Embodiments of a present disclosure relate to powered air-purifying respirators, and more particularly to a device to assist protected breathing and a method to operate the same.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Protected breathing refers to an act of breathing or inhaling purified air that is free from hazardous substances such as harmful aerosols, air pollutants, dust particles, germs, and the like. A device such as a respirator is used by people to experience protected breathing to protect themselves from any health issues. Powered respirators have better efficiency and comfort than passive respirators. There are situations when there is a need for people to use such respirators such as for doctors when they have to treat a virus-infected person, especially while performing aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs), for people in public to prevent themselves from getting infected from germs present in the atmosphere, for people working in industries or laboratories where harmful fumes or particles are released, and the like. However, existing powered respirators are costly, possess complex manufacturing processes, and are uncomfortable for people to wear. Also, the existing powered respirators limit operational efficiency as it is difficult for people to receive or fulfill basic necessities without preventing themselves from exposure to the external environment.
[0003] Hence, there is a need for an improved device to assist protected breathing and a method to operate the same which addresses the aforementioned issues.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0004] In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a device to assist protected breathing is provided. The device includes at least one wearable piece

adapted to be worn by a user. The at least one wearable piece includes one or more first openings located in proximity to a head portion of the corresponding at least one wearable piece. The device also includes a controlling unit mechanically coupled to the at least one wearable piece via one or more coupling means. The controlling unit includes a processing subsystem configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules. The processing subsystem includes an input module. The input module is configured to receive one or more inputs when the at least one wearable piece is worn by the user and the corresponding at least one wearable piece is operating in an active mode for the user to breath-in purified air. The active mode of operation of the at least one wearable piece includes receiving the purified air via at least one air supply unit upon purification of external air by an air purification unit. The at least one air supply unit is mechanically coupled to the at least one wearable piece at the one or more first openings. The processing subsystem also includes a communication module operatively coupled to the input module. The communication module is configured to amplify a voice signal received from the corresponding user in real-time, via an amplification unit for the user to communicate locally with one or more locally available users when the one or more inputs include a local communication request. The communication module is also configured to establish a connection between the user and one or more distant users upon exchange of an electrical signal via a communication medium when the one or more inputs include a distant communication request. Further, the communication module is also configured to exchange the voice signal between the user and the one or more distant users via the communication medium upon establishing the connection, by maintaining the at least one wearable piece being worn by the user and operating in the active mode, thereby assisting the protected breathing.
[0005] In accordance with another embodiment, a method for assisting protected breathing is provided. The method includes providing at least one wearable piece adapted to be worn by a user, wherein the at least one wearable piece includes one or more first openings located in proximity to a head portion of the corresponding at least one wearable piece. The method also includes operating the corresponding at least one wearable piece in an active mode for the user to breath-in purified air. Further, the method also includes receiving one or more inputs when the at least one wearable

piece is worn by the user and the corresponding at least one wearable piece is operating in the active mode. Furthermore, the method also includes amplifying a voice signal received from the corresponding user in real-time, via an amplification unit for the user to communicate locally with one or more locally available users when the one or more inputs comprises a local communication request. Furthermore, the method also includes establishing a connection between the user and one or more distant users upon exchange of an electrical signal via a communication medium when the one or more inputs comprises a distant communication request. Furthermore, the method also includes exchanging the voice signal between the user and the one or more distant users via a communication medium upon establishing the connection, by maintaining the at least one wearable piece being worn by the user and operating in the active mode, thereby assisting the protected breathing.
[0006] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a left-side view and a right-side view of a device to assist protected breathing in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 2 (a) is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an isometric view of the face shield of the device to assist protected breathing of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2 (b) is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a side view of the overhead covering affixed to the face shield of the device to assist

protected breathing of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a block diagram representation of an exemplary embodiment of controlling unit of the device of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a block diagram representation of a device controlling computer or a device controlling server in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0012] FIG. 5 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method for assisting protected breathing in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0015] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps

