GB2579235A

GB2579235A - A system

Info

Publication number: GB2579235A
Application number: GB1819260.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lambert Piers
Original assignee: Linde GmbH
Current assignee: Linde GmbH
Priority date: 2018-11-27
Filing date: 2018-11-27
Publication date: 2020-06-17
Also published as: GB201819260D0

Abstract

A system comprising a compressed gas cylinder 1 comprising a sensor 16, such as a pressure sensor, for determining a condition of the cylinder, such as fill level, a first processor 12 in communication with the sensor and an acoustic signal generator 14, such as a speaker, which can generate an audible signal 32, and a base unit 2 comprising a network connector 29, a first microphone 28 for receiving the acoustic signal, and a second processor 22 which receives and interprets the microphone signal and relays a signal to the network adapter. In some embodiments the acoustic signal is a spoken-word alarm signal.

Description

A SYSTEM

The present invention relates to an improved system incorporating a compressed gas cylinder.

Recent developments have seen internet connectivity introduced to gas cylinder systems. Such gas cylinder systems with internet connectivity may be known as "smart" systems. These systems may also be referred to as being a part of the Internet of things" (loT).

Generally, the connectivity afforded by these smart cylinders allows for a number of monitoring functionalities to be automated. This monitoring can then be used to automatically trigger any required further actions. For example, a sensor may detect that a gas cylinder is nearly empty and communicate with the internet to order a replacement or a refill of the cylinder. Examples of such systems may be found in at least WO 2016/146765 Al and EP 3 373 265 Al, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Typically, the cylinders have been connected to the internet themselves either wirelessly or wired. Alternatively, some solutions see individual cylinders provided with a means for wireless communication (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) with a central base hub.

Each individual cylinder transmits local information to the base hub. The base hub is then connected to the internet and carries out any processing of this information and carries out any additional action which needs to be taken.

This wireless connectivity between the smart cylinder and the base station can often be disrupted by a number of factors. These include other items of equipment, construction materials such as thick brick walls or metal in the way or other physical limitations. This therefore places reliance upon the strength of the wireless signal for the transmittal of information and data to the base station in order to correctly send the information on. If the wireless signal is compromised in any manner, then the data transmission is likewise compromised.

There is therefore a need for an improved system.

A system according to the present invention is provided according to claim 1. The system comprises: a compressed gas cylinder comprising: a sensor for determining a condition of the cylinder and generating an electrical signal indicative thereof; a first processor in electrical communication with the sensor; and a first acoustic signal generator for generating a first acoustic signal in response to an electrical signal from the first processor, a base unit comprising: a network connector for connecting the base unit to the internet; a first microphone for receiving the first acoustic signal and converting it to an electrical signal; and a second processor in electrical communication with the network connection and the transducer, the second processor arranged to receive and interpret the electrical signal and transmit a further electrical signal to the network connector in response.

This system allows improved communication between the smart cylinder and base station, in particular in environments which are not conducive to traditional wireless connections.

The sensor may be arranged to detect a fill level of the cylinder and transmit an electrical signal indicative thereof to the first processor. This is typically a condition which is relevant to a user.

The sensor may be arranged to detect a fault in the compressed gas cylinder. This is a further condition which is useful to communicate to a user.

The second processor may be configured to transmit a signal for ordering a refill, replacement or repair of the compressed gas cylinder to the network connector. This allows a user to easily take further action upon learning the condition of the cylinder.

The cylinder may further comprise a second microphone in electrical communication with the first processor. This allows the base unit to communicate back to the cylinder via an audible signal.

The first processor may be configured to detect a signal from the second microphone indicative of ambient noise before transmitting the electrical signal to the first acoustic signal generator to generate the first acoustic signal. This allows the acoustic signal to be adjusted to compensate for background noise.

The first processor may be configured to compare the signal indicative of the ambient noise to a predetermined threshold and transmit the electrical signal to the first acoustic signal generator to generate the first acoustic signal when the signal indicative of the ambient noise is below the threshold. This helps in generating a signal which can easily be heard and/or received.

The first processor may be configured to adjust the electrical signal to the first acoustic signal generator and hence the first acoustic signal in response to the signal indicative of the ambient noise. This helps in generating a signal which can easily be heard and/or received.

The base unit may comprise a second acoustic signal generator in electrical communication with the second processor for generating a second acoustic signal. This allows the base unit to transmit an audible signal, either to the cylinder or to a user.

The first acoustic signal may be an audible signal. An audible signal can also notify a user.

