CONTROLLING A BED REMOTELY

A remote control for a bed system is described. The remote control includes a case, a display screen, a first input area, at least one capacitive button, and a communications module. The case has a base surface, a display surface, and an upper surface. The display screen is on the display surface. The first input area is on the display surface. At least one capacitive button is separate from the first input area. The communication module allows communication between the remote control and a separate controller of the bed system.

The present document relates to control of a consumer device such as an airbed.

BACKGROUND

In general, a bed is a piece of furniture used as a location to sleep or relax. Many modern beds include a soft mattress on a bed frame. The mattress may include springs, foam material, and/or an air chamber to support the weight of one or more occupants.

SUMMARY

An example implementation of the subject matter described within this disclosure is a bed system with the following features. Implementations can include any, all, or none of the following features.

Implementations of the present disclosure include a remote control for a bed system. The remote control includes a case, a display screen, a first input area, at least one capacitive button, and a communication module. The case has a base surface, a display surface, and an upper surface. The display screen is on the display surface. The first input area is on the display surface. At least one capacitive button is separate from the first input area. The communication module allows communication between the remote control and a separate controller of the bed system.

In some implementations, a portion of the case is metallic. In some cases, the portion of the case is capacitively sensitive and the remote control wakes responsive to a signal from the portion of the case that is capacitively sensitive.

In some implementations, the first input area includes a direction pad and a selection pad.

In some implementations, the remote control further includes a slider switch on the upper surface. The slider switch toggles between a first position and a second position. In some cases, the slider switch adjusts an interface displayed on the display screen to a first side of a bed when the slider switch is in the first position and a second side of the bed when the slider switch is in the second position.

In some implementations, the remote control is wirelessly coupled to the separate controller.

In some implementations, the separate controller is a bed controller configured to control pressure, articulation, temperature, or light level of the bed system.

In some implementations, the remote control pings the separate controller upon waking, receives a state from the separate controller, and displays an interface on the display screen responsive to the received state.

In some implementations, the capacitive button is between the display screen and the first input area.

In some implementations, the base surface is sized to allow the remote control to rest in a vertical position.

In some implementations, the base surface is substantially triangular.

In some implementations, the remote control of further includes a light sensor to receive ambient light and produce a light signal representative of an ambient light level.

In some implementations, the remote control adjusts a brightness of the display screen or the first input area responsive to the light signal.

Further implementations of the present disclosure include a method of operating a bed system having a remote control. The method includes fetching, by the remote control, a state of a bed from a bed controller that is physically separate from the remote control. The method includes displaying an interface on a screen of the remote control responsive to the fetched state.

In some implementations, the method further includes waking the remote control responsive to receiving a signal from a capacitive surface of the remote control, the signal being indicative of a touch by a user.

In some implementations, fetching includes wirelessly communicating between the remote control and the bed controller.

In some implementations, receiving a response includes the remote control receiving an indication of a new state and displaying an interface includes displaying an interface appropriate for the new state. In some cases, upon waking the remote control, receiving a response includes the remote control receiving an indication of no change in state since a previous fetch and displaying an interface includes displaying a last used interface.

In some implementations, the method further includes transmitting, by the remote control, a command signal to the bed to change the state of the bed from the state to a new state. The method further includes receiving, by the bed controller, the command signal to change the state of the bed from the state to the new state. The method further includes adjusting, by the bed controller, the state of the bed based on the command signal. The method further includes transmitting, by the bed controller, a signal representing the new state to the remote control. The method further includes, receiving, by the remote control, the signal representing the new state of the bed. The method further includes displaying, by the remote control, the new state of the bed on the screen of the remote control.

Further implementations of the present disclosure include a bed control system. The bed control system includes a bed controller and a remote control. The bed controller controls functions of a bed. The remote control is physically separate from the bed controller. The remote control is wirelessly coupled to the bed controller. The remote control includes a case having a base surface, a display surface, and an upper surface. A portion of the case is capacitively sensitive. The bed controller wakes responsive to a signal from the case. The remote control includes a display screen on the display surface. The remote control includes an input area on the display surface.

In some implementations, the remote control of the bed control system further includes a capacitive button separate from the input area. The capacitive button is between the display screen and the input area.

In some implementations, the remote control of the bed control system further includes a slider switch on the upper surface which toggles between a first position and a second position.

In some implementations, the base surface of the remote control is sized to allow the remote control to rest in a vertical position.

In some implementations, the base surface of the remote control is substantially triangular.

In some implementations, the remote control further includes a light sensor to receive ambient light and produce a light signal representative of an ambient light level. In some cases, the bed controller adjusts a brightness of the display screen and the input area responsive to the light signal.

Further implementations of the present disclosure include a remote control for a bed interface. The remote control includes a case, a display screen, an input area, and a light sensor. The case has a base surface, a display surface, and an upper surface. The display screen is on the display surface. The input area on the display surface. The light sensor receives ambient light and produces a light signal representative of an ambient light level.

In some implementations, the remote control is operatively coupled to the display screen and the light sensor. The remote control adjusts a brightness of the display screen and the input area responsive to the light signal.

Other features, aspects and potential advantages will be apparent from the accompanying description and figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates to controlling a bed remotely by a remote control for the bed. The remote control has a case with a base surface, a display surface, and an upper surface. A display screen is on the display surface. A first input area is also on the display surface. The remote control has at least one capacitive button separate from the first input area. The remote control includes a communications module to communicate between the remote control and a separate controller of the bed.

In some embodiments, a bed system is operated by the remote control. A state of a bed is fetched, by the remote control, from a bed controller that is physically separate from the remote control. An interface is displayed on a screen of the remote control responsive to the fetched state.

In some embodiments, a bed control system includes a bed controller to control functions of a bed. The bed control system includes a remote control physically separate from the bed controller. The remote control is wirelessly coupled to the bed controller. The remote control includes a case. The case includes a base surface, a display surface, and an upper surface. A portion of the case is capacitively sensitive. The bed controller wakes responsive to a signal from the capacitively sensitive case. The bed control system includes a display screen on the display surface and a first input area on the display surface.

Example Airbed Hardware

FIG.1shows an example air bed system100that includes a bed112. The bed112includes at least one air chamber114surrounded by a resilient border116and encapsulated by bed ticking118. The resilient border116can comprise any suitable material, such as foam.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the bed112can be a two chamber design having first and second fluid chambers, such as a first air chamber114A and a second air chamber114B. In alternative embodiments, the bed112can include chambers for use with fluids other than air that are suitable for the application. In some embodiments, such as single beds or kids' beds, the bed112can include a single air chamber114A or114B or multiple air chambers114A and114B. First and second air chambers114A and114B can be in fluid communication with a pump120. The pump120can be in electrical communication with a remote control122via control box124. The control box124can include a wired or wireless communications interface for communicating with one or more devices, including the remote control122. The control box124can be configured to operate the pump120to cause increases and decreases in the fluid pressure of the first and second air chambers114A and114B based upon commands input by a user using the remote control122. In some implementations, the control box124is integrated into a housing of the pump120.

The remote control122can include a display126, a first input area128, a capacitive button130, and a slider switch132. The first input area128, the capacitive button130, and the slider switch132can be used to control features of the bed112, such as firmness, articulation, temperature, a lighting level, and/or other features of the bed112. For example, when the bed112is divided into separate portions such as a head section, body section, and a foot section (not shown), articulation can include raising, lowering, or angling one or more of the head section, the body section, or the foot section relative to the other sections. For example, when the bed112has a massage assembly (not shown) to massage the user, articulating can include operating the massage assembly to massage the user. The first input area128can by a physical control (e.g., switch or button) or an input control displayed on display126. The slider switch132can control which side of the bed112is displayed and/or controlled on the screen126. Alternatively, separate remote control units can be provided for each air chamber and can each include the ability to control multiple air chambers. The capacitive button130can be one or more capacitive buttons130. The capacitive buttons130can be positioned next to one another or separate. In some implementations, the remote controller122case itself can include capacitive sensing such that the controller122can wake up when the user touches the remote controller122, movement of the slider switch132, or the user pressing the first input area128. Adjusting the pressure within the selected air chamber can cause a corresponding adjustment to the firmness of the respective air chamber.

FIG.2is a block diagram of an example of various components of an air bed system. For example, these components can be used in the example air bed system100. As shown inFIG.2, the control box124can include a power supply134, a processor136, a memory137, a switching mechanism138, and an analog to digital (A/D) converter140. The switching mechanism138can be, for example, a relay or a solid state switch.

In some implementations, the switching mechanism138can be located in the pump120rather than the control box124. The control box124receives signals from the remote control122. The control box124transmits signals indicative of control states to the remote control122.

The pump120and the remote control122are in two-way communication with the control box124. The pump120includes a motor142, a pump manifold143, a relief valve144, a first control valve145A, a second control valve145B, and a pressure transducer146. The pump120is fluidly connected with the first air chamber114A and the second air chamber114B via a first tube148A and a second tube148B, respectively. The first and second control valves145A and145B can be controlled by switching mechanism138, and are operable to regulate the flow of fluid between the pump120and first and second air chambers114A and114B, respectively.

The remote control122includes a communications module202. The communications module allows communication between the remote control122and the control box124. The communications module202transmits signals to the control box124. For example, the communications module202can transmit a status signal or a command signal from the remote control122to the control box124. For example, the status signal can be an electrical charge level (in other words a battery power percentage remaining), an error code representing an error condition of the remote122, or a level of ambient light sensed by the remote control122(described later). The command signal can be a signal to change a condition of the bed112. For example the condition of the bed can be a pressure, orientation, a temperature, a light level, a position of a portion of the bed112, a configuration the portions of the bed122or the user name. The communications module202transmits the bed status and remote control122status to the display126for the user to see. The communications module202receives input (the command signal) from the user when the user operates the input area128, the capacitive button130, and/or the slider switch132to operate (to change the condition of) the bed112. The communications module202communicates wirelessly with the control box124. For example, the communications module2020can communicate via WiFi radio, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio, ZigBee radio, Bluetooth Classic, personal area network (i.e., Thread, 6LoWPan, BLE mesh, and Z-Wave), or a proprietary 2.4 Ghz or Sub-Ghz communication technology, described later in reference toFIG.6.

