TW201719138A - Apparatus and method for analysing ambient air - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides situation-related analysis of the air quality of ambient air. To this end, the activity of an air sensor for measuring a gas or a particle content in the ambient air may be adapted in a situation-dependent manner on the basis of at least one further surroundings-related parameter.

Description

Apparatus and method for analyzing ambient air

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for analyzing ambient air.

Sensors for measuring air quality are becoming more and more important. Here, in order to analyze the air quality, a particle sensor that analyzes a particle content in the air is first used. Furthermore, gas sensor systems that facilitate a quantitative and/or qualitative analysis of a particular gas in ambient air are also known.

Document DE 10 2009 046 457 A1 discloses a particle sensor for detecting particles in a gas stream. The particle sensor comprises a film, a film heater, and at least two measuring electrodes disposed on the film for measuring conductivity.

A sensor for analyzing air quality can be installed in a machine that is fixedly mounted in a position and then set in a position-specific manner such that it can periodically supply measured values. Furthermore, actions (especially portable) devices for analyzing air quality are known. In general terms, such a machine contains an electrical energy storage as an energy source such as, for example, a battery.

The present invention discloses an apparatus for analyzing ambient air having the features of claim 1 and a feature having the feature of claim 9 A method of analyzing ambient air.

Therefore, the following is a device for analyzing ambient air, which comprises an air sensor, a detector, and a control device. The air sensor is assembled to detect a gas or particle content in ambient air. The detector is assembled to monitor a surrounding related parameter. Again, the detector is assembled to output a detector signal corresponding to the monitored parameter. The control device is configured to control the activity of the air sensor depending on the detector signal.

Furthermore, the following is a method for measuring/analysing ambient air comprising a step for providing an air sensor. Here, the air sensor is assembled to detect a gas or particle content in the ambient air. The method further comprises the steps of: monitoring a surrounding related parameter by a detector; and adapting the activity of the air sensor depending on the monitored surrounding parameters. Again, such a method can include a step for using the air sensor to analyze the ambient air.

Furthermore, the following is a mobile phone comprising a device for analyzing ambient air in accordance with the present invention.

Advantages of the invention

The present invention is based on the discovery that continuous monitoring of air quality by an air sensor requires a significant amount of energy. Furthermore, the present invention is based on the finding that the air quality of the ambient air is unchanged, or at least only very slowly, in terms of other surrounding parameters that are fixed.

The present invention is therefore based on the concept to consider this finding and to provide an option by which the energy consumption for measuring ambient air can be reduced. To this end, the present invention provides at least one further surrounding related parameter to be monitored for analysis of ambient air and for analysis of ambient air adapted to depend on this further surrounding related parameter. For example, an air sensor for monitoring the air quality of ambient air may remain out of operation until the monitoring of the further surrounding related parameter indicates a change in the surrounding related parameters. In this case, the likelihood that a change in the previous measurement for analyzing the ambient air may have been caused is increased, and an updated measurement is appropriate.

The energy consumption for monitoring air quality can be significantly reduced by measurement or analysis of this condition of ambient air. Using this, for example, for a mobile, battery-powered machine having a device for analyzing ambient air according to the present invention, it is possible to use the energy storage device for a relatively long period of time without charging. During the period. Furthermore, due to lower energy requirements, it is also possible to use a smaller and more cost effective energy storage. As a result, production costs are declining.

Moreover, due to the adaptation of the activity of the air sensor, the air sensor may be completely or at least partially shut down, even for a relatively long period of time. Therefore, the operational time of the air sensor is reduced, which results in an increase in the expected service life of the air sensor.

Advantageous embodiments and developments are apparent from the accompanying claims and claims of the claims.

In one embodiment, the detector for monitoring surrounding related parameters includes at least one humidity sensor, one temperature sensor, one pressure sensor, and one brightness sensing. A gas sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a position detector, a radio receiver, and/or a microphone. In particular, the position detector can for example comprise a GPS receiver. Furthermore, it is also possible to determine the location by evaluating the radio signal, especially by means of, for example, triangulation or the like. If the change among the separately monitored surrounding parameters is determined by the detector, it is indicated that the basic condition for the device for analyzing ambient air has moved or for an unmoved device has changed. However, changes in air quality are expected to be highly probable in both cases, and thus further analysis of the ambient air is indicated.

