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WO2025215612A1 - Équipement de protection individuelle et systèmes de communication associés - Google Patents

Équipement de protection individuelle et systèmes de communication associés

Info

Publication number
WO2025215612A1
WO2025215612A1 PCT/IB2025/053849 IB2025053849W WO2025215612A1 WO 2025215612 A1 WO2025215612 A1 WO 2025215612A1 IB 2025053849 W IB2025053849 W IB 2025053849W WO 2025215612 A1 WO2025215612 A1 WO 2025215612A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ppe
communication
bone conduction
user
article
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/IB2025/053849
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Douglas D. Jensen
James F. POCH
Nicolas W. TREMAIN
Gregory G. Jager
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
3M Innovative Properties Co
Original Assignee
3M Innovative Properties Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 3M Innovative Properties Co filed Critical 3M Innovative Properties Co
Publication of WO2025215612A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025215612A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B9/00—Component parts for respiratory or breathing apparatus
    • A62B9/006—Indicators or warning devices, e.g. of low pressure, contamination
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
    • A62B18/006—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort with pumps for forced ventilation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B27/00—Methods or devices for testing respiratory or breathing apparatus for high altitudes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B7/00—Respiratory apparatus
    • A62B7/10—Respiratory apparatus with filter elements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
    • H04R1/1091—Details not provided for in groups H04R1/1008 - H04R1/1083
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2201/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones covered by H04R1/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2201/10—Details of earpieces, attachments therefor, earphones or monophonic headphones covered by H04R1/10 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2201/107—Monophonic and stereophonic headphones with microphone for two-way hands free communication
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2460/00—Details of hearing devices, i.e. of ear- or headphones covered by H04R1/10 or H04R5/033 but not provided for in any of their subgroups, or of hearing aids covered by H04R25/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2460/13—Hearing devices using bone conduction transducers

Definitions

  • PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS THEREFORE BACKGROUND Many work environments require the use of personal protection equipment by workers therein. Hearing protection is often needed to protect workers’ hearing in loud environments. Respiratory protective equipment is needed in environments with particulates, noxious fumes or other airborne contaminants are present. Additional protection, such as helmets, glasses, overalls, etc. may also be needed in some environments.
  • SUMMARY A PPE system is presented that includes an article of PPE that includes a sensor, the sensor configured to sense a status of the article of PPE.
  • the system includes a primary communication system comprising a primary microphone and a primary speaker and a communication component that is configured to receive a communication and broadcast the received communication over the primary speaker.
  • the system also includes a secondary communication system comprising a bone conduction transducer.
  • the system also includes a communication component configured to receive an indication of the sensed status and provide the sensed status to the secondary communication system for broadcast using the bone conduction transducer.
  • FIGS.1A-1C illustrate representative configurations of PAPRs in which embodiments herein may be useful.
  • FIG.2 illustrates potential PPE that may be required for a worker in a work environment.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic of a bone conduction communication system in accordance with embodiments herein.
  • FIG.4 illustrates a PPE communication system in accordance with embodiments herein.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a method of coordinating operation of multiple communication systems in accordance with embodiments herein.
  • FIGS. 6A-6G illustrate bone conduction transducer placement options in accordance with embodiments herein.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a method of operating multiple communication systems within a personal area network in accordance with embodiments herein.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a communication environment in accordance with embodiments herein.
  • FIG.9 illustrates a schematic of an example Communication Management System in accordance with embodiments herein.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a method of transferring communication groups in accordance with embodiments herein.
  • FIG.11 illustrates a method of managing networked communication in accordance with embodiments herein.
  • FIG.12 illustrates a cloud-based communication management system.
  • FIGS.13-14 show examples of mobile devices that can be used in the embodiments shown in previous Figures.
  • FIG. 13-14 show examples of mobile devices that can be used in the embodiments shown in previous Figures.
  • Powered air-purifying respirators generate airflow to the breathing space of a user by means of a fan that draws in air. The air is directed through one or more filters before it is delivered to the user. The volume of air delivered to the user is an important consideration, with minimal volumetric quantities required to support adequate respiration and comfort of the user. Regulatory bodies promulgate various regulations related to PAPRs and typically mandate minimal airflow requirements. Currently, in the United States, NIOSH 42 CFR Part 84 requires loose fitting PAPRs to produce a minimum volumetric air flow of 170 liters.
  • Active hearing protection includes one or more microphones that receive ambient sound from a user’s surroundings and uses one or more speakers to play it back at a safe level. Active hearing protection devices use electronic circuitry to pick up ambient sound through the microphone and convert them to safe levels before playing it back to the user through a speaker. Additionally, active hearing protection may comprise filtering out undesired sound content, for example reducing the sound of a gunshot while providing human speech at substantially unchanged levels. Some active hearing protection units are level dependent, such that an electronic circuit adapts the sound pressure level.
  • Level dependent hearing protection units help to filter out impulse noises, such as gunshots from surrounding noises, and / or continuously adapt all ambient sound received to an appropriate level before it is reproduced to a user.
  • Active hearing protection units specifically level dependent active hearing protection units, may be necessary to facilitate communication in noisy environments, or environments where noise levels can vary significantly, or where high impulse sounds may cause hearing damage.
  • a user may need to hear nearby ambient sounds, such as machine sounds or speech, while also being protected from harmful noise levels.
  • FIGS.1A-1C illustrate representative configurations of PAPRs in which embodiments herein may be useful.
  • FIG.1A depicts a typical PAPR 10 being worn by a user 14.
  • PAPR 10 comprises breathing head gear 16 shown disposed on the face of the user 14 creating a breathing space 18 in which filtered air is supplied through a breathing tube 20 for the user to inspire and into which the user can exhale.
  • Breathing head gear 16 may be a breathing mask, hood, helmet, hard-top, or other suitable component having an inlet for filtered air defining a breathing space 18 for the user.
  • PAPR 10 includes a blower/filter unit 22 that is typically attached to the user 14 via a belt 26 secured about the waist of the user 14. Blower/filter unit 22 is designed to be worn by a user in an atmosphere having unwanted respiratory (and potentially other) contaminants.
  • Blower may be considered interchangeable with the term “fan” and refers to a mechanical component that is driven by a motor and provides air to a respiratory device.
  • Blower/filter unit 22 in some embodiments, includes a compressor instead of a blower, such that supplied air is forced through the filter.
  • FIGS. 1B-1C illustrate other PAPR configurations 50, 70 where a blower/filtration unit 52, 72, in addition to a power source, are head-mounted.
  • FIG.2 illustrates potential PPE that may be required for a worker in a work environment.
  • PAPR unit In addition to a PAPR unit, often a worker needs to wear other PPE. For example, many work environments where a PAPR is needed may also be loud, such that hearing protection is needed. A worker 100 may need to combine multiple articles of PPE to meet different safety requirements. A worker may need to select an in-ear hearing protection option such as active hearing earplugs 112 or passive hearing earplugs 114. A worker may need to select an over-ear hearing protection option such as active hearing protection-enabled earmuffs 122 or passive protecting earmuffs 124. Other hearing protection options may also be available.
  • One or more PAPR configurations 130 may also be available, such as those available illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, or other suitable configurations.
  • a worker may wear a number of body covering articles as well, such as gloves, overalls, a welding jacket, a clean suit, a heat suit, etc.
  • body covering articles such as gloves, overalls, a welding jacket, a clean suit, a heat suit, etc.
  • One important requirement for PPE to work properly is for it to be used properly – for worker 100 to be in compliance with PPE usage requirements.
  • this can directly clash with a desire for worker 100 to be able to communicate with coworkers and their environments.
  • Hearing protection for example, may make it difficult for a user to hear a coworker at a distance.
  • Hearing protection 110 and 120 may be used in combination, either pairing one passive with one active hearing option, or pairing two active hearing protection options, such as described in U.S. Pat. 11,963,849, issued on April 23, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, for example.
  • Active hearing protection articles may also provide attenuation for external sounds, which works against the ability of an audible indication produced outside the hearing protection article to be heard – for example an alert generated by a PAPR, another PPE device or another non-PPE source.
  • articles of PPE have status or operational information that a user may want to know.
  • a useful life remaining for a PAPR filter for example, or a use time remaining based on a current battery life, a remaining runtime for the PAPR, a remaining filter-life, etc.
  • Some PAPR units utilize a heads- up display to indicate status information.
  • a heads-up display is limited to icons or other visual representations of status information, which may not provide the specificity desired by a user. For example, a ‘remaining battery life’ may be illustrated using a partially filled battery icon. However, knowing that a battery of a PAPR has 20% remaining may not immediately translate into an amount of run time or filter life remaining. Visual indications on a display may also distract a worker from a task at hand. Indicators within the field of view can cause discomfort to a user by being too bright or not visible by being too dark as users move between bright (e.g. outside) to dark (inside) environments.
  • in-field visual indicators typically are simple indicators generating 'flashes' of light to represent information, which the user must translate to understand the meaning. These in-field- visible indicators also have the drawback of causing additional glare in the user’s field of view.
  • Haptic feedback, or the use of tactile indicators is another option for providing status information to a wearer of PPE.
  • tactile indicators need good mechanical coupling between the source of the vibration and the users’ skin, often hampered by clothing and other PPE.
  • the information content of tactile indicators is low, so full-information-content messages usually must come from another source leaving tactile indication useful as a means of ‘attention getting’ to tell the user to ‘look somewhere else’.
  • wearable PPE is often bulky or made of thick material. Articles such as gloves may limit dexterity of a user, and other wearable PPE, such as overalls, welding jackets, clean suits, heat suits, etc., may inhibit the ability of a user to feal a tactile indication. Some hearing protection devices may capture, process and provide ambient sound for a user, such that ambient audible alerts may be used. However, communication systems that include hearing protection devices are often also used for worker 100 to communicate with other workers. A system is desired that allows for native language audible notifications to be provided to worker 100 in such a way that worker 100 can detect the notification through PPE.
  • a notification communication system be separate from a hearing protection communication system, or a PAPR communication system such that notifications may be presented clearly, reliably and distinctly from other provided sound.
  • Embodiments herein add an independent communication system to a PPE system for a user that is configured to receive and broadcast information separately from a primary communication system.