not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0016] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
[0017] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0018] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a device to assist protected breathing. As used herein, the term "protected breathing" is defined as an act of breathing or inhaling purified air that is free from hazardous substances such as harmful aerosols, air pollutants, dust particles, germs, and the like. Thus, for a user to experience the protected breathing, the user may have to wear a device that may be able to purify air present in the surrounding environment and let the user breath-in the purified air. Further, the device described hereafter in FIG. 1 is the device to assist the protected breathing of the user.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a left-side view and a right-side view of a device (10) to assist protected breathing in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device (10) includes at least one wearable piece (20) adapted to be worn by a user (25). The at least one wearable piece (20) includes one or more first openings (30) located in proximity to a head portion of the corresponding at least one wearable piece (20). In one exemplary embodiment, the at least one wearable piece (20) may also include a face shield (40) adapted to be mounted over a head of

the user (25) via a predefined fastening mechanism, thereby preventing exposure of a face of the user (25) to an external environment. The at least one wearable piece (20) may also include an overhead covering (50) affixed to the face shield (40) at one or more edges of the face shield (40) and to a neck of the user (25). The overhead covering (50) may be adapted to inflate upon receiving the purified air by simultaneously providing an outlet (60) for at least one of exhaled air of the user (25) and excess of the purified air received by the user (25) to be released into the external environment.
[0020] Also, in an embodiment, the user (25) may include a rescue worker, a surgeon, a doctor, a nurse, an industrial worker, or the like. Thus, in an embodiment, any user (25) working in a hospital, a chemistry laboratory, an industry, or the like, may use the device (10) proposed in the present disclosure to prevent the user (25) from facing one or more health issues. The device (10) also includes a controlling unit (70) mechanically coupled to the at least one wearable piece (20) via one or more coupling means (80). In one embodiment, the one or more coupling means (80) may include one or more belts with at least one of a Velcro attachment, one or more latches, one or more, one or more buttons, and the like.
[0021] Further, the controlling unit (70) includes a processing subsystem (90). The processing subsystem (90) is configured to execute on a network (not shown in FIG. 1) to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules. In one embodiment, the network may include a wired network such as a local area network (LAN). In another embodiment, the network may include a wireless network such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Zigbee, near field communication (NFC), infra-red communication (RFID), or the like.
[0022] The processing subsystem (90) includes an input module (100). The input module (100) is configured to receive one or more inputs when the at least one wearable piece (20) is worn by the user (25) and the corresponding at least one wearable piece (20) is operating in an active mode for the user (25) to breath-in the purified air. In one embodiment, the one or more inputs may include one or more requests from the user (25) in one or more forms, one or more parameters measured via one or more sensors associated with the at least one wearable piece (20), detection of one or more unexpected activities, or the like. In one exemplary embodiment, the

one or more forms may include a voice command from the user (25), an electrical signal from the plurality of modules of the processing subsystem (90), or the like. Also, in one embodiment, the one or more parameters may include a pressure, a temperature, a humidity level, a water level, quantity of meals, and the like. Moreover, in an embodiment, the one or more sensors may include at least one of a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and the like. The active mode of operation of the at least one wearable piece (20) includes receiving the purified air via at least one air supply unit (110) upon purification of the external air by an air purification unit (120). The at least one air supply unit (110) is mechanically coupled to the at least one wearable piece (20) at the one or more first openings (30). In one exemplary embodiment, the at least one air supply unit (110) may include a first supply end (130) and a second supply end (140). Thus, the at least one air supply unit (110) may be mechanically coupled to the one or more first openings (30) via the first supply end (130). Further, the at least one air supply unit (110) may be mechanically coupled to the air purification unit (120) via the second supply end (140). Also, the at least one air supply unit (110) may be adapted to supply the purified air received from the air purification unit (120) to the at least one wearable piece (20), thereby inflating the corresponding at least one wearable piece (20).
[0023] In one embodiment, the at least one air supply unit (110) may be a hose of a predefined length. In such embodiment, the hose may be a corrugated pipe. Also, the at least one air supply unit (110) maybe with a first connector at the first supply end (130) and a second connector at the second supply end (140). In one embodiment, the first connector and the second connector may be a threaded joint, a compressed joint, a grooved joint, a crimp fitting, a clamp fitting, or the like. In an embodiment, the at least one air supply unit (110) may be flexible. In one exemplary embodiment, the at least one air supply unit (110) may be a modular passage. Also, in one embodiment, the at least one air supply unit (110) may be capable of going through autoclave sterilization. As used herein, the term "autoclave sterilization" is defined as a mechanism of sterilizing items by exposing them to a direct stream at the required temperature and pressure for a specified time. In one exemplary embodiment, the at least one air supply unit (110) may be composed of first predefined material such as, but not limited to, steel, plastic, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or the like.