In one embodiment, the air sensor comprises a pump device. The pump unit is configurable to produce an adjustable volumetric flow of ambient air. For example, this volumetric flow of ambient air can be used to analyze a gas or particle content in this volumetric flow. Here, the control device can be adapted to adapt the volumetric flow generated by the pump device depending on the detector signal. For example, the volumetric flow rate of the pumping device can be reduced, or the pumping device can be completely shut down as long as the detector does not detect any change in the surrounding parameters of the monitoring. In contrast, if the detector detects a change in the surrounding related parameters, the volumetric flow produced by the pumping device can be increased, or a previously stopped pumping device can be activated.

In another embodiment, the air sensor comprises a particle sensor having a deflectable micromirror. Here, the control device can be adapted to adapt or start/stop the deflection of the micromirror depending on the detector signal. For example, the micromirror of the particle sensor may cease to function because there is no change in the surrounding related parameters monitored as detected by the detector. In contrast, if a change in the surrounding related parameters is detected, the micromirror The deflection system can be activated, and thus an extended analysis of the particles can be implemented in a scanning region of the beam deflected by the micromirror.

In yet another embodiment, the air sensor comprises a heating device. In particular, the air sensor can comprise, for example, a gas sensor having a heating device. The control device can be configured to adapt the heating power of the heating device depending on the detector signal. For example, the power of the heating device can be reduced, or the heating device may be completely shut down as long as there is no change in the surrounding parameters of the monitoring detected by the detector. After a change in the surrounding parameters of the monitoring, the heating power of the heating device can be increased, or a previously stopped heating device can be activated.

In still another embodiment, the apparatus for analyzing ambient air includes a timer. This timer can be assembled to activate the air sensor at adjustable time intervals. Here, the control device can be equipped to adapt the time interval of the timer depending on the detector signal. For example, the timer may periodically activate the air sensor at a first time interval as long as there is no change in the surrounding related parameters monitored by the detector. The timer may activate the air sensor at a second time interval if a change in the surrounding related parameter is detected, the second time interval being shorter than the first time interval.

In yet another embodiment, the control device is configured to adapt the activity of the air sensor depending on the detection of the air sensor. For example, the air sensor may operate in a first mode with lower energy consumption as long as the detection of the air sensor is complete or at least approximately fixed. In contrast, if the air sensor is indicative of a change in the detection result, the air sensor can switch to another mode in which, for example, more energy is required.

In still another embodiment of the method for analyzing ambient air, adapting the The steps of the activity of the air sensor include the activation or deactivation of the air sensor.

In this regard, for the sake of expediency, the above configuration and development can be combined as desired. Further possible configurations, developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations (not explicitly specified) of the features of the invention described above or below in connection with the exemplary embodiments. In particular, those skilled in the art can also add individual points of view as improvements or additions to the respective basic forms of the invention.

1‧‧‧ Equipment

10‧‧‧Air Sensor

20‧‧‧Detector

30‧‧‧Control device

100‧‧‧Mobile Phone

110‧‧‧Input device

120‧‧‧ display device

130‧‧‧Electric energy storage

140‧‧‧ openings

S1-S4‧‧‧ steps

Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in more detail based on an exemplary embodiment specified in the schematic diagram of the drawings. In more detail: FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an apparatus for analyzing ambient air according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a mobile phone including an apparatus for analyzing ambient air according to an embodiment; And Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a flow chart forming the basis for a method according to one embodiment.

In all the figures, the same or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols, unless otherwise specified.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an apparatus 1 for analyzing ambient air, according to one embodiment. Apparatus 1 includes an air sensor 10, a detector 20, and a control unit 30. For example, the air sensor 10 can be a particle sensor that detects a particle content in the ambient air to be analyzed. The ambient air surrounds the air or gas mixture of the air sensor 10 and is therefore analyzed by the air sensor 10. Additionally or alternatively, the air sensor 10 can also be configured to detect one or more predetermined substances in ambient air, particularly Scheduled gas.