In some implementations, the pump120and the control box124can be provided and packaged as a single unit. In some alternative implementations, the pump120and the control box124can be provided as physically separate units. In some implementations, the control box124, the pump120, or both are integrated within or otherwise contained within a bed frame or bed support structure that supports the bed112. In some implementations, the control box124, the pump120, or both are located outside of a bed frame or bed support structure (as shown in the example inFIG.1).

The example air bed system100depicted inFIG.2includes the two air chambers114A and114B and the single pump120. However, other implementations can include an air bed system having two or more air chambers and one or more pumps incorporated into the air bed system to control the air chambers. For example, a separate pump can be associated with each air chamber of the air bed system or a pump can be associated with multiple chambers of the air bed system. Separate pumps can allow each air chamber to be inflated or deflated independently and simultaneously. Furthermore, additional pressure transducers can also be incorporated into the air bed system such that, for example, a separate pressure transducer can be associated with each air chamber.

In use, the user operates the input area128, the capacitive button130, and/or the slider switch132to generate the command signal to decrease pressure in one of the air chambers114A or114B. The communications module202receives the command signal to decrease pressure in one of the air chambers114A or114B and retransmits the command signal to decrease pressure in one of the air chambers114A or114B to the processor136. The processor138controls the switching mechanism138to convert the low voltage command signals sent by the processor136to higher operating voltages sufficient to operate the relief valve144of the pump120and open the control valve145A or145B. Opening the relief valve144can allow air to escape from the air chamber114A or114B through the respective air tube148A or148B. During deflation, the pressure transducer146can send pressure readings to the processor136via the A/D converter140. The A/D converter140can receive analog information from pressure transducer146and can convert the analog information to digital information usable by the processor136. The processor136can send the digital signal to the remote control122to update the display126in order to convey the pressure information to the user.

As another example, the user operates either the input area128and/or the slider switch132to generate the command signal to increase pressure in one of the air chambers114A or114B. The communications module202receives the command signal to increase pressure in one of the air chambers114A or114B, then processes and retransmits command signal to increase pressure in one of the air chambers114A or114B to the processor136. The processor136sends an increase pressure command to the pump motor142. The pump motor142can be energized in response to the increase pressure command and send air to the designated one of the air chambers114A or114B through the air tube148A or148B via electronically operating the corresponding valve145A or145B. While air is being delivered to the designated air chamber114A or114B in order to increase the firmness of the chamber, the pressure transducer146can sense pressure within the pump manifold143. Again, the pressure transducer146can send pressure readings to the processor136via the A/D converter140. The processor136can use the information received from the A/D converter140to determine the difference between the actual pressure in air chamber114A or114B and the desired pressure. The processor136can send the digital signal to the remote control122to update display126in order to convey the pressure information to the user.

In another example, the remote control122wakes up in response to an action of the user, for instance, the user touching the remote control122. Upon waking up, the remote control122transmits the status (a state of the user or the remote) signal, also called a ping, to the processor136in the control box124. In response to receiving the status signal, the processor126transmits another status (for example, a state or condition of the bed) signal to the remote control122. The remote control122receives the status signal from the processor126. The remote control122then displays an interface on the display126for the user to interpret (see).

Generally speaking, during an inflation or deflation process, the pressure sensed within the pump manifold143can provide an approximation of the pressure within the respective air chamber that is in fluid communication with the pump manifold143. An example method of obtaining a pump manifold pressure reading that is substantially equivalent to the actual pressure within an air chamber includes turning off pump120, allowing the pressure within the air chamber114A or114B and the pump manifold143to equalize, and then sensing the pressure within the pump manifold143with the pressure transducer146. Thus, providing a sufficient amount of time to allow the pressures within the pump manifold143and chamber114A or114B to equalize can result in pressure readings that are accurate approximations of the actual pressure within air chamber114A or114B. In some implementations, the pressure of the air chambers114A and/or114B can be continuously monitored using multiple pressure sensors (not shown).

In some implementations, information collected by the pressure transducer146can be analyzed to determine various states of a person lying on the bed112. For example, the processor136can use information collected by the pressure transducer146to determine a heart rate or a respiration rate for a person lying in the bed112. For example, a user can be lying on a side of the bed112that includes the chamber114A. The pressure transducer146can monitor fluctuations in pressure of the chamber114A and this information can be used to determine the user's heart rate and/or respiration rate. As another example, additional processing can be performed using the collected data to determine a sleep state of the person (e.g., awake, light sleep, deep sleep). For example, the processor136can determine when a person falls asleep and, while asleep, the various sleep states of the person.

Additional information associated with a user of the air bed system100that can be determined using information collected by the pressure transducer146includes motion of the user, presence of the user on a surface of the bed112, weight of the user, heart arrhythmia of the user, and apnea. Taking user presence detection for example, the pressure transducer146can be used to detect the user's presence on the bed112, e.g., via a gross pressure change determination and/or via one or more of a respiration rate signal, heart rate signal, and/or other biometric signals. For example, a simple pressure detection process can identify an increase in pressure as an indication that the user is present on the bed112. As another example, the processor136can determine that the user is present on the bed112if the detected pressure increases above a specified threshold (so as to indicate that a person or other object above a certain weight is positioned on the bed112). As yet another example, the processor136can identify an increase in pressure in combination with detected slight, rhythmic fluctuations in pressure as corresponding to the user being present on the bed112. The presence of rhythmic fluctuations can be identified as being caused by respiration or heart rhythm (or both) of the user. The detection of respiration or a heartbeat can distinguish between the user being present on the bed and another object (e.g., a suit case) being placed upon the bed.

In some implementations, fluctuations in pressure can be measured at the pump120. For example, one or more pressure sensors can be located within one or more internal cavities of the pump120to detect fluctuations in pressure within the pump120. The fluctuations in pressure detected at the pump120can indicate fluctuations in pressure in one or both of the chambers114A and114B. One or more sensors located at the pump120can be in fluid communication with the one or both of the chambers114A and114B, and the sensors can be operative to determine pressure within the chambers114A and114B. The control box124can be configured to determine at least one vital sign (e.g., heart rate, respiratory rate) based on the pressure within the chamber114A or the chamber114B.

In some implementations, the control box124can analyze a pressure signal detected by one or more pressure sensors to determine a heart rate, respiration rate, and/or other vital signs of a user lying or sitting on the chamber114A or the chamber114B. More specifically, when a user lies on the bed112positioned over the chamber114A, each of the user's heart beats, breaths, and other movements can create a force on the bed112that is transmitted to the chamber114A. As a result of the force input to the chamber114A from the user's movement, a wave can propagate through the chamber114A and into the pump120. A pressure sensor located at the pump120can detect the wave, and thus the pressure signal output by the sensor can indicate a heart rate, respiratory rate, or other information regarding the user.

With regard to sleep state, air bed system100can determine a user's sleep state by using various biometric signals such as heart rate, respiration, and/or movement of the user. While the user is sleeping, the processor136can receive one or more of the user's biometric signals (e.g., heart rate, respiration, and motion) and determine the user's present sleep state based on the received biometric signals. In some implementations, signals indicating fluctuations in pressure in one or both of the chambers114A and114B can be amplified and/or filtered to allow for more precise detection of heart rate and respiratory rate.

The control box124can perform a pattern recognition algorithm or other calculation based on the amplified and filtered pressure signal to determine the user's heart rate and respiratory rate. For example, the algorithm or calculation can be based on assumptions that a heart rate portion of the signal has a frequency in the range of 0.5-4.0 Hz and that a respiration rate portion of the signal a has a frequency in the range of less than 1 Hz. The control box124can also be configured to determine other characteristics of a user based on the received pressure signal, such as blood pressure, tossing and turning movements, rolling movements, limb movements, weight, the presence or lack of presence of a user, and/or the identity of the user. Techniques for monitoring a user's sleep using heart rate information, respiration rate information, and other user information are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20100170043 to Steven J. Young et al., titled “APPARATUS FOR MONITORING VITAL SIGNS,” the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

For example, the pressure transducer146can be used to monitor the air pressure in the chambers114A and114B of the bed112. If the user on the bed112is not moving, the air pressure changes in the air chamber114A or114B can be relatively minimal, and can be attributable to respiration and/or heartbeat. When the user on the bed112is moving, however, the air pressure in the mattress can fluctuate by a much larger amount. Thus, the pressure signals generated by the pressure transducer146and received by the processor136can be filtered and indicated as corresponding to motion, heartbeat, or respiration.

In some implementations, rather than performing the data analysis in the control box124with the processor136, a digital signal processor (DSP) can be provided to analyze the data collected by the pressure transducer146. Alternatively, the data collected by the pressure transducer146could be sent to a cloud-based computing system for remote analysis.

In some implementations, the example air bed system100further includes a temperature controller configured to increase, decrease, or maintain the temperature of a bed, for example for the comfort of the user. For example, a pad can be placed on top of or be part of the bed112, or can be placed on top of or be part of one or both of the chambers114A and114B. Air can be pushed through the pad and vented to cool off a user of the bed. Conversely, the pad can include a heating element that can be used to keep the user warm. In some implementations, the temperature controller can receive temperature readings from the pad. In some implementations, separate pads are used for the different sides of the bed112(e.g., corresponding to the locations of the chambers114A and114B) to provide for differing temperature control for the different sides of the bed.

In some implementations, the user of the air bed system100can use an input device, such as the remote control122, to input a desired temperature for the surface of the bed112(or for a portion of the surface of the bed112). The desired temperature can be encapsulated in a command data structure that includes the desired temperature as well as identifies the temperature controller as the desired component to be controlled. The command data structure can then be transmitted via Bluetooth or another suitable communication protocol to the processor136. In various examples, the command data structure is encrypted before being transmitted. The temperature controller can then configure its elements to increase or decrease the temperature of the pad depending on the temperature input into remote control122by the user.

In some implementations, data can be transmitted from a component back to the processor136or to one or more display devices, such as the display126. For example, the current temperature as determined by a sensor element of temperature controller, the pressure of the bed, the current position of the foundation or other information can be transmitted to control box124. The control box124can then transmit the received information to remote control122where it can be displayed to the user (e.g., on the display126).