[0024] In one exemplary embodiment, the air purification unit (120) may be adapted to purify the external air of the external environment for the user (25) to breath-in the purified air. In one embodiment, the air purification unit (120) may include one or more air filters such as, but not limited to, activated carbon filters, a filter paper, electronic air filters, or the like.
[0025] Once the device (10) may be operating in the active mode, the user (25) may need to perform one or more activities which be a requirement of a certain situation while still wearing the corresponding at least one wearable piece (20) operating in the active mode. In one embodiment, the one or more activities may include communicating with one or more locally available users, communicating with one or more distant users, drinking water, having meals, and the like. Thus, the processing subsystem (90) also includes a communication module (150) operatively coupled to the input module (100). The communication module (150) is configured to amplify a voice signal received from the corresponding user (25) in real-time, via an amplification unit (160) for the user (25) to communicate locally with the one or more locally available users, when the one or more inputs include a local communication request. In one embodiment, the controlling unit (70) may be provided with one or more control valves, wherein each of the one or more control valves may be configured to control an activation and deactivation of the one or more activities the user (25) may be willing to perform via the controlling unit (70).
[0026] Basically, in an embodiment, the at least one wearable piece (20) may be provided with at least one microphone (170) positioned close to a mouth of the user, wherein the at least one microphone (170) may be configured to receive the voice signal of the user (25) and transmit the same to the amplification unit (160). In one embodiment, the amplification unit (160) may be operatively coupled to the controlling unit (70) via the communication module (150), communicatively coupled to the at least one microphone (170), and mechanically coupled to the at least one wearable piece (20) via the one or more coupling means (80). The amplification unit (160) may be adapted to amplify the voice signal received from the user (25) using an amplification technique. In one embodiment, the amplification unit (160) may be a transistor-based amplifier. Also, as used herein, the term "amplification technique" is defined as a technique that increases an amplitude of a time-varying signal by a given

factor. Thus, the amplification of the voice signal may refer to increasing a volume of a speech of the user (25) and then transmitting the amplified speech to at least one speaker (175) positioned outside of the at least one wearable piece (20).
[0027] The communication module (150) is also configured to establish a connection between the user (25) and the one or more distant users upon exchange of an electrical signal via a communication medium when the one or more inputs include a distant communication request. In one embodiment, the communication medium may include a wired communication medium or a wireless communication medium. The wired communication medium may include an optical fiber, one or more cable wires, Ethernet cables, or the like. The wireless communication medium may include infrared, broadcast radio, cellular radio, microwaves, communications satellites, or the like. The communication module (150) is also configured to exchange the voice signal between the user (25) and the one or more distant users via the communication medium upon establishing the connection, by maintaining the at least one wearable piece (20) being worn by the user (25) and operating in the active mode, thereby assisting the protected breathing.
[0028] Basically, in one embodiment, the user (25) may use a mobile device (180) in order to communicate with the one or more distant users such that an operation of the mobile device (180) may be controlled by the controlling unit (70). In one embodiment, the mobile device (180) may include a mobile phone, a push-to-talk device, or the like. Also, at least one speaker (185) may be provided inside of the at least one wearable piece (20) by locating the corresponding at least one speaker (185) near to an ear of the user (25). Thus, making the user (25) communicate with the one or more distant users by maintaining the at least one wearable piece (20) being worn by the user (25) and operating in the active mode by communication between the controlling unit (70), the one or more control valves, the at least one microphone (170), the at least one speaker (185), or the like.
[0029] Also, in one embodiment, the controlling unit (70) may be powered by a power supply unit (not shown in FIG. 1) mechanically coupled to the at least one wearable piece (20) via the one or more coupling means (80). The power supply unit may be operatively coupled to the controlling unit (70). Also, the power supply unit may be adapted to supply power to the controlling unit (70) for proper functioning of