  • a PAPR and / or hearing protection article may have a communication system that facilitates worker- to-worker communication, media broadcasting, etc.
  • the independent communications system herein in some embodiments, is used solely for providing device-related alerts and / or responses to user-initiated queries. However, communication systems herein may be used to convey other information as well.
  • systems and methods herein rely on bone conduction technology to communicate in a way that bypasses the ear canal to provide understandable and ‘audible’ information.
  • information is provided by a bone conduction communication system while a second communication system is also active – e.g. the bone conduction communication system provides information ‘over,’ or ‘simultaneously with’ a broadcast from a separate communication system. .
  • the user may be able to continue a task without diverting their eye-ball attention from their work to a PPE display or continue to hear a conversation without interruption.
  • Using a different method may help a worker better maintain situational awareness (e.g. peripheral visual awareness, for example awareness of nearby moving vehicles or other workers).
  • situational awareness e.g. peripheral visual awareness, for example awareness of nearby moving vehicles or other workers.
  • Such a system better enables a user to become aware of an alarm or notifications from the PPE, rather than relying on buzzes or beeps or flashes, and additionally allows users to hear the information in their selected native language.
  • Introducing a separate communication system instead of integrating notification provision through an existing PPE system (e.g. routing PAPR-related alarms to a speaker of a hearing protection device) provides the additional benefit of device compatibility.
  • Many hearing protection devices are incompatible with PAPR systems because of the size of earmuffs / available space within a face mask or under a headtop of a PAPR system.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic of a bone conduction communication system in accordance with embodiments herein.
  • a bone conduction speaker system works by transmitting sound vibrations directly to the bones of the skull, bypassing the outer and middle ear.
  • a transducer typically a small vibrating element or a piezoelectronic transducer coverts audio signals into mechanical vibrations. The transducer is placed in contact with the skull of a user, typically near the temporal bone or behind the ear.
  • bone conduction system 212 is communicably coupled to a device 216.
  • the device 216 may, in some embodiments, be one of several articles of PPE 216.
  • a PAPR 216 may provide device status information to bone conduction element 212 to provide a user.
  • Processing circuitry 328 may be configured to control any of the methods described herein and/or to cause such methods to be performed, e.g., by processor 330. Corresponding instructions may be stored in the memory 332, which may be readable and/or readably connected to the processing circuitry 328.
  • processing circuitry 328 may include a controller, which may include a microprocessor and/or microcontroller and/or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) device and/or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) device. It may be considered that processing circuitry 328 includes or may be connected or connectable to memory, which may be configured to be accessible for reading and/or writing by the controller and/or processing circuitry 328.
  • processing circuitry 328 the amplifier 334, the transceiver 320 and the power supply 336 as being included in bone conduction communication system 212
  • these elements may be arranged in other ways.
  • the processing circuitry 328, the amplifier 334, the transceiver 320 and the power source 336 could be included in an enclosure that is separate from the bone conduction unit, and electrically coupled to the bone conduction communication system 212 by a wire or other signal carrying medium sufficient to drive the bone conduction transducer(s) 298.
  • the processing circuitry 328 is optional and can be omitted.
  • the communication controller housing 222 includes a communication controller 262 that includes processing circuitry 338 having a processor 340 and a memory 342.
  • the memory 342 is in communication with the processor 340 and stores instructions that, when executed by the processor 340, configure the processor 340 to provide communications between the communication controller 62 and other devices such as the bone conduction communication system 212.
  • the communication controller 262 also includes a communication controller transceiver 326 having a wireless communication unit 344.
  • the communication controller transceiver 326 wirelessly receives and transmits signals and is operable in a half- duplex mode or a full duplex mode. In one embodiment, the communication controller transceiver 326, via the wireless communication unit 344 transmits and receives signals to and from the bone conduction element transceiver 320. In one embodiment, the communication controller transceiver 326 also wirelessly receives audio signals from a microphone within the device 216 for transmission to a central command station or third party.
  • the communication controller transceiver 326 transmits and receives signals to and from a transceiver 326 in the bone conduction transceiver 320 via a wireless communication technology such as BLUETOOTH®, infra-red, ZigbeeTM, near field communication (NFC), WiFi, etc.
  • the communication controller 262 includes a power source 346 in communication with the processing circuitry 338 and the communication controller transceiver 326.
  • the power source is a battery, it being understood that any suitable arrangement for supplying power to drive the electronic components in the communication controller 262 can be used.
  • processing circuitry 338 of device 216 may include integrated circuitry for processing and/or control, e.g., one or more processors and/or processor cores and/or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry).
  • Processing circuitry 338 may comprise and/or be connected to and/or be configured for accessing (e.g., writing to and/or reading from) memory 342, which may comprise any kind of volatile and/or non- volatile memory, e.g., cache and/or buffer memory and/or RAM (Random Access Memory) and/or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and/or optical memory and/or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).
  • Such memory 342 may be configured to store code executable by control circuitry and/or other data, e.g., data pertaining to communication, e.g., configuration and/or address data of nodes, etc.
  • Processing circuitry 138 may be configured to control any of the methods described herein and/or to cause such methods to be performed, e.g., by processor 340.
  • memory 342 may control executable code that causes processor 340 to obtain a device status information when queried.
  • Corresponding instructions may be stored in the memory 342, which may be readable and/or readably connected to the processing circuitry 338.
  • processing circuitry 328 may include a controller, which may include a microprocessor and/or microcontroller and/or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) device and/or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) device. It may be considered that processing circuitry 328 includes or may be connected or connectable to memory, which may be configured to be accessible for reading and/or writing by the controller and/or processing circuitry 338.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates one example embodiment of a bone conduction communication system 212 in communication with another device 216. However, it is expressly contemplated that embodiments herein may be applicable to other arrangements.
  • bone conduction communication system 212 may be perceived differently by the user than sound produced by a PPE speaker.
  • the sound localization may cause sound produced by bone conduction to be perceived as coming from within the user’s head. This is because the sound vibrations are transmitted directly to the inner ear through the skull bones, instead of the normal pathway of sound entering through the outer and middle ear.
  • the sound quality may also be different from that of a traditional speaker as the sound may feel more “internal” or “vibrational” when compared to air-conducted sound. Additionally, tonal balance may be different.
  • the bone conduction communication system operates at a volume that is greater than a volume of the PPE communication system, or to another sound or communication system.
  • the bone conduction communication system may also operate using a unique vocal pattern. For example, the user may be able to select a “voice” that is used by the bone conduction communication system 212.
  • Systems and methods herein provide advantages over traditional PPE alerting and communication systems. For example, using a separate bone conduction communication system allows for a user to use passive hearing protection and still receive audible information. Having a separate bone conduction communication system in place may also allow for a user to, using a primary speaker system, make or receive phone calls or listen to movement.
  • Allowing for workers in loud environments to maintain communication with each other while leaving hearing and respiratory protection intact may increase PPE usage compliance, improving worker health and safety. Additionally, by providing alerting information in a recognizable and audible format allows for a user to receive more detailed and specific information in their native language. While icons may be language agnostic, it is an abbreviation that the user must recognize, translate and understand. By hearing the condition described in words in the language they are most comfortable understanding, this reduces the burden of training users as well as improves the confidence of users in understanding how their system works; both of which lead to users being more psychologically comfortable and better able to focus on their job’s duties.
  • a conventional display may have a ‘battery’ gauge that indicates one-quarter/one-half/three-quarters/full rather than the ability to speak the actual runtime which is remaining.
  • Embodiments herein provide a user access to more detailed information either as an alert triggered by a threshold, or in an ‘on-demand’ format in response to a user-input triggering a retrieval of information. Further, by not consuming the user’s main sensory input (visual), this audible information enables users to continue with their task by requesting the device ‘speak’ its status.
  • a bone conduction communication system 212 may, in some embodiments, be used only for providing alert or user-requested information, it is expressly contemplated that it may be used for other communications. Because respiratory protection must cover the mouth, this attenuates and distorts speech. In addition to the mouth covering, many forms of respiratory PPE also cover the entire face with an impact resistant shield adding another layer of attenuation and distortion to the spoken voice. These barriers interfere when one user speaks to another. Adding hearing protection to the listener in the conversation makes it very difficult.
  • a bone conduction communication system 212 may be used for some forms of communication as well. For example, a user may select to use a bone conduction communication system 212 for taking phone calls.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a PPE system in accordance with embodiments herein.
  • PPE system 400 illustrates a primary communication system 410, a secondary communication system 420, and a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) 450.
  • PAPR powered air-purifying respirator
  • FIG.4 it is expressly contemplated that PPE system 400 may include additional PPE, alternative PPE, or other devices that operate similarly within PPE system 400.
  • PAPR 450 includes a motor 458 (e.g.
  • Fan 456 forces air through filter 454 to a respirator mask 452.
  • motor 458, fan 456, filter 454 and respirator mask 452 – for example with some seated around a user’s waist, or the user’s back, or all part of a head-mounted system.
  • PAPR 450 also includes a status detector 462 capable of detecting a status of one or more components of PAPR 450.
  • a fan 456 is illustrated as an example mechanism for supplying air. However, it is expressly contemplated that other air sources may be suitable for some embodiments.
  • fan 456 may be an axial or centripetal fan.
  • Fan 456 may be replaced by a supplied air source, such as a compressor, for example, in some embodiments.
  • a PAPR system may include multiple status detectors 462, such as a sensor 462 configured to detect a remaining power level of a power source 459 (e.g. a battery, fuel cell, etc.), which may be indicative of a remaining runtime for motor 458, or a sensor 462 configured to measure a pressure drop across filter 454, which may be indicative of filter loading.
  • a power source 459 e.g. a battery, fuel cell, etc.
  • the term “power level” is an approximation of the state of charge of a battery or other power cell.
  • Status detector 462 may also communicate with other sensors associated with a wearer of PAPR 450 or located in an environment around PAPR 450.
  • a temperature or humidity sensor remote from PAPR 450 may communicate an ambient temperature and / or humidity.
  • a status evaluator 464 may, based on the received status signal, determine whether or not an alert is needed. For example, if a remaining battery level falls below a threshold, status evaluator 464 may determine that a “low battery” alert is needed. Status evaluator 464 may compare a status signal to a threshold, e.g. battery level above or below 30%, to a threshold rate of change, e.g. a rate of battery usage.
