the second end of the second block.

In one embodiment, the at least one sensing module comprises at least one sensor that is configured to be attached to at least one sloped portion of the second block that is substantially triangular with at least a portion of the at least one sensor being exposed outside the second block.

In one embodiment, the third block is a substantially triangular block extending longitudinally between two opposed ends that are a first end of the third block and a second end of the third block.

In one embodiment, the third block is shaped as a substantially right-angled triangle in cross-section in a plane that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis extending between the first end of the third block and the second end of the third block.

In one embodiment, the sloped portion of the third block is the at least one sloped surface of the apparatus or at least a portion thereof.

In one embodiment, the display module comprises at least one button that is configured to be attached to a sloped portion of the substantially triangular block and at least a portion of the at least one button exposed outside the third block.

In one embodiment, the fourth block is a substantially triangular block extending longitudinally between two opposed ends that are a first end of the fourth block and a second end of the fourth block.

In one embodiment, wherein the fourth block is shaped as a substantially right angled triangle in cross-section in a plane that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis extending between the first end of the fourth block and the second end of the fourth block.

In one embodiment, at least one solar panel is configured to be attached to a sloped portion of the fourth block that is substantially triangular with at least a portion of the at least solar panel is exposed outside the fourth block.

In one embodiment, the sloped portion of the fourth block is the at least one sloped surface of the apparatus or at least a portion thereof.

In one embodiment, the apparatus is an interactive educational apparatus.

In one embodiment, the modular electronic apparatus is the one as defined in the first aspect.

Any of the above statements as described with respect to the first aspect may be applicable to the second aspect.

In a third aspect, the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a modular electronic apparatus for monitoring one or more environmental conditions, the apparatus comprising: at least one sensing module configured to detect and measure at least one environmental data and output the detected and measured environmental data; at least one processing module configured to be detachably mounted with the sensing module and be in an electronic communication with the sensing module, the processing module configured to receive the environmental data from the sensing module as an input and process the received environmental data to produce a processed data that provides a meaningful information regarding one or more environmental conditions; at least one display module configured to be detachably mounted with the at least one processing module and be in an electronic communication with the at least one processing module, the at least one display module configured to receive and display the processed data into at least one display screen of the at least one display module; and at least one power supply module configured to be detachably mounted with the processing module and be in an electronic communication with at least the processing module to provide electric power to at least the at least one processing module.

Any of the above statements as described with respect to the first, second and/or third aspect may be applicable to the third aspect.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a method for monitoring one or more environmental conditions, the method comprising: providing the apparatus as defined in any one of the above aspects; detachably mounting the at least one sensing module to the at least one processing module to allow electronic communication between the at least one sensing module and the at least one processing module; using the at least one sensing module to detect and measure at least one environmental data and output the detected and measured environmental data; and using the at least one processing module to receive the environmental data from the at least one sensing module as an input and process the received environmental data to produce a processed data that provides a meaningful information regarding one or more environmental conditions.

In one embodiment, the apparatus is a portable apparatus.

In one embodiment, the at least one processor is a microprocessor.

In one embodiment, microprocessor is a programmable microprocessor.

In one embodiment, the at least one receiving device is a transceiver.

In one embodiment, the transceiver is configured to facilitate electronic communication between the at least one processing module and at least one external electronic device to allow software installation, software repair and/or software upgrade on the apparatus.

In one embodiment, the at least one battery is a rechargeable battery.

In one embodiment, the at least one display screen is an LCD screen or an LED screen.

In one embodiment, the at least one display screen is a touch screen.

In one embodiment, the at least one sensor is a programmable sensor.

In one embodiment, the at least one sensor is an ultraviolet UV sensor for detecting and measuring the intensity of incident ultraviolet (UV) radiation as the environmental data.

In one embodiment, the at least one sensing module comprises a plurality of sensors attached to the sensing module, and each of the plurality of sensors being configured to detect and output the at least one environmental data.

In one embodiment, the plurality of sensors includes any two or more of the UV sensor, the CO sensor, the temperature and humidity sensor, the water quality sensor, and the fine particle sensor.

In one embodiment, the at least one display module and the at least one power supply module are configured to be detachably mounted with the at least one processing module in a slidable arrangement.

In one embodiment, each of the at least one sensing module, the at least one processing module, the at least one display module and the at least one power supply module is a block or is disposed at least partially within a housing in the form of a block, each block having an outer surface.

In one embodiment, an engagement portion is formed (preferably integrally formed) on an outer surface of a first block that is a processing module or houses the at least one processing module, the engagement portion being configured to removably engage with a complementary engagement portion formed on an outer surface of a second block that is the at least one sensing module or houses the at least one sensing module, an outer surface of a third block that is the at least one display module or houses the at least one display module, and an outer surface of a fourth block that is the at least one power supply module or houses the at least one power supply module

, thereby allowing the at least one sensing module, the at least one display module and the at least one power supply module to be detachably mounted with the at least one processing module.

In one embodiment, the engagement portion and the complimentary engagement portion comprise or are made of at least one electrically conductive material to provide electrically conductive contacts thereby allowing each of the at least one sensing module, the at least one display module and the at least one power supply module to be in electrical communication with the at least one processing module when the at least one display module and the at least one power supply module are detachably mounted with the at least one processing module.

In one embodiment, the first engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal channel extending in a longitudinal direction of the first block and the first complementary engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal protrusion extending in a longitudinal direction of the second block.

In one embodiment, the first engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal protrusion extending in a longitudinal direction of the first block and the first complementary engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal channel extending in a longitudinal direction of the second block.

In one embodiment, the second engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal channel extending in a longitudinal direction of the first block and the second complementary engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal protrusion extending in a longitudinal direction of the third block.

In one embodiment, the second engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal protrusion (preferably, substantially T-shaped) extending in a longitudinal direction of the first block and the second complementary engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal channel (preferably, substantially T-shaped) extending in a longitudinal direction of the third block.

In one embodiment, the third engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal channel (preferably, substantially T-shaped) extending in a longitudinal direction of the first block and the third complementary engagement terminal is formed as at least one longitudinal protrusion (preferably substantially T-shaped) extending in a longitudinal direction of the fourth block.

In one embodiment, the at least one sensor is configured to be attached to at least one sloped portion of the second block that is substantially triangular with at least a portion of the sensor being exposed outside the second block.

In one embodiment, the at least one display module comprises at least one button for controlling operation of the at least one display screen and at least one button of the at least one display module is configured to be attached to a sloped portion of the substantially triangular block and at least a portion of the at least one button exposed outside the at least one third block.