the corresponding controlling unit (70) for the device to operate properly for assisting the protected breathing of the user (25). In one embodiment, the power supply unit may include a battery. The battery may be hot-swapped. In one embodiment, the battery may include a lithium (Li) ion battery. In one exemplary embodiment, the battery may be rechargeable.
[0030] For example, the controlling unit (70) may be mounted over a belt via a latch, wherein the latch is attached to the belt. The controlling unit (70) may be detachably mounted over the belt. Further, the belt may also be provided with the air purification unit (120). Now, the air purification unit (120) may be mechanically coupled to the at least one wearable piece (20) via the at least one air supply unit (110). Thus, upon wearing the at least one wearable piece (20), the user (25) may also wear the corresponding belt over a waist of the user (25) and fasten the belt around the waist of the user (25) using the Velcro associated with the corresponding belt. In addition, the amplification unit (160), the one or more control valves, and the mobile device (180) may also be mounted on the belt via the latch.
[0031] FIG. 2 (a) is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an isometric view of the face shield (40) of the device (10) to assist protected breathing of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one exemplary embodiment, the at least one wearable piece (20) may be a hood-like structure. As described above, mounting of the face shield (40) over the head of the user (25) is done using the predefined fastening mechanism. Thus, as used herein, the term "predefined fastening mechanism" is defined as a mechanism that uses one or more fasteners to fasten the face shield (40) to the head of the user (25). In one embodiment, the one or more fasteners (190) may include one or more elastic bands, one or more rubber bands, one or more nuts-and-bolts, or the like. Also, in an embodiment, the face shield (40) may provide a predefined spacing between the corresponding face shield (40) and the face of the user (25). In one embodiment, the face shield (40) may be transparent. The face shield (40) may include one or more second openings (200) adapted to transfer the purified air received via the at least one air supply unit (110), to the user (25). In one exemplary embodiment, the one or more second openings (200) may be located in proximity to a forehead portion of the face shield (40).

[0032] FIG. 2 (b) is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a side view of the overhead covering (50) affixed to the face shield (40) of the device (10) to assist protected breathing of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the outlet (60) provided by the overhead covering (50) while inflating may be provided near to the neck of the user (25). Moreover, the outlet (60) may become available only when the overhead covering (50) may inflate upon receiving the purified air. Also, in one exemplary embodiment, the exhaled air of the user (25) may be infected and may need to be purified before the corresponding exhaled air may be released into the external environment. Thus, in one embodiment, the face shield (40) may be provided with the one or more air filters positioned at the outlet (60) of the face shield (40), wherein the one or more air filters may be adapted to purify the exhaled air of the user (25) before releasing into the external environment. In one embodiment, the overhead covering (50) may be composed of second predefined material such as plastic.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a block diagram representation of an exemplary embodiment of controlling unit (70) of the device (10) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the air purification unit (120) may purify the external air upon receiving the air from a suction unit (210) (as shown in FIG. 1). The suction unit (210) may also be mechanically coupled with the at least one wearable piece (20) via the one or more coupling means (80). For example, the suction unit (210) may be mounted on the belt via the latch. The suction unit (210) may be adapted to absorb the external air from the external environment upon performing a suction operation. As used herein, the term "suction operation" is defined as an operation of sucking air by creating differential air pressure between areas. In one embodiment, the suction unit (210) may include a blower. As used herein, the term "blower" is defined as a tool that draws in air at an inlet and pushes air out as a steady stream at the outlet (60). Further, an operation of the suction unit (210) may have to be controlled. Thus, the controlling unit (70) may also include a suction controlling module (220) operatively coupled to the input module (100). The suction controlling module (220) may be configured to control the absorption of the external air from the external environment via the suction unit (210) at a predefined absorption rate, when the one or more inputs may include a device activation signal. The suction unit (210) may be mechanically coupled to the air purification unit (120). The suction controlling

