Chemical sensors for detection and display of environmental hazards

Described herein are systems and methods for coupling environmental hazard detection and actuation of a wearable chemical sensor at a molecular level. The chemical sensor may be a wearable chemical sensor implemented as a powder, cream, lacquer or other wearable construct. The wearable chemical sensor may detect exposure to various environmental hazards and provide an analog means (e.g., a range of color changes) of indicating the level of environmental hazard exposure.

BACKGROUND

There are various technologies designed to detect environmental hazards. However, the direct integration of those technologies for personal use is extremely limited for various reasons. For example, the detection and communication of exposure to environmental hazards to individuals typically involves the use of multiple devices as part of electronic computing systems, which can be cumbersome to adapt for daily use because of the necessity of carrying one or more devices associated with the electronic computing systems in order to receive exposure feedback. Individuals may find doing so both cumbersome and unattractive depending on the size and rigidity of the devices involved. Further, because electronic devices inherently require power in order to remain active, individuals may find that the annoyance of charging the batteries associated with such devices is an annoyance that does not warrant their use.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein provide a wearable chemical sensor that is implemented as a powder, a cream, a patch, a lacquer, or other wearable construct. The wearable chemical sensor detects exposure to various pollutants or environmental hazards and provides an analog output comprising a range of color changes to indicate the exposure level to the environmental hazard or pollutant. The range of color changes are provided through one or more chemical reactions or responses related to that exposure.

In a first aspect, a wearable chemical sensor includes a first layer for receiving a pollutant and a second layer underlying the first layer for producing a range of color changes over time through one or more chemical reactions that is based on a length of exposure to the pollutant or a concentration of the pollutant. The color changes in the range of color changes represent different exposure levels to the pollutant. In one embodiment, the chemical reaction is an isomerization reaction that includes a re-arrangement of atoms. In other embodiment, the chemical reaction is a conversion reaction that converts one or more chemicals or substances into one or more different chemicals or substances. In one embodiment, the wearable chemical sensor is a wearable powder chemical sensor.

In another aspect, a method includes receiving data from one or more electronic sensors in or connected to a client-computing device and analyzing the received data to determine a recommendation for a wearable chemical sensor. The wearable chemical sensor is configured to produce a range of color changes over time through one or more chemical reactions (conversion or a re-arrangement of atoms) that is based on a length of exposure to the pollutant or a concentration of the pollutant. The analysis includes the use of a machine learning process that determines the recommendation based on one or more skin qualities associated with a user. The skin qualities include, but are not limited to, skin elasticity, ultraviolet radiation damage, skin color, and/or wrinkles. Once the recommendation is determined, a presentation of the recommendation is caused to be presented on a client-computing device.

In yet another aspect, a method of operating a wearable chemical sensor includes detecting a pollutant and producing a range of color changes over time through one or more chemical reactions (e.g., a conversion reaction or an isomerization reaction) that is based on a length of exposure to the pollutant or a concentration of the pollutant, the range of color changes representing exposure levels to the pollutant. One or more chemicals are released when an exposure level reaches a given exposure level. For example, the one or more chemicals can produce a tactile stimulation and/or provide a protectant. In one embodiment, the given exposure level is a level that approaches or is a harmful exposure level.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exposure to various environmental hazards is becoming increasingly important to individuals as the link of such exposure to negative health effects has been well documented and conveyed to the public. Exposure to such hazards often goes undetected, which can lead to minor health effects such as nausea or major health effects such as cancer and even death. For example, exposure to carbon monoxide is the cause of more than one-half of unpredicted fatal poisonings, exposure to ultraviolet radiation is linked to increased rates of skin cancer, and exposure to ozone has been linked to the exacerbation of lung disease and is especially harmful for individuals with chronic lung disease and those that suffer from asthma.

While there are technologies to detect environmental hazards, those technologies typically require power consumption and electronics (e.g., environmental hazard detection electronics which may be paired with other electronic devices such as mobile phones), and entire systems are cumbersome in use (e.g., they cannot be worn seamlessly on the body). For some individuals, applying powders and creams to various parts of their bodies is a daily habitual practice. Whether decorative or medicinal, the use of such compositions is meant to blend seamlessly with the body during application and be easily removable when desired.

Aspects of the current disclosure provide systems, methods and compositions which couple environmental hazard detection and actuation at the molecular level in the form of wearable chemical sensors such as powders, creams, varnishes, and other compounds that may be applied and integrated on a human body. According to examples, wearable chemical sensors detect and provide an analog means of indicating levels of exposure to various environmental hazards, including carbon monoxide, ultraviolet radiation, and ozone. The indication of such exposure may be provided by a range of color changes of the chemical sensor through one or more chemical reactions related to that exposure. The indication of exposure may also be provided by a molecular change in the chemical sensor that produces a noticeable tactile response (e.g., tingling sensation, warming sensation, cooling sensation, etc.).

