Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/606,494, filed Jan. 27, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,671,383, issued Jun. 6, 2017, which claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/931,880, filed Jan. 27, 2014, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to a gas monitoring apparatus, and more specifically to an apparatus for monitoring humans, such as babies and infants, for bowel movements while they sleep using gas detecting elements. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Often children wake crying during the night. This is often caused by a bowel movement (BM) happening during the night, and diaper rash or other discomforts can wake the child. It is impossible for a parent to know whether the child needs to have their diaper changed without physically checking the diaper for a BM. This can be detrimental when the child is crying for no reason, but the parent is forced to wake and check the child anyway. 
         [0006]    Older adults in care or special needs patients would similarly benefit from a passive monitoring device to alert healthcare workers when the patient has suffered a BM. The worker would be alerted and could aid the patient to prevent bed sores etc. 
         [0007]    What is needed is a method of actively monitoring a sleeping child and indicating if a bowel movement has occurred through the use of sensors which prevents unnecessary checking of diapers. 
         [0008]    Heretofore there has not been available a system or method for detecting bowel movements with the advantages and features of the present invention. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention generally provides a sensor apparatus for detecting gasses associated with bowel movements, such as, but not limited to, methane or hydrogen sulfide. In a preferred embodiment, the detector will take multiple samples over a desired time period to avoid false positives. The sensor apparatus is capable of alerting parents or others when a bowel movement is detected via sounds, lights, wireless messages to a mobile device, or other means. This allows the sensor apparatus to be paired with other existing products (e.g., baby monitoring systems) without requiring additional equipment. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic representation of a preferred embodiment of the present invention and elements with which it can communicate through. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a diagram showing a simple relationship between various components of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic representation of a sample status screen of a graphical user interface associated with the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is an alternative representation thereof. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic representation of a floorplan having an embodiment of the present invention installed throughout. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart diagramming the steps taken in practicing and embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a three-dimensional isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is an exploded three-dimensional isometric view thereof. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is diagrammatic chart showing the profile of an event associated with the embodiment thereof. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart diagramming the steps taken in practicing a method of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     I. Introduction and Environment 
       [0021]    As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
         [0022]    Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Additional examples include a mobile smart device including a display device for viewing a typical web browser or user interface will be commonly referred to throughout the following description. The type of device, computer, display, or user interface may vary when practicing an embodiment of the present invention. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning. 
         [0023]    Gasses associated with bowel movements which would trigger the present invention include, but are not limited to: Indole (C8H7N), 3-methylindole (C9H9N), hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), Amines, Ethanoic Acid (C2H4O2), Butyric Acid (C4H8O2), and methane (CH4). These compounds are included amongst a number of outputs from human solid waste. For the purposes of the present application, any or all of these outputs should be considered to be used or to be detected for by the sensor system embodying the present invention. 
         [0024]    Two types of gaseous sensor systems exist in the market place: (1) electrochemical sensors; and (2) metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensors. Either sensor type could be used in an embodiment of the present invention; however an MOS sensor is utilized in the preferred embodiment. The preferred sensor, MiCS-5524, is capable of measuring and detecting volatile organic compounds in a relative manner, such as by detecting changes in the environment, which provides an output of resistance change. The sensor can measure virtually any reducing and/or aromatic gas: such as: ammonia, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide etc., as well as any compound mentioned above. The MOS sensors are combusted by the presence of reducing gases at the sensor surface, and the release of electrons from these gases causes resistance across the sensor plate to drop. 
         [0025]    Odors from human waste relate to foods eaten, not age. The emissions are essentially the same between infants and adults, but the present application focuses our technology on the most common denominator: hydrogen sulfide, but other gasses must also be tested for. As is well known, infants less than 6 months that are breast feeding do not emit much if any odor. Detecting latent odorless gasses would be highly beneficial to the purpose of the present invention. 