The first acoustic signal may have a frequency in the range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

This is typically within the bounds of a human user's hearing.

The first acoustic signal may be a spoken word signal. A spoken work signal can be easily understood by a human user.

The processor of the gas cylinder may be electrically isolated from any internet connection.

The system may further comprise a plurality of compressed gas cylinders each comprising: a sensor for determining a condition of the cylinder and generating an electrical signal indicative thereof; a first processor in electrical communication with the sensor; and a first acoustic signal generator for generating a first acoustic signal in response to an electrical signal from the first processor. The plurality of gas cylinders can easily communicate with the base station as discussed above.

A method of communication between a compressed gas cylinder and a network connector for connecting to the internet is provided according to claim 15. The method comprising: detecting a condition of the cylinder via a sensor; transmitting an acoustic signal indicative of the condition from an acoustic signal generator; receiving the acoustic signal at a microphone of a base unit; processing the acoustic signal via a processor of the base unit; and transmitting an electrical signal from the processor to a network connector of the base unit. This achieves the benefits as discussed above with respect to claim 1.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with respect to the accompanying Figures in which: Figure 1 depicts a schematic of a system; and Figure 2 depicts an application of the system.

Figure 1 shows a schematic of a system 100. The system 100 comprises a cylinder package 1 and a base station 2. The cylinder package 1 comprises a first processor 12 and an acoustic signal generator, in the form of a sounder or speaker 14 connected thereto. Preferably the acoustic signal generator is an audible signal generator configured to generate an signal which may be audible to a human. In particular, this may be in the range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. There may be layered non-audible signals in combination with an audible signal.

The speaker 14 is able to generate a first audible signal 32 in response to an electrical signal which is sent to it by the first processor 12. The first processor 12 is further connected to a sensor 16 which may be arranged to detect a condition of the cylinder 1.

In various embodiments, the sensor 16 may detect the fill level of the cylinder 1. Typically, the sensor 16 may be a pressure sensor to determine the fill level. Alternatively, any other suitable sensor may be used such as temperature and/or acoustic sensing. Alternatively, the sensor 16 could determine the structural integrity of the cylinder 1 such as by examining for leaks or potential damage. A further alternative sensor 16 could detect a period of non-use of the cylinder 1. A plurality of sensors 16 may be provided detecting multiple conditions of the cylinder 1. On receiving the signal from the sensor 16 the processor 12 sends a signal to the speaker 14 instructing the speaker 14 to generate the audible signal 32 which is indicative of the state of the cylinder 1. The audible signal 32 may be a spoken word signal which can be understood by a human 4 in the vicinity in order to communicate the condition of the cylinder 1 both to the human 4 and the base station 2. Alternatively, the audible signal 32 may be a series of beeps. The audible signal 32 may have a different pattern or characteristic (such as frequency, amplitude, etc.) to identify the condition of the cylinder 1.

One or more of the speaker 14, sensor 16, and/or processor 12 may be integrated into a housing of the cylinder 1.

The base unit 2 comprises a transducer, in the form of a microphone 28, which is able to convert an audible signal 32 into am electrical signal. This microphone 28 receives the audible signal 32 which may be more conducive for transmission in certain environments. The microphone 28 converts the audible signal 32 to an electrical signal. This electrical signal is then transmitted to a second processor 22 within the base unit 2. The base unit 2 further comprises a network connector 29 which can be connected to the internet 5. This may be in the form of a wired or wireless internet connection.

In this manner, the cylinder 1 is able to communicate with the base station 2 to transmit status information using audible signals. The base station 2 then interprets the audible signals and carries out any necessary further actions. For example, the processor 22 of the base station 2 may send a signal to the network connector 29 which triggers the ordering of a replacement or refill of the cylinder 1. If the cylinder 1 is detected as damaged, a repair or maintenance of the cylinder 1 may be ordered.

In preferential embodiments, the base station 2 may be a commercially available "smart speaker" or other household management devices. Examples of which include an Amazon Echo or Apple HomePod. This allows smart functionality to be imparted in a household system to a cylinder 1 which is only required to have an audible transmitter. As a result, the cylinder 1 does not require more complex components to allow it to connect to the internet.