In some implementations, the example air bed system100further includes an adjustable foundation and an articulation controller configured to adjust the position of a bed (e.g., the bed112) by adjusting the adjustable foundation that supports the bed. For example, the articulation controller can adjust the bed112from a flat position to a position in which a head portion of a mattress of the bed is inclined upward (e.g., to facilitate a user sitting up in bed and/or watching television). In some implementations, the bed112includes multiple separately articulable sections. For example, portions of the bed corresponding to the locations of the chambers114A and114B can be articulated independently from each other, to allow one person positioned on the bed112surface to rest in a first position (e.g., a flat position) while a second person rests in a second position (e.g., an reclining position with the head raised at an angle from the waist). In some implementations, separate positions can be set for two different beds (e.g., two twin beds placed next to each other). The foundation of the bed112can include more than one zone that can be independently adjusted. The articulation controller can also be configured to provide different levels of massage to one or more users on the bed112.

Example of a Bed in a Bedroom Environment

FIG.3shows an example environment300including a bed302in communication with devices located in and around a home. In the example shown, the bed302includes pump304for controlling air pressure within two air chambers306aand306b(as described above with respect to the air chambers114A-114B). The pump304additionally includes circuitry for controlling inflation and deflation functionality performed by the pump304. The circuitry is further programmed to detect fluctuations in air pressure of the air chambers306a-band used the detected fluctuations in air pressure to identify bed presence of a user308, sleep state of the user308, movement of the user308, and biometric signals of the user308such as heart rate and respiration rate. In the example shown, the pump304is located within a support structure of the bed302and the control circuitry334for controlling the pump304is integrated with the pump304. In some implementations, the control circuitry334is physically separate from the pump304and is in wireless or wired communication with the pump304. In some implementations, the pump304and/or control circuitry334are located outside of the bed302. In some implementations, various control functions can be performed by systems located in different physical locations. For example, circuitry for controlling actions of the pump304can be located within a pump casing of the pump304while control circuitry334for performing other functions associated with the bed302can be located in another portion of the bed302, or external to the bed302. As another example, control circuitry334located within the pump304can communicate with control circuitry334at a remote location through a LAN or WAN (e.g., the internet), either wireless or wired communications. As yet another example, the control circuitry334can be included in the control box124ofFIGS.1and2.

The bed300includes the remote control122. The remote control122transmits command signals and status signals to the bed300as previously described in reference toFIGS.1and2.

In some implementations, one or more devices other than, or in addition to, the pump304and control circuitry334can be utilized to identify user bed presence, sleep state, movement, and biometric signals. For example, the bed302can include a second pump in addition to the pump304, with each of the two pumps connected to a respective one of the air chambers306a-b.For example, the pump304can be in fluid communication with the air chamber306bto control inflation and deflation of the air chamber306bas well as detect user signals for a user located over the air chamber306bsuch as bed presence, sleep state, movement, and biometric signals while the second pump is in fluid communication with the air chamber306ato control inflation and deflation of the air chamber306aas well as detect user signals for a user located over the air chamber306a.

As another example, the bed302can include one or more pressure sensitive pads or surface portions that are operable to detect movement, including user presence, user motion, respiration, and heart rate. For example, a first pressure sensitive pad can be incorporated into a surface of the bed302over a left portion of the bed302, where a first user would normally be located during sleep, and a second pressure sensitive pad can be incorporated into the surface of the bed302over a right portion of the bed302, where a second user would normally be located during sleep. The movement detected by the one or more pressure sensitive pads or surface portions can be used by control circuitry334to identify user sleep state, bed presence, or biometric signals.

In some implementations, information detected by the bed (e.g., motion information) is processed by control circuitry334(e.g., control circuitry334integrated with the pump304) and provided to one or more user devices such as a user device310for presentation to the user308or to other users. In the example depicted inFIG.3, the user device310is a tablet device; however, in some implementations, the user device310can be a personal computer, a smart phone, a smart television (e.g., a television312), or other user device capable of wired or wireless communication with the control circuitry334. The user device310can be in communication with control circuitry334of the bed302through a network or through direct point-to-point communication. For example, the control circuitry334can be connected to a LAN (e.g., through a Wi-Fi router) and communicate with the user device310through the LAN (either wired or wireless communications). As another example, the control circuitry334and the user device310can both connect to the Internet and communicate through the Internet. For example, the control circuitry334can connect to the Internet through a WiFi router and the user device310can connect to the Internet through communication with a cellular communication system. As another example, the control circuitry334can communicate directly with the user device310through a wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth. As yet another example, the control circuitry334can communicate with the user device310through a wireless communication protocol such as ZigBee, Z-Wave, infrared, Thread, 6LoPan, BLE, Bluetooth, or another wireless communication protocol suitable for the application. As another example, the control circuitry334can communicate with the user device310through a wired connection such as, for example, a USB connector, serial/RS232, or another wired connection suitable for the application.

The user device310can display a variety of information and statistics related to sleep, or user308's interaction with the bed302. For example, a user interface displayed by the user device310can present information including amount of sleep for the user308over a period of time (e.g., a single evening, a week, a month, etc.) amount of deep sleep, ratio of deep sleep to restless sleep, time lapse between the user308getting into bed and the user308falling asleep, total amount of time spent in the bed302for a given period of time, heart rate for the user308over a period of time, respiration rate for the user308over a period of time, or other information related to user interaction with the bed302by the user308or one or more other users of the bed302. In some implementations, information for multiple users can be presented on the user device310, for example information for a first user positioned over the air chamber306acan be presented along with information for a second user positioned over the air chamber306b.In some implementations, the information presented on the user device310can vary according to the age of the user308. For example, the information presented on the user device310can evolve with the age of the user308such that different information is presented on the user device310as the user308ages as a child or an adult.

The user device310can also be used as an interface for the control circuitry334of the bed302to allow the user308to enter information. The information entered by the user308can be used by the control circuitry334to provide better information to the user or to various control signals for controlling functions of the bed302or other devices. For example, the user can enter information such as weight, height, and age and the control circuitry334can use this information to provide the user308with a comparison of the user's tracked sleep information to sleep information of other people having similar weights, heights, and/or ages as the user308. As another example, the user308can use the user device310as an interface for controlling air pressure of the air chambers306aand306b,for controlling various recline or incline positions of the bed302, for controlling temperature of one or more surface temperature control devices of the bed302, or for allowing the control circuitry334to generate control signals for other devices (as described in greater detail below).

In some implementations, control circuitry334of the bed302(e.g., control circuitry334integrated into the pump304) can communicate with other first, second, or third party devices or systems in addition to or instead of the user device310. For example, the control circuitry334can communicate with the television312, a lighting system314, a thermostat316, a security system318, or other household devices such as an oven322, a coffee maker324, a lamp326on a bedside table340, and a nightlight328. Other examples of devices and/or systems that the control circuitry334can communicate with include a system for controlling window blinds330, one or more devices for detecting or controlling the states of one or more doors332(such as detecting if a door is open, detecting if a door is locked, or automatically locking a door), and a system for controlling a garage door320(e.g., control circuitry334integrated with a garage door opener for identifying an open or closed state of the garage door320and for causing the garage door opener to open or close the garage door320). Communications between the control circuitry334of the bed302and other devices can occur through a network (e.g., a LAN or the Internet) or as point-to-point communication (e.g., using Bluetooth, radio communication, or a wired connection). In some implementations, control circuitry334of different beds302can communicate with different sets of devices. For example, a kid bed may not communicate with and/or control the same devices as an adult bed. In some embodiments, the bed302can evolve with the age of the user such that the control circuitry334of the bed302communicates with different devices as a function of age of the user.

The control circuitry334can receive information and inputs from other devices/systems and use the received information and inputs to control actions of the bed302or other devices. For example, the control circuitry334can receive information from the thermostat316indicating a current environmental temperature for a house or room in which the bed302is located. The control circuitry334can use the received information (along with other information) to determine if a temperature of all or a portion of the surface of the bed302should be raised or lowered. The control circuitry334can then cause a heating or cooling mechanism of the bed302to raise or lower the temperature of the surface of the bed302. For example, the user308can indicate a desired sleeping temperature of 74 degrees while a second user of the bed302indicates a desired sleeping temperature of 72 degrees. The thermostat316can indicate to the control circuitry334that the current temperature of the bedroom is 72 degrees. The control circuitry334can identify that the user308has indicated a desired sleeping temperature of 74 degrees, and send control signals to a heating pad located on the user308's side of the bed to raise the temperature of the portion of the surface of the bed302where the user308is located to raise the temperature of the user308's sleeping surface to the desired temperature.

The control circuitry334can also generate control signals controlling other devices and propagate the control signals to the other devices. In some implementations, the control signals are generated based on information collected by the control circuitry334, including information related to user interaction with the bed302by the user308and/or one or more other users. In some implementations, information collected from one or more other devices other than the bed302are used when generating the control signals. For example, information relating to environmental occurrences (e.g., environmental temperature, environmental noise level, and environmental light level), time of day, time of year, day of the week, or other information can be used when generating control signals for various devices in communication with the control circuitry334of the bed302. For example, information on the time of day can be combined with information relating to movement and bed presence of the user308to generate control signals for the lighting system314. In some implementations, rather than or in addition to providing control signals for one or more other devices, the control circuitry334can provide collected information (e.g., information related to user movement, bed presence, sleep state, or biometric signals for the user308) to one or more other devices to allow the one or more other devices to utilize the collected information when generating control signals. For example, control circuitry334of the bed302can provide information relating to user interactions with the bed302by the user308to a central controller (not shown) that can use the provided information to generate control signals for various devices, including the bed302.