       II. Preferred Embodiment Bowel Movement (BM) Sensor System  2   
       [0026]    Referring to the figures in more detail,  FIG. 1  shows a diagrammatic representation of a preferred BM sensor system  2 , including a BM sensor/detector  4  for detecting a BM based upon gasses in the room, a mobile device  6  for receiving alerts from the BM sensor, and a wireless network  8  over which the mobile device  6  and the detector/sensor  4  communicate. 
         [0027]    The detector  4  can also be used in conjunction with standard monitoring devices  10 , such as a baby monitor with audio and/or video surveillance. Similarly, the detector  4  may access the wireless network  8  directly, or it may interact with a network relay  40  device for communicating between the network  8  and the detector  4 . Alternatively, the relay  40  may only allow direct communication between the mobile device  6  and the detector  4 , wherein other network access is limited or cut off. 
         [0028]    As shown, the detector  4  includes sensors for detecting gas within the room, such as a methane sensor  12 , a hydrogen sulfide sensor  14 , or other sensors capable of detecting gasses which are emitted as part of solid or liquid human waste for detection with the BM detector  4 . A microprocessor  16  receives data from the sensors  12 ,  14  and determines whether or not an alert should be sounded based upon preset or predetermined thresholds. The microprocessor can facilitate an alert by creating a noise amplified through a speaker  18 , by flashing one or more lights  20  located on the detector  4 , or by sending a wireless alert to the mobile device  6  using a Wi-Fi antenna  22  or other means of communication with the mobile device  6 . 
         [0029]    To increase the range of notifications, the audio or visual alerts created by the detector  4  through the use of the speaker  18  or the lights  20 , respectively, a monitoring device  10  can be used. This monitoring device may or may not include a graphical user interface  34 , a separate speaker or alarm  36  for the audio alert, and a remote camera  38  for the visual alert. This monitoring device  10  could be a standalone baby monitoring system to alert a parent if the baby is crying or not sleeping. 
         [0030]    The mobile device  6 , such as a standard smartphone device, includes a separate microprocessor  24 , a speaker  26 , an antenna  28 , a graphical user interface (GUI)  30 , and messaging software  32 . The GUI may be a touchscreen interface, and may allow the user to directly make changes to the settings of the detector  4  using wireless access through software. The messaging software may include typical SMS messages sent using a service associated with the detector  4 , or a completely separate software application or APP downloaded from a wireless network for use specifically with the detector  4 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  shows a relationship between the mobile device  6  and the detector  4 . The detector shown here includes controls  50  for accessing the settings of the detector directly. These settings can also be controlled wirelessly using the mobile device  6 . A typical GUI  30  display screen on the mobile device includes such features as: ambient status  42  of the room being monitored; alert statuses  44  associated with various chemical compounds typically associated with a BM; information “buttons”  46  for accessing information about each substance or air quality value being detected for; and a settings pulldown button  48  for choosing different views or altering software settings of the mobile device  6  or of the detector  4 . 
         [0032]    The detector  4  may include controls  50  which allow direct access to the software or hardware settings of the detector. A speaker  18  located somewhere on the body of the detector delivers audio alerts, while a display or light  20  delivers visual alerts. Here, the GUI is also shown to include settings information that may be accessible via the mobile device  6 . The GUI could simply flash when an alert is detected, may display the settings of the detector, or may otherwise give visual alerts to the user. 