  • the threshold may be set by a PAPR manufacturer, a user of PPE system 400, a supervisor of the user, or another suitable source.
  • Status evaluator 464 may retrieve a threshold from a datastore 470 which may be stored locally on a memory of PAPR 450, locally on a controller 480 associated with PPE system 400, or remotely, retrieved using a suitable wireless protocol. Status evaluator 464 may retrieve alert thresholds 474 to compare against a received status indicator, for example. Status evaluator 464 may retrieve past alerts 472 for consideration. For example, if a low battery alert was provided previously, a second threshold may be used to determine that a second alert (e.g. to be delivered at a louder volume, changing a status light from yellow to green, etc.) is appropriate. When an alert is needed, alert generator 466 generates the alert. The alert may include a visual alert – e.g.
  • the alert may also, or alternatively, include an audible alert – either a sound or a voice-delivered alphanumeric indication.
  • the alert may also, or alternatively, include a haptic feedback indication such as a vibration.
  • at least some alerts are provided by a secondary communication system 420.
  • the alerts in some embodiments, may be provided in addition to a primary alert mechanism. For example, if an alert for PAPR 450 is designed to be delivered by changing a status light indicator, or by providing an icon on a display, embodiments herein may also provide the alert through the secondary communication system 420.
  • the alert is provided by secondary communication system 420 instead of using the default alert mechanism of the PAPR 450.
  • Alert generator 466 may retrieve a communication preference 476 from datastore 470.
  • the communication preference 476 may indicate whether an alert should be given using a default alerting method set by a manufacturer of PAPR 450, an alert method set by controller 480 based on available communication systems 410, 420, or another user-dictated preference.
  • Datastore 470 may include other information 478.
  • Other information 478 may include information about PAPR 450, historic received sensor readings, or other information that may be requested by a user. Described above are some example alert scenarios for a PAPR system 450.
  • PAPR 450 is illustrated as one example article of PPE that could generate an alert.
  • Additional PPE may be part of system 400, for example a self-contained breathing apparatus, a hearing protection device, a PPE control or routing device (e.g. a system control unit (SCU), which may manage communication using multiple radios and / or multiple radio channels, or a human-interface device containing a Push-to-Talk device (PTT)) switch and / or other user interface functionality, or another electronically powered PPE device capable of generating and communicating an alert for provision to a user.
  • a PPE system 400 may have a number of possible primary communication systems 410.
  • a PAPR 450 may have a microphone and / or speaker associated with a respirator mask 452. If a user is wearing an active hearing protection device, the microphone and / or speaker of the active hearing protection device may be used.
  • PPE system 400 may include PAPR 450, an over-ear active hearing protection device and a pair of in-ear active hearing protect devices.
  • Controller 480 may determine that the active hearing protection devices will make it difficult for a user to hear alerts or communications provide by a speaker of the PAPR 450 and select a speaker and microphone from one of the hearing protection devices.
  • Speaker 404 and microphone 402 may belong to the same device, e.g. both being associated with the in-ear active hearing protection device, or from different devices.
  • the speaker 404 of the in-ear protection device may be selected, as this is speaker most likely to be heard by the user of system 400, but the microphone 402 of the over-ear hearing protection device may be used based on a microphone quality.
  • Primary communication system 410 is the communication system used for regular communication.
  • regular communication includes communication between a user of PPE system 400 and PPE systems associated with other users in a workspace over radio communication, walkie-talkie communication, wireless communication protocols, etc.
  • regular communication includes communication received over a cellular network, for example facilitated by a cellular phone associated with a user of PPE system 400.
  • regular communication covers all communication intended by a user for transmission to another user, e.g. communication to be communicated to a receiving unit outside of PPE system 400.
  • Primary communication system 410 receives speech from a user using microphone 402 and broadcasts received communication using speaker 404.
  • primary communication system 410 includes a sound processing unit 406 which may process incoming sound.
  • sound processing unit 406 applies a level dependent hearing function to incoming sounds.
  • Sound processing unit 406 may apply sound processing algorithms in a number of ways. For example, sound processing may occur at either, or both of the transmitting or receiving ends of a transmission. Reducing high ambient sound, may reduce the need for noise cancellation at the ‘listening end’ (e.g. the bone conducting transducer end) of a voice conversation.
  • systems herein may algorithmically improve the voice information received from the ‘speaking end’ of a voice communication system to increase intelligibility without affecting the tonal quality of the ‘listening end’ may be hearing through their secondary audio system.
  • Primary communication system 410 may include other functionality 418.
  • primary communication system 410 may receive sound from other sources using other functionality 418, such as music from a music streaming module or a memory associated with PPE system 400, AM/FM radio from a radio transceiver, etc.
  • Communication manager 410 one embodiment of which is described in greater detail in FIG.9, may include one or more communication components, which may be wired or wireless.
  • received communications from other users’ PPE may be received directly by primary communication system 410, through a radio or push-to-talk device (not shown in FIG.
  • PPE system 400 also includes a secondary communication system 420.
  • Secondary communication system 420 operates independently of primary communication system such that communications provided over secondary communication system 420, when provided, are broadcast, or otherwise provided, over, or interrupt, communications provided through the primary communication systems 410.
  • One example type of communication provided by secondary communication system 420 includes alerts generated by alert generator 466.
  • Secondary communication system 420 may also receive queries from a user, using microphone 426. Sound routing unit 416 may parse communication received by microphone 426 to determine whether a query was received and determine what information to retrieve.
  • speech routing unit 416 may only parse a communication from a user if a wake word is detected, such as “Hey PAPR” or another suitable identifier that a query is being provided by a user.
  • Sound routing unit 416 is illustrated as part of primary communication system 410.
  • microphone 402 and microphone 426 are separate devices that may be simultaneously operating, processing power can be conserved by waiting until a wake word is detected to do additional parsing of a received indication to detect the contents of a user query.
  • microphone 402 and microphone 426 are the same microphone. Sound routing unit 416 may, in such embodiments, determine how a detected user speech should be treated.
  • received user speech may be treated as intended for communication through primary communication system 410.
  • a user stating “this PAPR is running on low battery” may, because no wake word was detected, be routed through primary communication system 410 and transmitted to an intended listener (e.g. as described below with respect to FIG.9).
  • Secondary communication system may only be actuated when the wake word is detected.
  • processing unit detects the wake word (e.g. “Hello PAPR” or another suitable phrase)
  • the detected speech following the wake word is routed for processing through secondary communication system 420.
  • detected speech is routed by sound routing unit 416 through either primary communication system 410 or secondary communication system 420, and not both.
  • query generator 415 may generate a query for datastore 470, for example past alerts 472, to determine whether or not a “low battery” alert was previously generated.
  • query generator 415 may generate a query for status detector 462 and / or status evaluator 464, to receive a current status – e.g. a current battery power level remaining.
  • some embodiments herein adjust a relative volume of the provided communications. For example, a volume of speaker 404 may be reduced, and / or a perceived volume of the generated sound vibrations may be increased, such that the sound vibrations are perceived as louder than the broadcast speech. This may be helpful to draw the user’s attention to the communication from secondary communication system 420, as the brain generally focuses on louder communications. However, it is expressly contemplated that other techniques may be used to focus a user’s attention on, or otherwise make distinctive, the sound vibrations from transducer 424.
  • Communication component 422 is also configured to receive alerts from alert generator 466 and provide those alerts to transducer 424.
  • Controller 480 is illustrated as a separate component in PPE system 400. However, it is expressly contemplated that, in some embodiments, controller 480 may be part of PAPR 450, or part of either primary or secondary communication system 410. However, controller 480 may also be part of a separate device (not shown) within PPE system 400.
  • controller 480 in response to a user input received from a user input mechanism 434, from microphone 402, or from microphone 426, changes a setting of a component of one or more articles of PPE system 400. For example, a volume of a speaker could be adjusted, or a fan level of a PAPR may be altered.
  • FIG.4 illustrates one example configuration of functional components of a PPE system 400, it is expressly contemplated that this is for illustrative purposes only, and that other suitable configurations are possible.
  • communication component 422, parsing unit 414 and / or query generator 415 may be incorporated into a controller 480, or into a device containing controller 480.
  • status evaluator 464 and / or alert generator 466 may be incorporated into controller 480, or into either of communication systems 410, 420.
  • Controller 480 may be incorporated into any of PAPR 450, or any device that forms part of primary or secondary communication systems 410, 420.
  • Other configurations are expressly contemplated.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates one example configuration of functional components of a PPE system 400, it is expressly contemplated that this is for illustrative purposes only, and that other suitable configurations are possible.
  • communication component 422, parsing unit 414 and / or query generator 415 may be incorporated into a controller 480,
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a process of coordinating operation of multiple communication systems in accordance with embodiments herein.
  • a user may wear multiple articles of PPE that provide a number of different communication options.
  • at least two communication systems may operate simultaneously, such that communication may be provided to a user through two different communication systems.
  • Method 500 illustrates one example process of such operation.
  • the primary and secondary communication systems may be similar to those described in FIG. 4, however it is expressly contemplated that the process of FIG.5 may be utilized with different communication systems.
  • a primary communication system 510 is actuated. Actuation of a primary communication system may take place when a user turns on an article of PPE or adds a new article of PPE.
  • the default communication settings may be used as a primary communication system.
  • a personal area network controller may detect article(s) of PPE worn by a user and select a combination of microphone and speaker to use for a primary communication system – for example based on detected PPE (e.g. selecting an in-ear microphone when both in-ear and over-ear hearing protection are present), based on available microphone / speaker quality, based on another parameter, or based on communication defaults or user settings.
  • the primary communication system is responsible for transmitting communications between the wearer of the article(s) of PPE and other individuals using any suitable wired, wireless or cellular networks.
  • a communication is received.
  • the communication received is accompanied by an indication that it is not for delivery through the primary communication system.
  • an identity of the source of the communication e.g. that the communication was generated by a PAPR alert generator, for example, may indicate that the communication should be routed to the secondary communication system instead of the first communication system.
  • a set of communication protocols may be designated for routing to the primary communication system, and communication received over a different protocol may indicate that routing through the secondary communication system is appropriate.