Detector 20 can be a detector that is assembled to monitor at least one surrounding related parameter. For example, detector 20 can be a humidity sensor that is configured to detect ambient humidity and provide an output signal corresponding to the detected humidity. For example, the change in humidity is indicative of an altered environmental condition. For example, if a window in a room is opened, the moisture content around it may change. In this case, further possible changes in the parameters of the air quality of the ambient air are also expected.

Furthermore, detector 20 can also include a temperature sensor that provides an output signal corresponding to the temperature captured by detector 20. A change in temperature may also provide an indication of a change in air quality in the ambient air of the apparatus 1 for analyzing ambient air. For example, an additional heating system may be an indication that the device 1 for analyzing ambient air has moved to a different location. However, it is also conceivable for the heating system to cause a change in the air quality at a constant position.

Furthermore, the detector 20 can also include a pressure sensor. A pressure sensor system can also provide an indication of changes in air quality. For example, the activation or deactivation of ventilation in a room may change the air pressure in the room and there may be variations in air quality parameters during the process. Furthermore, the detector 20 can also comprise, for example, a brightness sensor or alternatively a camera. An evaluation that changes brightness or may be image data from a camera may also provide an indication of a change in the underlying conditions, as a result of which changes in air quality will be expected.

Again, detector 20 can include, for example, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like. The sensors are available for equipment 1 for analyzing ambient air An indication of the movement. Furthermore, a position detector or the like can also detect the movement of the device 1 for analyzing ambient air. If the detector 20 detects the movement of the device 1 for analyzing ambient air, the change in ambient air will also be expected due to it.

Furthermore, detector 20 is optionally also included as a microphone. If the microphone detects a change in the volume around it, this may be an indication that the device 1 for analyzing ambient air has moved or may have changed around. For example, an increase in volume may be an indication that an object or one or more persons have approached the device 1 for analyzing ambient air. For example, a motor vehicle or the like with a gas turbine may already be close to the device 1 for analyzing ambient air. Also in this case, changes in the air quality of ambient air and especially ambient air will be expected.

Moreover, detector 20 can also include a radio receiver. For example, the radio receiver can receive the signal directly, which triggers further actions. For example, the measurement of the air quality by the sensor 10 can be initiated. Moreover, the radio receiver can also receive signals by which it is possible to locate and determine the location of the device 1 for analyzing ambient air. In this way, it is optionally also possible to detect the movement of the device 1 for analyzing ambient air. In addition to these, additional means for monitoring one or more surrounding related parameters by detector 20 are equally possible.

If the detector 20 detects a change in at least one of the surrounding related parameters, it is expected that there is a change in the air quality of the ambient air surrounding the apparatus 1 for analyzing the ambient air. Otherwise, that is, if the detector 20 detects no change in the surrounding parameters of the monitoring, or only minimal changes, no significant change in the air quality of the ambient air surrounding the device 1 for analyzing ambient air is expected For high possibilities. Based on these assumptions, the control device 30 can depend on the inspection The detector signal provided by the detector 20 controls the activity of the air sensor 10. For this purpose, control device 30 first receives one or more detector signals, each corresponding to at least one surrounding related parameter. For example, for this purpose, control device 30 can compare the detector signals provided by detector 20 with corresponding previous detector signals continuously or at predetermined time intervals. If a newly received detector signal and a corresponding previous detector signal deviate by more than a predetermined threshold, the control device 30 can be, for example, inferred in the environment of the device 1 for analyzing ambient air. Changes in conditions. In this case, if there is a change in environmental conditions, the air sensor 10 can be activated, for example by performing a corresponding measurement of ambient air. In contrast, if the control device 30 determines that there is no change or no significant change in environmental conditions, the air sensor 10 can be deactivated. Alternatively, it is also possible for the air sensor 10 to switch to the standby mode or to another mode of operation with reduced power consumption. Details of the actuation of the condition of the air sensor 10 by the control device 30 are described in more detail below.