Still referring toFIG.3, the control circuitry334of the bed302can generate control signals for controlling actions of other devices, and transmit the control signals to the other devices in response to information collected by the control circuitry334, including bed presence of the user308, sleep state of the user308, and other factors. For example, control circuitry334integrated with the pump304can detect a feature of a mattress of the bed302, such as an increase in pressure in the air chamber306b,and use this detected increase in air pressure to determine that the user308is present on the bed302. In some implementations, the control circuitry334can identify a heart rate or respiratory rate for the user308to identify that the increase in pressure is due to a person sitting, laying, or otherwise resting on the bed302rather than an inanimate object (such as a suitcase) having been placed on the bed302. In some implementations, the information indicating user bed presence is combined with other information to identify a current or future likely state for the user308. For example, a detected user bed presence at 11:00 am can indicate that the user is sitting on the bed (e.g., to tie her shoes, or to read a book) and does not intend to go to sleep, while a detected user bed presence at 10:00 pm can indicate that the user308is in bed for the evening and is intending to fall asleep soon. As another example, if the control circuitry334detects that the user308has left the bed302at 6:30 am (e.g., indicating that the user308has woken up for the day), and then later detects user bed presence of the user308at 7:30 am, the control circuitry334can use this information that the newly detected user bed presence is likely temporary (e.g., while the user308ties her shoes before heading to work) rather than an indication that the user308is intending to stay on the bed302for an extended period.

In some implementations, the control circuitry334is able to use collected information (including information related to user interaction with the bed302by the user308, as well as environmental information, time information, and input received from the user) to identify use patterns for the user308. For example, the control circuitry334can use information indicating bed presence and sleep states for the user308collected over a period of time to identify a sleep pattern for the user. For example, the control circuitry334can identify that the user308generally goes to bed between 9:30 pm and 10:00 pm, generally falls asleep between 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm, and generally wakes up between 6:30 am and 6:45 am based on information indicating user presence and biometrics for the user308collected over a week. The control circuitry334can use identified patterns for a user to better process and identify user interactions with the bed302by the user308. If the user does stay in bed, then a new sleep pattern can be started.

For example, given the above example user bed presence, sleep, and wake patterns for the user308, if the user308is detected as being on the bed at 3:00 pm, the control circuitry334can determine that the user's presence on the bed is only temporary, and use this determination to generate different control signals than would be generated if the control circuitry334determined that the user308was in bed for the evening. As another example, if the control circuitry334detects that the user308has gotten out of bed at 3:00 am, the control circuitry334can use identified patterns for the user308to determine that the user has only gotten up temporarily (for example, to use the rest room, or get a glass of water) and is not up for the day. By contrast, if the control circuitry334identifies that the user308has gotten out of the bed302at 6:40 am, the control circuitry334can determine that the user is up for the day and generate a different set of control signals than those that would be generated if it were determined that the user308were only getting out of bed temporarily (as would be the case when the user308gets out of the bed302at 3:00 am). For other users308, getting out of the bed302at 3:00 am can be the normal wake-up time, which the control circuitry334can learn and respond to accordingly.

As described above, the control circuitry334for the bed302can generate control signals for control functions of various other devices. The control signals can be generated, at least in part, based on detected interactions by the user308with the bed302, as well as other information including time, date, temperature, etc. For example, the control circuitry334can communicate with the television312, receive information from the television312, and generate control signals for controlling functions of the television312. For example, the control circuitry334can receive an indication from the television312that the television312is currently on. If the television312is located in a different room from the bed302, the control circuitry334can generate a control signal to turn the television312off upon making a determination that the user308has gone to bed for the evening. For example, if bed presence of the user308on the bed302is detected during a particular time range (e.g., between 8:00 pm and 7:00 am) and persists for longer than a threshold period of time (e.g., 10 minutes) the control circuitry334can use this information to determine that the user308is in bed for the evening. If the television312is on (as indicated by communications received by the control circuitry334of the bed302from the television312) the control circuitry334can generate a control signal to turn the television312off. The control signals can then be transmitted to the television (e.g., through a directed communication link between the television312and the control circuitry334or through a network). As another example, rather than turning off the television312in response to detection of user bed presence, the control circuitry334can generate a control signal that causes the volume of the television312to be lowered by a pre-specified amount.

As another example, upon detecting that the user308has left the bed302during a specified time range (e.g., between 6:00 am and 8:00 am) the control circuitry334can generate control signals to cause the television312to turn on and tune to a pre-specified channel (e.g., the user308has indicated a preference for watching the morning news upon getting out of bed in the morning). The control circuitry334can generate the control signal and transmit the signal to the television312to cause the television312to turn on and tune to the desired station (which could be stored at the control circuitry334, the television312, or another location). As another example, upon detecting that the user308has gotten up for the day, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit control signals to cause the television312to turn on and begin playing a previously recorded program from a digital video recorder (DVR) in communication with the television312.

As another example, if the television312is in the same room as the bed302, the control circuitry334does not cause the television312to turn off in response to detection of user bed presence. Rather, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit control signals to cause the television312to turn off in response to determining that the user308is asleep. For example, the control circuitry334can monitor biometric signals of the user308(e.g., motion, heart rate, respiration rate) to determine that the user308has fallen asleep. Upon detecting that the user308is sleeping, the control circuitry334generates and transmits a control signal to turn the television312off. As another example, the control circuitry334can generate the control signal to turn off the television312after a threshold period of time after the user308has fallen asleep (e.g., 10 minutes after the user has fallen asleep). As another example, the control circuitry334generates control signals to lower the volume of the television312after determining that the user308is asleep. As yet another example, the control circuitry334generates and transmits a control signal to cause the television to gradually lower in volume over a period of time and then turn off in response to determining that the user308is asleep.

In some implementations, the control circuitry334can similarly interact with other media devices, such as computers, tablets, smart phones, stereo systems, etc. For example, upon detecting that the user308is asleep, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit a control signal to the user device310to cause the user device310to turn off, or turn down the volume on a video or audio file being played by the user device310.

The control circuitry334can additionally communicate with the lighting system314, receive information from the lighting system314, and generate control signals for controlling functions of the lighting system314. For example, upon detecting user bed presence on the bed302during a certain time frame (e.g., between 8:00 pm and 7:00 am) that lasts for longer than a threshold period of time (e.g., 10 minutes) the control circuitry334of the bed302can determine that the user308is in bed for the evening. In response to this determination, the control circuitry334can generate control signals to cause lights in one or more rooms other than the room in which the bed302is located to switch off. The control signals can then be transmitted to the lighting system314and executed by the lighting system314to cause the lights in the indicated rooms to shut off. For example, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit control signals to turn off lights in all common rooms, but not in other bedrooms. As another example, the control signals generated by the control circuitry334can indicate that lights in all rooms other than the room in which the bed302is located are to be turned off, while one or more lights located outside of the house containing the bed302are to be turned on, in response to determining that the user308is in bed for the evening. Additionally, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit control signals to cause the nightlight328to turn on in response to determining user308bed presence or whether the user308is asleep. As another example, the control circuitry334can generate first control signals for turning off a first set of lights (e.g., lights in common rooms) in response to detecting user bed presence, and second control signals for turning off a second set of lights (e.g., lights in the room in which the bed302is located) in response to detecting that the user308is asleep.

In some implementations, in response to determining that the user308is in bed for the evening, the control circuitry334of the bed302can generate control signals to cause the lighting system314to implement a sunset lighting scheme in the room in which the bed302is located. A sunset lighting scheme can include, for example, dimming the lights (either gradually over time, or all at once) in combination with changing the color of the light in the bedroom environment, such as adding an amber hue to the lighting in the bedroom. The sunset lighting scheme can help to put the user308to sleep when the control circuitry334has determined that the user308is in bed for the evening.

The control circuitry334can also be configured to implement a sunrise lighting scheme when the user308wakes up in the morning. The control circuitry334can determine that the user308is awake for the day, for example, by detecting that the user308has gotten off of the bed302(i.e., is no longer present on the bed302) during a specified time frame (e.g., between 6:00 am and 8:00 am). As another example, the control circuitry334can monitor movement, heart rate, respiratory rate, or other biometric signals of the user308to determine that the user308is awake even though the user308has not gotten out of bed. If the control circuitry334detects that the user is awake during a specified time frame, the control circuitry334can determine that the user308is awake for the day. The specified time frame can be, for example, based on previously recorded user bed presence information collected over a period of time (e.g., two weeks) that indicates that the user308usually wakes up for the day between 6:30 am and 7:30 am. In response to the control circuitry334determining that the user308is awake, the control circuitry334can generate control signals to cause the lighting system314to implement the sunrise lighting scheme in the bedroom in which the bed302is located. The sunrise lighting scheme can include, for example, turning on lights (e.g., the lamp326, or other lights in the bedroom). The sunrise lighting scheme can further include gradually increasing the level of light in the room where the bed302is located (or in one or more other rooms). The sunrise lighting scheme can also include only turning on lights of specified colors. For example, the sunrise lighting scheme can include lighting the bedroom with blue light to gently assist the user308in waking up and becoming active.

In some implementations, the control circuitry334can generate different control signals for controlling actions of one or more components, such as the lighting system314, depending on a time of day that user interactions with the bed302are detected. For example, the control circuitry334can use historical user interaction information for interactions between the user308and the bed302to determine that the user308usually falls asleep between 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm and usually wakes up between 6:30 am and 7:30 am on weekdays. The control circuitry334can use this information to generate a first set of control signals for controlling the lighting system314if the user308is detected as getting out of bed at 3:00 am and to generate a second set of control signals for controlling the lighting system314if the user308is detected as getting out of bed after 6:30 am. For example, if the user308gets out of bed prior to 6:30 am, the control circuitry334can turn on lights that guide the user308's route to a restroom. As another example, if the user308gets out of bed prior to 6:30 am, the control circuitry334can turn on lights that guide the user308's route to the kitchen (which can include, for example, turning on the nightlight328, turning on under bed lighting, or turning on the lamp326).

As another example, if the user308gets out of bed after 6:30 am, the control circuitry334can generate control signals to cause the lighting system314to initiate a sunrise lighting scheme, or to turn on one or more lights in the bedroom and/or other rooms. In some implementations, if the user308is detected as getting out of bed prior to a specified morning rise time for the user308, the control circuitry334causes the lighting system314to turn on lights that are dimmer than lights that are turned on by the lighting system314if the user308is detected as getting out of bed after the specified morning rise time. Causing the lighting system314to only turn on dim lights when the user308gets out of bed during the night (i.e., prior to normal rise time for the user308) can prevent other occupants of the house from being woken by the lights while still allowing the user308to see in order to reach the restroom, kitchen, or another destination within the house.