module (220) may also be configured to control a passage of the corresponding external air through the air purification unit (120) upon the absorption. Then, the external air absorbed may be purified and released inside of the at least one wearable piece (20), near to the face of the user (25) at the predefined absorption rate. In one embodiment, the predefined absorption rate may include about 180 liters per minute (1/min) to about 300 1/min.
[0034] Upon receiving the purified air at the predefined absorption rate, air pressure inside of the at least one wearable piece (20) may reach a first predefined pressure value. Now, in order to check and control the air pressure inside of the at least one wearable piece (20) to be near to a safe pressure value, the controlling unit (70) may also include a feedback module (230) operatively coupled to the suction controlling module (220). The feedback module (230) may be configured to detect the air pressure inside of the at least one wearable piece (20) via the one or more pressure sensors when the corresponding at least one wearable piece (20) is worn by the user (25) and is operating in the active mode. In one embodiment, the one or more pressure sensors may include an inductive pressure sensor, a capacitive pressure sensor, a piezoelectric pressure sensor, or the like. The feedback module (230) may also be configured to regulate the air pressure inside of the at least one wearable piece (20) by sending a feedback signal to the suction controlling module (220) for regulating the corresponding predefined absorption rate using a predefined regulation technique. In one embodiment, the predefined regulation technique may include a pulse width modulation (PWM) technique. As used herein, the term "pulse width modulation" is defined as a modulation technique that generates variable-width pulses to represent the amplitude of an analog input signal. Basically, in an embodiment, the air pressure detected may be compared with the safe pressure value, and based on the comparison, the predefined absorption rate may be controlled.
[0035] Further, the controlling unit (70) may also include an essentials-supply-controlling module (240) operatively coupled to the input module (100). The essentials-supply-controlling module (240) may be configured to control a supply of one or more essentials from one or more essentials-sourcing units (250) (as shown in FIG. 1) to one or more essentials-transferring units (260) (as shown in FIG. 1) based on an essentials-stock when the one or more inputs may include an essentials-supply

request. The one or more essentials may correspond to one or more hydration and sustenance-related products. The one or more essentials-sourcing units (250) may be mechanically coupled to the at least one wearable piece (20) via the one or more coupling means (80). For example, the one or more essentials-sourcing units (250) may be mounted on the belt via the latch. The one or more essentials-transferring units (260) may be mechanically coupled to the at least one wearable piece (20) at the one or more first openings (30). In one embodiment, the one or more essentials-transferring units (260) may include one or more pipe-like structures. Moreover, the one or more essentials-sourcing units (250) may be adapted to store the one or more essentials, and the one or more essentials-transferring units (260) may be adapted to transfer the one or more essentials to the user (25) from the one or more essentials-sourcing units (250). In one exemplary embodiment, the one or more first openings (30) may also be adapted to receive one or more acoustic tools such as, but not limited to, a stethoscope, an ophthalmoscope, or the like.
[0036] In addition, the controlling unit (70) may also include a humidification controlling module (270) operatively coupled to the input module (100). The humidification controlling module (270) may be configured to generate a humidifier control signal to initiate a humidification process by a humidifier (not shown in FIG. 3) when the one or more inputs may include a humidification initiation request. The humidifier may be mechanically coupled to the at least one wearable piece (20) via the one or more coupling means (80). Basically, the humidifier may be adapted to release steam into the at least one air supply unit (110), thereby humidifying the purified air released into the at least one wearable piece (20), near to the face of the user (25).
[0037] Subsequently, the controlling unit (70) may also include a temperature regulating module (280) operatively coupled to the input module (100). The temperature regulating module (280) may be configured to regulate a temperature of the purified air received by the at least one wearable piece (20) via a temperature regulating unit (not shown in FIG. 3) when the one or more inputs may include a temperature regulating request. The temperature regulating unit may be mechanically coupled to the at least one wearable piece (20) via the one or more coupling means (80).