According to examples, wearable chemical sensors that provide indication of environmental hazard exposure through multiple color changes may be adapted and highly personalized for various geographies and skin colors. One or more pigments can be added to the chemical sensor (e.g., the chemical compound(s)) to produce or tune the wearable chemical sensors to have different fashionable, decorative, or given color characteristics. Various pigment and reactant combinations may be implemented in such wearable chemical sensors in order to create compounds that are aesthetically pleasing on a variety of skin tones, both when no environmental exposure has occurred (i.e., no chemical reaction and/or molecular change has occurred) and when one or more color changes of the chemical sensor has occurred (i.e., a chemical reaction and/or molecular change leading to color change has occurred). In addition to providing various aesthetically pleasing color tones, wearable chemical sensors may react at various exposure levels such that their application is tailored to various geographies and skin tones. For example, in the case of ultraviolet radiation exposure, a compound in a wearable chemical sensor may be tailored to darker skinned individuals such that a color changing reaction (ultraviolet radiation protectant reaction) occurs at exposure levels that are higher than for a wearable chemical sensors tailored for lighter skinned individuals who may burn easier.

Examples provide natural chemical indicators that detect environmental hazard input and generate analog output through color change and/or noticeable tactile responses, without the use of electronic components. This enables form factors which can be intimately connected to the human body, such as a fingernail-based pH Sensor. According to some aspects chemicals may be applied to the body in a manner resembling makeup or other topical medication such that their appearance upon application resembles natural body coloration. Further, upon detecting exposure to an environmental hazard, the chemicals may react and a resulting color change and/or noticeable tactile response may result, providing a means of communicating such exposure to individuals.

According other examples, in addition to providing a visible or tactile indication of environmental hazard exposure, wearable chemical sensors may be provided for activating one or more protectants when levels of exposure to an environmental hazard reach a threshold level. According to one example, a wearable chemical sensor may react when exposed to an environmental hazard and at a threshold level of exposure a chemical reaction and/or molecular change associated with a wearable chemical sensor may cause a protectant against the environmental hazard to be released. According to a specific example, upon reaching a threshold level of ultraviolet radiation exposure, a wearable chemical sensor may cause the SPF level of an applied ultraviolet radiation protectant (e.g., sunscreen) to increase. According to another example, burst nano particles may be triggered by a chemical reaction and/or molecular change associated with a wearable chemical sensor being exposed to a threshold level of an environmental hazard.

Systems and methods are provided herein for providing individuals with personalized wearable chemical sensor recommendations. For example, one or more computing devices may receive user information such as location data (e.g., GPS coordinates of a mobile device associated with the user), images of a user (e.g., from a camera application), application account information for a user (e.g., email, calendar, contacts, web browser history, etc.) and one or more recommendations may be provided to a user based on analyzing one or more pieces of data extracted from the user information. For example, facial recognition and analysis software may make a determination regarding the skin tone of a user and recommendations for specific wearable chemical sensors tailored to persons in a range of that skin tone may be provided to the user. Additionally, machine learning algorithms or techniques (e.g., a neural network that learns from and produces predictions based on data) may be implemented to analyze user skin changes as they relate to one or more skin qualities such as elasticity, ultraviolet radiation damage, wrinkles, etc. The machine learning may be implemented over time to provide relevant personalized wearable chemical sensor recommendations based on one or more skin qualities and their development over time. According to another example a determination may be made based on extracted calendar information (e.g., through one or more language model and/or machine learning) that a user is planning a trip to a tropical location and one or more wearable chemical sensors tailored to that environment may be provided to the user.

According to other examples, global data (e.g., data from the World Wide Web) which has been determined to be relevant to a user may also be analyzed and personalized recommendations may be further tailored to a user based on that analysis. For example, a determination may be made based on extracted user information that a user is planning a trip to Beijing. Given this information one or more web searches may be made related to Beijing, and one or more conditions as they relate to Beijing, such as weather information, climate information, pollution information, etc. Based on that information various analytics software engines may make determinations such as what the weather is likely to be during the user's planned travel, what the pollution is likely to be during the user's planned travel, etc. From those determinations recommendations may be further tailored for the user regarding a type of wearable chemical sensor that is likely to be useful or desirable for the user to apply during their planned trip.

According to other aspects, an application may be provided for processing an image of an applied wearable chemical sensor and providing an indication based on that processing of what type of exposure has occurred and the extent of that exposure. For example, a user that has applied an ultraviolet light chemical sensor to their face may utilize a camera (e.g., a camera on their mobile phone) and take an image of their face (e.g., a selfie). The user may then upload the image of their face to the application, which may analyze one or more patterns and/or colors in the image and make a determination as to the type of wearable chemical sensor that has been applied to the user, the type of exposure that has occurred (e.g., ultraviolet radiation) and the extent of that exposure (e.g., the amount of ultraviolet radiation that the chemical has absorbed).

FIG. 1illustrates an example wearable chemical sensor affixed on a user. In the representative embodiment, the user100has attached the wearable chemical sensor105to his or her arm, although this is not required. One or more wearable chemical sensors may each be affixed on any part of the body, such as a leg, the face, the neck, the chest, an arm, the hand, a finger, and/or a fingernail. The wearable chemical sensor105couples detection and color actuation at the molecular level. In one embodiment, this may be driven by a two-component system: an active component that senses input (e.g., environmental hazards and pollutants) and an output component that activates a corresponding output color change. In some cases, the two components can be coupled in a single chemical reaction. The wearable chemical sensor105can be configured as a powder, a patch, a mixed cream or lotion, or in any other suitable form of a wearable chemical sensor.