In alternative embodiments, the cylinder 1 may comprise a second microphone 18 connected to the first processor 12. The second microphone 18 is configured to detect an audible signal 34 and convert this to an electrical signal which is transmitted to the first processor 12. The audible signal 34 may also be indicative of the ambient noise around the cylinder 1. The processor 12 may then use this indication of the ambient noise to improve the transmission of the audible signal 32. For example, the processor 12 may compare the ambient noise to a predetermined threshold. If the ambient noise is too loud and above the predetermined threshold the processor 12 may hold on transmitting the first audible signal 32. Once the ambient noise reduces below the predetermined threshold the processor 12 may continue and transmit the first audible signal 32. Alternatively, or in addition, the processor 12 may alter the instruction signal to the speaker 14 on the basis of the signal from the microphone 18. For example, the processor may instruct the speaker 14 to transmit a louder first audible signal 32 to compensate for any ambient noise.

The base unit 2 may comprise a speaker 24. This speaker 24 may allow the base unit 2 to transmit a further audible signal 36 from the base unit 2 to the cylinder 1 or the human 4. This may allow the base unit 2 to confirm the content of the first audible signal 32 with the cylinder 1. Alternatively, or in addition, this may allow the base unit 2 to confirm any further actions with the human 4.

The system 100 may further comprise a plurality of cylinders 1, each of which having the components discussed above.

Figure 2 shows an application of the system 100. The cylinder 1 is provided in an enclosed space 6 distant from the base unit 2. The building materials in the enclosed space 6 may inhibit the transmission of wireless internet signals between the cylinder 1 and the base unit 2. However, an audible signal 32 may be better able to transmit between the two. Alternatively, the system 100 may be provided in an environment where wireless internet signals cannot be used as they would interfere with other electrical components.

In a particular embodiment, the system 100 may be adapted for use in a home environment with a vulnerable individual. The system 100 may include a sensor for detecting that the vulnerable individual is unresponsive. For example, the sensor may detect that the cylinder has not been used for a time longer than a predetermined period.

Alternatively, the cylinder may periodically emit an audible signal to confirm the status of the individual. If the individual does not provide a suitable audible response to the first audible signal 32 from the cylinder 1 the hub unit 2 may alert another party (such as emergency services or family members) that there may be an issue with the individual. This allows the system 100 to monitor for emergency situations in a home environment, such as for a user of oxygen cylinders.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A system comprising: a compressed gas cylinder comprising: a sensor for determining a condition of the cylinder and generating an electrical signal indicative thereof; a first processor in electrical communication with the sensor; and a first acoustic signal generator for generating a first acoustic signal in response to an electrical signal from the first processor, a base unit comprising: a network connector for connecting the base unit to the Internet; a first microphone for receiving the first acoustic signal and converting it to an electrical signal; and a second processor in electrical communication with the network connection and the transducer, the second processor arranged to receive and interpret the electrical signal and transmit a further electrical signal to the network connector in response.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is arranged to detect a fill level of the cylinder and transmit an electrical signal indicative thereof to the first processor.
3. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the sensor is arranged to detect a fault in the compressed gas cylinder.
4. The system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the second processor is configured to transmit a signal for ordering a refill, replacement or repair of the compressed gas cylinder to the network connector.
5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the cylinder further comprises a second microphone in electrical communication with the first processor.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first processor is configured to detect a signal from the second microphone indicative of ambient noise before transmitting the electrical signal to the first acoustic signal generator to generate the first acoustic signal.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first processor is configured to compare the signal indicative of the ambient noise to a predetermined threshold and transmit the electrical signal to the first acoustic signal generator to generate the first acoustic signal when the signal indicative of the ambient noise is below the threshold.
8. The system of claim 6 or 7, wherein the first processor is configured to adjust the electrical signal to the first acoustic signal generator and hence the first acoustic signal in response to the signal indicative of the ambient noise.
9. The system of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the base unit comprises a second acoustic signal generator in electrical communication with the second processor for generating a second acoustic signal.
10. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the first acoustic signal is an audible signal.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first acoustic signal has a frequency in the range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.
12. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the first acoustic signal is a spoken
13. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the processor of the gas cylinder is electrically isolated from any internet connection.
14. The system of any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of compressed gas cylinders each comprising: a sensor for determining a condition of the cylinder and generating an electrical signal indicative thereof; a first processor in electrical communication with the sensor; and a first acoustic signal generator for generating a first acoustic signal in response to an electrical signal from the first processor.
15. A method of communication between a compressed gas cylinder and a network connector for connecting to the internet comprising: detecting a condition of the cylinder via a sensor; transmitting an acoustic signal indicative of the condition from an acoustic signal generator; receiving the acoustic signal at a microphone of a base unit; processing the acoustic signal via a processor of the base unit; and transmitting an electrical signal from the processor to a network connector of the base unit.