In one embodiment, the fourth block is shaped as a substantially right-angled triangle in cross-section in a plane that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end.

In one embodiment, the at least one solar panel is configured to be attached to a sloped portion of the fourth block that is substantially triangular with at least a portion of the at least one solar panel is exposed outside the fourth block.

In one embodiment, in an assembled condition where the at least one sensing module, the at least one display module and the at least one power supply module are detachably mounted with the at least one processing module, the apparatus is shaped as a substantially triangular block longitudinally extending between a front surface and a rear surface located opposite to each other with the first end of each of the first, second, third and fourth blocks forming the front surface of the apparatus and the second end of each of the first, second, third and fourth blocks forming the rear surface of the apparatus.

In one embodiment, in the assembled condition, all sloped portions of the second, third and fourth blocks are exposed to ambient (i.e. exposed external to the apparatus).

In one embodiment, in the assembled condition, only sloped portions of the second, third and fourth blocks are exposed to ambient (i.e. exposed external to the apparatus).

In one embodiment, the apparatus is a handheld apparatus.

In one embodiment, the apparatus is an interactive educational apparatus.

In one embodiment, the meaningful information is information on (and/or information pertaining/corresponding to measurement of) at least one of the following environmental conditions:

air quality (preferably at ambient or quality of air that is external to the apparatus), water quality (preferably of a water sample), temperature (preferably at ambient or temperature of the air external to the apparatus), humidity (preferably at ambient or humidity of the air external to the apparatus), intensity of incident ultraviolet (UV) radiation, presence of CO gas at ambient, and turbidity of a water sample.

Any of the above statements as described with respect to the fourth aspect may be applicable to the first, second, and/or third aspects.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a modular electronic apparatus, the apparatus comprising a plurality of blocks each block being or at least partially housing an electronic module, and each block being configured to be detachably mounted together to form a single block having at least one sloped surface facing external to the apparatus, the single block longitudinally extending between a front surface and a rear surface located opposite to each other with the first end of each of the plurality of blocks forming the front surface of the single block and the second end of the plurality of blocks forming the rear surface of the single block.

In one embodiment, the single block is of a substantially polygonal structure.

In one embodiment, the single block is of a substantially triangular structure.

In the apparatus is an environmental condition monitoring apparatus configured to monitor one or more environmental conditions.

In one embodiment, the apparatus is a handheld apparatus.

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of blocks comprises at least one engagement portion (formed preferably at an external surface of that block) that is configured to engage with at least one complementary engagement portion (formed preferably at an external surface) of another one of the plurality of blocks.

In one embodiment, the at least one engagement portion and the at least one complementary engagement portion are each made of at least one electrically conductive material.

In one embodiment, the at least one engagement portion is formed as a longitudinal channel extending longitudinally along the block on which it is formed.

In one embodiment, the at least one engagement portion is formed as a longitudinal protrusion extending longitudinally along the block on which it is formed.

In one embodiment, the at least one complementary engagement portion is formed as a longitudinal channel extending longitudinally along the block on which it is formed.

In one embodiment, the longitudinal channel is substantially T-shaped.

In one embodiment, the longitudinal protrusion is substantially T-shaped.

In one embodiment, the modular electronic apparatus is an interactive educational apparatus.

In one embodiment, the apparatus is the one as defined in any one of the above aspects.

Any of the above statements as described with respect to the first, second and/or third aspect may be applicable to the fifth aspect.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a method for monitoring one or more environmental conditions, the method comprising: providing an apparatus as defined in any one of above aspects; detachably mounting the at least one sensing module, the at least one display module and the at least one power supply module to the communication module to allow electronic communication of the at least one sensing module, the at least one display module and the at least one power supply module with the communication module; using the at least one sensing module to detect and measure at least one environmental data and output the detected and measured environmental data; and using the at least one processing module to receive the environmental data from the sensing module as an input and process the received environmental data to produce a processed data that provides a meaningful information regarding one or more environmental conditions; using the at least one display module configured to receive and display the processed data into a display screen of the display module; and using the at least one power supply module configured to provide electric power to at least the processing module.

Any of the above statements as described with respect to the fourth aspect may be applicable to the sixth aspect.

It will be appreciated that the apparatuses of the first, second, third and fifth aspects may perform the method of any of the fourth and sixth aspects. As such any of the statements as described above with respect to the first, second, third and fifth aspects are applicable to the fourth and sixth aspects.

Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal" and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following description are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

It is acknowledged that the term "comprise" may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning, allowing for inclusion of not only the listed components or elements, but also other non-specified components or elements. The terms 'comprises' or 'comprised' or 'comprising' have a similar meaning when used in relation to the apparatus or to one or more steps in a method or process.

As used hereinbefore and hereinafter, the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used hereinbefore and hereinafter, "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

When used in the claims and unless stated otherwise, the word 'for' is to be interpreted to mean only 'suitable for', and not for example, specifically 'adapted' or 'configured' for the purpose that is stated.

Unless otherwise specifically stated, the term "processor module", "processor module," "microprocessor" and "processor" as used herein are broad terms and are to be given their ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art (and are not to be limited to a special or customised meaning), and furthermore refer without limitation to a computer apparatus, state machine, and the like that performs arithmetic and logic operations using logic circuitry that responds to and processes the basic instructions that drive a computer. The terms may broadly refer to any suitable device, logical block, module, circuit, or combination of elements for executing instructions.

Unless otherwise specifically stated, the term "transceiver" is used herein to denote any device that performs the functions of a transmitter and a receiver. The term "transmitter" is used herein in a broad sense to denote any device capable of transmitting data using wired or wireless communication, and optionally also capable of performing additional functions which can include encoding and/or encrypting the data to be transmitted. The term "receiver" is used herein in a broad sense to denote any device capable of receiving data that has been transmitted using wired or wireless communication, and optionally also capable of performing additional functions which can include decoding and/or decryption of the received data, and other operations related to decoding, reception, or decryption of the received data.

Unless otherwise specifically stated, the terms "coupled", "operably connected" and "operably linked" as used herein are broad terms and are to be given their ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art (and are not to be limited to a special or customised meaning), and furthermore refer without limitation to one or more components being linked to another component(s), either directly or indirectly, in a manner that allows transmission of signals between the components. These terms are broad enough to include wireless connectivity.

Unless otherwise specifically stated, the term "physically connected" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art (and are not to be limited to a special or customised meaning), and furthermore refers without limitation to one or more components that are connected to another component(s) through direct contact and/or a wired connection, including connecting via one or more intermediate physically connecting component(s).

