Description:TITLE OF THE INVENTION: SMART MASK FOR SEWAGE WORKERS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of environmental safety equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to a smart mask system designed for sewage workers to ensure their safety while working in toxic and hazardous environments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Sewage cleaning is one of the most hazardous occupations, involving exposure to toxic gases such as methane, hydrogen sulfide and ammonia. These gases are often present in high concentrations in confined spaces, posing severe health risks, including respiratory issues, loss of consciousness and even fatalities. Additionally, low oxygen levels in such environments exacerbate these dangers, making it crucial to adopt adequate safety measures to protect workers from harm.
[0003] Traditional protective equipment for sewage workers typically includes masks and gloves; however, these devices often lack the advanced capabilities needed to detect harmful gases or provide sufficient oxygen supply. Without real-time detection and monitoring of environmental hazards, sewage workers face a heightened risk of accidents, especially in poorly ventilated or unpredictable conditions. This highlights the growing need for innovative safety solutions in occupational health and environmental safety.
[0004] So, the present invention provides a smart mask for sewage workers, designed to ensure safety in hazardous environments. It consists of an oxygen cylinder, a smart mask with a respiratory filter, an eNose sensor for harmful gas detection and an ultrasonic sensor for distance measurement of the hazardous gas. The hazardous gas detection unit, equipped with an AI module, processes data to monitor gas toxicity, predict oxygen cylinder longevity and evaluate risks. When danger is detected, the controller activates an LED light for visual alerts and a TTS module for audible alerts.
[0005] However, many efforts have been made to ensure the safety of drainage workers working in hazardous environments, where exposure to toxic gases and low oxygen levels presents significant health risks. Some of the references known to us are as follows:
Prior Arts:
[0006] Indian Patent Application IN202441048780A describes the system and method of an Unmanned Sewage Cleaning System that uses technologies such as Arduino and the Internet of Things (IoT) for autonomous sewage management. The system consists of ultrasonic and infrared sensors to monitor sewage levels and contaminants in real-time. A programmable microcontroller makes decisions based on sensor data, while communication modules transmit data to a cloud platform. DC motors, controlled by motor driver ICs, enable adaptive cleaning processes. Additionally, the system includes a power unit, relays and alarms to ensure reliable operation to improve public health and environmental protection through enhanced sewage management.
[0007] US20200353294A1 describes the system and method of a respirator designed to cover the mouth and nose of a wearer while avoiding the eye region. The respirator includes a face mask with a flexible strip along its outer edge, ensuring a secure fit, and at least one air filter to provide purified air. A powered impeller unit inside the mask emits breathable air in a 360-degree plane. The system also features a releasable attachment point for coupling the mask to eyewear or headgear, often using magnets for secure attachment and electrical connection. The mask's engineered gap allows the exhaled air to exit while preventing the ingress of unpurified air. Additionally, some embodiments use turbulent airflow to enhance air circulation within the mask, preventing outside air contamination.
[0008] US20210308496A1 describes the system and method of a multifunctional respiratory mask designed to separate fine dust, pollen, and viruses from the breathing air of a wearer. The mask includes a shielding device that forms an air chamber around the face, protecting the wearer from harmful particles. It features a forehead bracket with a housing that contains a blower, a power supply, a textile filter, and a metal plate filter element, which are exchangeable and can be heated to temperatures of at least 60°C for additional disinfection. The mask may also have a visor to shield the wearer's vision, sealing mechanisms and an exhalation valve to control airflow. Additionally, it can include a control device for managing the blower and filter functions, ensuring effective filtration and protection.
[0009] Indian patent application IN202241015502A describes a multi-layered mask system that effectively removes air pollutants. The mask consists of a cellulose-based cobalt material that undergoes chemical evolution to release oxygen, aiding in the charging of airborne particles. This charging process enhances the capture of these particles by randomly aligning multi-layered fibers within the mask. The mask also includes a PM2.5 sensor that continuously monitors air quality and triggers notifications to users or healthcare facilities via cloud-based connectivity. In case of elevated pollution levels, the system alerts users through a mobile app, providing real-time information and graphical displays for enhanced awareness and timely response.