         [0033]      FIGS. 3 and 4  are examples of GUI display screens  52  that may be accessible via the mobile device  6  or the display portion of the detector  4 .  FIG. 3 , for example, shows the information status of H2S (Hydrogen Sulfide) being detected in the room by the detector  4 . This display screen may be accessed by selecting the information button  46  associated with H2S on a home screen as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0034]    The status  54  of the selected element or room factor (e.g., temperature, gas presence, humidity) is displayed prominently, along with a checkmark or other indicator that everything is normal, or another indicator if the levels of the selected room factor or element are outside the set parameters. The parameters may be set using a scrolling bar  58  for determining when the alarm will be triggered by that room factor, if at all. A description of the element or room factor being reviewed is shown at  56 .  FIG. 4  shows a similar display, using air temperature as an example. Here, the sliding bar  58  includes an upper range and a lower range, allowing the user to customize that particular room factor even further. 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  shows a floorplan  60  for a building, such as a home, hospital, or healthcare facility. Three rooms  62 . 1 ,  62 . 2 ,  62 . 3  are displayed, and three detectors  4 . 1 ,  4 . 2 , and  4 . 3  are placed in the rooms respectively. A central relay  40  relays all data received from the detectors  4 . 1 ,  4 . 2 ,  4 . 3  to a stationary or mobile computing device, or multiple devices, to alert staff of a BM or other room irregularity. This setup is particularly useful in an adult care facility. 
         [0036]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart demonstrating some steps taken while practicing a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The process starts at  102 . A sensor is placed in a location at  104 , preferably in a child or patient&#39;s room where a BM may occur while that person is sleeping. A check is performed at  106  whether an existing room monitoring device, such as a baby monitor, exists. 
         [0037]    If an existing room monitoring device exists at  106 , there is a determination at  108  if there is also a remote video camera associated with the existing room monitoring device. If yes, then the visual notification feature of the sensor is activate at  110 . Either way, an audio notification is activated at  112 . 
         [0038]    Regardless of whether an existing monitor exists or not at  106 , the sensor device is synched with one or more mobile computing devices at  114 . This allows alert messages or other communication to be sent from the sensor/detector device and the mobile device(s). The user may also set desired settings  116  of the detector using the mobile computing device or the detector itself. These settings are the preferences for how sensitive the detector will be, and will be the basis for the ambient room atmosphere. 
         [0039]    After this is all setup, the sensor actively monitors the ambient atmosphere of the room at  118 . A check is constantly performed at  120  to determine whether the ambient room factors are within normal levels. If yes, then the cycle continues. 
         [0040]    Once an abnormality is determined at  120 , alert notifications must be sent out by the sensor device. If there is an existing monitoring device at  122  and a remote camera is present at  124 , then the sensor will flash, light up, or otherwise activate a visual display that can be seen via a remote monitoring device connected to the remote camera at  126 . At the same time, audio alerts, such as beeps or buzzing noise, will be produced by the sensor device at  128 . This also will be sent through the monitoring device and played on a speaker associated with the existing monitoring device. 
         [0041]    At the same time, or if there is no exiting monitor in place, a wireless notification is sent to the mobile device(s) associated with the sensor/detector at  130 . These notifications may be sent via SMS messaging, or software specifically associated with the sensor/detector device, or through other means (e.g., automated telephone call). Once all alerts are sent, the process ends at  132 . The process may automatically revert to a detection of ambient atmosphere at  118  once the issues associated with the alert have been addressed, or the system may require manual reset. 
       III. Alternative Embodiment Event Sensor System  202   
       [0042]      FIGS. 7-9  show an alternative embodiment event sensor system  202 , which uses an event sensor  204  to detect an event, such as a fecal event, urine event, emesis, or other important event in a space, and can determine whether cleaning or other immediate response is necessary. 
         [0043]    Primarily, this system  202  could be used in hospitals, nursing homes, or could even be adapted for use in nurseries or for home use. The sensor  204 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , includes a bottom housing  206  and a top housing  208 . The top housing has a power port opening  210  for receiving power at a power input  216 , a data connection opening  212  for receiving data connection cables, such as USB ports  218  and networking or Ethernet cable port  220  (e.g. Category 6 connector). The top housing also contains openings  214  for various gas sensors  222  and a motion sensor  224  for detecting elements of an event. The sensors  222 ,  224 , USB ports  218 , Ethernet port  220 , power input  216 , and all relevant components are mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB)  226  within the top  208  and bottom  206  housing. Each gas sensor  222  includes a heating element for igniting and detecting various chemical elements. 