Unless otherwise specifically stated, the term "substantially" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art (and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning), and furthermore refers without limitation to being largely but not necessarily wholly that which is specified.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1: is a schematic flow diagram of the modular electronic apparatus according one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2: is a schematic flow diagram of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing components of the modules of the apparatus. Figure 3: is a schematic diagram of a working principal of a processing module of the apparatus of Figure 1. Figure 4: is a schematic flow diagram showing communication of the apparatus of Figure 1 with external devices.

Figure 5: is a perspective view of one example of a block that at least partially houses or is a processing module of the apparatus of Figure 1. Figure 6: is a perspective view of one example of a block that at least partially houses or is a sensing module of the apparatus of Figure 1. Figure 7: is a perspective view of one example of a block that at least partially houses or is a sensing module of the apparatus of Figure 1. Figure 8: is a perspective view of one example of a block that at least partially houses or is a display module of the apparatus of Figure 1. Figure 9: is a perspective view of one example of a block that at least partially houses or is a power supply module of the apparatus of Figure 1. Figure 10: shows the blocks of Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9 in assembled position to form the apparatus of Figure 1. Figure 11: is a rear view of the apparatus of Figure 1. This Figure also shows how various components of the modules may be connected for operation of the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the above drawings, in which similar features are generally indicated by similar numerals, a modular electronic apparatus according to an aspect of the invention is generally indicated by the numeral 100. The apparatus 100 is for monitoring an environmental condition such as but not limited to air quality, water quality, temperature, humidity etc.

As shown in Figure 1, the apparatus 100 may comprise at least one sensing module 102. The sensing module 102 may be configured to detect and measure at least one environmental data and output the detect and measure environment data, for example as an output signal. The environmental data detected and measured may be one or more selected from concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) data, fine particle data, temperature data, humidity data, water quality data etc.

The apparatus 100 may also comprise at least one processing module 104. The processing module 104 may be configured to be detachably mounted with the sensing module 102 and be in an electronic communication with the sensing module 102. The processing module 104 may configured to receive at least one environmental data from the sensing module 102 as an input (input signal) and process the received environmental data to produce a processed data (processed signal) that provides a meaningful information regarding the environmental condition. The meaningful information may be the information on one or more environmental conditions. In some embodiments, the meaningful information may be measurement of one or more environmental conditions and/or information pertaining to measurement of one or more environmental conditions (which may or may also include measurement value itself). Some non-limiting examples of such environmental conditions may include air quality (preferably at ambient or quality of air that is external to the apparatus), water quality (preferably of a water sample), temperature (preferably at ambient or temperature of the air external to the apparatus), humidity (preferably at ambient or humidity of the air external to the apparatus), intensity of incident ultraviolet (UV) radiation, presence of CO gas at ambient, and turbidity of a water sample.

The apparatus 100 may further comprise at least one display module 106 that is configured to be detachably mounted with the at least one processing module 104 and be in an electronic communication with the processing module 104. As shown in Figure 2, the display module 106 may comprise at least one display screen 112 that is configured to receive and display the processed data into a display screen 112.

The apparatus 100 may further comprises at least one power supply module 108. The power supply module 108 may be configured to be detachably mounted with the processing module 104 and be in an electronic communication with at least the processing module 104 to provide power to at least the processing module 104. The power supply module 104 may also be configured to be electrically connected to a display module 108 to provide electric power to the display module 108 for operation.

The apparatus 100 may be a portable apparatus. For example, in an assembled condition as shown in Figure 10 where the sensing module 102, the display module 106 and the power supply module 108 may be detachably/removably mounted to the processing module 104, the module may be light weight and small in size (e.g. handheld) and are therefore easily portable.

As shown in Figure 2, the processing module 104 may include at least one processor 114 configured to process the received environmental data to produce the processed data. The processor 114 may run an OS or an application program so as to control a plurality of hardware or software elements connected to the processor 114 may process various data and perform operations. The processor 114 may be implemented with, for example, a system on chip (SoC). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 114 may load, on a volatile memory such as Random-Access Memory (RAM) 115 (see Figure 3), an instruction or data received from at least one of other elements such as a non-volatile memory, e.g. Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) 117 (see Figure 3) to process the instruction or data and may store various data in a non-volatile memory.

As shown in Figure 2, the processing module 104 may comprise at least one transceiver 116 that is configured to receive the at least one environmental data from the sensing module 102.

The transceiver 116 may be configured to receive the environmental data from the sensing module 102.

The transceiver 116 may optionally facilitate electronic communication between the processing module 104 and an external device 118 such as a smart phone, laptop or similar. This can use useful to allow installation, repair and/or upgrade of software in the apparatus. The transceiver 116 may be a Near Field Communication (NFC) transceiver that is configured to send and receive NFC data. For example, the transceiver 116 may be a Bluetooth transceiver that is configured to send and receive Bluetooth data. Figure 4 is a schematic flow diagram showing communication of the apparatus 100 with external devices such as a smart phone 118 or servers, such as cloud server 121. The apparatus may be connected to the external device such as smart phone 118 using Bluetooth or other NFC connections. Alternatively, the connection may be through Internet 123 or similar network such as but not limited to 3G, 4G or 5G networks. Similarly, the apparatus 100 may be connected to server such as a cloud server 121 using internet 123 or similar network.

Data/Information relating to environmental conditions obtained by the apparatus 100 may be communicated to an external server e.g. cloud server 121 and may be uploaded to a website or an app so that such information may be made publicly available for members of public to view on devices such as smartphone 118.

As shown in Figure 2, the power supply module 108 may comprise at least one battery 126 that is integrated to the power supply module 108 to provide the electric power. The battery 126 may be a rechargeable battery. As shown, in Figure 2, the power supply module 108 may comprise at least one solar panel 120 that is integrated into an outer surface of the power supply module 108. This is shown in Figure 9 as will be discussed later. The battery 126 may be electrically connected to the solar panel 120 to be recharged by energy from the solar panel 120 to provide the electric power. Appropriate technical and non-technical process of using photovoltaic apparatus to provide electric power to electronic components are well known to those skilled in the art and therefore need not be described here in detail. Use of solar power means that the apparatus 100 can enhance the portability, can be cost effective to operate and can be used to monitor environmental conditions in even in geographical locations (such as camping sites, forests, deserts, mountains etc.) where other form of energy source is not necessarily available. By being solar powered, the apparatus 100 can be used to monitor environmental conditions in almost every location as long as sufficient sunlight is available for charging the battery 126. Also, by being solar powered, the apparatus 100 can be used to monitor environmental conditions in low economic regions in the world that lack infrastructure to provide other source of power.