[0038] In one embodiment, the user (25) may be suffering from one or more health issues which may get triggered upon breathing in cold air. Also, during hot weather, the user (25) may receive the purified air which may be warm, and hence the user (25) may sweat and feel uncomfortable in wearing the corresponding at least one wearable piece (20). Thus, measuring the temperature of the purified air released inside of the at least one wearable piece (20) may have to be measured and controlled in accordance with the convenience of the user (25). Thus, in an embodiment, the at least one wearable piece (20) may be provided with one or more temperature sensors adapted to sense the temperature of the purified air released inside of the corresponding at least one wearable piece (20). In one exemplary embodiment, the one or more temperature sensors may include a thermistor, an infrared sensor, one or more thermocouples, or the like. In one embodiment, upon sensing the temperature, the user (25) may regulate the corresponding temperature via the one or more control valves associated with the at least one wearable piece (20) through the temperature regulating module (280). In another embodiment, upon sensing the temperature, the temperature regulating module (280) may regulate the temperature to a temperature value selected by the user (25) via the one or more control valves associated with the at least one wearable piece (20).
[0039] During the operation of the at least one wearable piece (20) in the active mode, there is a possibility of occurrence of an event, about which the user (25) may have to be alerted. Thus, the controlling unit (70) may also include an alert generation module (290) operatively coupled to the input module (100). The alert generation module (290) may be configured to generate an alert signal based on predefined criteria associated with the one or more inputs. The alert signal may correspond to information for the user (25) about the operation of the at least one wearable piece (20) and the controlling unit (70). In one embodiment, the predefined criteria may include the one or more inputs being related to at least one of mal-functioning of the at least one wearable piece (20), mal-functioning of the controlling unit (70), the one or more parameters reaching a threshold value, and the like. For example, suppose the air pressure at which the purified air is released inside of the at least one wearable piece (20) is not the safe pressure value, and the feedback module (230) may not be able to regulate the predefined absorption rate. Thus, in such a case, the alert generation module (290) may generate the alert signal regarding a failure to regulate

the air pressure to the safe pressure value. In one embodiment, the alert signal may be in at least one form such as an audio alert, a text message, an email, or the like.
[0040] FIG. 4 is a block diagram representation of a device controlling computer (300) or a device controlling server (300) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device controlling server (300) includes processor(s) (310), and memory (320) operatively coupled to a bus (330). The processor(s) (310), as used herein, means any type of computational circuit, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing microprocessor, a very long instruction word microprocessor, an explicitly parallel instruction computing microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or any other type of processing circuit, or a combination thereof.
[0041] Computer memory elements may include any suitable memory device(s) for storing data and executable program, such as read only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable read only memory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory, hard drive, removable media drive for handling memory cards, and the like. Embodiments of the present subject matter may be implemented in conjunction with program modules, including functions, procedures, data structures, and application programs, for performing tasks, or defining abstract data types or low-level hardware contexts. Executable program stored on any of the above-mentioned storage media may be executable by the processor(s) (310).
[0042] The memory (320) includes a plurality of subsystems stored in the form of executable program which instructs the processor(s) (310) to perform method steps illustrated in FIG. 5. The memory (320) includes a processing subsystem (90) of FIG 1. The processing subsystem (90) further has following modules: an input module (100), and a communication module (150).
[0043] The input module (100) is configured to receive one or more inputs when the at least one wearable piece (20) is worn by the user (25) and the corresponding at least one wearable piece (20) is operating in an active mode for the user (25) to breath-in purified air. The active mode of operation of the at least one wearable piece (20) includes receiving of the purified air via at least one air supply unit (110) upon

purification of external air by an air purification unit (120). The at least one air supply unit (110) is mechanically coupled to the at least one wearable piece (20) at the one or more first openings (30).
[0044] The communication module (150) is configured to amplify a voice signal received from the corresponding user (25) in real-time, via an amplification unit (160) for the user (25) to communicate locally with one or more locally available users, when the one or more inputs comprises a local communication request. The communication module (150) is also configured to establish a connection between the user (25) and one or more distant users upon exchange of an electrical signal via a communication medium when the one or more inputs comprises a distant communication request. The communication module (150) is also configured to exchange the voice signal between the user (25) and the one or more distant users via the communication medium upon establishing the connection, by maintaining the at least one wearable piece (20) being worn by the user (25) and operating in the active mode, thereby assisting the protected breathing.
[0045] The bus (330) as used herein refers to be internal memory channels or computer network that is used to connect computer components and transfer data between them. The bus (330) includes a serial bus or a parallel bus, wherein the serial bus transmits data in a bit-serial format and the parallel bus transmits data across multiple wires. The bus (330) as used herein, may include but not limited to, a system bus, an internal bus, an external bus, an expansion bus, a frontside bus, a backside bus, and the like.
[0046] FIG. 5 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method (340) for assisting protected breathing in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (340) includes providing at least one wearable piece adapted to be worn by a user, wherein the at least one wearable piece includes one or more first openings located in proximity to a head portion of the corresponding at least one wearable piece in step 350.
[0047] The method (340) also includes operating the corresponding at least one wearable piece in an active mode for the user to breath-in purified air in step 360.