In the illustrated embodiment, the wearable chemical sensor105includes a first layer110, a second layer115that functions as an active component, and a third layer120that functions as an output component. Pollutants or environmental hazards125(e.g., ultraviolet (UV) light, ozone, carbon monoxide (CO)) are received by and pass through the first layer110(represented by arrow130) to be detected by the second layer115(e.g., pollutant135). The term pollutant is used in the description and is intended to be construed broadly to include pollutants (e.g., CO and ozone) and other environmental hazards, such as ultraviolet radiation.

In one embodiment, the second layer115reacts to the pollutant to produce a chemical response (e.g., a conversion reaction). The third layer120is positioned on or over the user's skin and includes a chemical sensing element that detects the chemical response produced by the second layer115and generates a color change by one or more chemical reactions. The color change varies based on the concentration of the pollutant and/or the length of exposure (e.g., amount of time) of the wearable chemical sensor105to the pollutant. The resulting color changes over time provide an analog means (e.g., a range of colors) of indicating levels of exposure to the pollutant. The color changes can be visually detectable by the user to alert the user to his or her exposure level over time.

In another embodiment, the pollutant (e.g., ultraviolet radiation) passes through the first and the second layers110,115to react with the third layer120and produce a conversion reaction or an isomerization reaction in the third layer120. The isomerization reaction transforms the first molecules in the third layer120into second molecules that have the same atoms as the atoms in the first molecule but the atoms in the second molecule have a different arrangement. The isomerization reaction causes the color to change over time. The color change varies based on the concentration of the pollutant and/or the length of exposure of the wearable chemical sensor105to the pollutant. Again, the resulting color changes over time provide an analog means (e.g., a range of colors) of indicating levels of exposure to the pollutant. The color changes can be visually detectable by the user to alert the user to his or her exposure level over time.

In one embodiment, the first layer110can be a polymeric barrier such as an adhesive that protects the wearable chemical sensor105and the user's skin. The second layer115positioned between the first layer110and the third layer120may be a permeable layer that allows the pollutants125to pass through and be detected by the third layer120. In one aspect, the first and the second layers110,115may be transparent or translucent to allow the color changes to be visible through the first and the second layers110,115.

Although the wearable chemical sensor105is described as including a first layer110and a second layer115disposed over the third layer120, other embodiments are not limited to this construction. In some aspects, a wearable chemical sensor can position or include one or more layers over the third layer120.

FIG. 2is a flowchart depicting an example method of operating a wearable chemical sensor. AlthoughFIG. 2is described in conjunction with a single wearable chemical sensor that detects one type of a pollutant, a user can apply multiple wearable chemical sensors in other embodiments. In such embodiments, the wearable chemical sensors can detect the same type of pollutant or different types of pollutants. Alternatively, a wearable chemical sensor can detect multiple types of pollutants and indicate the exposure to the multiple pollutants through color changes.

Initially, as shown in block200, a user applies a wearable chemical sensor to his or her skin. As previously discussed, the wearable chemical sensor can be a powder, a patch, a mixed cream or lotion, or any other suitable wearable chemical sensor. The wearable chemical sensor is then exposed to the environment (e.g., air) at block205. A determination is make as to whether the chemical sensor detects a pollutant (block210). If not, the wearable chemical sensor does not change color and the method waits at block210until the chemical sensor detects the pollutant. If the wearable chemical sensor detects the pollutant, the process passes to block215where the wearable chemical sensor changes color over time based on the length of exposure and/or the concentration of the pollutant. In some embodiments, the color changes over time transition from a first color to a second color. In other embodiments, a saturation or intensity of one color changes over time.

In some embodiments, a determination may be made as to whether the exposure level to the pollutant has reached a given level (block220). If not, the method waits at block220. If the exposure level has reached a given level at block220, the process passes to block225where the wearable chemical sensor releases one or more chemicals to produce a tactile stimulation and/or release a protectant. For example, the given level of exposure may be approaching a harmful exposure level and the wearable chemical sensor may be configured to produce (via one or more other chemical reactions) a tingling sensation, a thermal sensation (e.g., heat), or a cooling sensation to alert the user to the hazardous exposure level. Additionally or alternatively, a protectant against the environmental hazard can be released. In a non-limiting example, upon reaching a threshold level of UV radiation exposure, a wearable chemical sensor may cause the SPF level of an applied ultraviolet radiation protectant (e.g., sunscreen) to increase.

In some embodiments, a wearable chemical sensor can be used to detect carbon monoxide (CO), ultraviolet (UV) radiation, or ozone (O3). Wearable chemical sensors that detect each of these pollutants are now described in more detail.

Carbon Monoxide Chemical Sensor

CO is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that can occur indoors due to leaky appliances fueled by natural gas, or outdoor vehicle exhausts and coal burning systems. When inhaled, CO displaces the oxygen in the blood stream, which disrupts normal inspiratory function. With CO, 50 parts per million (ppm) is the maximum permissible exposure level in some environments, such as workplaces. Exposure beyond 100 ppm can be life threatening after three hours.