  • the same communication protocol is used for both the primary and secondary communication system, however communication designated for either primary, secondary or both may be indicated through encoding, or by a channel or band used for the transmission.
  • the received communication is broadcast using a second communication system that differs at least in part from the first communication system.
  • the second communication system may include a bone conduction transceiver that is used exclusively by the second communication system.
  • a first communication e.g. a conversation between PPE users
  • the broadcast over the secondary communication system may be configured such that it is perceivable by the user as separate from the broadcast of the primary communication system.
  • the first and second communications may vary in volume – either absolute volume or relative volume.
  • the second communication is an alert regarding a device status.
  • the second communication includes a response to a user query.
  • the second communication may be used for other content, source-specific communication, etc.
  • “actuating a secondary communication system” can involve powering on, enabling, or otherwise allowing a separate communication pathway configured to provide notifications, alerts, or other audible outputs distinct from the primary communication system.
  • this may comprise energizing a dedicated power source or circuit for a bone conduction transducer, establishing or initializing a unique communication link—whether wired or wireless—between a controller and the bone conduction transducer, and loading or starting any firmware or software routines that may process status signals and deliver corresponding alerts via bone conduction.
  • “Actuating” may cover the actions that may render this secondary communication system functional and ready to broadcast content intended for the wearer’s attention.
  • Detecting an operational status of the article of PPE using at least one sensor of the article of PPE can include monitoring one or more parameters associated with the device’s functionality or the wearer’s environment. For instance, the at least one sensor may measure battery level, filter loading, airflow, or face- seal integrity within a respirator.
  • the sensor can provide signals—such as voltage, resistance, or digital data— that may be processed by a controller to identify when a given parameter rises above or falls below a predefined threshold. In some cases, this detected operational status may prompt further actions or notifications. For example, when a sensor indicates that a remaining battery level has declined past a certain point, the system can generate an alert instructing the user to recharge or replace the battery. Similarly, if the sensor detects a pressure drop suggesting that a respirator filter is clogged, the system may notify the wearer to replace the filter. This flexible approach to detecting operational status can help ensure that the PPE article is used effectively and maintains its protective capabilities.
  • signals such as voltage, resistance, or digital data
  • Receiving the second transmission over a wired or wireless communication protocol may involve any suitable data transfer method that conveys the operational status or alert message from a controller or sensor interface to the secondary communication system.
  • the second transmission can be routed via a short-range wireless standard (such as Bluetooth® Low Energy) or a proprietary radio-frequency link dedicated to PPE communications.
  • a wired connection could employ simple analog signals or a standardized digital bus (for example, UART, I2C, or SPI) to carry the transmission.
  • this receiving stage can include authentication or handshake procedures that confirm the integrity and source of the second transmission before it is acted upon by the bone conduction transducer. As a result, the method can ensure reliable delivery of the operational status data, reducing risks associated with dropped signals or interference.
  • Routing the second transmission to the bone conduction transducer can involve transferring the operational status data from a controlling component or interface into a dedicated signal path optimized for driving the transducer. This process may include converting the status data into audio-frequency signals or vibration-control commands, depending on whether the system uses analog or digital signaling.
  • the controller may apply a specific amplitude, modulation, or frequency to ensure that alerts delivered via bone conduction are clear and distinct when perceived by the wearer.
  • routing may encompass any prioritization logic or signal management steps that help avoid interfering with other audio outputs.
  • the controller may temporarily adjust volumes, pause non-urgent outputs, or overlay the alert in a manner that is still noticeable through bone conduction.
  • Providing the second transmission to a wearer via bone conduction without interrupting the broadcast of the first transmissions over the primary speaker can involve situating a bone conduction transducer against the wearer’s skull—often near the temporal bone—so that vibrations travel directly to the wearer’s inner ear. By bypassing the conventional air-conduction pathway, this approach allows the wearer to perceive distinct notifications or alerts that do not interfere with any voice or other audio content being played over the primary speaker.
  • the system may manage the amplitude, frequency, or temporal characteristics of the vibration in a way that ensures the second transmission is intelligible and easily distinguished from ambient noise or any concurrent audio coming from the primary system. This can include boosting the alert volume or employing a particular vibration pattern so that the notification stands out effectively, even in high-noise environments.
  • the PPE system enables uninterrupted primary communications while concurrently delivering essential operational status information through bone conduction.
  • FIGS. 6A-6G illustrate bone conduction transducer placement options in accordance with embodiments herein. FIG.
  • Detecting an operational status of the article of PPE using at least one sensor of the article of PPE can include monitoring one or more parameters associated with the device’s functionality or the wearer’s environment.
  • the at least one sensor may measure battery level, filter loading, airflow, or face- seal integrity within a respirator.
  • the sensor can provide signals—such as voltage, resistance, or digital data— that may be processed by a controller to identify when a given parameter rises above or falls below a predefined threshold.
  • this detected operational status may prompt further actions or notifications. For example, when a sensor indicates that a remaining battery level has declined past a certain point, the system can generate an alert instructing the user to recharge or replace the battery.
  • the transducer is placed such that it is likely that it will contact the temporal skull plate, which surrounds the ear canal, as such placement shows improvement in sound quality over other potential skull plate placements.
  • other positions may be suitable, depending on PPE worn.
  • Another location consideration is the need to apply sufficient pressure so that the transducer has good contact with the skull such that produced vibrations are strong enough.
  • the transducer be placed such that pressure is sufficient, but not uncomfortable.
  • the helmet headband provides a good mechanism for providing the needed pressure as the headband already should be tight enough to hold the helmet on the user’s head.
  • FIG. 6C illustrates one example of a housing 606 for a bone conduction transducer. Slots 608 align with a chin seal, so a housing with a depression between slots 608 may be able to receive a bone conduction transceiver without causing significant discomfort.
  • FIG. 6D illustrates the bone conduction transducer held in place by glass tape, selected for this example because it does not stretch.
  • transducer 620 may be held in position in a number of other suitable ways including mechanical (e.g. a lock-and-key configuration, snaps, etc.), adhesive, welding or other bonding, or another suitable technique.
  • FIG. 6E illustrates a view 640 illustrating the total thickness of the headband with the transducer attached. It is desired that a transducer be held against a user’s head without causing discomfort due to pressure points.
  • the transducer 620 has a thickness that is smaller than a length or width, such that the smallest dimension is placed between the headband and the head of a user. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG.
  • the transducer 620 has a small enough footprint that a sweatband can be wrapped around the headband, at least partially obscuring the bone conduction transducer.
  • the example illustrated in FIGS.6A-6F was constructed by cutting a hole in the headband.
  • the bone conduction transducer 620 may be coupled to the headband in another manner – e.g. adhered, bonded or mechanically coupled to an inner surface of the headband.
  • FIG.6G illustrates a mount 650 that angles transducer 620 at an angle 652. The angle 652 may help to urge transducer 620 against the user’s head, improving contact with the user’s skull. In some embodiments, a foam 654 backing may provide some compliance to improve contact without causing discomfort.
  • FIGS. 6A-6G illustrate placement options for a magnetic transducer within a headband of a head- mounted PPE.
  • a bone conduction transducer may not be coupled to an article of PPE in some embodiments, and may be a separate article worn by a user.
  • FIGS.6A-6G illustrate a bone conduction transducer speaker.
  • a microphone is also present, such that a secondary communication system includes a separate microphone than a primary communication system.
  • the microphone of a bone conduction- based communication system may be a shorter microphone, in some embodiments, instead of a full boom microphone, which may be more suitable for a primary communication system in accordance with some embodiments herein.
  • a personal area network is a network that connects electronic devices within a short range – e.g. an individual’s personal workspace.
  • a personal area network in accordance with embodiments herein, may reach far enough to join articles of PPE worn by a user to the network, but not far enough to interfere with the articles of PPE of another user.
  • a personal network may be at least partially wired, for example using USB, IEEE 1394, Thunderbolt networks or other suitable wired technology.
  • the personal network is at least partially wireless – for example operating over a short-distance wireless network such as IrDA, wireless USB, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® LTE, Bluetooth® Low Energy, NearLink, Zigbee, IE 802.15, NFC or another suitable wireless protocol.
  • the wireless personal area network utilized a low power wireless technology.
  • the personal area network is a low-power personal area network (LPPAN).
  • LPPAN low-power personal area network
  • a personal area network (PAN) is actuated.
  • the personal area network may be managed by an article of PPE worn by a user, or by another device – a system control unit, a push-to-talk unit, or another suitable network generating and managing device.
  • the PAN may be actuated when a PAN-managing device is first turned on or fully powered (e.g. brought out of sleep or charging mode, etc.).
  • PPE devices associated with a user are joined to the PAN. In some embodiments, PPE devices are joined automatically when detected and in range. In some embodiments, PPE devices are joined when approved by a user. Some devices may automatically join, while others require user approval in some embodiments. Other configurations are possible. When a new device is joined, in some embodiments, network management may change to the new device.
  • the primary communication system is actuated. In some embodiments, the primary communication system is actuated or adjusted as each PPE device joins the network.
  • a microphone may be selected based on a best quality microphone available.
  • a pair of in- ear hearing protection devices may first join the PAN, and the microphone and speaker of the in-ear hearing protection devices may automatically be selected for the primary communication system, as no other options are available.
  • a communication manager may change the microphone of the primary communication system to the over-earmuff microphone. Such an evaluation may take place as each PPE device is added, in some embodiments.
  • primary communication system is used for the majority of communication to and from the user associated with the PPE. For example, communication coming in over radio frequencies from other users, over walkie-talkies, over cellular communication, etc.
  • a second type of communication is received that is detected by a communication manager as not for routing through the primary communication system.
  • the second type of communication may originate from one of the PPE devices in the PAN.
  • a signal may be received from a PAPR in the PAN indicating a low power level remaining.
  • a wake word, or other indication may be detected either in the speech of or by another indication from a user, in another example, indicating that the following speech is directed to a processing system within one or more devices within the PAN, and not to be transmitted outside the PAN.
  • the second type of communication is routed through a secondary communication system.
  • Alerts received from PPE devices, or received from outside the PAN may be delivered through the secondary communication system.
  • Responses to user-initiated queries may be routed through the secondary communication system.