[0010] State-of-the-art suffers from the following limitations:
[0011] The state of the art does not consider the smart mask for sewage workers. Existing systems fail to address the safety challenges of detecting toxic gases and providing continuous oxygen in hazardous environments. Typically, sewage workers face significant risks from exposure to harmful gases and low oxygen levels. To address these challenges, the present invention provides a smart mask for sewage workers, which is designed to ensure their safety in hazardous environments like drainage systems. The system consists of an oxygen cylinder worn in a backpack that continuously supplies oxygen through a smart mask equipped with a respiratory filter to purify incoming air. It also consists of an eNose sensor to detect hazardous gases and an ultrasonic sensor to measure the distance between the worker and the base of the drainage system. The data from these sensors is transmitted to a hazardous gas monitoring processor, where it undergoes preprocessing for reliability. The preprocessed data is analyzed using an LSTM-based deep learning model for feature extraction, identifying hazardous gases and assessing oxygen levels. The extracted features are then sent to a neural network (NN) classifier to classify the type of hazardous gases. After that, the classified hazardous gas and measured distance are passed to the hazardous gas detection unit. The hazardous gas detection unit, equipped with an AI module, measures gas toxicity and evaluates distances using the classified data from the neural network (NN). The AI module also assesses the remaining oxygen in the cylinder, estimates its longevity and determines when warnings should be issued based on readings from the O2 level identifier. When critical thresholds are reached, the controller generates a control signal to activate the LED light and a TTS module to alert the worker regarding the potential dangers to ensure timely safety warnings in high-risk environments.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The main objective of the invention is to provide a smart mask for sewage workers who work in drainage environments that detects hazardous gases, supplies oxygen and provides alerts to ensure the safety of sewage workers in hazardous environments.
[0013] Another objective of the invention is to detect hazardous gases using an eNose sensor and measure the distance to the base of the drainage system using an ultrasonic sensor.
[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an oxygen supply to the worker via a smart mask from an oxygen cylinder carried in a backpack. It ensures a continuous supply of O2 for the worker in hazardous environments.
[0015] Another objective of the present invention is to employ an LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) model to extract features from sensor data for real-time detection of hazardous gases. The LSTM model processes sequential data to identify changes in gas levels and oxygen supply.
[0016] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a hazardous gas detection unit with an AI module that detects hazardous gas levels, measures the distance to the sewage base, and estimates the worker's remaining safe time in the sewage based on the detected hazardous gas levels and the O2 level in the cylinder and detects the required oxygen level to be released.
[0017] Still, another objective of the present invention is to provide a controller, which generates a control signal to activate visual and audible alerts, such as LED lights and a TTS module, when dangerous conditions are detected to ensure the safety of the worker.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention summary is easy to understand before the hardware and system enablement were illustrated in this present invention. There have been multiple possible embodiments that do not expressly point up in this method's present acknowledgment. Here, the conditions are used to explain the purpose of exacting versions or embodiments for understanding the present invention.
[0019] The main aspect of the present invention is to provide a smart mask for sewage workers, designed to ensure their safety in hazardous drainage environments. In addition to gas detection, the mask supplies oxygen from an oxygen cylinder carried in a backpack, ensuring a continuous supply of O2 in toxic environments. The mask is equipped with sensors, including an eNose sensor, which detects hazardous gases and an ultrasonic sensor, which measures the distance between the worker and the sewage base. The data collected by these sensors is processed to evaluate gas concentrations, oxygen levels and the distance to potential hazards. Based on this information, the system generates alerts, including visual and audible warnings to notify the sewage workers when dangerous gas levels or oxygen depletion are detected.
[0020] Another aspect of the present invention is the eNose sensor and ultrasonic sensor, which are embedded in the smart mask to detect hazardous gases and measure the distance to the sewage base. The eNose sensor senses hazardous gases such as methane, hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide, and passes the sensed gas to the hazardous gas monitoring processor. The ultrasonic sensor measures the vertical distance between the sewage worker (or smart mask) and the sewage base (ground level), and passes the measured distance to the hazardous gas monitoring processor.
[0021] Another aspect of the present invention is the hazardous gas monitoring processor, which utilizes an LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) model for feature extraction. The processor analyzes the sequential data from the eNose and ultrasonic sensors, identifying patterns in the concentration of hazardous gases over time. The LSTM model extracts features from this data and sends them to a neural network (NN) classifier. The classifier then classifies the sensed hazardous gases and calculates the distance to the sewage base. The classified information from the hazardous gas monitoring processor are then passed to the
[0022] Another aspect of the present invention is the Hazardous Gas Detection Unit, which comprises an AI module to detect hazardous gas concentration, measure the distance to the sewage base, estimate the worker’s remaining safe time in the sewage based on the detected hazardous gas concentrations and the O2 level in the cylinder and determines the required oxygen level to be released to ensure the safety of the worker. The detected information are then passed to the safety controller.