The historical user interaction information for interactions between the user308and the bed302can be used to identify user sleep and awake time frames. For example, user bed presence times and sleep times can be determined for a set period of time (e.g., two weeks, a month, etc.). The control circuitry334can then identify a typical time range or time frame in which the user308goes to bed, a typical time frame for when the user308falls asleep, and a typical time frame for when the user308wakes up (and in some cases, different time frames for when the user308wakes up and when the user308actually gets out of bed). In some implementations, buffer time can be added to these time frames. For example, if the user is identified as typically going to bed between 10:00 pm and 10:30 pm, a buffer of a half hour in each direction can be added to the time frame such that any detection of the user getting onto the bed between 9:30 pm and 11:00 pm is interpreted as the user308going to bed for the evening. As another example, detection of bed presence of the user308starting from a half hour before the earliest typical time that the user308goes to bed extending until the typical wake up time (e.g., 6:30 am) for the user can be interpreted as the user going to bed for the evening. For example, if the user typically goes to bed between 10:00 pm and 10:30 pm, if the user's bed presence is sensed at 12:30 am one night, that can be interpreted as the user getting into bed for the evening even though this is outside of the user's typical time frame for going to bed because it has occurred prior to the user's normal wake up time. In some implementations, different time frames are identified for different times of the year (e.g., earlier bed time during winter vs. summer) or at different times of the week (e.g., user wakes up earlier on weekdays than on weekends).

The control circuitry334can distinguish between the user308going to bed for an extended period (such as for the night) as opposed to being present on the bed302for a shorter period (such as for a nap) by sensing duration of presence of the user308. In some examples, the control circuitry334can distinguish between the user308going to bed for an extended period (such as for the night) as opposed to going to bed for a shorter period (such as for a nap) by sensing duration of sleep of the user308. For example, the control circuitry334can set a time threshold whereby if the user308is sensed on the bed302for longer than the threshold, the user308is considered to have gone to bed for the night. In some examples, the threshold can be about 2 hours, whereby if the user308is sensed on the bed302for greater than 2 hours, the control circuitry334registers that as an extended sleep event. In other examples, the threshold can be greater than or less than two hours.

The control circuitry334can detect repeated extended sleep events to determine a typical bed time range of the user308automatically, without requiring the user308to enter a bed time range. This can allow the control circuitry334to accurately estimate when the user308is likely to go to bed for an extended sleep event, regardless of whether the user308typically goes to bed using a traditional sleep schedule or a non-traditional sleep schedule. The control circuitry334can then use knowledge of the bed time range of the user308to control one or more components (including components of the bed302and/or non-bed peripherals) differently based on sensing bed presence during the bed time range or outside of the bed time range.

In some examples, the control circuitry334can automatically determine the bed time range of the user308without requiring user inputs. In some examples, the control circuitry334can determine the bed time range of the user308automatically and in combination with user inputs. In some examples, the control circuitry334can set the bed time range directly according to user inputs. In some examples, the control circuity334can associate different bed times with different days of the week. In each of these examples, the control circuitry334can control one or more components (such as the lighting system314, the thermostat316, the security system318, the oven322, the coffee maker324, the lamp326, and the nightlight328), as a function of sensed bed presence and the bed time range.

The control circuitry334can additionally communicate with the thermostat316, receive information from the thermostat316, and generate control signals for controlling functions of the thermostat316. For example, the user308can indicate user preferences for different temperatures at different times, depending on the sleep state or bed presence of the user308. For example, the user308may prefer an environmental temperature of 72 degrees when out of bed, 70 degrees when in bed but awake, and 68 degrees when sleeping. The control circuitry334of the bed302can detect bed presence of the user308in the evening and determine that the user308is in bed for the night. In response to this determination, the control circuitry334can generate control signals to cause the thermostat to change the temperature to 70 degrees. The control circuitry334can then transmit the control signals to the thermostat316. Upon detecting that the user308is in bed during the bed time range or asleep, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit control signals to cause the thermostat316to change the temperature to 68. The next morning, upon determining that the user is awake for the day (e.g., the user308gets out of bed after 6:30 am) the control circuitry334can generate and transmit control circuitry334to cause the thermostat to change the temperature to 72 degrees.

In some implementations, the control circuitry334can similarly generate control signals to cause one or more heating or cooling elements on the surface of the bed302to change temperature at various times, either in response to user interaction with the bed302or at various pre-programmed times. For example, the control circuitry334can activate a heating element to raise the temperature of one side of the surface of the bed302to 73 degrees when it is detected that the user308has fallen asleep. As another example, upon determining that the user308is up for the day, the control circuitry334can turn off a heating or cooling element. As yet another example, the user308can pre-program various times at which the temperature at the surface of the bed should be raised or lowered. For example, the user can program the bed302to raise the surface temperature to 76 degrees at 10:00 pm, and lower the surface temperature to 68 degrees at 11:30 pm.

In some implementations, in response to detecting user bed presence of the user308and/or that the user308is asleep, the control circuitry334can cause the thermostat316to change the temperature in different rooms to different values. For example, in response to determining that the user308is in bed for the evening, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit control signals to cause the thermostat316to set the temperature in one or more bedrooms of the house to 72 degrees and set the temperature in other rooms to 67 degrees.

The control circuitry334can also receive temperature information from the thermostat316and use this temperature information to control functions of the bed302or other devices. For example, as discussed above, the control circuitry334can adjust temperatures of heating elements included in the bed302in response to temperature information received from the thermostat316.

In some implementations, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit control signals for controlling other temperature control systems. For example, in response to determining that the user308is awake for the day, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit control signals for causing floor heating elements to activate. For example, the control circuitry334can cause a floor heating system for a master bedroom to turn on in response to determining that the user308is awake for the day.

The control circuitry334can additionally communicate with the security system318, receive information from the security system318, and generate control signals for controlling functions of the security system318. For example, in response to detecting that the user308in is bed for the evening, the control circuitry334can generate control signals to cause the security system to engage or disengage security functions. The control circuitry334can then transmit the control signals to the security system318to cause the security system318to engage. As another example, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit control signals to cause the security system318to disable in response to determining that the user308is awake for the day (e.g., user308is no longer present on the bed302after 6:00 am). In some implementations, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit a first set of control signals to cause the security system318to engage a first set of security features in response to detecting user bed presence of the user308, and can generate and transmit a second set of control signals to cause the security system318to engage a second set of security features in response to detecting that the user308has fallen asleep.

In some implementations, the control circuitry334can receive alerts from the security system318(and/or a cloud service associated with the security system318) and indicate the alert to the user308. For example, the control circuitry334can detect that the user308is in bed for the evening and in response, generate and transmit control signals to cause the security system318to engage or disengage. The security system can then detect a security breach (e.g., someone has opened the door332without entering the security code, or someone has opened a window when the security system318is engaged). The security system318can communicate the security breach to the control circuitry334of the bed302. In response to receiving the communication from the security system318, the control circuitry334can generate control signals to alert the user308to the security breach. For example, the control circuitry334can cause the bed302to vibrate. As another example, the control circuitry334can cause portions of the bed302to articulate (e.g., cause the head section to raise or lower) in order to wake the user308and alert the user to the security breach. As another example, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit control signals to cause the lamp326to flash on and off at regular intervals to alert the user308to the security breach. As another example, the control circuitry334can alert the user308of one bed302regarding a security breach in a bedroom of another bed, such as an open window in a kid's bedroom. As another example, the control circuitry334can send an alert to a garage door controller (e.g., to close and lock the door). As another example, the control circuitry334can send an alert for the security to be disengaged.

The control circuitry334can additionally generate and transmit control signals for controlling the garage door320and receive information indicating a state of the garage door320(i.e., open or closed). For example, in response to determining that the user308is in bed for the evening, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit a request to a garage door opener or another device capable of sensing if the garage door320is open. The control circuitry334can request information on the current state of the garage door320. If the control circuitry334receives a response (e.g., from the garage door opener) indicating that the garage door320is open, the control circuitry334can either notify the user308that the garage door is open, or generate a control signal to cause the garage door opener to close the garage door320. For example, the control circuitry334can send a message to the user device310indicating that the garage door is open. As another example, the control circuitry334can cause the bed302to vibrate. As yet another example, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit a control signal to cause the lighting system314to cause one or more lights in the bedroom to flash to alert the user308to check the user device310for an alert (in this example, an alert regarding the garage door320being open). Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit control signals to cause the garage door opener to close the garage door320in response to identifying that the user308is in bed for the evening and that the garage door320is open. In some implementations, control signals can vary depend on the age of the user308.

The control circuitry334can activate additional security features based on the presence of the user in bed302, such as motion tracking or other biometric tracking outside of the user's bedroom due to the security system knowing that the user was in bed and sleeping based on a signal from the control system. If the user wakes and gets out of bed, the additional features can be disabled until the user either is awake for their daily routine or the additional features can become re-enabled if the user returns to bed.

The control circuitry334can similarly send and receive communications for controlling or receiving state information associated with the door332or the oven322. For example, upon detecting that the user308is in bed for the evening, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit a request to a device or system for detecting a state of the door332. Information returned in response to the request can indicate various states for the door332such as open, closed but unlocked, or closed and locked. If the door332is open or closed but unlocked, the control circuitry334can alert the user308to the state of the door, such as in a manner described above with reference to the garage door320. Alternatively, or in addition to alerting the user308, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit control signals to cause the door332to lock, or to close and lock. If the door332is closed and locked, the control circuitry334can determine that no further action is needed.

Similarly, upon detecting that the user308is in bed for the evening, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit a request to the oven322to request a state of the oven322(e.g., on or off). If the oven322is on, the control circuitry334can alert the user308and/or generate and transmit control signals to cause the oven322to turn off. If the oven is already off, the control circuitry334can determine that no further action is necessary. In some implementations, different alerts can be generated for different events. For example, the control circuitry334can cause the lamp326(or one or more other lights, via the lighting system314) to flash in a first pattern if the security system318has detected a breach, flash in a second pattern if garage door320is on, flash in a third pattern if the door332is open, flash in a fourth pattern if the oven322is on, and flash in a fifth pattern if another bed has detected that a user of that bed has gotten up (e.g., that a child of the user308has gotten out of bed in the middle of the night as sensed by a sensor in the bed302of the child). Other examples of alerts that can be processed by the control circuitry334of the bed302and communicated to the user include a smoke detector detecting smoke (and communicating this detection of smoke to the control circuitry334), a carbon monoxide tester detecting carbon monoxide, a heater malfunctioning, or an alert from any other device capable of communicating with the control circuitry334and detecting an occurrence that should be brought to the user308's attention.