  • the secondary communication system delivers communication in a fundamentally different way.
  • some embodiments herein utilize a bone conduction transducer to transmit sound through vibrations as opposed to sound waves delivered through the ear canal.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a communication environment in accordance with embodiments herein.
  • a communication management system is at least partially responsible for determining what communication is routed through which communication systems.
  • Systems herein include a bone conduction communication system having a bone conduction transducer in addition to a full duplex primary communication system that allows for communication between different individuals.
  • the primary communication system is configured to be used in a mesh network such that a user, in addition to receiving alerts or information over the secondary communication system, can communicate with different individuals throughout a work environment.
  • Systems and methods herein allow for a user to have greater control over what other individuals they are in communication with at a given time.
  • Some communication systems currently available allow for the automatic formation of groups based on geographic proximity. However, this may be limiting in some real- world applications. For example, users may be close to each other on a map, but one individual may be working at a higher altitude, which may place them outside of the automatic group formation range.
  • Communication environment 800 illustrates a number of workers 810A-E. Each worker is wearing a first article of PPE 812A-E and a second article of PPE 814A-E. Each worker also has a primary communication system 816A-E. Primary communication systems 816 each include a microphone and a speaker, selected from either of PPE 1812 and / or PPE 2814.
  • each worker has at least one device capable of generating and maintaining a communication network between individuals. This may be particularly useful, for example, if worker 810D wants to leave Group 1820A. If worker 810D had the device that had previously been controlling membership and communication within Group 1, another group member should have a device that can take over network control so that the communication between workers 810A and 810B. Illustrated in FIG.8, the first article of PPE associated with worker 810, PPE 1812A, includes a communication management system 830. However, while a single communication management system 830 is illustrated in FIG. 8, it is expressly contemplated that each worker 810 may have one or more devices that include a communication management system.
  • communication management system 830 is illustrated in FIG.8 as being incorporated into a PPE device, it is expressly contemplated that communication management system 830 may be incorporated into another device worn by a user, e.g. managed through a computer application on a mobile computing device, incorporated into another wearable device such as a smartphone, a PTT, an SCU or another device, or may be incorporated into a separate device within environment 800 or elsewhere.
  • Communication management system 830 includes a group generator 832 capable of generating a group within a mesh network.
  • a group membership manager 834 may be responsible for managing how many, and which, workers 810 are included in a given group. For example, a group may have a maximum possible number of members at a time.
  • membership manager 834 may either reject the new member or may remove an existing member to make space for the new member.
  • Communication management system 830 may have access to a datastore 850 with information about group history 852 for a given user, a location 854 for a given user, a work profile 856 for a given user, as well as other information.
  • Group membership manager 834 may, for example, prioritize adding a new member that is assigned to the same work task.
  • Group membership manager 834 may remove a user that has been in the group longer without speaking in order to make way for a new member. Location of users may be considered.
  • group manager may operate at least partially in response to user input from the user associated with the network managing device, e.g. worker 810A wearing PPE 1812A in the illustrated example of FIG.8.
  • a communication router 836 may determine whether a communication is intended for broadcast, using a primary communication system, to a group that worker 810A is associated with, or whether a secondary communication system should be used.
  • each of workers 810A- 810E may be wearing a device specific to a secondary communication system, such as a bone conduction transducer for a bone conduction system dedicated to providing communication within the PAN.
  • a network through which workers 810A-810E communicate is, in some embodiments herein, a mesh network that allows for rebroadcasting of communication across a mesh, allowing for transmission of communication across a larger distance to designated members of a given group.
  • Both of groups 820 may have dynamic membership in embodiments herein, such that a conversation can continue as members join or leave each group.
  • the network uses a time-division multiple access method, or another time-division multiplexing (TDM) method for allowing multiple users to join and leave the network.
  • TDM networks may allow for easier handing off of the network control as devices join or leave the network.
  • Datastore 850 is illustrated as a single memory component communicably coupled to communication management system 830. However, it is expressly contemplated that data retrieved by communication management system 830 may come from a variety of sources. For example, datastore 850 may be stored in a memory associated with PPE 1812A, such that communication management system 830 retrieves relevant information for group management system 834 from a local source. However, it is expressly contemplated that datastore 850 may be distributed.
  • each PPE 812A-E may store relevant user information about each of workers 810A-E, for example, which may be evaluated to determine group membership.
  • the information listed in datastore 850 is retrieved from a remote source or distributed in another configuration.
  • communication management system 830 determines which users to combine into different groups.
  • a user is responsible for manually selecting a group to join and / or manually selecting which other individuals to invite to a group.
  • at least some data managed by the communication system is encrypted, and / or how voice information is encoded for transmission and decoded for reception, e.g. which codecs should be used.
  • FIG.9 illustrates a schematic of an example Communication Management System in accordance with embodiments herein.
  • Communication management system 900 may be built into a wearable device such as an article of PPE, a mobile computing device such as a smartphone or a smartwatch, a PTT device, a control unit or any other suitable device, in some embodiments herein.
  • the communication management system 900 is built into a device remote from a user, or may even be accessed using a wireless or cloud protocol.
  • a communication selector 910 may select whether a communication should be routed through a primary communication system 920 or a secondary communication system 930. In some embodiments, no communication is broadcast through both the primary and secondary communication systems, instead all communication is routed through either one or the other.
  • the primary communication system 920 includes a microphone 922 and a speaker 924. Primary communication system 920 may also have other functionality – for example, microphone 922 and / or speaker 924 may be associated with an article of personal protective equipment.
  • secondary communication system 930 includes a microphone 930 and a speaker 936. In some embodiments, microphone 922 and microphone 934 are the same microphone. Secondary communication system 930 may include other functionality 936.
  • Either or both of communication systems 920, 930 may have some sound processing functionality in some embodiments herein. Either or both of communication systems 920, 930 may have some encryption or encoding / decoding functionality. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 9, data encryption / decryption or codec management may be managed by data manager 944. In some embodiments, data manager 944 is responsible for making communication in a group private and less accessible from other groups. Data manager 944 may also be responsible for ensuring that conversations do not leak between groups, such that conversation between members of Group 1 is not audible and does not ‘leak’ into Group 2. In some embodiments, a communication group may be designated as private by activating a ‘privacy mode’ between users.
  • the privacy mode may be based on RSSI, for example, or another mechanism, for example a activating a privacy mode using a physical switch, button, toggle, etc.
  • an audible and / or visual annunciator may be presented to indicate that a conversation is private.
  • a user may also adjust how, or whether, their speech is transmitted to a Group over a communication protocol. For example, a user may prefer to hum or sing to themselves and, therefore, may want to be present in their Group in a listen-only mode. This would allow the user to maintain awareness of the communication within their Group while maintaining comfort.
  • a communication component 940 may be responsible for sending communications over different protocols. For example, a detected user query may be communicated to an appropriate device for a response.
  • a communication management system 900 may also include a network manager 950. As described above with respect to FIG.
  • each worker wears at least one device that includes a network manager 950.
  • network manager 950 is illustrated as a separate component from primary and secondary communication systems 920, 930, it is expressly contemplated that a device that includes, for example, any of microphones 922, 932 or speakers 924, 934 may also include network manager.
  • a PAPR may include a processing component that completes the functions of network manager 950.
  • network manager 950 is separate from a PPE device, or even located remote from a worker.
  • Network manager 950 includes a network generator 952 which may generate a wireless network to which a number of communication systems can be joined such that a number of users can converse.
  • Network generator 952 may operate using any of a number of suitable wireless protocols. In some embodiments, network generator 952 generates a mesh network. In some embodiments, a network is already present, for example generated by a different user.
  • the user associated with communication management system 900 includes a network selector 956 which may allow a user to see, and select from, a number of available communication groups 958. When a user wants to join a network, a recipient manager 962 may determine whether or not a slot is available on a given communication channel. For example, a given network protocol may allow up to 6 individuals at a time.
  • recipient manager 962 may determine whether to reject the 7 th individual, or whether to allow the 7 th individual to take the place of one of the current 6 group members. For example, a recipient manager 962 may prioritize keeping group members that have been more active in a conversation in some embodiments.
  • a distance between users may be prioritized, calculably by an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) signal or another distance indicator.
  • RSSI Received Signal Strength Indicator
  • Other sensor indicators may be used – such as a direction a user is facing (e.g. using an accelerometer and / or a compass or another suitable sensor).
  • a number of considerations may be used in an evaluation of which individuals should be retained in a group.
  • a user may want to transfer groups, for example as they change a work assignment or if there is a need to converse with different individuals.
  • a network transferer 954 may be responsible for receiving an indication, for example from group selector 958, that the user wishes to switch from a first group to a second group.
  • Network transferer 954 may remove the user from the first group and join the user to a network associated with the second group.
  • a codec selection may be needed, for example to encode, decode, compress or decompress a data stream.
  • a user may provide an indication that they wish to join or leave a group using a number of user input mechanisms 970.
  • a user may provide a spoken indication that is detected and processed using the secondary communication system.
  • Secondary communication system 930 may include parsing functionality that determines that the user (1) wishes to leave a current group, (2) wishes to join a second group, and (3) that the second group is a group that includes John.
  • a user instead selects a group using a user interface of a mobile computing device, or using a toggle, dial or other mechanical mechanism associated with a wearable device, such as a PTT or SCU.
  • Other suitable user input mechanisms 970 are expressly contemplated.
  • communication management system 900 may include the ability to capture voice information for encoding, for example using microphone 922, 932 or another suitable mechanism.
  • communication management system 900 also includes techniques to isolate speech from environmental noise and, in the event one of the articles of PPE includes a PAPR, respiratory related baffling effects.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a method of transferring communication groups in accordance with embodiments herein. Workers in an environment want to be able to communicate with each other. PPE can interfere with the ability to communicate naturally with coworkers – hearing protection devices are designed to muffle ambient sound; respiratory protection devices, such as PAPRs, cover parts of a user’s face, making it difficult to understand speech; etc.
  • One problem facing PPE compliance and worker safety is the risk that workers may remove or adjust PPE in order to be able to more easily converse with each other.
  • Method 1000 illustrates an example process for a user to switch from a first communication group to a second communication group. Having a simple process for switching between conversations may increase adoption of systems described herein and increase compliance with PPE requirements.