For example, air sensor 10 can include a pumping device that directs an adjustable volumetric flow of ambient air through a sensor element. For this purpose, in particular, for example, a micropump or the like is possible. For example, the volumetric flow of ambient air can be directed through a beam, especially a laser beam. A detector element disposed opposite the light source detects incident light and provides an output signal corresponding to the incident light. In this case, the pump power of the pumping device can be adapted, for example by the control device 30, based on the evaluation of the detector signal from the detector 20. As long as there is no change, or no significant change is detected in the surrounding relevant parameters, the power of the pump unit can be reduced or the pump unit can be completely stopped. After the change in the at least one surrounding related parameter is detected by the detector 20, the power of the pumping device can be increased or a shutdown of the pumping system can be activated to enable accurate analysis of the air quality in the airflow.

Furthermore, the air sensor 10 can also include a sensor device having a micromirror. For example, a focused laser system can be deflected in one or two spatial directions by the micromirror device. As a result, it is possible to detect particles outside the casing by the micromirror device by scanning the laser. In this case, the deflection of the micromirrors and the emission of the laser light require most of the energy necessary by the device 1. Therefore, the laser source and deflection device of the micromirrors may cease to function, as long as there is no change, or no significant change is detected in the surrounding related parameters captured by the detector 20. Alternatively, even if there is no change, or no significant change is detected in the surrounding related parameters, it is possible that only the deflection of the micromirrors is stopped and the laser light continues to be emitted. Therefore, in the latter case, it is possible to continue the detection of particles in the direction of the beam of the laser beam. After detecting a change in the monitored surrounding related parameters by the detector 20, the micromirror device can then be fully activated, causing the laser beam system to move from the micromirror device to one or two spaces. The direction is deflected in a target manner and the complete capture of the particles in the periphery of the micromirror device can be performed by a scanning laser beam.

Moreover, the air sensor 10 can also include a heating device that heats the air sensor 10 to a predetermined temperature. For example, such a heating device can comprise a conductor structure having an ohmic resistor. Such a heating device for an air sensor is particularly useful for gas sensors that detect one or more gaseous species in ambient air. Here, for example, the heating power of the heating device can be lowered as long as there is no change or significant change in the surrounding related parameters as detected by the detector 20. After detecting a change in the monitored surrounding related parameters by the detector 20, the heating power of the heating device can be increased to establish the boundary conditions necessary for the complete and reliable action of the air sensor 10.

Furthermore, it is also possible for the air sensor 10 to be separated at predetermined time intervals. A measurement for detecting the content of gas or particles in ambient air is implemented. For this purpose, the air sensor 10 can be activated periodically, for example by means of a timer. The time interval for activating the air sensor 10 can be adapted in this case by the control device 30. In particular, the time interval by which the timer is used to activate the air sensor 10 may be adapted depending on the detection result of the detector 20. If the detector 20 detects no change, or no significant change in the surrounding related parameters, there may be a periodic measurement by the air sensor 10 at the first time interval. In contrast, if the detector 20 detects a change in the surrounding related parameters, the time intervals can be shortened, so that the air sensor 10 now performs a cycle at a second, shorter time interval. Measurement. Alternatively, a multi-stage adaptation system depending on the time interval of the detection results of the detector 20 is also possible.

Moreover, it is also possible for the activity of the air sensor 10 to be adapted depending on the detection result of the air sensor 10. For example, the air sensor 10 can initially perform a measurement in its first mode of operation with reduced energy consumption. If a change in the measurement result is detected during this analysis of the ambient air of the air sensor 10 in the first mode of operation with reduced energy consumption, the air sensor 10 can be immediately Switch to the second operating mode. Immediately, the analysis of the more precise and/or extended ambient air is possible in this second mode of operation. Alternatively, this second mode of operation may require more energy for the air sensor 10. For example, with one of the pump devices described above, an air sensor 10 may be configured to deliver a smaller air flow through the pump device in a first mode of operation. If a change in the measurement result is determined beyond a predetermined threshold, the delivery power of the pumping device can be increased to perform a more accurate measurement of its higher volumetric flow rate in a further mode of operation. The same can be said, for example, for it The above-described air sensor 10 of a micromirror device initially emits only one beam in the first mode of operation, with no deflection of the micromirror device. If a change in the measurement is detected beyond a predetermined threshold, the deflection of the micromirror device can be initiated immediately, so that an extended measurement is subsequently performed by the deflected micromirror.