The control circuitry334can also communicate with a system or device for controlling a state of the window blinds330. For example, in response to determining that the user308is in bed for the evening, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit control signals to cause the window blinds330to close. As another example, in response to determining that the user308is up for the day (e.g., user has gotten out of bed after 6:30 am) the control circuitry334can generate and transmit control signals to cause the window blinds330to open. By contrast, if the user308gets out of bed prior to a normal rise time for the user308, the control circuitry334can determine that the user308is not awake for the day and does not generate control signals for causing the window blinds330to open. As yet another example, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit control signals that cause a first set of blinds to close in response to detecting user bed presence of the user308and a second set of blinds to close in response to detecting that the user308is asleep.

The control circuitry334can generate and transmit control signals for controlling functions of other household devices in response to detecting user interactions with the bed302. For example, in response to determining that the user308is awake for the day, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit control signals to the coffee maker324to cause the coffee maker324to begin brewing coffee. As another example, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit control signals to the oven322to cause the oven to begin preheating (for users that like fresh baked bread in the morning).

As another example, the control circuitry334can use information indicating that the user308is awake for the day along with information indicating that the time of year is currently winter and/or that the outside temperature is below a threshold value to generate and transmit control signals to cause a car engine block heater to turn on.

As another example, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit control signals to cause one or more devices to enter a sleep mode in response to detecting user bed presence of the user308, or in response to detecting that the user308is asleep. For example, the control circuitry334can generate control signals to cause a mobile phone of the user308to switch into sleep mode. The control circuitry334can then transmit the control signals to the mobile phone. Later, upon determining that the user308is up for the day, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit control signals to cause the mobile phone to switch out of sleep mode.

In some implementations, the control circuitry334can communicate with one or more noise control devices. For example, upon determining that the user308is in bed for the evening, or that the user308is asleep, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit control signals to cause one or more noise cancellation devices to activate. The noise cancellation devices can, for example, be included as part of the bed302or located in the bedroom with the bed302. As another example, upon determining that the user308is in bed for the evening or that the user308is asleep, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit control signals to turn the volume on, off, up, or down, for one or more sound generating devices, such as a stereo system radio, computer, tablet, etc.

Additionally, functions of the bed302are controlled by the control circuitry334in response to user interactions with the bed302. For example, the bed302can include an adjustable foundation and an articulation controller configured to adjust the position of one or more portions of the bed302by adjusting the adjustable foundation that supports the bed. For example, the articulation controller can adjust the bed302from a flat position to a position in which a head portion of a mattress of the bed302is inclined upward (e.g., to facilitate a user sitting up in bed and/or watching television). In some implementations, the bed302includes multiple separately articulable sections. For example, portions of the bed corresponding to the locations of the air chambers306aand306bcan be articulated independently from each other, to allow one person positioned on the bed302surface to rest in a first position (e.g., a flat position) while a second person rests in a second position (e.g., a reclining position with the head raised at an angle from the waist). In some implementations, separate positions can be set for two different beds (e.g., two twin beds placed next to each other). The foundation of the bed302can include more than one zone that can be independently adjusted. The articulation controller can also be configured to provide different levels of massage to one or more users on the bed302or to cause the bed to vibrate to communicate alerts to the user308as described above.

The control circuitry334can adjust positions (e.g., incline and decline positions for the user308and/or an additional user of the bed302) in response to user interactions with the bed302. For example, the control circuitry334can cause the articulation controller to adjust the bed302to a first recline position for the user308in response to sensing user bed presence for the user308. The control circuitry334can cause the articulation controller to adjust the bed302to a second recline position (e.g., a less reclined, or flat position) in response to determining that the user308is asleep. As another example, the control circuitry334can receive a communication from the television312indicating that the user308has turned off the television312, and in response the control circuitry334can cause the articulation controller to adjust the position of the bed302to a preferred user sleeping position (e.g., due to the user turning off the television312while the user308is in bed indicating that the user308wishes to go to sleep).

In some implementations, the control circuitry334can control the articulation controller so as to wake up one user of the bed302without waking another user of the bed302. For example, the user308and a second user of the bed302can each set distinct wakeup times (e.g., 6:30 am and 7:15 am respectively). When the wakeup time for the user308is reached, the control circuitry334can cause the articulation controller to vibrate or change the position of only a side of the bed on which the user308is located to wake the user308without disturbing the second user. When the wakeup time for the second user is reached, the control circuitry334can cause the articulation controller to vibrate or change the position of only the side of the bed on which the second user is located. Alternatively, when the second wakeup time occurs, the control circuitry334can utilize other methods (such as audio alarms, or turning on the lights) to wake the second user since the user308is already awake and therefore will not be disturbed when the control circuitry334attempts to wake the second user.

Still referring toFIG.3, the control circuitry334for the bed302can utilize information for interactions with the bed302by multiple users to generate control signals for controlling functions of various other devices. For example, the control circuitry334can wait to generate control signals for, for example, engaging the security system318, or instructing the lighting system314to turn off lights in various rooms until both the user308and a second user are detected as being present on the bed302. As another example, the control circuitry334can generate a first set of control signals to cause the lighting system314to turn off a first set of lights upon detecting bed presence of the user308and generate a second set of control signals for turning off a second set of lights in response to detecting bed presence of a second user. As another example, the control circuitry334can wait until it has been determined that both the user308and a second user are awake for the day before generating control signals to open the window blinds330. As yet another example, in response to determining that the user308has left the bed and is awake for the day, but that a second user is still sleeping, the control circuitry334can generate and transmit a first set of control signals to cause the coffee maker324to begin brewing coffee, to cause the security system318to deactivate, to turn on the lamp326, to turn off the nightlight328, to cause the thermostat316to raise the temperature in one or more rooms to 72 degrees, and to open blinds (e.g., the window blinds330) in rooms other than the bedroom in which the bed302is located. Later, in response to detecting that the second user is no longer present on the bed (or that the second user is awake) the control circuitry334can generate and transmit a second set of control signals to, for example, cause the lighting system314to turn on one or more lights in the bedroom, to cause window blinds in the bedroom to open, and to turn on the television312to a pre-specified channel.

Examples of a Remote Control for a Bed

FIGS.4A-4Dare schematic diagrams of the example remote control122that can be associated with the bed system, including those described above with respect toFIGS.1-3. The remote control122is substantially similar to the remote control122. Referring toFIGS.4A-4D, the remote control122includes a case402. The case402is the outer body of the remote control122.

As shown inFIG.4E, the case402is defined by a base surface404. In some implementations, as shown inFIG.4E, the base surface404is sized to allow the remote control122to rest in a vertical position on a horizontal surface406(seen inFIG.4A). For example, referring toFIG.3, the remote control122can rest in the vertical (upright) position on the top (horizontal) surface of the bedside table340. Referring toFIG.4E, in some implementations, the base surface404is substantially triangular. The triangular base surface404is defined by a first edge408, a second edge410, and a third edge412.

The case402is further defined by a display surface414, as shown inFIGS.4A,4D, and4E. The display surface414can also be referred to as the front surface or the front of the case402. The display surface414is coupled to the base surface404by the first edge408. The display surface414includes the display126previously described in reference toFIGS.1-3. The display126can also be referred to as the display screen.

The display126can be an input area128as previously stated. When the display126is an input area128, the display126can include portions which correspond to a digital button or digital buttons (not shown), that, when physically contacted by the user, can control operations of the bed112. For example, the user can control the position or configuration of the bed, the pressure of the bed, the temperature of the bed, or a light level of the bed122. In some cases, the digital buttons can change based on the user selected menu, list, or command. For example, the digital button can be a single main menu button, or the digital buttons can be the main menu button and a sub-menu button.

The display surface414also includes the input area128, as previously described in reference toFIGS.1-3. In some implementations, the input area128is a direction pad432and a selection pad434. The direction pad432moves a cursor or selection icon (not shown) on the display126when the user applies a force to a respective area of the direction pad432. In response, the cursor on the display126moves in the respective direction. When the remote control122is in a sleep state and user touches the input area128, the input area128senses the touch of the user, the input area128generates a signal to the control circuitry334of the remote control122to wake the remote control122. The operation of the remote control122, in response to the signal to wake up from input area128, is substantially similar to the operation of the capacitive button130is described below in referenceFIG.21. Waking up the remote control122by the user touching the capacitive button130can be referred to as “push to wake”. The direction pad432can be an outer portion436of the input area128. The selection pad434can be a center portion438of the input area128.

The display surface414includes at least one capacitive button130, described previously in reference toFIGS.1-3. The capacitive button130can correspond to a capacitive zone or capacitive area of the remote control122. The capacitive button130senses the touch of the user by the transmission (conduction) of an electrical charge from the user to the capacitive button130. Alternatively, the transmission of the electrical charge can be from the capacitive button130to the user.

When the capacitive button130senses the touch of the user, the capacitive button generates a signal to the control circuitry334of the remote control122to wake the remote control122. The operation of the remote control122in response to the signal to wake up from the capacitive button130is described below in referenceFIG.21. Waking up the remote control122by the user touching the capacitive button130can be referred to as “grip to wake”.

In some implementations, at least one of the capacitive buttons130is positioned between the display126and the input area128. The capacitive button130is positioned between the display126and the input area128for improved ergonomics for the user.

Referring toFIG.4D, the case402includes an upper surface416. The upper surface416is coupled to the display surface414. The upper surface416is a rounded rectangle.

The upper surface416includes the slider switch132, as previously described in reference toFIGS.1-3. The slider switch132moves (e.g. words toggles) between a first position416and a second position418. In some implementations, as shown in reference toFIGS.3and4A-4D, the slider switch132adjusts an interface displayed on the display126to a first side336of the bed302when the slider switch132is in the first position416and a second side338of the bed302when the slider switch132is in the second position418.