  • an indication is received that a user wants to change conversations.
  • the indication may be a verbal indication, for example a user speaking “talk to Fred” after a detected wake word.
  • the indication may be based on sensed user behavior. For example, a user may turn to face a worker that is not in their current conversation group.
  • a user may look up and face a direction that includes Fred on a ladder. This may trigger a communication manager associated with the user to either automatically switch the user to a conversation with Fred and / or provide a suggestion to the user to switch to a group that includes Fred (or invite Fred to the user’s current group).
  • a visual indication may appear on a heads-up display or an audible suggestion may be provided using a secondary communication system separate from the communication system used for conversation within the group.
  • group membership for a user is not changed without user acknowledgement / approval.
  • the indication received is a confirmation from a user to accept an invitation from a group for the user to join.
  • the user leaves the first group.
  • a communication manager for the user may first query to determine whether the second group has an open communication slot for the user to join. If there is no open communication slot, the communication manager may not automatically remove the user from the first group.
  • the user may, using a network manager, start a new group, such that the ‘second group’ of block 1030 is a new group, and joining the second group includes inviting other individuals to join the new group.
  • FIG.11 illustrates a method of managing networked communication in accordance with embodiments herein.
  • each worker in an environment has at least one device that includes a communication manager.
  • the communication manager may access a memory unit which stores information about a current conversation group the user belongs to.
  • the memory unit may be local to the device, associated with a different wearable device associated with the user, accessed wirelessly from a remote source, etc.
  • Group networks in embodiments herein may be time division multiplexing groups that enable users to join and leave without significant interruption to the conversation. However, it is expressly contemplated that other network configurations are also possible.
  • it is detected that the device managing a network for a group conversation is leaving, or has left, the group.
  • a communication management system associated with a different device retrieves network information.
  • block 1120 may happen after block 1110, it is expressly contemplated that these actions may happen at least partially simultaneously.
  • a handshake occurs between the device leaving the network and a second device which will take over management of the group network.
  • the device taking over the group network may retrieve network information for the group – e.g. current group membership, group membership history, location of group members, group member work assignments or any other suitable parameters that may be helpful for evaluating group participation.
  • the new device takes over management of the group network.
  • the original group may split into two or more subgroups.
  • the new group network managing device may be selected automatically, in some embodiments.
  • FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a communication management system architecture.
  • the remote server architecture 1200 illustrates one embodiment of an implementation of a communication management system 1210.
  • remote server architecture 1200 can provide computation, software, data access, and storage services that do not require end-user knowledge of the physical location or configuration of the system that delivers the services.
  • remote servers can deliver the services over a wide area network, such as the internet, using appropriate protocols.
  • remote servers can deliver applications over a wide area network and they can be accessed through a web browser or any other computing component.
  • Software or components shown or described in FIGS. 1-11 as well as the corresponding data, can be stored on servers at a remote location.
  • the computing resources in a remote server environment can be consolidated at a remote data center location or they can be dispersed.
  • Remote server infrastructures can deliver services through shared data centers, even though they appear as a single point of access for the user.
  • the components and functions described herein can be provided from a remote server at a remote location using a remote server architecture. Alternatively, they can be provided by a conventional server, installed on client devices directly, or in other ways.
  • a user 1050 may interact with system 1210 using a PPE system 1222.
  • FIG. 12 specifically shows that a digital defect tracking system can be located at a remote server location 1202. Therefore, system 1210 accesses those systems through remote server location 1202.
  • FIG. 12 shows that, in some embodiments, it is also contemplated that some elements of systems described herein are disposed at remote server location 1202 while others are not.
  • storage 1230, 1240 or 1260 can be disposed at a location separate from location 1202 and accessed through the remote server at location 1202.
  • computing device 1220 can be accessed directly by computing device 1220, through a network (either a wide area network or a local area network), hosted at a remote site by a service, provided as a service, or accessed by a connection service that resides in a remote location.
  • a network either a wide area network or a local area network
  • the data can be stored in substantially any location and intermittently accessed by, or forwarded to, interested parties.
  • physical carriers can be used instead of, or in addition to, electromagnetic wave carriers.
  • the elements of systems described herein, or portions of them can be disposed on a wide variety of different devices.
  • FIGS.13-14 show examples of mobile devices that can be used in the embodiments shown in previous Figures.
  • FIG.13 is a simplified block diagram of one illustrative example of a handheld or mobile computing device that can be used as a user's or client's handheld device 1321 (e.g., as computing device 1520 in FIG. 15), in which the present system (or parts of it) can be deployed.
  • a mobile device can be deployed in the operator compartment of computing device 1320 for use in generating, processing, or displaying the data.
  • FIG.12 is another example of a handheld or mobile device.
  • FIG.13 provides a general block diagram of the components of a client device 1316 that can run some components shown and described herein. Client device 1316 interacts with them, or runs some and interacts with some.
  • a communications link 1313 is provided that allows the handheld device to communicate with other computing devices and under some embodiments provides a channel for receiving information automatically, such as by scanning. Examples of communications link 1313 include allowing communication though one or more communication protocols, such as wireless services used to provide cellular access to a network, as well as protocols that provide local wireless connections to networks. In other examples, applications can be received on a removable Secure Digital (SD) card that is connected to an interface 1315.
  • SD Secure Digital
  • Interface 1315 and communication links 1313 communicate with a processor 1317 (which can also embody a processor) along a bus 1319 that is also connected to memory 1321 and input/output (I/O) components 1323, as well as clock 1325 and location system 1327.
  • I/O components 1323 are provided to facilitate input and output operations and the device 1316 can include input components such as buttons, touch sensors, optical sensors, microphones, touch screens, proximity sensors, accelerometers, orientation sensors and output components such as a display device, a speaker, and or a printer port.
  • Other I/O components 1323 can be used as well.
  • Clock 1325 illustratively comprises a real time clock component that outputs a time and date. It can also provide timing functions for processor 1317.
  • location system 1327 includes a component that outputs a current geographical location of device 1316.
  • This can include, for instance, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, a LORAN system, a dead reckoning system, a cellular triangulation system, or other positioning system. It can also include, for example, mapping software or navigation software that generates desired maps, navigation routes and other geographic functions.
  • Memory 1321 stores operating system 1329, network settings 1331, applications 1333, application configuration settings 1335, data store 1337, communication drivers 1339, and communication configuration settings 1341.
  • Memory 1321 can include all types of tangible volatile and non-volatile computer-readable memory devices. It can also include computer storage media (described below).
  • FIG. 14 shows that the device can be a smart phone 1471.
  • Smart phone 1471 has a touch sensitive display 1473 that displays icons or tiles or other user input mechanisms 1475.
  • Mechanisms 1475 can be used by a user to run applications, make calls, perform data transfer operations, etc.
  • smart phone 1471 is built on a mobile operating system and offers more advanced computing capability and connectivity than a feature phone. Note that other forms of the devices 1416 are possible.
  • FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a computing environment that can be used in embodiments shown in previous Figures.
  • FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a computing environment that can be used in embodiments shown in previous Figures.
  • an example system for implementing some embodiments includes a general-purpose computing device in the form of a computer 1510.
  • Components of computer 1510 may include, but are not limited to, a processing unit 1520 (which can comprise a processor), a system memory 1530, and a system bus 1521 that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit 1520.
  • the system bus 1521 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures.
  • Computer 1510 typically includes a variety of computer readable media.
  • Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by computer 1510 and includes both volatile/nonvolatile media and removable/non-removable media.
  • Computer readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media.
  • Computer storage media is different from, and does not include, a modulated data signal or carrier wave. It includes hardware storage media including both volatile/nonvolatile and removable/non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data.
  • Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by computer 1510.
  • Communication media may embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media.
  • modulated data signal means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal.
  • the system memory 1530 includes computer storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) 1531 and random access memory (RAM) 1532.
  • a basic input/output system 1533 (BIOS) containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within computer 1510, such as during start-up, is typically stored in ROM 1531.
  • RAM 1532 typically contains data and/or program modules that are immediately accessible to and/or presently being operated on by processing unit 1520.
  • FIG. 15 illustrates operating system 1534, application programs 1535, other program modules 1536, and program data 1537.
  • the computer 1510 may also include other removable/non-removable and volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media.
  • the hard disk drive 15 illustrates a hard disk drive 1541 that reads from or writes to non-removable, nonvolatile magnetic media, nonvolatile magnetic disk 1552, an optical disk drive 1555, and nonvolatile optical disk 1556.
  • the hard disk drive 1541 is typically connected to the system bus 1521 through a non-removable memory interface such as interface 1540, and optical disk drive 1555 are typically connected to the system bus 1521 by a removable memory interface, such as interface 1550.
  • the functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components.
  • illustrative types of hardware logic components include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-specific Integrated Circuits (e.g., ASICs), Application-specific Standard Products (e.g., ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), etc.
  • FPGAs Field-programmable Gate Arrays
  • ASICs Application-specific Integrated Circuits
  • ASSPs Application-specific Standard Products
  • SOCs System-on-a-chip systems
  • CPLDs Complex Programmable Logic Devices
  • FIG.15 for example, hard disk drive 1541 is illustrated as storing operating system 1544, application programs 1545, other program modules 1546, and program data 1547.
  • a user may enter commands and information into the computer 1510 through input devices such as a keyboard 1562, a microphone 1563, and a pointing device 1561, such as a mouse, trackball or touch pad.
  • Other input devices may include a joystick, game pad, satellite receiver, scanner, or the like.
  • a visual display 1591 or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus 1521 via an interface, such as a video interface 1590.
  • computers may also include other peripheral output devices such as speakers 1597 and printer 1596, which may be connected through an output peripheral interface 1595.
  • the computer 1510 is operated in a networked environment using logical connections, such as a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN) to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer 1580.
  • LAN Local Area Network
  • WAN Wide Area Network
  • the computer 1510 is connected to the LAN 1571 through a network interface or adapter 1570.
  • the computer 1510 typically includes a modem 1572 or other means for establishing communications over the WAN 1573, such as the Internet.
  • program modules may be stored in a remote memory storage device.
  • FIG.15 illustrates, for example, that remote application programs 1585 can reside on remote computer 1580.