The display screen 112 may be any suitable screen such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen or an Light Emitting Diode (LED) display screen. LED display screen can include Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display screen. The display screen may optionally be a touch screen display. The display module 112 may comprise at least one for user input interface (such as buttons 122 as shown in Figure 8) for controlling operation of the display screen 112. For example, the buttons 122 may be used to provide interactivity and /or to change features on the display screen 112. Appropriate technical and non-technical process of using user input interface for controlling operation of the display screen 112 are well known to those skilled in the art and therefore need not be described here in detail.

The sensing module 102 may, for example, detect and measure physical quantity so as to convert measured or detected information into an electrical signal. As shown in Figure 2, the sensing module 102 may comprise at least one sensor 124 attached to the sensing module 102. The sensing module 102 may further include a control circuit (not shown) for controlling the sensor 124 included therein. The sensor 124 may be configured to detect and output the at least one environmental data. The sensor 124 may be a Ultra Violet (UV) sensor for detecting and measuring the intensity of incident UV radiation as the environmental data. In some embodiments, the UV sensor may have a detachable panel comprising a quartz glass and such UV sensor may allow for calculation of sun protection factor (SPF). The sensor 124 may be a temperature and humidity sensor for detecting and measuring an ambient temperature and humidity as the environmental data. The sensor 124 may be a CO sensor for detecting presence of CO gas at ambient. The sensor 124 may be a fine particle sensor for detecting and fine particles at ambient. The sensor 124 may be a water quality sensor for detecting water quality. For example, the sensor 124 may be a water quality sensor in the form of a turbidity sensor for measuring and detecting turbidity of a water sample.

The sensing module 102 may optionally comprise multiple sensors 124a, 124b, 124c attached to the sensing module 102 as shown in Figure 7. Each of the plurality of sensors 124a, 124b, 124c may be configured to detect and output at least one environmental data. In one embodiment, the plurality of sensors may include any two or more of the UV sensor, CO sensor, temperature and humidity sensor, fine particle sensor and water quality sensor. Many other types of sensors suitable for monitoring different types of environmental conditions) may be used. In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors may include two independent temperature and humidity sensors which can allow for environmental measurements from two isolated systems (e.g., indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity measurement).

The sensor(s) 124 may optionally be a programmable sensor(s). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 114 may be configured to control the operation of the sensing module. The sensing module 102 may even further include a separate processor (not shown) configured to control the operation of the sensing module 102, so that the sensing module 102 is controlled while the processor 114 is in a sleep state.

Physical structure of the modules 102, 104, 106, 108 as shown the Figures 5-9 will now be described.

As shown in Figures 5-8, each of the processing module 104, the sensing module 102, the display module 106 and the power supply modules 108 may be a block B1, B2, B3, B4. Alternatively, the modules 102, 104, 106, 108 may at least partially be disposed/housed within the blocks B1, B2, B3, B4 so that the first block B1 contains at least one processing module 104, the second block B2 contains at least one sensing module 102, at least one third block B3 contains the display module 106 and the fourth block B4 contains at least one power supply module 108.

Figure 5 shows one example of first block B1 that at least partially houses or is at least one processing module 104 of the apparatus 100. Figure 6 shows one example of second block B2 that at least partially houses or is at least one sensing module 102 of the apparatus 100. Figure 7 is another example of a second block B2. The only difference between embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7 is that Figure 6 shows only one sensor 124 being attached to the outer surface of the second block whereas Figure 7 shows plurality of sensors 124a, 124b, 124c attached to the outer surface of the second block B2. Figure 8 shows one example of third block B3 that at least partially houses or is at least one display module 106 of the apparatus 100. Figure 9 shows one example of fourth block B4 that at least partially houses or is at least one power supply module 108 ofthe apparatus 100.

Therefore, it can be seen that each block B1, B2, B3, B4 may have outer surface.

As shown in Figure 5, an engagement portion 133 may be formed (preferably integrally formed) on the outer surface of the first block B1. The engagement portion 133 may be configured to removably engage with the complementary engagement portion 135 formed (preferably integrally formed) on the outer surface of a second block B2, an outer surface of a third block B3, and an outer surface of a fourth block B4. This allows the second, third and fourth blocks B2, B3 and B4 and consequently the sensing module 102, the display module 106 and the power supply module 108 to be detachably mounted with and preferably to the processing module 104 or the first block B1.

The outer surface of each of the blocks B1, B2, B3, B4 may be formed is made of a plastic or similar polymeric material. However, such outer surfaces could be made of any other suitable materials. Using plastic or polymeric material may allow each module to be light weight, durable, cost effective to manufacture and most importantly water/moisture resistant to prevent damage of internal electronic components.

The sensing module 102, the display module 106 and the power supply module 108 may be configured to be detachably mounted to the processing module 104 with a slidable arrangement. This will be discussed in more detail later in this specification.

The engagement portion 133 and the complimentary engagement portion 135 may comprise or may be made of at least one electrically conductive material/element. Having such electric conducive material/element can allow the engagement portion 133 and complimentary engagement portion 135 to provide electrically conductive contacts thereby allowing each of the sensing module 102, the display module 106 and the power supply module 108 to be in electrical communication with the processing module 104 when the modules 102, 106, 108 are in the assembled position as shown in Figure 10.

The complementary engagement portion 134 may comprise a first complementary engagement terminal 132 (see Figure 10), a second complementary engagement terminal 136 (see Figure 8) and a third complementary engagement terminal 138 (see Figure 9). The first complementary engagement terminal 132 may be formed on the outer surface of the second block B2. The second complementary engagement terminal 136 may be formed on the outer surface of the third block B3. The third complementary engagement terminal 138 may be formed on the outer surface of the fourth block B4.

Similarly, as shown in Figure 5, the engagement portion 133 may comprise a first engagement terminal 135, a second engagement terminal 137 and a third engagement terminal 139.

The first engagement terminal 135 may be configured to removably/detachably engage with the first complementary engagement terminal 136. The second engagement terminal 137 may be configured to removably/detachably engage with the second complementary engagement terminal 136 and the third engagement terminal 139 may be configured to removably/detachably engage with the third complementary engagement terminal 138.

As shown in Figure 5, first engagement terminal 135 may be formed as at least one longitudinal channel/groove extending in a longitudinal direction of the first block B1. The first complementary engagement terminal 132 may be formed as at least one longitudinal protrusion extending in a longitudinal direction of the second block B2. Alternatively, first engagement terminal 135 may be formed as the longitudinal protrusion(s) and the first complementary engagement terminal 132 may be formed as the longitudinal channel(s).