As shown inFIGS.4B and4C, the case402is further defined by a back surface420. The back surface420is coupled to the base surface404, the display surface414, and the upper surface416. The edges422aand422bconnecting the display surface414to the back surface420are rounded. The back surface420includes four flat triangular surfaces424a-d.

A portion430of the back surface420is removable. The portion430of the back surface420can be removed to access the internal portions (not shown) of the remote control122.

The remote control122includes a power source (not shown). The portion430of the back surface420can be removed to access the power source. The power source provides power to the control circuitry334to operate the remote control122. The power source can be a battery. For example, the power source can be a commercially available off the shelf alkaline battery such as CR3032, AA, AAA, C, D, and CR1016 batteries. Alternatively or in addition, the power source can be a removable rechargeable battery, a super capacitor, or a fixed rechargeable battery, for example, that can be charged by a universal serial bus (USB) connection.

In some implementations, a portion of the case402is metallic. For example, the display surface414or the edges422aand422bcan be metallic. In some implementations, the case402is capacitively sensitive. By capacitively sensitive, it is meant that the remote control122wakes up responsive to a signal from the capacitively sensitive case. For example, when the remote control122is in a rest state (no processing functions are occurring and/or the battery is in a low power mode) and the user touches the capacitively sensitive case, a processor in the remote control transitions from a sleep state to a wake state due to the change in capacitance resulting from the user touch. In the wake state, the remote control122is ready to receive input from the user to control the bed112. For example, the display surface414, the capacitive button130, or the edges422aand422bcan be capacitively sensitive.

In some implementations, as shown inFIGS.4A,4D, and4E, the remote control122includes a light sensor426.FIG.20is a flow chart of an example method of operating the light sensor426of the remote control122. Referring toFIGS.4A,4D,4E, and19, at2002, the light sensor426receives ambient light428. At2004, the light sensor426produces a signal representative of an ambient light428level (in other words intensity or brightness). The signal is a light signal produced by the light sensor426.

After the light signal is produced (transmitted), at2006, it is then interpreted by the remote control122to adjust a brightness of the display126and the input area128. The initial brightness of the display area126and the input area128can be preset and/or stored in the controller122(stored locally). Alternatively, the remote control122can fetch a user desired brightness of the display area126and the input area128from the control circuitry324of the bed112(stored centrally). The user desired brightness of the display area126and the input area128adjusts how the remote control122adjusts the display area126and input area128brightness relative to the light signal produced from light sensor426. When the user chooses a brighter initial brightness of the display area126and the input area128, the remote control122will maintain that brightness relative to the ambient environment. The process occurs for medium and low user desired brightness, relevant to the ambient light of the environment as detected by the light sensor426.

FIG.21is a flow chart of an example method of operating a bed system with a remote control. Referring toFIGS.1-3, and21, at2102the remote control122of the bed302system in the example environment300the remote control122wakes up responsive to the touch of the user. When the user touches the capacitively sensitive case402(i.e. the capacitive button130), the capacitively sensitive case402sends a signal to the remote control122to wake up. At2104, responsive to waking up, the remote control122pings the control circuitry334of the bed. The remote control122pings the control circuitry334as a communications check to verify the bed112is within a communications range of the remote122and to verify a communications channel is available for the remote control122to communicate with the bed112.

At2106, the control circuitry334responds to the ping by transmitting a response to the remote control122. For example, the response from control circuitry334to the remote control122can be that the bed112is within communications range of the remote control122and a communications channel is available. Alternatively, the response from control circuitry334to the remote control122can be that the bed112is within communications range of the control circuitry334, but no communications channel is available. Alternatively, when the bed112is out of communications range from the remote control122, the control circuitry334will not respond.

At2108, responsive to receiving the response to the ping from the control circuitry334at the remote control122, the remote control fetches a state of the bed302from the control circuitry334in the bed302that is physically separate from the remote control122. In some implementations, the remote control122fetches the state of the bed302when waking up, as described earlier in reference toFIGS.1-4D. In some implementations, the remote control122fetches the state of the bed302by communicating wirelessly with the control circuitry334of the bed302(the bed controller).

In some implementations, the remote control122pings the control circuitry334(the bed controller). The remote control then receives a response from the control circuitry334of the bed (302) in response to the ping.

At2110, the remote control122displays the state of the bed112on a screen (the display126) of the remote control122responsive to the fetched state. In some implementations, receiving a response at the remote control122from the control circuitry334of the bed302includes receiving an indication of a new state and displaying an interface on the display126includes displaying an interface appropriate for the new state. For example, the new state can be a pressure of the bed302, a position of a portion of the bed302(a left side, a right side, a top portion, or a bottom portion), and/or a temperature, a light level, an error state. The new state can be all of the states of the bed. In some cases, only a relevant (user selected state) is fetched and displayed. In other cases. only states which have changed are fetched and displayed.

In some implementations, receiving a response at the remote control122from the control circuitry334of the bed302includes receiving an indication of no change in state since a previous ping. In such cases, the interface continues to display the last used interface.

Examples of Data Processing Systems Associated with a Bed

Described here are examples of systems and components that can be used for data processing tasks that are, for example, associated with a bed. In some cases, multiple examples of a particular component or group of components are presented. Some of these examples are redundant and/or mutually exclusive alternatives. Connections between components are shown as examples to illustrate possible network configurations for allowing communication between components. Different formats of connections can be used as technically needed or desired. The connections generally indicate a logical connection that can be created with any technologically feasible format. For example, a network on a motherboard can be created with a printed circuit board, wireless data connections, and/or other types of network connections. Some logical connections are not shown for clarity. For example, connections with power supplies and/or computer readable memory may not be shown for clarities sake, as many or all elements of a particular component may need to be connected to the power supplies and/or computer readable memory.

FIG.5Ais a block diagram of an example of a data processing system500that can be associated with a bed system, including those described above with respect toFIGS.1-4. This system500includes a pump motherboard502and a pump daughterboard504. The system500includes a sensor array506that can include one or more sensors configured to sense physical phenomenon of the environment and/or bed, and to report such sensing back to the pump motherboard502for, for example, analysis. The system500also includes a controller array508that can include one or more controllers configured to control logic-controlled devices of the bed and/or environment. The pump motherboard500can be in communication with one or more computing devices514and one or more cloud services510over local networks, the Internet512, or otherwise as is technically appropriate. Each of these components will be described in more detail, some with multiple example configurations, below.

In this example, a pump motherboard502and a pump daughterboard504are communicably coupled. They can be conceptually described as a center or hub of the system500, with the other components conceptually described as spokes of the system500. In some configurations, this can mean that each of the spoke components communicates primarily or exclusively with the pump motherboard502. For example, a sensor of the sensor array may not be configured to, or may not be able to, communicate directly with a corresponding controller. Instead, each spoke component can communicate with the motherboard502. The sensor of the sensor array406can report a sensor reading to the motherboard502, and the motherboard502can determine that, in response, a controller of the controller array408should adjust some parameters of a logic controlled device or otherwise modify a state of one or more peripheral devices. In one case, if the temperature of the bed is determined to be too hot, the pump motherboard502can determine that a temperature controller should cool the bed.

One advantage of a hub-and-spoke network configuration, sometimes also referred to as a star-shaped network, is a reduction in network traffic compared to, for example, a mesh network with dynamic routing. If a particular sensor generates a large, continuous stream of traffic, that traffic may only be transmitted over one spoke of the network to the motherboard502. The motherboard502can, for example, marshal that data and condense it to a smaller data format for retransmission for storage in a cloud service510. Additionally or alternatively, the motherboard502can generate a single, small, command message to be sent down a different spoke of the network in response to the large stream. For example, if the large stream of data is a pressure reading that is transmitted from the sensor array506a few times a second, the motherboard502can respond with a single command message to the controller array to increase the pressure in an air chamber. In this case, the single command message can be orders of magnitude smaller than the stream of pressure readings.

As another advantage, a hub-and-spoke network configuration can allow for an extensible network that can accommodate components being added, removed, failing, etc. This can allow, for example, more, fewer, or different sensors in the sensor array506, controllers in the controller array508, computing devices514, and/or cloud services510. For example, if a particular sensor fails or is deprecated by a newer version of the sensor, the system500can be configured such that only the motherboard502needs to be updated about the replacement sensor. This can allow, for example, product differentiation where the same motherboard502can support an entry level product with fewer sensors and controllers, a higher value product with more sensors and controllers, and customer personalization where a customer can add their own selected components to the system500.

Additionally, a line of air bed products can use the system500with different components. In an application in which every air bed in the product line includes both a central logic unit and a pump, the motherboard502(and optionally the daughterboard504) can be designed to fit within a single, universal housing. Then, for each upgrade of the product in the product line, additional sensors, controllers, cloud services, etc., can be added. Design, manufacturing, and testing time can be reduced by designing all products in a product line from this base, compared to a product line in which each product has a bespoke logic control system.

Each of the components discussed above can be realized in a wide variety of technologies and configurations. Below, some examples of each component will be further discussed. In some alternatives, two or more of the components of the system500can be realized in a single alternative component; some components can be realized in multiple, separate components; and/or some functionality can be provided by different components.

FIG.5Bis a block diagram showing some communication paths of the data processing system500. As previously described, the motherboard502and the pump daughterboard504may act as a hub for peripheral devices and cloud services of the system500. In cases in which the pump daughterboard504communicates with cloud services or other components, communications from the pump daughterboard504may be routed through the pump motherboard502. This may allow, for example, the bed to have only a single connection with the internet512. The computing device514may also have a connection to the internet512, possibly through the same gateway used by the bed and/or possibly through a different gateway (e.g., a cell service provider).

Previously, a number of cloud services510were described. As shown inFIG.5B, some cloud services, such as cloud services510dand510e,may be configured such that the pump motherboard502can communicate with the cloud service directly—that is the motherboard502may communicate with a cloud service510without having to use another cloud service510as an intermediary. Additionally or alternatively, some cloud services510, for example cloud service510f,may only be reachable by the pump motherboard502through an intermediary cloud service, for example cloud service510e.While not shown here, some cloud services510may be reachable either directly or indirectly by the pump motherboard502.