In one embodiment, a wearable chemical sensor (e.g., a CO chemical sensor) takes advantage of the oxidation of CO to carbon dioxide (CO2) by a palladium (II) complex. The PdSO4can be embedded in a material to produce a given color. For example, the PdSO4may be embedding in silica to generate a tan color (e.g., the embedded PdSO4can be in the third layer120ofFIG. 1). The Pd (II) species oxidizes the CO to CO2and is reduced to a Pd(0) species, which is black. The chemical reaction of the CO chemical sensor resulting in color change is as follows.
PdII+CO→Pd0+CO2Equation 1

FIG. 3is a table illustrating the color changing effects of exposing a CO chemical sensor to various concentrations of carbon monoxide over time. The table300represents color change as a function of both CO concentration and time. The illustrated embodiment has five different color changes305,310,315,320, and325that occur over zero to fifty minutes, but other embodiments can represent any number of color changes over any given amount of time. As shown inFIG. 3, at a safe threshold of 30 ppm, the CO chemical sensor had little color response (color305changes to color310over the 50 minutes). At 60 ppm, the response of the CO chemical sensor is more visible having four different color changes over time. For example, at or around ten minutes the color changes from color305to color310and around 20 minutes the color changes from color310to color315. At or around fifty minutes, the color changes from color315to color320.

At 90 ppm, the response of the CO chemical sensor has four different color changes over time. For example, at or around ten minutes the color changes from color305to color310and around 20 minutes the color changes from color310to color320. At or around fifty minutes, the color changes from color320to color325. At 100 ppm, the response of the CO chemical sensor also has four different color changes over time. For example, at or around ten minutes the color changes from color305to color310and around 20 minutes the color changes from color310to color320. At or around forty minutes, the color changes from color320to color325.

Ultraviolet Radiation Chemical Sensor

UV radiation is an invisible form of electromagnetic radiation that has a shorter wavelength and higher energy than visible light. UV radiation can break bonds between atoms in molecules. A person can experience a sunburn as a result of a mild exposure to UV radiation. With excessive exposure to UV radiation, DNA molecular structures may be altered. In some instances, UV radiation can ultimately result in skin cancer.

In one embodiment, a wearable chemical sensor (e.g., a UV chemical sensor) can include one or more photoacids and one or more pH-sensitive dyes. A photoacid absorbs UV radiation and generates an acid in proportion to the amount of radiation absorbed. The released acid reacts with the pH-sensitive dye(s) produces a gradual color change in the pH-sensitive dye(s). In such embodiments, one layer in the UV chemical sensor (e.g., third layer120inFIG. 1) includes the one or more pH-sensitive dyes and an overlying layer (e.g., second layer115inFIG. 1) includes the one or more photoacids.

The onset time prior to color change can be modulated by the addition of a base that acts as an acid buffer. The chemical reactions of the UV chemical sensor are as follows:
UVAH→UVA−+H+Equation 2
Dye+H+→Dye+Equation 3
The DyeH+produces a continuous color change over time.

In one embodiment, the UV chemical sensor employs diphenyliodonium chloride (DPIC) as the photoacid and thymol blue (TB) as the pH-sensitive dye. The rate at which the pH-sensitive dye changes color is dependent on the formulation. With a photoacid, the formulation can include a base that tempers or slows down the color change over time. For example, with a photoacid, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) dissolved in a mixture of water and ethanol can be used as the base. The resulting UV chemical sensor is a solution-based UV chemical sensor. To transform the solution into a powder, the solution is first dried as a thin layer on a glass surface pretreated with dilute aqueous NaOH and once dried, the solid is scraped off and crushed into a powder.

Other embodiments can use different chemicals in a UV chemical sensor. For example, the dyes from family of anthrocyanins can be used, such as Cyanidin (color changes from blue to red) or Peonidin (color changes from purple to pink). Alternatively, a Malachite green dye (color changes from yellow to green) or a Phenolphthalein dye (color changes from colorless to pink/red) may be used.

In some embodiments, photogenerated bases can be used instead of photoacids to produce color changes in the pH-sensitive dyes. With a photogenerated base, the formulation can include an acid as a base that slows down the color change over time. Again, the rate at which the pH-sensitive dye changes color is dependent on the formulation.

As described earlier, a wearable chemical sensor may include one or more protectant chemicals that can be released when the exposure level to a pollutant reaches a given level or amount. In one example, a photocleavable polymer may encapsulate a dye (as color indicator) and a skin protectant (e.g., sunblock). Polymeric microcapsules may contain groups that cleave upon exposure to UV radiation to release the chemicals inside. The photocleavable polymer can contain photocleavable moieties such as 2-nitrobenzyl groups, phenacyl groups, and others and combination of multiple groups. The photocleavable polymer may be incorporated into polymer backbone or can be groups off a backbone.

Additionally or alternatively, a wearable chemical sensor can include one or more chemicals that produce a tactile sensation. In one example, the photocleavable polymer can encapsulate a dye (as color indicator) and tactile stimulation chemicals. Any suitable tactile stimulation chemical may be used. For example, menthol or an essential oil such as peppermint oil may be used. In some aspects, the tactile stimulation chemicals may also result in an olfactory response (e.g., smell a fragrance or odor associated with the tactile stimulation chemicals).