         [0044]    The four gas sensors  222  detect various chemical elements which, when sensed in specific amounts, will indicate a specific event has triggered. A first gas sensor may sense IAQ Ammonia, sulfide, and benzene. A second gas sensor may sense Hydrogen Sulfide. A third gas sensor may sense Ammonia. A fourth gas sensor may sense VOC Gas (e.g. Alcohol, Toluene, and Acetone). In a preferred embodiment, however, as shown in  FIG. 9 , each gas sensor  222  detects a broadband of gasses with varying selectivity. Each are not specific to a single gas species but are optimized for different applications. This allows for a more accurate determination of when an event occurs. Coupled with a motion sensor  224 , temperature sensor, and humidity sensor, a specific event can be detected for, resulting in assigning an appropriate response and alerting the proper crews what sort of event they need to prepare for cleaning and servicing the patient. 
         [0045]    Through use and testing using this combination of sensors, specific profiles have been determined for various events, including fecal event, urine event, or emesis. 
         [0046]      FIG. 9  shows the occurrence of an “event” as detected by one or more of the various sensors. The sensors detect various chemicals, and based on the profile  228  of the detected event amongst the various sensors, the sensor system can determine what type of event has occurred, which directly leads to what type of response is required. In addition to the gas sensors  222 , and motion sensor  224 , there are temperature and humidity sensors which detect temperature and humidity in the vicinity of the patient or occupant. Tests have shown that both temperature and relative humidity increase at the time of an event and decrease significantly after cleaning. Each of the four gas sensors  222  detect multiple gasses of various profiles, each optimized for different applications. As shown in  FIG. 9 , each of the four sensors is reporting different levels of response, but the variances would indicate what type of event has occurred. In an embodiment, the four sensors could include one MQ135 sensor, one MQ136 sensor, one MQ137 sensor, and one MQ138 sensor. In addition, relative humidity and changes in temperature would also add to the generation of the profile. 
         [0047]      FIG. 10  shows a flowchart stepping through the process of practicing this embodiment of the present invention. The process starts at  250 . As before, the sensor is placed in location  252 , such as in a room or in the vicinity of a patient/subject. The sensor beings detecting the ambient atmosphere at  254 , and the sensors and heaters are activated at  256 , thereby detecting temperature, humidity, movement, gas levels, and other various attributes of the surroundings of the sensor. 
         [0048]    As long as normal atmosphere is detected at  258 , the monitoring of the room continues. If abnormal atmosphere is detected at  258 , a second, optional testing is done at  260 . If this second test determines a false alarm at  262 , monitoring continues at  254 . However, if the second test confirms abnormal atmospheric conditions at  262 , a profile is generated at  264 . That profile is based on all sensor data, including motion, temperature, humidity, and gas and particle detection levels. 
         [0049]    At  266 , the generated profile is compared with existing known profiles to determine if the event is a known type of event. If a matching profile is detected at  268 , the sensor system generates and sends an appropriate notification to the user at  270  and the process ends at  272  with the user responding to the event appropriately. 
         [0050]    If a mating profile is not detected at  268 , that means that the sensor has detected something abnormal, but it is not recognized based on its profile as any known even type. A new profile is then generated at  274 , and a request for inspection of the room is sent at  276 . Someone must inspect the room and determine what the event is, and provide profile data at  278  to the new profile. This may be identifying this new profile with a previously known event, or by creating an entirely new event-type that wasn&#39;t previously being monitored for by the system. The new profile is stored at  280  for future reference, and the process ends at  272 . 
         [0051]    All of the potential evens have specific atmospheric profiles that can be measured by the sensor(s) in real time. Information can be stored locally and/or sent to an offsite server for analysis, review, and then can be presented to the user via a web interface or some other display means, allowing, for example, hospital or nursing home staff to view, customize, and report event data. 
         [0052]    It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.

Technology Category: g