As shown in Figure 5, second engagement terminal 137 may formed as at least one longitudinal channel/groove (in this example, four longitudinal channels 137a, 137b, 137c, 137d) extending in a longitudinal direction of the first block B1. As shown in Figure 8, second complementary engagement terminal 136 may be formed as at least one longitudinal protrusion (in this example, four longitudinal protrusions 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d) extending in a longitudinal direction of the third block B3. Alternatively, the second engagement terminal 137 may be formed as the longitudinal protrusion(s) and the second complementary engagement terminal 136 may be formed as the longitudinal channel(s).

As shown in Figure 5, third engagement terminal 139 may be formed as at least one longitudinal channel/groove (in this example, four longitudinal channels 139a, 139b, 139c, 139d) extending in a longitudinal direction of the first block B1. As shown in Figure 9, third complementary engagement terminal 138 may formed as at least one longitudinal protrusion (in this example, four longitudinal protrusions 138a, 138b, 138c, 138d) extending in a longitudinal direction of the fourth block B4. Alternatively, the third engagement terminal 139 may be formed as the longitudinal protrusion(s) and the third complementary engagement terminal 138 may be formed as the longitudinal channel(s).

As shown in Figures 5 to 10, the longitudinal protrusions may be substantially T shaped, and the longitudinal channels may be also be substantially T-shaped. The longitudinal protrusions may be configured to be slidably received within the respective longitudinal channels to allow detachable mounting of the blocks B1, B2, B3, B4 and consequently the modules 102, 104, 106 and 108. The longitudinal channels and protrusions may not extend to the full length of the blocks in order to prevent a protrusions from extending out from one end of a channel when sliding force is applied from another end, thereby preventing misalignment and allowing proper registration of the blocks B1, B2, B3, B4 when they are detachably mounted. Substantially T-shaped protrusions and channels are preferable for stronger engagement of the blocks B1, B2, B3 and B4 to help prevent the blocks from accidently disengaging when detachably mounted. However, the shaped of protrusions and channels may be of many other suitable shapes.

As shown in Figure 5 and 10, the first block B1 may be a substantially T-shaped block extending longitudinally between a first end 141a and a second end 141b. Since, the first block B1 is substantially T-shaped, it has two substantially L-shaped surfaces facing away from each other as shown in Figure 5.

As shown first engagement terminal 135 formed as a longitudinal channel may be located on the top most portion of the first block B1.

The second engagement terminal 137 that is formed as longitudinal channels 137a, 137b, 137c and 137d may be located on one of the substantially L-shaped surfaces with two longitudinal channels 137a, 137b being located in the horizontal portion of the substantially L-shaped surface and the remaining two longitudinal channels 137c, 137d being located in the vertical portion of the substantially L-shaped surface.

The third engagement terminal 137 that is formed as longitudinal channels 139a, 139b, 139c and 139d may be located on another one of the substantially L-shaped surface with two longitudinal channels 139a, 139b being located in the horizontal portion of the substantially L-shaped surface and the remaining two longitudinal channels 139c, 139d being located in the vertical portion of the substantially L-shaped surface.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the second block B2 may be shaped as a substantially triangular block extending longitudinally between two opposed ends that are a first end 143a and a second end 143b. The second block B2 may be shaped as a substantially equilateral triangle in cross section in a plane that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis extending between the first end 143a and the second end 143b.

At least one sensor 124, 124a, 124b, 124c of the sensing module 102 may configured to be attached to at least one sloped portion of the substantially triangular second block B2 with at least a portion of the sensor 124 being exposed outside the second block B2. Having sensor(s) on the slope portion is advantageous. For example, if the sensor(s) is/are the Ultra Violet (UV) sensor(s) configured to detect and measure the intensity of UV radiation emitted by the sun on a given day and time, then by having the sensor attached to the sloped portion allows the sensor(s)to be easily positioned to face the sun while the apparatus 100 is held by the user. The first complementary engagement terminal 132 formed as the longitudinal protrusion may be located at the bottom of the second block B2 as shown in Figure 10 to be slidably received within the first engagement terminal 135 in the form of longitudinal channel. This allows the second block B2 (and consequently the sensing module 102) to be detachably mounted with the first block B1 (and consequently the processing module 104)

As shown in Figures 8 and 10, the third block B3 is a substantially triangular block extending longitudinally between two opposed ends that are a first end 145a and a second end 145b. The third block B3 may be shaped as a substantially right-angled triangle in cross-section in a plane that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis extending between the first end 145a and the second end 145b. The display screen 112 of the display module may be attached to a sloped portion of the substantially triangular third block B3 with at least a portion of the display screen being exposed outside the third block B3. By being located on the sloped surface as opposed to a vertical surface, the display screen 112 will be titled at an angle so that the display screen 112 does not reflect outside light directly to the user's eyes thereby enhancing the visibility of the display screen 112. Therefore, such ergonomic positioning of the display screen 112 allows information/data that is displayed to be read easily by the user. As shown one or more buttons 122 of the display module may be configured to be attached to a sloped portion of the substantially triangular third block B3 and at least a portion of the buttons 122 being exposed outside the third block B3. Second complementary engagement terminal 136 formed as four longitudinal protrusions 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d may be located on the non-sloped portions of the substantially triangular third block B3. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, two protrusions 136a, 136b are located in the horizontal portion of the third block B3 and the remaining two protrusions 136c, 136d are located in the vertical portion of the third block B3. The protrusions 136a and 136b are configured to be slidably received within the longitudinal channels 137a and 137b respectively. Similarly, the protrusions 136c and 136d are configured to be slidably received within the longitudinal channels 137c and 137d respectively. This allows the third block B3 (and consequently the display module 104) to be detachably mounted with the first block B1 (and consequently the processing module 104).

As shown in Figure 9, the fourth block B4 is also of substantially triangular block extending longitudinally between two opposed ends that are a first end 147a and a second end 147b. Similar to the third block B3, the fourth block B4 may be also shaped as a substantially right-angled triangle in cross-section in a plane that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis extending between the first end 147a and the second end 147b. The solar panel 120 of the power supply module 108 may be attached to a sloped portion of the substantially triangular fourth block B4 with at least a portion of the solar panel 120 being exposed outside the fourth block B4. By being located at the sloped portion, the solar panel 120 will be tilted for maximum energy absorption from the sun throughout the day. An optional On/Off switch 128 (see Figure 11) may be configured to be attached to the sloped portion of the substantially triangular fourth block B4 with at least a portion of the switch 128 being exposed outside the fourth block B4. Third complementary engagement terminal 138 formed as four longitudinal protrusions 138a, 138b, 138c,

138d may be located on the non-sloped portions of the substantially triangular fourth block B4. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, two protrusions 138a, 138b may be located in the horizontal portion of the fourth block B4 and the remaining two protrusions 138c, 138d may located in the vertical portion of the fourth block B4. The protrusions 138a and 138b are configured to be slidably received within the longitudinal channels 139a and 139b respectively. Similarly, the protrusions 138c and 138d are configured to be slidably received within the longitudinal channels 139c and 139d respectively. This allows the fourth block B4 (and consequently the power supply module 108) to be detachably mounted with the first block B1 (and consequently the processing module 104).