As described previously, a chemical formulation may be employed for detecting and displaying the result of UV exposure based on a wearable chemical sensor that absorbs UV radiation and changes molecular structure and resulting wavelength emission (e.g., an isomerization reaction). For example, one or more photochromatic chemicals may be used in a Stillbene isomerization reaction to produce color changes in a UV chemical sensor. For example, Spiropyrans (1′,3′-Dihydro-1′,3′,3′-trimethyl-6-nitrospiro[2H-1-benzopyran-2,2′-(2H)-indole]) can be used to produce color changes through isomerization. The color changes with this particular molecule range from a green (a first color) to a purple (a second color). Additionally, the color changes are reversible, which allows a single UV chemical sensor to be used multiple times.

FIG. 4is a graph depicting the color changing effects of exposing a UV chemical sensor to UV radiation over time. The illustrated graph represents color changes in a UV chemical sensor that range from an orange color to a dark red color. Thus, the color changes over time transition from a first color to a second color in theFIG. 4embodiment.

As illustrated, the plot405in graph400represents no UV exposure resulting in no color change of the UV chemical sensor. The UV chemical sensor continues to display the orange color. The plot410represents a medium UV exposure (e.g., 1-2 hours) resulting in a color change that transitions from an orange color to an orange-red hue. The plot415represents a long UV exposure (e.g., 3-4 hours) resulting in a color change that transitions from the orange-red hue to a dark red hue.

Ozone Chemical Sensor

Ozone is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight. Breathing ozone can trigger health problems, particularly for people who have lung diseases such as asthma. Ozone levels can vary based on geolocation, but regardless of the geolocation, the ozone levels may quickly fluctuate in cases of fire, stagnant air, and season.

In one embodiment, a wearable chemical sensor (e.g., an ozone chemical sensor) transitions from opaque to a visible color relative to ozone exposure. The ozone chemical sensor can include two separate chemical reactions. The first reaction involves the oxidation of potassium iodide (KI) by ozone to generate iodine (I2). The second reaction involves the iodine reacting with the amylose found in starch. This I2/amylose polymer complex changes the absorption and emission properties of the polymer, leading to a red coloration when exposure occurs. The concentration of the iodine present in the complex directly affects the intensity of the color observed, providing a measure of the original ozone concentration. Since the color change is irreversible, the ozone chemical sensor provides a good implementation for monitoring exposure over time to low levels of ozone present at typical ground levels.

The chemical reactions of the ozone chemical sensor are as follows:
2KI+O3+H2O→2KOH+02+I2Equation 4
I2+starch→red/purple complex  Equation 5

FIG. 5is a graph illustrating the color changing effects of exposing an ozone chemical sensor to ozone over time. As indicated, plot505in graph500represents that the ozone sensor is initially neutral in color (opaque when not exposed to ozone) and then gradually trends toward a darker red color as it is exposed to ozone over time. In other embodiments, an ozone chemical sensor may transition from opaque or a first color to a different second color (e.g., a color other than red).

In some implementations, the color of a wearable chemical sensor may be compared to an exposure indicator card to determine an exposure level.FIG. 6depicts a first example of a wearable chemical sensor and an exposure indication card. In the illustrated embodiment, the wearable chemical sensor600includes a patch605that a user attaches to his or her skin and a chemical sensing element610. For example, the chemical sensing element610can be implemented as a UV radiation sensing element, an ozone sensing element, and/or a CO sensing element.

An exposure indicator card615is positioned along an edge of the wearable chemical sensor600. The exposure indicator card615includes multiple color swatches with each swatch representing a different exposure level. InFIG. 6, the exposure indicator card615includes three swatches620,625,630. Each swatch can include a legend (not shown) that informs the user of the exposure level to a pollutant. For example, a legend can provide an exposure level range (e.g., 0-50 ppm) or a word (e.g., normal, risk, danger). A user may compare a color of the wearable chemical sensor600with the swatches620,625,630to determine or confirm the exposure level to the pollutant.

FIG. 7illustrate a second example of a wearable chemical sensor and an exposure indication card. LikeFIG. 6, the wearable chemical sensor700includes a patch705that a user attaches to his or her skin and a chemical sensing element710. The illustrated exposure indicator card715is distinct and separate from the wearable chemical sensor700and includes three swatches720,725,730. Each swatch includes a word, with the swatch720representing a normal (e.g., non-hazardous) exposure level, the swatch725representing a risky exposure level, and the swatch730representing a dangerous exposure level. An exposure indicator card can include a different number of swatches in other embodiments.

FIG. 8depicts an example system that can implement a chemical sensor application suitable for use with a wearable chemical sensor. The system800allows a user805to interact with a chemical sensor application (CSA) program810through a client-computing device815. The user805may interact with the CSA program810separately from, or in conjunction with, a wearable chemical sensor820worn by the user805. In one embodiment, the CSA program810is configured to provide information to the user, such as a recommendation for a chemical sensor and/or information on the wearable chemical sensor820, an exposure level to a pollutant, and/or the exposure level indicated by the wearable chemical sensor820.

The client-computing device815may include, or be connected to, an input device825that receives data associated with the wearable chemical sensor820. Any suitable type of data can be submitted, such as an image. The input device825may be any suitable type of input device or devices configured to receive the data. In non-limiting example, the input device825may be an image capture device (e.g., a camera). The CSA program810can analyze one or more patterns and/or colors in the image and make a determination as to the type of wearable chemical sensor that has been applied to the user, the type of exposure that has occurred (e.g., ultraviolet radiation) and the extent of that exposure (e.g., the amount of ultraviolet radiation that the chemical has absorbed).