  • a PPE system including an article of PPE including a sensor. The sensor is configured to sense a status of the article of PPE.
  • the PPE system includes a primary communication system including a primary microphone and a primary speaker and a communication component configured to receive a communication and broadcast the received communication over the primary speaker.
  • the system also includes a secondary communication system including a bone conduction transducer configured to provide the sensed status to a user.
  • the system also includes a communication component configured to receive an indication of the sensed status and provide the sensed status to the secondary communication system.
  • the system may be implemented such that the article of PPE includes the primary microphone or the primary speaker.
  • the system may be implemented such that the article of PPE includes the secondary communication system.
  • the system may be implemented such that the article of PPE includes a headband, and the headband includes the bone conduction transducer.
  • the system may be implemented such that the bone conduction transducer is configured to be positioned next to the skull bone when the headband is worn by a wearer of the article of PPE.
  • the system may be implemented such that the article of PPE includes a PAPR.
  • the system may be implemented such that the PAPR includes a face shield.
  • the face shield includes the headband.
  • the system may be implemented such that the PAPR is a head-mounted PAPR.
  • the system may be implemented such that the PAPR includes: a motor, a fan, and a power source configured to power the fan and the bone conduction transducer.
  • the system may be implemented such that the article of PPE is a first article of PPE.
  • the PPE system includes a second article of PPE.
  • the system may be implemented such that the first article of PPE includes the primary microphone and the second article of PPE includes the primary microphone.
  • the system may be implemented such that the first article of PPE includes a PAPR, a pair of in-ear hearing protection device, or an over-ear hearing protection device.
  • the system may further include a communication routing selector that selects the primary microphone from a first microphone, of the first article of PPE, and a second microphone, of the second article of PPE.
  • the system may be implemented such that the communication component uses a first communication protocol for the primary communication system and a second communication protocol for the secondary communication system.
  • the system may be implemented such that the communication component is configured to detect a user device status query and, based on the device status query, retrieve the sensed status of the article of PPE.
  • the system may be implemented such that sound provided by the bone conduction transducer is perceptively different from sound provided by the primary speaker.
  • the system may be implemented such that the sound provided by the bone conduction transducer is louder than the sound provided by the primary speaker.
  • the system may be implemented such that the bone conduction transducer is configured to broadcast the indication of the sensed status when received.
  • the system may be implemented such that the indication of the sensed status is broadcast, using the bone conduction transducer, while a communication is broadcast through the primary speaker.
  • the system may be implemented such that the article of PPE includes a facepiece strap, and the facepiece strap includes the bone conduction transducer.
  • the system may be implemented such that the article of PPE includes a respirator.
  • the system may be implemented such that the respirator is a reusable respirator.
  • the system may be implemented such that the respirator is a supplied-air respirator.
  • the system may be implemented such that the supplied-air respirator includes a compressor.
  • a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) system is presented that includes a PAPR.
  • the PAPR includes a respirator mask, an air source, configured to supply air to the respirator mask, a motor configured to drive the fan, a power source configured to provide power the motor, and a PAPR status sensor.
  • the system includes a primary communication system configured to receive an incoming transmission over a communication protocol and broadcast the received transmission over a speaker and a secondary communication system configured to provide an audible indication using a bone conduction transducer.
  • the PAPR system may be implemented such that the PAPR includes the speaker.
  • the PAPR system may be implemented such that the PAPR system includes a hearing protection device.
  • the hearing protection device includes the speaker.
  • the received transmission is received over a wireless communication protocol.
  • the PAPR system may be implemented such that the audible indication includes a status of the PAPR.
  • the PAPR system may be implemented such that the status includes an approximate run time remaining for the power source.
  • the PAPR system may be implemented such that the power source powers the bone conduction transducer.
  • the PAPR system may be implemented such that the PAPR further includes a headband, and the headband includes a housing configured to receive the bone conduction transducer.
  • the PAPR system may include a second article of PPE and a communication manager.
  • the communication manager is configured to select the speaker from a first speaker, associated with the PAPR, and a second speaker, associated with the second article of PPE.
  • the PAPR system may be implemented such that the audible transmission is provided using the bone conduction transducer simultaneously while the incoming transmission is broadcast over the speaker.
  • the PAPR system may include a communication manager configured to receive a user speech indication, from a microphone and determine, based on the user speech indication, that the user speech should be transmitted, by a communication component, over a wireless network using a wireless communication protocol.
  • the PAPR system may include a communication manager configured to receive a user speech indication, from a microphone and determine, based on the user speech indication, that the user speech should be parsed by a speech parsing unit and a communication component, based on parsed user speech indication, generates a query for the PAPR status sensor.
  • the audible indication includes an indication of a response to the query received from the PAPR status sensor.
  • the PAPR system may be implemented such that the communication component transmits the user speech to a predetermined set of recipients.
  • the PAPR system may be implemented such that the predetermined set of recipients is determined based on a communication group managed by the communication manager.
  • the PAPR system may be implemented such that the bone conduction transducer provides the audible indication at a first volume, the received transmission is broadcast over the speaker at a second volume, and the first volume is greater than the second volume.
  • the PAPR system may be implemented such that the audible indication is provided at a first time, and is repeated at a second time unless a user acknowledgement is received.
  • the PAPR system may be implemented such that the audible indication includes a device status received from the PAPR status sensor.
  • the PAPR system may be implemented such that the device status includes a remaining run-time or a remaining filter life for a PAPR filter.
  • the PAPR system may be implemented such that the primary communication system includes an active hearing protection device configured to process the received transmission.
  • the PAPR system may be implemented such that.
  • the PAPR system may be implemented such that the PAPR is a head-mounted PAPR.
  • the PAPR system may include a communication manager configured to receive a user speech indication, from a microphone and determine, based on the user speech indication, that the user speech should be parsed by a speech parsing unit.
  • a communication component based on parsed user speech indication, generates a parameter change for a component of the PAPR.
  • a controller of the PAPR executes the parameter change.
  • the PAPR system may be implemented such that the parameter change is a change in airflow and executing the parameter change includes the controller automatically adjusting a setting of the air source.
  • the PAPR system may be implemented such that the air source includes a fan.
  • the PAPR system may be implemented such that the air source includes a compressor.
  • the PAPR system may be implemented such that the power source is a rechargeable power source.
  • the PAPR system may be implemented such that the power source includes a solar power charging component.
  • the PAPR system may be implemented such that the power source includes a triboelectric charging component.
  • a communication system for an article of personal protective equipment (PPE) is presented that includes a primary communication system including a primary microphone and a primary speaker, a secondary communication system including a bone conduction transducer, a status sensor configured to sense an operational status of the article of personal protective equipment, and a communication component configured to broadcast an audio transmission, received over a wireless communication protocol over the primary speaker, and configured to provide the received operational status, using the bone conduction transducer. The audio transmission and the received operational status are provided substantially simultaneously.
  • the system may be implemented such that the article of PPE includes the primary microphone or the primary speaker.
  • the system may be implemented such that the article of PPE includes a PAPR.
  • the system may be implemented such that the article of PPE includes an active hearing protection device.
  • the system may be implemented such that the article of PPE is a first article of PPE.
  • the system includes a second article of PPE.
  • the first article of PPE includes the primary microphone.
  • the second article of PPE includes the primary speaker.
  • the system may include a signal router configured to select the primary microphone from a first microphone of the first article of the PPE and a second microphone of the second article of PPE.
  • the system may be implemented such that the audio transmission is muted while the received operational status is provided.
  • the system may be implemented such that the audio transmission is broadcast at a first volume, the operational status is provided at a second volume.
  • the second volume is louder than the first volume.
  • the system may be implemented such that the communication component is configured to transmit a speech indication, captured by the primary microphone, over the wireless communication protocol.
  • the system may be implemented such that the communication component is configured to transmit the speech indication to a set of recipients on a network.
  • the system may be implemented such that the set of recipients is retrieved based on a communication group associated with the communication component on the network.
  • the system may be implemented such that the operational status includes an indication of a remaining runtime of a power source for the article of PPE.
  • the system may be implemented such that the article of PPE includes the bone conduction transducer.
  • the system may be implemented such that the article of PPE includes a headband.
  • the headband includes the bone conduction transducer.
  • the system may be implemented such that the article of PPE includes a head-mounted portion.
  • the head-mounted portion includes the bone conduction transducer.
  • the system may be implemented such that the headband includes a housing for the bone conduction transducer.
  • the housing includes a compliant portion.
  • the system may be implemented such that the compliant portion is configured to urge the bone conduction transducer toward a temporal bone of a user at an angle.
  • the system may be implemented such that the bone conduction transducer is configured to contact a temporal bone of a user.
  • the system may be implemented such that the bone conduction transducer includes a magnetic transducer.
  • the system may be implemented such that the secondary communication system further includes a secondary microphone.
  • the system may be implemented such that the secondary microphone includes a second bone conduction transducer.
  • the system may be implemented such that the article of PPE includes a supplied air respirator.
  • the system may be implemented such that the article of PPE includes a reusable respirator.
  • the system may be implemented such that the received operational status is provided to the bone conduction transducer over a wired coupling using analog signals.
  • the system may be implemented such that the received operational status is provided to the bone conduction transducer using a wired communication protocol.
  • the system may be implemented such that the received operational status is provided to the bone conduction transducer using a wireless communication protocol.
  • a method of routing communication within a PPE system is presented that includes actuating a primary communication system.
  • the primary communication system includes: a primary microphone and a primary speaker.
  • the PPE system includes an article of PPE.
  • the article of PPE includes the primary microphone or the primary speaker.
  • the primary communication system is configured to receive an audible transmission using a primary wireless protocol and broadcast the audible transmission over the primary speaker.
  • the method also includes actuating a secondary communication system.
  • the secondary communication system includes a bone conduction transducer.
  • the method also includes receiving a second transmission over a wireless or wired communication protocol.
  • the method also includes routing the second transmission to the secondary communication system.
  • the method also includes providing the second transmission through the bone conduction transducer.
  • the method may be implemented such that the PPE system includes a Personal Area Network.
  • the method may be implemented such that the PPE system includes a first article of PPE coupled to the personal area network, the first article of PPE including the primary microphone.
  • the method may be implemented such that the PPE system includes a second article of PPE coupled to the personal network, the second article of PPE including the primary speaker.