Figure 10 shows the apparatus 100 in the assembled position in which the sensing module 102 (or second block B2), the display module 106 (or third block B3), and the power supply module 108 (or fourth block B4) are detachably mounted to the processing module 102 (or first block B1). As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the apparatus 100 when in the assembled position may have at least one sloped surface facing external to the apparatus. The sloped surface may be the sloped portion(s) as described above. In other words, sloped portion(s) as described above may be the sloped surface of at least the portions of the sloped surface of the apparatus in the assembled position. Such sloped surface is advantageous as described above. Sensor(s) 124, 124a, 124b, 124c of the sensing module 102 may be mounted on such sloped surface. As explained above, if the sensor(s) is/are the Ultra Violet (UV) sensor(s) configured to detect and measure the intensity of UV radiation emitted by the sun on a given day and time, then by having the sensor attached to the sloped surface allows the sensor(s)to be easily positioned to face the sun while the apparatus 100 is held by the user.

Similarly, as explained above display screen 112 may be or may also be mounted on such sloped surface. As explained above, by being located on the sloped surface as opposed to a vertical surface, the display screen 112 will be titled at an angle so that the display screen 112 does not reflect outside light directly to the user's eyes thereby enhancing the visibility of the display screen 112.

As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the apparatus 100 may be of a substantially polygonal structure in an assembled position. In an assembled position, the apparatus 100 may be of a substantially triangular structure, i.e. shaped as a substantially triangular single block that is longitudinally extending between a front surface 151a and a rear surface 151b that are located opposite to each other. As shown, the first ends 141a, 143a, 145a, 147a of the first, second, third and fourth blocks B1, B2, B3 and B4 may form the front surface 151a of the apparatus 100 and the second ends 141b, 142b, 142c, 142d of each of the first, second, third and fourth blocks B1, B2, B3, B4 may form the rear surface 151b of the apparatus 100. By being of such substantially triangular shape, the apparatus 100 can bear larger loads and/or impact without being easily deformed and is therefore more resistant to load or impact when in the assembled position.

As shown in Figures 10 and 11, in the assembled position, all sloped portions of the second, third and fourth blocks B1, B2, B3 and B4 may be exposed to the ambient, i.e. exposed external to the apparatus 100. Also, as shown, in the assembled position, only sloped portions of the second, third and fourth blocks B1, B2, B3, B4 may be exposed to the ambient , i.e. exposed external to the apparatus 100.

The apparatus 100 is preferably is a handheld apparatus in the assembled position so that it is easily portable. In the assembled condition, the substantially triangular apparatus 100 may be 4cm in height, 8 cm in width (at the base) and the length front surface 151a to the rear surface 151b may be 8cm.

The apparatus 100 may also be used to as an interactive educational apparatus, for example for teaching electronics/science to elementary school children.

Figure 11 shows an example of components and connection within the apparatus 100 when in the assembled position.

As shown the transceiver 116 may be physically connected to the processor 114 via wire W1 to be in electronic communication with the processor 114. Similarly, the solar panel 120 and the buttons 122 may also be physically connected to the battery 126 via wires W2 and W3 respectively to be in electronic communication with the battery 126.

As shown, when the second block B2 is detachably mounted to the first block B1, sensor 124 and the processor 114 may be physically connected to be in electronic communication with each other at conductive contact point A via wires W4 and W5.

Similarly, when the third block B3 is detachably mounted to the first block B1, the display screen 112 and processor 114 may be physically connected to be in electronic communication with each other at conductive contact point B via wires W6 and W7. The ON/Off switch 128 may also be physically connected to the processor 114 and to the display screen 112 to be in electronic communication with the processor 114 and the display screen 112 at conductive contact point B via wires W8 and W6.

Similarly, when the fourth block B4 is detachably mounted to the first block B1, the battery 126 and processor 114 may be physically connected to be in electronic communication with each other at conductive contact point C via wires W9 and W10.

Examples 1 to 4 below disclose some applications of the apparatus of the present invention.

Example 1

The sensing module 102 may comprise at least one UV sensor configured to detect and measure the intensity of UV radiation emitted by the sun on a given day and time. The processing module 104 may be programmed to display the UV index on the display screen 112 of the display module 106. Additionally, or alternatively, the processing module 104 may be programmed to allow the user to receive advice dependent on the UV intensity. E.g. if the UV index is below 3, then the display module may display a message such as "Have a nice day" or similar since the sun-burn risk is low on the display screen 112. However, if the UV index is above 3 (but below 6), then the display screen 112 may display message advising user to apply sun screen , for example a message such as "Wear a hat and sunglasses, apply sunscreen every 2 hours" may be displaced on the display screen 112. If the UV index is above 6, then the display screen 112 may display massage indicating user to apply sunscreen more frequently depending upon the UV index and/or even advise the user to seek shade.

Any suitable type of UV sensor for measuring UV index may be used. For example, the UV sensor may be able to measure UV index by having a component that passes an electrical current that is sensitive to how much UV light is exposed to it. That electric signal may be correlated to the amount of UV light. The electrical signal may be sent to the processing module 104 where it may be processed and normalized to provide a measurement of UV index (accuracy improved with calibration).

Additionally, the UV index data obtained by the apparatus 100 may be communicated to an external server e.g. cloud server and may be uploaded to a website or an app, where consolidation of many UV sensor readings can be used to generate a UV radiation map of that given location where the apparatus 100 is located. Such information may be made publicly available so that other members of public who necessarily do not having an apparatus 100 may also be informed of the sun-burn risk.

Example 2

The sensing module 102 may comprise at least one Temperature and Humidity sensor configured to detect and measure the current and overnight measurements of temperature and humidity. The sensing module 102 may provide a reading of the current temperature and humidity of the ambient air. For example, the processing module 104 may be programmed to receive measurements of temperature and humidity every 15 minutes or any other predetermined frequency of time as input from the sensing module 102 and process and store that data in the memory.