The client-computing device815is configured to access one or more server-computing devices (represented by server-computing device830) through one or more networks (represented by network835). The network835is illustrative of any suitable type of network, for example, an intranet and/or a distributed computing network (e.g., the Internet) over which the user100may communicate with other users and with other computing systems.

In addition, or as an alternative to the CSA program810, a CSA program840can be stored on one or more storage devices (represented by storage device845) and executed by the server-computing device830. The user805can interact with the CSA program840through the client-computing device815. The CSA program840provides, through the network835, information regarding the wearable chemical sensor820, the type of exposure that has occurred (e.g., UV radiation), an exposure level to a pollutant, the exposure level indicated by the wearable chemical sensor820, and the like, to the client-computing device815. Based on the received information, the client-computing device815can provide the information to any suitable output device850for presentation to the user805. The output device850may be in, or connected to, the client-computing device815. In non-limiting examples, the output device850is a display that displays the information and/or a speaker that “speaks” the information (e.g., using a text-to-speech application).

In some embodiments, the user805can use an exposure indicator card855to determine or confirm an exposure level indicated by the wearable chemical sensor820. The exposure indicator card855includes multiple color swatches860, with each swatch representing a different exposure level to a pollutant. The user805may compare a color of the wearable chemical sensor820with the swatches860on the exposure indicator card855to determine or confirm the exposure level to the pollutant.

In some instances, the client-computing device815may include, or be connected to one or more electronic sensors865. Any suitable type of electronic sensor can be used. For example, one or more electronic chemical sensors can be included in, or connected to the client-computing device815. An electronic chemical sensor may be used by the user805to confirm an exposure level indicated by the wearable chemical sensor820. In some aspects, an electronic chemical sensor can be used by the CSA program810and/or840.

Additionally or alternatively, one or more positional and/or environmental sensors may be included in, or connected to the client-computing device815. Example positional and environmental sensors include, but are not limited to, an altimeter, a global positioning system, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, and/or an atmospheric pressure sensor. Data from one or more environmental sensors can be used by the CSA program810and/or840to provide information on an exposure level to a pollutant and/or an exposure level indicated by the wearable chemical sensor820.

In one or more embodiments, the client-computing device815is a personal or handheld computing device. For example, the client-computing device815may be one of: a mobile telephone; a smart phone; a tablet; a phablet; a smart watch; a wearable computer; a personal computer; a desktop computer; a laptop computer; a gaming device/computer (e.g., Xbox); a television; and the like. This list of example client-computing devices is for example purposes only and should not be considered as limiting. Any suitable client-computing device may be utilized.

As should be appreciated,FIG. 8is described for purposes of illustrating the present methods and systems and is not intended to limit the disclosure to a particular sequence of steps or a particular combination of hardware or software components.

FIG. 9is a flowchart illustrating an example method of operating a CSA program. Initially, data is received from one or more electronic sensors and/or one or more application programs at block900. For example, one or more computing devices may receive user information such as location data (e.g., GPS coordinates of a mobile device associated with the user), images of a user (e.g., from a camera application), and/or application account information for a user (e.g., email, calendar, contacts, web browser history, etc.).

The received data is then analyzed to determine one or more recommendations for a wearable chemical sensor or sensors (block905). The recommendation(s) is provided to a client-computing device for presentation to a user (block910). For example, facial recognition and analysis software may make a determination regarding the skin tone of a user and recommendations for specific wearable chemical sensors tailored to persons in a range of that skin tone may be provided to the user. Additionally, machine learning algorithms or techniques (e.g., a neural network that learns from and produces predictions based on data) may be implemented to analyze user skin qualities and/or changes in skin qualities, such as elasticity, color, ultraviolet radiation damage, wrinkles, etc. The machine learning may be implemented over time to provide relevant personalized wearable chemical sensor recommendations based on the one or more skin qualities and/or the one or more changes in skin qualities and their development over time. According to another example, a determination may be made based on extracted calendar information (e.g., through one or more language model and/or machine learning) that a user is planning a trip to a tropical location and one or more chemical sensing compounds tailored to that environment may be provided to the user.

Next, as shown in block915, a user applies a wearable chemical sensor to his or her skin. Data from one or more electronic sensors may then be received at block920. For example, an image of the user (e.g., from an image sensor (e.g., a camera)), data from an electronic chemical sensor, and/or data from one or more other types of electronic sensors (e.g., global positioning system, altimeter, humidity, etc.) can be received at block920. In some embodiments, data associated with the chemical sensor that is worn by the user can be received at block925. For example, an image of the wearable chemical sensor may be received at block925. Block925is optional and can be omitted in other embodiments.

The data received from the electronic sensor(s) in (or connected to) a client-computing device, and the data associated with the chemical sensor worn by the user (if available), is analyzed to determine an exposure level to a pollutant and an exposure notification is provided to a client-computing device for presentation to a user (block930). The exposure notification can provide an exposure level to a pollutant and optionally information related to the exposure level. For example, the information related to the exposure level may indicate whether the exposure level is at a hazardous or a non-hazardous level.