[0023] Another aspect of the present invention is the safety controller, which generates a control signal to activate safety mechanisms such as an LED light to provide a visual alert to warn the worker and a TTS module to provide an audible alert with detailed instructions or warnings. Thus, the present invention ensures that the worker is alerted in advance about the unsafe conditions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated, constitute a part of the specification, illustrate the invention's embodiment, and the description explains the principles of the invention.
[0025] Various embodiments will be described under the appended drawings, which are provided to illustrate the present invention.
[0026] Figure 1 illustrates the perspective view of the smart mask as provided in the present invention.
[0027] Figure 2 illustrates the side view of the present invention as provided in the present invention.
[0028] Figure 3 illustrates the block diagram of the present invention as provided in the present invention
[0029] Figure 4 illustrates the flowchart of the present invention as provided in the present invention.
[0030] Figure 5. a illustrates the deep learning-based hazardous gas detection unit as provided in the present invention.
[0031] Figure 5.b illustrates the network training process as provided in the present invention.
[0032] Figure 6 illustrates the control circuit diagram of the present invention as provided in the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] The present invention is easily understood with references, detailed descriptions, block diagrams, and figures. Here, various embodiments have been discussed regarding the block diagram, architecture, and other references. Some embodiments of this invention, illustrating its features, will now be discussed, and the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms.
[0034] Sewage workers and workers in hazardous environments (drainage/sewage systems) face significant risks due to exposure to hazardous gases and insufficient oxygen. Prolonged exposure to hazardous gases like hydrogen sulfide, methane and carbon monoxide, as well as low oxygen levels, can lead to serious health issues or even fatal outcomes. Monitoring these environmental hazards in real-time is essential for ensuring the safety of the worker. Traditional safety measures often fail to provide timely alerts regarding gas concentrations or oxygen levels, which can delay responses to dangerous situations. There is a need for a system that can detect hazardous gases, monitor oxygen levels and provide timely warnings to workers, thus enhancing their safety and reducing the risk of accidents or fatalities in these hazardous work environments.
[0035] So, the present invention provides a smart mask, which is designed for sewage workers who are working in hazardous environments, such as drainage systems. This mask aims to ensure the safety of workers by continuously monitoring and detecting hazardous gases and oxygen levels. The smart mask is equipped with several sensors, including an eNose sensor, which detects hazardous gases (hydrogen sulfide, methane and carbon monoxide) and an ultrasonic sensor to measure the distance to the sewage base. This allows the mask to not only detect the presence of hazardous gases but also assess the concentration of these gases in order to release the required oxygen and alert the workers about the dangers.
[0036] In addition to the gas detection capabilities, the smart mask is also equipped with an oxygen cylinder worn in a backpack. This oxygen supply ensures that sewage workers have a constant flow of breathable air when working in environments where oxygen levels may be low due to the presence of hazardous gases.
[0037] The smart mask incorporates a hazardous gas monitoring processor that processes data collected from the eNose and ultrasonic sensors. Initially, the data is sent to an LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) model, which is used for feature extraction. The LSTM analyzes the sequential data, focusing on the patterns in gas concentration levels and distances measured by the ultrasonic sensor over time. It identifies significant features from this temporal data, such as the presence of hazardous gases or fluctuations in oxygen levels, which are then passed to the next stage for classification.
[0038] Once the features are extracted by the LSTM, the processed data is forwarded to the classifier, which is a neural network (NN). The classifier uses the extracted features to identify and classify the hazardous gases detected in the environment and evaluate the distance to critical areas. Based on the classified data from the neural network, the hazardous gas detection unit equipped with an AI module detects hazardous gas concentration, measures the distance to the sewage base, determines the required oxygen level to be released and estimates the worker’s remaining safe time in the sewage based on the detected hazardous gas concentrations and the O2 level in the cylinder.
[0039] The controller generates control signals based on the data provided by the AI module. The controller activates a visual alert system, consisting of an LED light, which emits light to indicate the proximity of hazardous gases. This visual indicator allows workers to easily understand their surroundings and take necessary precautions. In addition to the visual alerts, the controller triggers an audible warning via a Text-to-Speech (TTS) module, which provides spoken alerts to ensure worker safety in hazardous environments. These alerts include phrases such as “High toxic gas concentration detected, move to a safer zone immediately”, “Oxygen level running low, prepare to exit the area” and “Safety threshold exceeded, evacuate the area now” to provide clear and actionable information, helping workers make decisions to avoid potential risks.
[0040] In this embodiment of the present invention, as shown in the figure.1 refers to the perspective view of the smart mask for sewage workers (100), which comprises the eNose sensor (102) and ultrasonic sensor (103).