In one example, the user may leave the apparatus in in their bedroom before going to sleep. The brightness of the display screen 112 may be adjusted to Low mode using button 122 or the display screen 112 may be turned off using button 122 so that the light from the display screen 112 does not interrupt the sleep of the user. The processing module 104 may receive input from the sensing module 102 at pre programmed frequency of time and process that data and store that data in the memory. When the user wakes up in the morning they will be able to turn on the screen or adjust the brightness back to normal mode using the buttons 122 to view one or more of the stored processed data on the display screen 112. That may enable the user to get useful information such as minimum/maximum temperature and humidity information during their sleep interval, temperature and humidity information at a particular interval of time etc.

Any suitable type of temperature and humidity sensors may be used. For example, the temperature and humidity sensor may be able to detect and measure the temperature and humidity data using gold plate electrode having electronic properties that are sensitive to both temperature and humidity independently and electrical signal may change based on the magnitude of temperature and humidity. Such changes in electrical signal may be correlated to temperature and humidity and the signal may be received by the processing module 104 to be processed (normalized and converted) into a measure of temperature in degree Celsius and humidity in % relative humidity.

Additionally, the data relating to temperature and humidity that is obtained by the apparatus 100 may be communicated to an external server or cloud and may be uploaded to a website or an app, where consolidation of many temperature and humidity readings may be used to give an indication of which regions within the city have adequate insulation or ventilation to be a healthy environment for sleeping. This information may be made publicly available so that other members of public would be able to understand typical levels of humidity and temperature is in that particular region. Such information may also be useful for advocacy groups and government officials for identifying regions to allocate funding for insulation and ventilation subsidies.

Example 3

The sensing module 102 may comprise fine particle and CO sensor configured to detect and measure level or fine particles and CO in the air effecting the air quality. The sensing module 102 may provide a reading of the level of fine particles and CO in the ambient air and the processing module 104 may be programmed to receive input from the sensing module 102 and process and display information on the display screen 112. For example, the information may be displayed as two bar-graphs indicating the levels of fine particles and CO, respectively, within the last 2 minutes (or any other preprogramed period of time). Each bar of the graph may also represent the highest measurement of fine particles or CO in the last 10 seconds (or any other pre-programmed frequency of time). Each of the bars within the bar graph may also add up to display the total readings over the last 2 minutes (or any other pre-programmed period of time). The information may be displayed in any suitable form for the user to understand.

Any suitable type of fine particle and CO sensors may be used. For example, fine particles may be detected and measured using a fine particle senor having a small laser component that can interact with incoming air. A counts detector may be positioned orthogonally (at a right angle) to the laser source, When the incoming air contains no fine particles, the laser light may be uninterrupted, and no counts are detected. If the air contains fine particles (e.g. as low as 2.5 micro meters), this may cause the laser light to be scattered, with some of the light hitting the counts detector. This level of detected counts may be correlated to the concentration of fine particles within the air. This correlation may be calculated in the processing module 104 as the processed data after the input data is received from the sensing module 104 and that processed data be displayed in ppm (part per million) at the display screen 112.

The CO sensor may contain an electrode that is sensitive to the amount of CO in the air. This electrode may be kept under a metal mesh to prevent damage from touching or electrostatic shocks. The electrical signal obtained from the CO sensor may be correlated to the amount of CO in the air and this data is received by the processing module to be processed (normalized) to display the amount of CO in ppm at the display screen 122.

Additionally, the data relating to air quality collected by the apparatus 100 may be communicated to an external server or cloud and may be uploaded to a website or an app, where consolidation of many fine-particle and CO measurements could be used to give an indication of which regions or locations within a city have high levels of idling vehicles which are detrimentally affecting the air quality in that area. This can be useful information for local councils to implement and enforce by-laws preventing vehicles from idling their engines in certain areas at certain times of the day that can contribute to level of CO and fine particles in the air. This information may be useful to controlling air quality in areas such as schools, early-childhood centres and retirement villages, since the demographics of the population in those areas can be sensitive to poor air quality.

Example 4

The sensing module 102 may comprise a water quality sensor configured to measure the turbidity (cloudiness) of water sample provided to the device. Many of the waterways such as river, lakes, creeks and beach have levels of pollutants. Measuring the turbidity of the water can provide indication of bacteria levels and sedimentation levels within the water, which may influence population for plants and animals and even people that depend on it.

Any suitable water quality sensor for measuring turbidity may be used. For example, the water sensor may measure turbidity by measuring counts of a laser source before and after passing through a sample of water contained within a cuvette or similar vertical plastic container. The more turbid the water sample is, the more the laser will scatter from the pieces of sediment or bacteria within the water sample and consequently more will be the loss of laser intensity. Such loss of laser intensity will result in lower counts detected by the counts detector located detected directly opposite the laser source. The lower the counts that is detected by the counts detector, the more turbid the water sample is and the lower the water quality of the water sample is.

Additionally, the data relating to water quality collected by the apparatus 100 may be communicated to an external server or cloud and may be uploaded to a website or an app, where that data may consolidate with data from many other sensors or devices to provide a map displaying the quality of waterways in different regions at different times of the day and year as seasonal changes can also affect the quality of water. Such information can be useful for conservation groups and council and other local bodies such as schools working to improve or maintain the quality of water in their local waterways.

The examples provided above are only some of the applications of the apparatus 100 and are non-limiting.

Instead of or in addition to the display module 108, the apparatus 100 may comprise other types of output module having at least one output device such as speaker, vibrator for communicating information regarding one or more environmental condition to the user. For example, instead of displaying information on the display screen an audio sound may be played on the speaker.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may comprise back up batteries in addition to the solar panel module for providing power when sufficient sun is not available.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be powered using other power source such as one or more small-sized batteries instead of solar cells. Examples of such batteries may include Lithium Ion (Li-on), Nickle Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickle Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries.

In some embodiments, the display module 106 may be optional and the processing module 104 may be able to communicate information wirelessly to external devices such as smart phone 118 wirelessly using WiFi, Bluetooth, infrared etc to communicate information relating to one or more environmental condition to the user.

In some embodiments, the power supply module 108 may also provide power to sensing module 102.

In some embodiments, the processing module 104 comprises a separate transmitting device (transmitter) to transmit data and separate receiving device (receiver) to receive data.

In some embodiments, a separate power supply module 108 may be optional and the processing module 104 may be powered using small replaceable or rechargeable batteries. Similarly, the display module and sensing module may also be powered using same or similar replaceable or rechargeable batteries.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth.

It will of course be realised that while the foregoing description has been given by way of illustrative example(s) of the present invention, all such modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the various aspects of invention as is hereinbefore described and/or defined in the claims.