[0048] Furthermore, the method (340) includes receiving one or more inputs when the at least one wearable piece is worn by the user and the corresponding at least one wearable piece is operating in the active mode in step 370. In one embodiment, receiving the one or more inputs may include receiving the one or more inputs by an input module (100).
[0049] Furthermore, the method (340) also includes amplifying a voice signal received from the corresponding user in real-time, via an amplification unit for the user to communicate locally with one or more locally available users when the one or more inputs comprises a local communication request in step 380. In one embodiment, amplifying the voice signal may include amplifying the voice signal by a communication module (150).
[0050] Furthermore, the method (340) also includes establishing a connection between the user and one or more distant users upon exchange of an electrical signal via a communication medium when the one or more inputs comprises a distant communication request in step 390. In one embodiment, establishing the connection between the user and the one or more distant users may include establishing the connection between the user and the one or more distant users by the communication module (150).
[0051] Furthermore, the method (340) also includes exchanging the voice signal between the user and the one or more distant users via a communication medium upon establishing the connection, by maintaining the at least one wearable piece being worn by the user and operating in the active mode, thereby assisting the protected breathing in step 400. In one embodiment, exchanging the voice signal between the user and the one or more distant users may include exchanging the voice signal between the user and the one or more distant users by the communication module (150).
[0052] Various embodiments of the present disclosure enable the user to breathe in the purified air without causing any discomfort as the device is lightweight and comfortable for the user to wear. Also, the device can be manufactured rapidly in a cost-effective way, as the process of manufacturing employs affordable and innovatively combined techniques to create a reliable solution. Further, the device is more efficient as the device has the facility of supplying the one or more essentials to

the user without even exposing the user to the external environment and an option to allow the user to use the stethoscope, the ophthalmoscope, and other similar acoustic devices. Moreover, the user may also be able to communicate with much ease even without exposing to the external environment, thereby making the device more reliable. Also, a facility of controlling the temperature, the pressure, and the humidity of the purified air inside of the at least one wearable piece makes the device more flexible and convenient for the user to use.
[0053] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.
[0054] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

I/WE CLAIM:

1. A device (10) to assist protected breathing, wherein the device (10) comprises:
at least one wearable piece (20) adapted to be worn by a user (25), wherein the at least one wearable piece (20) comprises one or more first openings (30) located in proximity to a head portion of the corresponding at least one wearable piece (20);
a controlling unit (70) mechanically coupled to the at least one wearable piece (20) via one or more coupling means (80), wherein the controlling unit (70) comprises a processing subsystem (90) configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules comprising:
an input module (100) configured to receive one or more inputs when the at least one wearable piece (20) is worn by the user (25) and the corresponding at least one wearable piece (20) is operating in an active mode for the user (25) to breath-in purified air,
wherein the active mode of operation of the at least one wearable piece (20) comprises receiving the purified air via at least one air supply unit (110) upon purification of external air by an air purification unit (120),
wherein the at least one air supply unit (110) is mechanically coupled to the at least one wearable piece (20) at the one or more first openings (30); and
a communication module (150) operatively coupled to the input module (100), wherein the communication module (150) is configured to:
amplify a voice signal received from the corresponding user (25) in real-time, via an amplification unit (160) for the user (25) to communicate locally with one or more locally available users when the one or more inputs comprises a local communication request;

establish a connection between the user (25) and one or more distant users upon exchange of an electrical signal via a communication medium when the one or more inputs comprises a distant communication request; and
exchange the voice signal between the user (25) and the one or more distant users via the communication medium upon establishing the connection, by maintaining the at least one wearable piece (20) being worn by the user (25) and operating in the active mode, thereby assisting the protected breathing.
2. The device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one wearable
piece (20) comprises:
a face shield (40) adapted to be mounted over a head of the user (25) via a predefined fastening mechanism, thereby preventing exposure of a face of the user (25) to an external environment,
wherein the face shield (40) comprises one or more second openings (200) adapted to transfer the purified air received via the at least one air supply unit (110), to the user (25), wherein the one or more second openings (200) are located in proximity to a forehead portion of the face shield (40); and
an overhead covering (50) affixed to the face shield (40) at one or more edges of the face shield (40) and to a neck of the user (25), wherein the overhead covering (50) is adapted to inflate upon receiving the purified air by simultaneously providing an outlet (60) for at least one of exhaled air of the user (25) and excess of the purified air received by the user (25) to be released into the external environment.
3. The device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controlling unit (70)
comprises a suction controlling module (220) operatively coupled to the input
module (100), wherein the suction controlling module (220) is configured to:

control absorption of the external air from an external environment via a suction unit (210) at a predefined absorption rate, when the one or more inputs comprises a device activation signal, wherein the suction unit (210) is mechanically coupled to the air purification unit (120); and
control a passage of the corresponding external air through the air purification unit (120) upon the absorption.
4. The device (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the controlling unit (70)
comprises a feedback module (230) operatively coupled to the suction controlling
module (220), wherein the feedback module (230) is configured to:
detect air pressure inside of the at least one wearable piece (20) via one or more pressure sensors when the corresponding at least one wearable piece (20) is worn by the user (25) and is operating in the active mode; and
regulate the air pressure inside of the at least one wearable piece (20) by sending a feedback signal to the suction controlling module (220) for regulating the corresponding predefined absorption rate using a predefined regulation technique.
5. The device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controlling unit (70)
comprises an essentials-supply-controlling module (240) operatively coupled to the
input module (100), wherein the essentials-supply-controlling module (240) is
configured to control a supply of one or more essentials from one or more
essentials-sourcing units (250) to one or more essentials-transferring units (260)
based on an essentials-stock when the one or more inputs comprises an essentials-
supply request,
wherein the one or more essentials correspond to one or more hydration and sustenance-related products,
wherein the one or more essentials-sourcing units (250) are mechanically coupled to the at least one wearable piece (20) via the one or more coupling means (80),

wherein the one or more essentials-transferring units (260) are mechanically coupled to the at least one wearable piece (20) at the one or more first openings (30).
6. The device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controlling unit (70)
comprises a humidification controlling module (270) operatively coupled to the
input module (100), wherein the humidification controlling module (270) is
configured to generate a humidifier control signal to initiate a humidification
process by a humidifier when the one or more inputs comprises a humidification
initiation request,
wherein the humidifier is mechanically coupled to the at least one wearable piece (20) via the one or more coupling means (80).
7. The device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controlling unit (70)
comprises a temperature regulating module (280) operatively coupled to the input
module (100), wherein the temperature regulating module (280) is configured to
regulate a temperature of the purified air received by the at least one wearable piece
(20) via a temperature regulating unit when the one or more inputs comprises a
temperature regulating request,
wherein the temperature regulating unit is mechanically coupled to the at least one wearable piece (20) via the one or more coupling means (80).
8. The device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controlling unit (70) comprises an alert generation module (290) operatively coupled to the input module (100), wherein the alert generation module (290) is configured to generate an alert signal based on predefined criteria associated with the one or more inputs, wherein the alert signal corresponds to information for the user (25) about the operation of the at least one wearable piece (20) and the controlling unit (70).
9. The device (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the predefined criteria comprises the one or more inputs being related to at least one of mal-functioning of the at least one wearable piece (20), mal-functioning of the controlling unit (70), and one or more parameters reaching a threshold value.

10. A method (340) for assisting protected breathing comprising:
providing at least one wearable piece adapted to be worn by a user, wherein the at least one wearable piece comprises one or more first openings located in proximity to a head portion of the corresponding at least one wearable piece; (350)
operating the corresponding at least one wearable piece in an active mode for the user to breath-in purified air; (360)
receiving, by an input module (100), one or more inputs when the at least one wearable piece is worn by the user and the corresponding at least one wearable piece is operating in the active mode; (370)
amplifying, by a communication module (150), a voice signal received from the corresponding user in real-time, via an amplification unit for the user to communicate locally with one or more locally available users when the one or more inputs comprises a local communication request; (380)
establishing, by the communication module (150), a connection between the user and one or more distant users upon exchange of an electrical signal via a communication medium when the one or more inputs comprises a distant communication request; and (390)
exchanging, by the communication module (150), the voice signal between the user and the one or more distant users via a communication medium upon establishing the connection, by maintaining the at least one wearable piece being worn by the user and operating in the active mode, thereby assisting the protected breathing (400).