FIG. 10illustrates an example user interface suitable for use with a CSA program. The representative user interface1000includes a photo or image1005of a user wearing a chemical sensor1010. The user interface1000may also identify a pollutant type1015(e.g., CO) and/or include an information section1020. The information section1020can include multiple swatches1025that each correlate a color of the wearable chemical sensor1010with an exposure level of the pollutant type1015. Additionally, the information section1020may also include a listing1030of a safety level associated with the pollutant type1015. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, three safety levels are listed along with the exposure levels associated with the safety levels.

FIG. 11is a block diagram illustrating physical components (e.g., hardware) of an electronic device1100with which aspects of the disclosure may be practiced. The components described below may be suitable for the computing devices described above, including the client-computing device815and/or the server-computing device830inFIG. 8.

In a basic configuration, the electronic device1100may include at least one processing unit1105and a system memory1110. Depending on the configuration and type of the electronic device, the system memory1110may comprise, but is not limited to, volatile storage (e.g., random access memory), non-volatile storage (e.g., read-only memory), flash memory, or any combination of such memories. The system memory1110may include a number of program modules and data files, such as an operating system1115, one or more program modules1120suitable for parsing received input, determining subject matter of received input, determining actions associated with the input and so on, and a chemical sensor application (CSA) program1125. While executing on the processing unit1105, the CSA program1125may perform and/or cause to be performed processes including, but not limited to, the aspects as described herein.

The operating system1115, for example, may be suitable for controlling the operation of the electronic device1100. Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with a graphics library, other operating systems, or any other application program and is not limited to any particular application or system. This basic configuration is illustrated inFIG. 11by those components within a dashed line1130.

The electronic device1100may have additional features or functionality. For example, the electronic device1100can also include one or more electronic sensors1135. Any suitable type of electronic sensor may be used. In one embodiment, the electronic sensor(s)1135can be a carbon monoxide sensor, an ozone sensor, a UV sensor, an altimeter, a global positioning system, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and the like.

The electronic device1100may also include additional data storage devices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated inFIG. 11by a removable storage device1140and a non-removable storage device1145.

The electronic device1100may also have one or more input device(s)1150such as a keyboard, a trackpad, a mouse, a pen, a sound or voice input device, a touch, force and/or swipe input device, etc. The output device(s)1155such as a display, speakers, a printer, etc. may also be included. The aforementioned devices are examples and others may be used. The electronic device1100may include one or more communication devices1160allowing communications with other electronic devices1165. In some instances, the communications with other electronic devices can permit the CSA program1125to interface with an application program that is executing on at least one of the other electronic devices1165. Examples of suitable communication devices1160include, but are not limited to, radio frequency (RF) transmitter, receiver, and/or transceiver circuitry, a universal serial bus (USB), and/or parallel and/or serial ports.

The term computer-readable media or storage device as used herein may include computer storage media or devices. Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, or program modules.

The system memory1110, the removable storage device1140, and the non-removable storage device1145are all computer storage media examples (e.g., memory storage or storage devices). Computer storage media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other article of manufacture which can be used to store information and which can be accessed by the electronic device1100. Any such computer storage media may be part of the electronic device1100. Computer storage media does not solely include a carrier wave or other propagated or modulated data signal.

Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in an electrical circuit comprising discrete electronic elements, packaged or integrated electronic chips containing logic gates, a circuit utilizing a microprocessor, or on a single chip containing electronic elements or microprocessors. For example, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced via a system-on-a-chip (SOC) where each or many of the components illustrated inFIG. 11may be integrated onto a single integrated circuit. Such an SOC device may include one or more processing units, graphics units, communications units, system virtualization units and various application functionality all of which are integrated (or “burned”) onto the chip substrate as a single integrated circuit.

When operating via an SOC, the functionality described herein may be operated via application-specific logic integrated with other components of the electronic device1100on the single integrated circuit (chip). Embodiments of the disclosure may also be practiced using other technologies capable of performing logical operations such as, for example, AND, OR, and NOT, including but not limited to mechanical, optical, fluidic, and quantum technologies. In addition, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced within a general purpose computer or in any other circuits or systems.

FIGS. 12A-12Billustrate a mobile electronic device1200, for example, a mobile telephone, a smart phone, wearable computer (such as a smart watch), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, and the like, with which embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced. With reference toFIG. 12A, one aspect of a mobile electronic device1200for implementing the aspects is illustrated. The components described below may be suitable for the computing devices described above, including the client-computing device815inFIG. 8.

In a basic configuration, the mobile electronic device1200is a handheld computer having both input elements and output elements. The mobile electronic device1200typically includes a display1205and one or more input buttons1210that allow the user to enter information into the mobile electronic device1200. The display1205of the mobile electronic device1200may also function as an input device (e.g., a display that accepts touch and/or force input).

If included, an optional side input element1215allows further user input. The side input element1215may be a rotary switch, a button, or any other type of manual input element. In alternative aspects, mobile electronic device1200may incorporate more or less input elements. For example, the display1205may not be a touch screen in some embodiments. In yet another alternative embodiment, the mobile electronic device1200is a portable phone system, such as a cellular phone. The mobile electronic device1200may also include an optional keypad1220. Optional keypad1220may be a physical keypad or a “soft” keypad generated on the touch screen display.