Some of the non-limiting advantages of the apparatus 100 include the following:

• Easily portable • Solar powered makes the apparatus cost effective to operate • Having plurality of modules means if a particular module gets damaged or malfunctions, then that module may be replaced without having to replace the whole apparatus. • Light weight • Can be used as an interactive educational apparatus to aid teaching • Easy to use

• Easy to assemble • User friendly • Allows Realtime environmental condition monitoring • Positioning solar panel, sensor(s) and display screen can assist the user with positioning the apparatus for maximum solar exposure and ergonomic positioning for reading the data/information displayed • By being substantially triangular, the apparatus can bear larger loads and/or impact without being easily deformed and therefore can be more resistant to load or impact when in the assembled position

Claims

1. An environmental condition monitoring apparatus that is a modular electronic apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of blocks that are configured to be detachably mounted together to form a single block having at least one sloped surface facing external to the apparatus, the single block longitudinally extending between a front surface and a rear surface located opposite to each other with the first end of each of the plurality of blocks forming the front surface of the single block and the second end of the plurality of blocks forming the rear surface of the single block, wherein at least one of the plurality of blocks being or at least partially housing at least one sensing module that is configured to detect and measure at least one environmental data and output the detected and measured environmental data, and wherein at least another one of the plurality of blocks being or at least partially housing at least one processing module configured to be in an electronic communication with the at least one sensing module in an assembled condition to receive the environmental data from the at least one sensing module in the as an input and process the received environmental data to produce a processed data that provides a meaningful information regarding one or more environmental conditions.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the single block is of a substantially polygonal structure.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the single block is of a substantially triangular structure.

4. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims , wherein the plurality of blocks comprises at least three blocks that are a first block, a second block and a third block, the first block being or at least partially housing the at least one processing module, the second block being or at least partially housing the at least one sensing module, the third block being or at least partially housing at least one display module that is configured to be in electronic communication with the at least one processing module in the assembled condition, the at least one display module configured to receive and display the processed data into at least one display screen of the at least one display module.

5. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of blocks comprises at least four blocks that are a first block, a second block, a third block and a fourth block, the first block being or at least partially housing the at least one processing module, the second block being or at least partially housing the at least one sensing module, the third block being or at least partially housing at least one display module that is configured to be in an electronic communication with the at least one processing module in the assembled condition, the at least one display module configured to receive and display the processed data into at least one display screen of the display module. the fourth block being or at least partially housing at least one power supply module configured to be detachably mounted with the at least one processing module in an electronic communication with at least the processing module to provide electric power to at least the at least one processing module.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein an engagement portion is formed on an outer surface of the first block, the engagement portion being configured to removably engage with a complementary engagement portion formed on an outer surface of the second block, an outer surface of the third block, and an outer surface of the fourth block, thereby allowing the at least one sensing module, the display module and the power supply module to be detachably mounted with and to the processing module.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the engagement portion and the complimentary engagement portion comprise or are made of at least one electrically conductive material to provide electrically conductive contacts thereby allowing each of the at least one sensing module, the at least one display module and the at least one power supply module to be in electrical communication with the at least one processing module when the at least one display module and the at least one power supply module are detachably mounted with to the at least one processing module.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the complementary engagement portion comprises: a first complementary engagement terminal that is formed on the outer surface of the second block, a second complementary engagement terminal that is formed on the outer surface of the third block, and a third complementary engagement terminal is formed on the outer surface of the fourth block, wherein the engagement portion is formed on outer surface of the first block comprises: a first engagement terminal that is configured to detachably engage with the first complementary engagement terminal, a second engagement terminal that is configured to detachably engage with the second complementary engagement terminal, and a third engagement terminal that is configured to detachably engage with the third complementary engagement terminal.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least one of the first, second and third engagement terminals is formed as at least one longitudinal channel extending in a longitudinal direction of the first block and at least one of the first, second and third complementary engagement terminals is formed as at least one longitudinal protrusion extending in a longitudinal direction of at least one of the second, third and fourth blocks respectively.

10. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the at least one longitudinal protrusion is substantially T-shaped.

11. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the at least one longitudinal channel is substantially T-shaped.

12. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the first block is a substantially T- shaped block extending longitudinally between two opposed ends that are a first end of the first block and a second end of the first block.

13. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the second block is shaped as a substantially triangular block extending longitudinally between two opposed ends that are a first end of the second block and a second end of the second block.

14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the second block is shaped as a substantially equilateral triangle in cross section in a plane that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis extending between the first end of the second block and the second end of the second block.

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the at least one sensing module comprises at least one sensor that is configured to be attached to at least one sloped portion of the second block that is substantially triangular with at least a portion of the at least one sensor being exposed outside the second block.

16. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the third block is a substantially triangular block extending longitudinally between two opposed ends that are a first end of the third block and a second end of the third block.

17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the third block is shaped as a substantially right-angled triangle in cross-section in a plane that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis extending between the first end of the third block and the second end of the third block.

18. As apparatus as claimed in claims 16 or 17, wherein the at least one display screen of the at least one display module is configured to be attached to a sloped portion of the third block that is substantially triangular with at least a portion of the display screen being exposed outside the third block.

19. An apparatus as claimed in claim any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the display module comprises at least one button that is configured to be attached to a sloped portion of the substantially triangular block and at least a portion of the button exposed outside the third block.

20. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 19, wherein the fourth block is a substantially triangular block extending longitudinally between two opposed ends that are a first end of the fourth block and a second end of the fourth block.

21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the fourth block is shaped as a substantially right-angled triangle in cross-section in a plane that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis extending between the first end of the fourth block and the second end of the fourth block.

22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein at least one solar panel is configured to be attached to a sloped portion of the fourth block that is substantially triangular with at least a portion of the solar panel is exposed outside the fourth block.

23. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein apparatus is a handheld apparatus.

24. A modular electronic apparatus, the apparatus comprising a plurality of blocks each block being or at least partially housing an electronic module, and each block being configured to be detachably mounted together to form a single block having at least one sloped surface facing external to the apparatus, the single block longitudinally extending between a front surface and a rear surface located opposite to each other with the first end of each of the plurality of blocks forming the front surface of the single block and the second end of the plurality of blocks forming the rear surface of the single block.

25. An apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein the single block is of a substantially polygonal structure.

26. An apparatus as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein the single block is of a substantially triangular structure.

27. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the apparatus is an interactive educational apparatus.

28. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein each of the plurality of blocks comprises at least one engagement portion that is configured to engage with at least one complementary engagement portion of another one of the plurality of blocks, and wherein the at least one engagement portion and the at least one complementary engagement portion are each made of at least one electrically conductive material.

29. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein the apparatus is an environmental condition monitoring apparatus configured to monitor one or more environmental conditions.

30. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 29, wherein apparatus is a handheld apparatus.