2 is a schematic diagram showing a mobile phone 100 that includes an apparatus 1 for analyzing ambient air, in accordance with one embodiment. In addition to the device 1 for analyzing ambient air, the mobile phone 100 further includes additional components such as, for example, an input device 110 and a display device 120. Furthermore, the mobile phone 100 can also include an electrical energy storage 130 such as, for example, a battery. For example, the air sensor 10 of the device 1 for analyzing ambient air can be disposed in an opening 140 of the mobile phone 100.

3 is a schematic diagram showing a flow chart as a basis for forming a method for analyzing ambient air according to one embodiment. Here, in particular, the method comprises the step S1 of providing an air sensor 10. The air sensor 10 can be assembled to detect a gas or a particle content in ambient air. Again, the method includes the step S2 of monitoring a surrounding specific parameter by the detector 20. Here, this can be monitored with respect to any surrounding specific parameters, as already described in connection with the apparatus 1 for analyzing ambient air. At a step S3, the activity of the air sensor 10 is adapted depending on the monitored surrounding parameters. At a step S4, the ambient air is analyzed using the air sensor 10. Here, the step S3 for adapting the activity of the air sensor may in particular comprise the start or stop operation of the air sensor. Furthermore, adapting the activity of the air sensor can also include switching the air sensor 10 to a predetermined mode of operation. Again, such a method may also include any further steps performed in conjunction with the corresponding apparatus for analyzing ambient air.

In summary, the present invention relates to an analysis of a situation in ambient air. For this purpose, the activity of an air sensor for measuring the content of a gas or a particle in ambient air can be adapted in a situation-dependent manner based on at least one further surrounding related parameter.

1‧‧‧ Equipment

10‧‧‧Air Sensor

20‧‧‧Detector

30‧‧‧Control device

Claims (10)

An apparatus (1) for analyzing ambient air, comprising: an air sensor (10) configured to detect a gas or particle content in the ambient air; a detector (20) that is a detector signal that is configured to monitor a surrounding related parameter and output a parameter corresponding to the monitored; and a control device (30) that is configured to control the air sensor (10) depending on the detector signal activity. The device (1) of claim 1, wherein the detector (20) comprises a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a brightness sensor, and a gas sensing , an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a position detector, a radio receiver, and/or a microphone. The apparatus (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the air sensor (10) comprises a pump device that is assembled to generate an adjustable volume flow of the ambient air; and wherein the control The device (30) is configured to adapt the volumetric flow of the pump device depending on the detector signal. The apparatus (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the air sensor (10) comprises a particle sensor having a deflectable micromirror; and wherein the control device (30) is The assembly adjusts the deflection of the micromirror depending on the detector signal. The apparatus (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the air sensor (10) comprises a heating device; Wherein the control device (30) is adapted to adapt the heating power of the heating device depending on the detector signal. The apparatus (1) of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a timer configured to activate the air sensor (10) at an adjustable time interval; and wherein the control device (30) The system is equipped to adjust the time interval of the timer depending on the detector signal. The apparatus (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device (30) is further assembled to adapt the air sensor (10) depending on a detection event of the air sensor (10) activity. A mobile phone (100) comprising a device (1) for analyzing ambient air as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7. A method for analyzing ambient air comprising the steps of: providing (S1) an air sensor (10) that is assembled to detect a gas or particle content in the ambient air; with a detector ( 20) monitoring (S2) a surrounding related parameter; adapting (S3) the activity of the air sensor (10) depending on the monitored surrounding parameters; and using the air sensor (10) for analysis (S4) The ambient air. The method of claim 9, wherein the step (S3) of adapting the activity of the air sensor (10) activates or stops operating the air sensor (10).