In various embodiments, the output elements include the display1205for showing a graphical user interface (GUI) and a set of available templates, a visual indicator1225(e.g., a light emitting diode), and/or an audio transducer1230(e.g., a speaker). In some aspects, the mobile electronic device1200incorporates a vibration transducer for providing the user with tactile feedback. In yet another aspect, the mobile electronic device1200incorporates input and/or output ports, such as an audio input (e.g., a microphone jack), an audio output (e.g., a headphone jack), and a video output (e.g., a HDMI port) for sending signals to or receiving signals from an external device.

FIG. 12Bis a block diagram illustrating the architecture of one aspect of a mobile electronic device1200. That is, the mobile electronic device1200can incorporate a system (e.g., an architecture)1235to implement some aspects. In one embodiment, the system1235is implemented as a “smart phone” capable of running one or more applications (e.g., browser, e-mail, calendaring, contact managers, messaging clients, games, media clients/players, content selection and sharing applications and so on). In some aspects, the system1235is integrated as an electronic device, such as an integrated personal digital assistant (PDA) and wireless phone.

One or more application programs1240may be loaded into the memory1245and run on or in association with the operating system1250. Examples of the application programs include a CSA program, phone dialer programs, e-mail programs, personal information management (PIM) programs, word processing programs, spreadsheet programs, Internet browser programs, messaging programs, and so forth.

The system1235also includes a non-volatile storage area1255within the memory1245. The non-volatile storage area1255may be used to store persistent information that should not be lost if the system1235is powered down.

The application programs1240may use and store information in the non-volatile storage area1255, such as electronic communications, calendars, images, audio, video, documents, and the like. A synchronization application (not shown) also resides on the system1235and is programmed to interact with a corresponding synchronization application resident on a host computer to keep the information stored in the non-volatile storage area1255synchronized with corresponding information stored at the host computer.

The system1235has a power supply1260, which may be implemented as one or more batteries. The power supply1260may further include an external power source, such as an AC adapter or a powered docking cradle that supplements or recharges the batteries.

The system1235may also include a radio interface layer1265that performs the function of transmitting and receiving radio frequency communications. The radio interface layer1265facilitates wireless connectivity between the system1235and the “outside world,” via a communications carrier or service provider. Transmissions to and from the radio interface layer1265are conducted under control of the operating system1250. In other words, communications received by the radio interface layer1265may be disseminated to the application programs1240via the operating system1250, and vice versa.

The visual indicator1225may be used to provide visual notifications, and/or an audio interface1270may be used for producing audible notifications via an audio transducer (e.g., audio transducer1230illustrated inFIG. 12A). In the illustrated embodiment, the visual indicator1225is a light emitting diode (LED) and the audio transducer1230may be a speaker. These devices may be directly coupled to the power supply1260so that when activated, they remain on for a duration dictated by the notification mechanism even though the processing unit1275and other components might shut down for conserving battery power. The LED may be programmed to remain on indefinitely until the user takes action to indicate the powered-on status of the device.

The audio interface1270is used to provide audible signals to and receive audible signals from the user (e.g., voice input such as described above). For example, in addition to being coupled to the audio transducer1230, the audio interface1270may also be coupled to a microphone to receive audible input, such as to facilitate a telephone conversation. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the microphone may also serve as an audio sensor to facilitate control of notifications, as will be described below.

The system1235may further include a video interface1280that enables an operation of peripheral device1285(e.g., on-board camera) to record still images, video stream, and the like.

A mobile electronic device1200implementing the system1235may have additional features or functionality. For example, the mobile electronic device1200can also include additional data storage devices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated inFIG. 12Bby the non-volatile storage area1255. Additionally or alternatively, the mobile electronic device1200may also include one or more electronic sensors1290. Any suitable type of sensor may be used. In one embodiment, the electronic sensor(s)1290can be a carbon monoxide sensor, an ozone sensor, a UV sensor, an altimeter, a global positioning system, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and the like.

FIG. 13is a block diagram illustrating a distributed system in which aspects of the disclosure may be practiced. The system1300allows a user to interface or interact with a CSA program and/or other application programs through a general computing device1305(e.g., a desktop computer), a tablet computing device1310, and/or a mobile computing device1315. The general computing device1305, the tablet computing device1310, and the mobile computing device1315can each include the components shown in the electronic device ofFIG. 11and/orFIGS. 12A-12B.

The general computing device1305, the tablet computing device1310, and the mobile computing device1315can each store and/or execute a CSA program and other application programs (not shown inFIG. 13). Additionally or alternatively, the general computing device1305, the tablet computing device1310, and the mobile computing device1315are each configured to access one or more networks (represented by network1320) to interact with a CSA program and/or one or more other application programs stored on one or more storage devices (represented by storage device1325) and executed on one or more server-computing devices (represented by server-computing device1330).

In some aspects, the server-computing device1330can access, transmit, and/or receive various types of data from other sources, such as a web portal1335, mailbox services1340, a directory service1345, instant messaging services1350, and/or social networking services1355. The web portal1335, the mailbox services1340, the directory service1345, the instant messaging services1350, and/or the social networking services1355can interface with a CSA program. In some instances, these sources may provide robust reporting, analytics, data compilation and/or storage service, etc., whereas other services may provide search engines or other access to data and information, images, videos, document processing and the like.

As should be appreciated,FIGS. 8-12are described for purposes of illustrating the present methods and systems and is not intended to limit the disclosure to a particular sequence of steps or a particular combination of hardware or software components.