[0041] The smart mask is designed to protect drainage workers working in hazardous environments. The Respiratory Filter (101) removes harmful particles, contaminants and toxins from the inhaled air, ensuring clean and breathable oxygen reaches the worker. Both the eNose Sensor (102) and Ultrasonic Sensor (103) are embedded within the smart mask. The eNose sensor (102) detects hazardous gases, while the ultrasonic sensor measures the distance to the sewage base. The Oxygen (O2) Cylinder (104) is connected to the smart mask via a valve to provide a supply of breathable oxygen to ensure that the worker can continue to work safely even in areas with low or no oxygen levels. The LED light (104), positioned on the top of the mask, provides visual alerts by emitting light when hazardous gases are detected. Its placement ensures that workers can easily see visual warnings within their immediate surroundings. The Text-to-Speech (TTS) Module (105) is embedded near the ears to deliver verbal alerts, such as gas detection warnings, oxygen level updates and evacuation instructions. These audible alerts keep workers informed and guide them toward safer actions.
[0042] Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in the figure.2 refers to the side view of the smart mask (200), which comprises an LED light (204) and a TTS module (205).
[0043] The Respiratory Filter (201), removes harmful particles and toxic substances from the air, ensuring that the worker breathes only clean and safe air. The eNose Sensor (202), embedded in the front of the mask, continuously monitors the air for the presence of hazardous gases. Alongside it, the ultrasonic sensor (203) measures the distance to the sewage base to assess the worker's position relative to the ground. This information helps the AI module estimate the worker's remaining safe time in the hazardous environment by combining it with detected gas concentrations and oxygen levels to alert the workers. The LED light (204) embedded on the top of the mask provides a visual warning system, alerting workers to potential dangers, even in low-light conditions. The TTS (Text-to-Speech) Module (205), placed in the smart mask (near worker’s ear) provides audible warnings, including gas detection alerts, oxygen level notifications and evacuation instructions.
[0044] Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in the figure.3 refers to the block diagram of the present invention (300), which comprises a hazardous gas monitoring processor (307), hazardous gas detection unit (308) and safety controller (309 , Claims:We claim:
1. A smart mask system (300) for sewage workers, designed to provide continuous oxygen supply and monitor hazardous gas levels, comprising: (i) an Oxygen Cylinder (302) supplying oxygen to the worker through the Smart Mask (301) to ensure a continuous flow of breathable air; (ii) an Oxygen Level identifier (302) measuring the oxygen level (3021) in the cylinder and transmitting this information to the Hazardous Gas Detection Unit (308) for analysis; (iii) a Respiratory Filter (304) within the Smart Mask (303) to purify incoming air by removing toxins and hazardous particles, ensuring clean air enters the mask (3041); (iv) an eNose Sensor (305) detecting hazardous gases in the surrounding environment (3051); (v) an Ultrasonic Sensor (306) measuring the distance to the sewage base (3061); and (vi) a safety Controller (309) for generating control signals to activate safety mecahnisms, including the LED light (310) for visual warnings (3101) and the TTS Module (311) for audible alerts (3111) in order to alert the worker, characterized in that:
a) a Hazardous Gas Monitoring Processor (307), which collects raw sensor data, reduces noise, normalizes the signal, extracts features using the LSTM Module (3073) and classifies the extracted features with the Classifier Neural Network (3074) to classify the hazardous gases and concentration levels of the hazardous gases in the environment; and
b) a Hazardous Gas Detection Unit (308) equipped with an AI Module (3081) that detects concentrations of classified hazardous gases, measures the distance to the sewage base (distance between the worker and the sewage base), determines the required oxygen level to be released to ensure the safety of the worker based on the detected hazardous gas and estimates the worker’s remaining safe time in the sewage based on the detected hazardous gas concentrations and the O2 level in the cylinder.
2. The smart mask system (300) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the said safety Controller (309) generates control signals to activate safety mechanisms, triggering both the LED light (310) for visual warnings (3101) and the TTS Module (311) for audible alerts (3111), ensuring the worker receives immediate and specific notifications about hazardous conditions; the audio alerts include hazard-specific warnings, such as "Toxic gas detected: Methane at dangerous levels" or "Oxygen levels critically low, go to the surface immediately;" it also can give an alert to the people outside the sewage system regarding the condition of the worker inside the sewage system; it releases the required oxygen to the worker based on the detected hazardous gases’ concentration level in order to ensure that the worker gets enough oxygen level to breathe; the oxygen supply is controlled by the DC motor. The DC motor is embedded within the oxygen supply valve opener to release the required oxygen level to the worker.