Airflow systems

Abstract

According to embodiments of the invention, systems, methods and devices are directed to generating air flow in directions that are sensitive to surrounding objects. In one embodiment, a cooling system is provided. The system includes an air generator locating in an area of room temperature. The system also includes a position device in the air generator, a movable air vent, and a tracking sensor. Generally, the mobile cooling system is configured detect a temperature of a human being and whether the human being moves from one location to another. Upon detection, a set of wheels is used to move the cooling device so that the vent of the cooling device is directed away from the object.

1 . An air-conditioning system, comprising:
 an air generator having a temperature sensing unit;   a positioning device associated with the air generator for controlling the position of the air generator in a given setting;   a movable air vent attached to the air generator for directionally directing air flow;   an optical tracking sensor associated with the air generator for identifying and tracking mammals within range of the air generator; and   a set of wheels affixed to the air generator for facilitating movement of the air generator in response to movements and locations of tracked mammals such that direct airflow onto the tracked mammals is avoided.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the optical tracking sensor is a thermogenic sensor for detecting nearby mammals based on body heat. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the system further comprises:
 a processor included in the air generator; and   a memory included in the air generator, wherein the memory stores instructions that cause the processor to execute a method, the method comprising:
 detecting whether the air generator needs to be activated, wherein the detection is made when
 the temperature reaches a threshold level as detected by the temperature sensing unit in the air generator; and 
 it is detected that a mammal is within a specified distance to the air generator; 
 
 turning on the air generator, after detection that the temperature reaches a certain level; and it is detected that the object is within the specified distance; and 
 adjusting the air generator such that the movable air vent directs air flow away from the mammal. 
   
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein a position of the object is constantly tracked and air flow is maintained in a direction away from the object by moving the air generator if a mammal moves into an airflow periphery of the air generator. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the method further comprises:
 Detecting that the object has moved to another location that is still within the specified distance using the tracking sensor; and   adjusting the air vent of the air generator such that the movable air vent continues to face away from the object and is prevented from rotating to other positions whereby the object would receive the generated air flow.   
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the system further comprises:
 detecting that the object has moved to another location that is in the direction of air flow; and   using the set of wheels to move the air generator such that the movable air vent of the air generator is directed away from the object.   
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the method further comprises:
 detecting that the object has exited a specified proximity or area; and   returning the air generator to the default position using the position device in the air generator.   
     
     
         8 . A method for generating air flow in directions away from bodies, comprising:
 detecting, using an optical sensor, the presence of one or more bodies in a periphery of an air generating device;   directing air flow, using a moving vent, in a direction away from the one or more bodies, but still in a proximity of the bodies; and   maintaining air flow away from the one or more bodies such that movements of a body into a current direction of airflow causes the vent to change directions to avoid direct airflow onto the body.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 moving the entire air generator spatially using a set of wheels if the movable air vent is unable to avoid directing airflow directly onto the detected bodies.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 detecting whether the air generator needs to be turned on, wherein the detection is made when a room temperature reaches a certain level as detected by a temperature sensing unit in the air generator; and it is detected that a body is within a certain distance of the air generator; and   turning on the air generator, after detection that the room temperature reaches a certain level.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 detecting that all bodies have exited the proximity of the air generator; and   returning the air generator to an initial position using the set of wheels.   
     
     
         12 . A method of using thermal imaging to acclimatize an area with respect to those present, the method comprising:
 detecting, using an infrared sensor associated with an air generator, the presence of one or more individuals in a prescribed area based on detection of the motion or body heat of the one or more individuals;   measuring temperature in the area and determining the temperature is above a preferred range;   directing an adjustable vent such that airflow emitted from the air generator is directed in a direction other than that of the detected one or more individuals;   initializing airflow of the air generator until the measured temperature falls to within the preferred range;   moving the air generator, using a set of affixed wheels, such that the air generator resides at a distance from each of the one or more individuals, the distance being within a prescribed range; and   maintaining detected presence of the one or more individuals such that movement by one or more individuals into the directed direction of airflow causes the adjustable vent to change the direction of airflow to a direction away from the one or more individuals.