  • routing includes detecting that the second transmission includes an alert and routing the alert to the secondary communication system.
  • routing includes detecting that the second transmission originated from the article of PPE.
  • the method may be implemented such that providing the second transmission includes providing the second transmission at a higher volume than the audible transmission.
  • broadcasting includes reducing a volume of the audible transmission while the second transmission is being provided.
  • the method may be implemented such that broadcasting includes muting the volume of the audible transmission while the second transmission is being provided.
  • the method may be implemented such that detecting includes identifying a source of the second transmission.
  • the method may be implemented such that the second transmission includes a status of the article of PPE.
  • the method may be implemented such that the status includes a low power remaining for the article of PPE.
  • the method may be implemented such that detecting includes detecting an encoding indicating that the second transmission be routed to the secondary communication system.
  • a head-mounted PPE system is presented that includes a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR).
  • PAPR powered air purifying respirator
  • the PAPR includes a respirator mask configuring to cover the face of a user, a head-mounted air source configured provide air to the respirator mask, the air source including a motor-driven component, a power source configured to drive the motor, and a PAPR sensor configured to sense an operational status of the PAPR.
  • the head-mounted PPE system also includes a headband configured to encircle a head of a wearer and a mount coupled to the headband. The mount is configured to receive a bone conduction transducer such that the bone conduction transducer is positioned against a temporal bone of the wearer.
  • the head-mounted PPE system may include a hearing protection device including a microphone and a speaker.
  • the hearing protection device is configured to receive an audio transmission, using a communication component, and broadcast the audio transmission over the speaker.
  • the head-mounted PPE system may be implemented such that the bone conduction transducer is configured to provide the operational status received from the PAPR sensor.
  • the head-mounted PPE system may include a sensor analyzer configured to receive the operational status, compare it to a threshold and the bone conduction transducer provides the operational status only if the operational status satisfies the threshold.
  • the head-mounted PPE system may be implemented such that the bone conduction transducer is configured to provide the operational status simultaneously as the speaker broadcasts the audio transmission.
  • the head-mounted PPE system may be implemented such that a first volume of the provided operational status is louder than a second volume of the audio transmission.
  • the head-mounted PPE system may be implemented such that the second volume is muted while the operational status is provided.
  • the head-mounted PPE system may be implemented such that the second volume is reduced.
  • the head-mounted PPE system may be implemented such that the mount includes a compliant portion positioned such that the bone conduction transducer is angled with respect to the temporal bone.
  • the head-mounted PPE system may be implemented such that the hearing protection device is an active hearing protection device.
  • the head-mounted PPE system may be implemented such that the hearing protection device is a level- dependent hearing protection device.
  • the head-mounted PPE system may be implemented such that the power source is remote from the air source.
  • the head-mounted PPE system may be implemented such that the head-mounted air source includes a fan.
  • the head-mounted PPE system may be implemented such that the head-mounted air source includes a pump.
  • the head-mounted PPE system may be implemented such that the head-mounted air source includes a compressor.
  • a communication management system is presented that includes a network manager for a wireless communication network.
  • the network manager includes: a network generator configured to generate the wireless communication network and a recipient manager configured to manage a number of recipients on the wireless communication network.
  • the system also includes an article of personal protective equipment (PPE), which includes a microphone configured to capture voice data, and a speaker.
  • PPE personal protective equipment
  • the system also includes a communication selector configured to transmit the captured voice data over the wireless communication network, to the number of recipients, and to broadcast an incoming audio transmission, from the wireless network, over the speaker.
  • the system may be implemented such that the article of PPE includes the network manager.
  • the system may include a bone conduction transducer.
  • the communication selector is further configured to: receive an indication from the article of PPE, and provide the signal using the bone conduction transducer.
  • the system may be implemented such that the indication includes a status of a component of the PPE.
  • the communication management system may be implemented such that the network manager is further configured to: receive a request from a second communication component, of a second article of PPE, to join the wireless communication network, and join the second communication component to the network and add the second communication component to the number of recipients.
  • the communication management system may be implemented such that the network manager is further configured to: detect that a maximum number of recipients is present on the wireless communication network, and remove an existing communication component from the network.
  • the communication management system may be implemented such that the network manager is further configured to: evaluate the existing number of recipients, and select the existing communication component from the network based on a selection criteria.
  • the communication management system may be implemented such that the wireless communication network is a time-division multiple access (TDMA) network.
  • the communication management system may be implemented such that the recipient manager is configured to, based on a user input, classify the list of recipients as a private list of recipients.
  • the communication management system may be implemented such that, in response to the classification, an indication of the classification is broadcast over the speaker.
  • the communication management system may be implemented such that, in response to the classification, a visual indication of the classification is provided.
  • the communication management system may be implemented such that the visual indication includes actuating an LED light or an icon on a display component.
  • a personal protective equipment (PPE) system may be implemented such that it comprises an article of PPE including at least one sensor configured to detect a status of the article of PPE and to output a corresponding status signal; a communication system comprising a bone conduction transducer configured to provide an audible alert to a wearer, via bone conduction, when driven; and a controller operably coupled to the at least one sensor and the bone conduction transducer, the controller being configured to receive the status signal from the at least one sensor and drive the bone conduction transducer to provide an alert indicative of the operational status detected by the at least one sensor.
  • the article of PPE is a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR).
  • PAPR powered air-purifying respirator
  • the at least one sensor is a battery-life sensor configured to generate the status signal when remaining power falls below a predetermined threshold.
  • the at least one sensor is a filter-loading sensor configured to detect whether a filter element of the article of PPE requires replacement.
  • the controller is configured to repeat the alert via the bone conduction transducer at predetermined intervals until a user acknowledgment signal is received.
  • the bone conduction transducer is integrated into or mounted on a headband portion of the article of PPE.
  • the system includes a primary communication system for wearer-to- wearer or wearer-to-remote communications, and the bone conduction transducer is dedicated to providing alerts indicative of the operational status detected by the at least one sensor.
  • the controller is configured to drive the bone conduction transducer with a distinct volume or tonal pattern in order to differentiate the alert from other audible signals.
  • the system includes a user interface operably coupled to the controller, such that the user interface can receive a wearer-initiated query and prompt the controller to drive the bone conduction transducer with alert information in response.
  • the at least one sensor is a facial seal sensor configured to detect seal integrity between a facepiece of the article of PPE and the wearer’s face.
  • a method of routing communications within a personal protective equipment (PPE) system may be implemented such that it includes actuating a primary communication system that has a primary microphone and a primary speaker associated with an article of PPE, with the primary communication system being configured to receive and broadcast first transmissions over a primary wireless protocol; actuating a secondary communication system that includes a bone conduction transducer; detecting an operational status of the article of PPE using at least one sensor of the article of PPE; generating a second transmission indicative of the detected operational status; receiving the second transmission over a wired or wireless communication protocol; routing the second transmission to the bone conduction transducer; and providing the second transmission to a wearer via bone conduction without interrupting broadcast of the first transmissions over the primary speaker.
  • PPE personal protective equipment
  • the method further includes repeating the second transmission via the bone conduction transducer at predetermined intervals until a user acknowledgment is received.
  • detecting the operational status includes monitoring a remaining battery power level of the article of PPE, and generating the second transmission occurs if the remaining battery power level is below a predefined threshold.
  • the operational status includes a filter-loading condition for a powered air-purifying respirator, and the second transmission comprises an indication that a filter element of the powered air-purifying respirator requires replacement.
  • the bone conduction transducer is integrated into or mounted on a headband portion of the article of PPE.
  • providing the second transmission via the bone conduction transducer involves using a distinct volume or pitch to differentiate the operational status alert from the first transmissions broadcast by the primary speaker.
  • the method further includes receiving an operator-initiated request for the operational status of the article of PPE and delivering the second transmission through the bone conduction transducer in response to that request.
  • receiving the second transmission relies on a low-power wireless communication protocol.
  • the method includes adjusting an airflow setting of the article of PPE in response to the detected operational status, and generating the second transmission to indicate that the airflow setting has changed.
  • the method includes detecting a face-seal integrity between a respirator facepiece and a wearer’s face using the at least one sensor, and generating the second transmission upon determining that the face-seal integrity is compromised.

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  • Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système d'EPI qui comprend un article d'EPI qui comprend un capteur, le capteur étant configuré pour détecter un état de l'article d'EPI. Le système comprend un système de communication primaire comprenant un microphone primaire et un haut-parleur primaire et un composant de communication qui est conçu pour recevoir une communication et diffuser la communication reçue sur le haut-parleur primaire. Le système comprend également un système de communication secondaire comprenant un récepteur à conduction osseuse. Le système comprend également un composant de communication conçu pour recevoir une indication de l'état détecté et pour fournir l'état détecté au système de communication secondaire en vue d'une diffusion à l'aide du récepteur à conduction osseuse.
PCT/IB2025/053849 2024-04-12 2025-04-12 Équipement de protection individuelle et systèmes de communication associés Pending WO2025215612A1 (fr)

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US202463633075P 2024-04-12 2024-04-12
US63/633,075 2024-04-12

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016157159A1 (fr) * 2015-04-03 2016-10-06 Microsfere Pte. Ltd. Masques respiratoires, systèmes et procédés
US10065055B2 (en) * 2013-09-27 2018-09-04 Honeywell International Inc. Mask including integrated sound conduction for alert notification in high-noise environments
US11744739B1 (en) 2020-03-09 2023-09-05 3M Innovative Properties Company Adaptive signal routing in a personal protective equipment network
US11963849B2 (en) 2019-10-03 2024-04-23 3M Innovative Properties Company Dual hearing protection system

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10065055B2 (en) * 2013-09-27 2018-09-04 Honeywell International Inc. Mask including integrated sound conduction for alert notification in high-noise environments
WO2016157159A1 (fr) * 2015-04-03 2016-10-06 Microsfere Pte. Ltd. Masques respiratoires, systèmes et procédés
US11963849B2 (en) 2019-10-03 2024-04-23 3M Innovative Properties Company Dual hearing protection system
US11744739B1 (en) 2020-03-09 2023-09-05 3M Innovative Properties Company Adaptive signal routing in a personal protective equipment network

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