Additionally, some or all of the cloud services510may be configured to communicate with other cloud services. This communication may include the transfer of data and/or remote function calls according to any technologically appropriate format. For example, one cloud service510may request a copy for another cloud service's510data, for example, for purposes of backup, coordination, migration, or for performance of calculations or data mining. In another example, many cloud services510may contain data that is indexed according to specific users tracked by the user account cloud510cand/or the bed data cloud510a.These cloud services510may communicate with the user account cloud510cand/or the bed data cloud510awhen accessing data specific to a particular user or bed.

FIG.6is a block diagram of an example of a motherboard402that can be used in a data processing system that can be associated with a bed system, including those described above with respect toFIGS.1-4E. In this example, compared to other examples described below, this motherboard502consists of relatively fewer parts and can be limited to provide a relatively limited feature set.

The motherboard includes a power supply600, a processor602, and computer memory612. In general, the power supply includes hardware used to receive electrical power from an outside source and supply it to components of the motherboard502. The power supply can include, for example, a battery pack and/or wall outlet adapter, an AC to DC converter, a DC to AC converter, a power conditioner, a capacitor bank, and/or one or more interfaces for providing power in the current type, voltage, etc., needed by other components of the motherboard502.

The processor602is generally a device for receiving input, performing logical determinations, and providing output. The processor602can be a central processing unit, a microprocessor, general purpose logic circuity, application-specific integrated circuity, a combination of these, and/or other hardware for performing the functionality needed.

The memory612is generally one or more devices for storing data. The memory612can include long term stable data storage (e.g., on a hard disk), short term unstable (e.g., on Random Access Memory) or any other technologically appropriate configuration.

The motherboard402includes a pump controller604and a pump motor606. The pump controller604can receive commands from the processor602and, in response, control the function of the pump motor606. For example, the pump controller604can receive, from the processor602, a command to increase the pressure of an air chamber by 0.3 pounds per square inch (PSI). The pump controller604, in response, engages a valve so that the pump motor606is configured to pump air into the selected air chamber, and can engage the pump motor606for a length of time that corresponds to 0.3 PSI or until a sensor indicates that pressure has been increased by 0.3 PSI. In an alternative configuration, the message can specify that the chamber should be inflated to a target PSI, and the pump controller604can engage the pump motor606until the target PSI is reached.

A valve solenoid608can control which air chamber a pump is connected to. In some cases, the solenoid608can be controlled by the processor602directly. In some cases, the solenoid608can be controlled by the pump controller604.

A remote interface610of the motherboard402can allow the motherboard402to communicate with other components of a data processing system. For example, the motherboard502can be able to communicate with one or more daughterboards, with peripheral sensors, and/or with peripheral controllers through the remote interface610. The remote interface610can provide any technologically appropriate communication interface, including but not limited to multiple communication interfaces such as WiFi, Bluetooth, and copper-wired networks.

FIG.7is a block diagram of an example of a motherboard502that can be used in a data processing system that can be associated with a bed system, including those described above with respect toFIGS.1-4E. Compared to the motherboard502described with reference toFIG.6, the motherboard inFIG.7can contain more components and provide more functionality in some applications.

In addition to the power supply600, processor602, pump controller604, pump motor606, and valve solenoid608, this motherboard502is shown with a valve controller700, a pressure sensor702, a universal serial bus (USB) stack704, a WiFi radio706, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio708, a ZigBee radio710, a Bluetooth radio712and a computer memory612.

Similar to the way that the pump controller604converts commands from the processor602into control signals for the pump motor606, the valve controller700can convert commands from the processor602into control signals for the valve solenoid608.

In one example, the processor602can issue a command to the valve controller700to connect the pump to a particular air chamber out of the group of air chambers in an air bed. The valve controller700can control the position of the valve solenoid608so that the pump is connected to the indicated air chamber.

The pressure sensor702can read pressure readings from one or more air chambers of the air bed. The pressure sensor702can also preform digital sensor conditioning.

The motherboard502can include a suite of network interfaces, including but not limited to those shown here. These network interfaces can allow the motherboard to communicate over a wired or wireless network with any number of devices, including but not limited to peripheral sensors, peripheral controllers, computing devices, and devices and services connected to the Internet512.

FIG.8is a block diagram of an example of a daughterboard504that can be used in a data processing system that can be associated with a bed system, including those described above with respect toFIGS.1-4E. In some configurations, one or more daughterboards504can be connected to the motherboard502. Some daughterboards504can be designed to offload particular and/or compartmentalized tasks from the motherboard502. This can be advantageous, for example, if the particular tasks are computationally intensive, proprietary, or subject to future revisions. For example, the daughterboard504can be used to calculate a particular sleep data metric. This metric can be computationally intensive, and calculating the sleep metric on the daughterboard504can free up the resources of the motherboard502while the metric is being calculated. Additionally and/or alternatively, the sleep metric can be subject to future revisions. To update the system500with the new sleep metric, it is possible that only the daughterboard504that calculates that metric need be replaced. In this case, the same motherboard502and other components can be used, saving the need to perform unit testing of additional components instead of just the daughterboard504.

The daughterboard504is shown with a power supply800, a processor802, computer readable memory804, a pressure sensor806, and a WiFi radio808. The processor can use the pressure sensor806to gather information about the pressure of the air chamber or chambers of an air bed. From this data, the processor802can perform an algorithm to calculate a sleep metric. In some examples, the sleep metric can be calculated from only the pressure of air chambers. In other examples, the sleep metric can be calculated from one or more other sensors. In an example in which different data is needed, the processor802can receive that data from an appropriate sensor or sensors. These sensors can be internal to the daughterboard504, accessible via the WiFi radio808, or otherwise in communication with the processor802. Once the sleep metric is calculated, the processor802can report that sleep metric to, for example, the motherboard502.

FIG.9is a block diagram of an example of a motherboard900with no daughterboard that can be used in a data processing system that can be associated with a bed system, including those described above with respect toFIGS.1-4E. In this example, the motherboard900can perform most, all, or more of the features described with reference to the motherboard502inFIG.7and the daughterboard504inFIG.8.

FIG.10is a block diagram of an example of a sensory array506that can be used in a data processing system that can be associated with a bed system, including those described above with respect toFIGS.1-4E. In general, the sensor array506is a conceptual grouping of some or all the peripheral sensors that communicate with the motherboard502but are not native to the motherboard502.

The peripheral sensors of the sensor array506can communicate with the motherboard502through one or more of the network interfaces of the motherboard, including but not limited to the USB stack704, the WiFi radio706, the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio708, the ZigBee radio710, and the Bluetooth radio712, as is appropriate for the configuration of the particular sensor. For example, a sensor that outputs a reading over a USB cable can communicate through the USB stack704.

Some of the peripheral sensors1000of the sensor array506can be bed mounted. These sensors can be, for example, embedded into the structure of a bed and sold with the bed, or later affixed to the structure of the bed. Other peripheral sensors1002and1004can be in communication with the motherboard502, but optionally not mounted to the bed. In some cases, some or all of the bed mounted sensors1000and/or peripheral sensors1002and1004can share networking hardware, including a conduit that contains wires from each sensor, a multi-wire cable or plug that, when affixed to the motherboard502, connect all of the associated sensors with the motherboard502. In some embodiments, one, some, or all of sensors1002,1004,1006,1008, and1010can sense one or more features of a mattress, such as pressure, temperature, light, sound, and/or one or more other features of the mattress. In some embodiments, one, some, or all of sensors1002,1004,1006,1008, and1010can sense one or more features external to the mattress. In some embodiments, pressure sensor1002can sense pressure of the mattress while some or all of sensors1002,1004,1006,1008, and1010can sense one or more features of the mattress and/or external to the mattress.

FIG.11is a block diagram of an example of a controller array508that can be used in a data processing system that can be associated with a bed system, including those described above with respect toFIGS.1-4E. In general, the controller array508is a conceptual grouping of some or all peripheral controllers that communicate with the motherboard502but are not native to the motherboard502.

The peripheral controllers of the controller array508can communicate with the motherboard502through one or more of the network interfaces of the motherboard, including but not limited to the USB stack704, the WiFi radio706, the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio708, the ZigBee radio710, and the Bluetooth radio712, as is appropriate for the configuration of the particular sensor. For example, a controller that receives a command over a USB cable can communicate through the USB stack704.

Some of the controllers of the controller array508can be bed mounted1100. These controllers can be, for example, embedded into the structure of a bed and sold with the bed, or later affixed to the structure of the bed. Other peripheral controllers1102and1104can be in communication with the motherboard502, but optionally not mounted to the bed. In some cases, some or all of the bed mounted controllers1100and/or peripheral controllers1102and1104can share networking hardware, including a conduit that contains wires for each controller, a multi-wire cable or plug that, when affixed to the motherboard502, connects all of the associated controllers with the motherboard502.

FIG.12is a block diagram of an example of a computing device512that can be used in a data processing system that can be associated with a bed system, including those described above with respect toFIGS.1-4E. The computing device512can include, for example, computing devices used by a user of a bed. Example computing devices512include, but are not limited to, mobile computing devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablet computers, laptops) and desktop computers.

The computing device512includes a power supply1200, a processor1202, and computer readable memory1204. User input and output can be transmitted by, for example, speakers1206, a touchscreen1208, or other not shown components such as a pointing device or keyboard. The computing device512can run one or more applications1210. These applications can include, for example, application to allow the user to interact with the system500. These applications can allow a user to view information about the bed (e.g., sensor readings, sleep metrics), or configure the behavior of the system500(e.g., set a desired firmness to the bed, set desired behavior for peripheral devices). In some cases, the computing device512can be used in addition to, or to replace, the remote control122described previously.

FIG.13is a block diagram of an example bed data cloud service510athat can be used in a data processing system that can be associated with a bed system, including those described above with respect toFIGS.1-4E. In this example, the bed data cloud service510ais configured to collect sensor data and sleep data from a particular bed, and to match the sensor and sleep data with one or more users that use the bed when the sensor and sleep data was generated.

The bed data cloud service510ais shown with a network interface1300, a communication manager1302, server hardware1304, and server system software1306. In addition, the bed data cloud service510ais shown with a user identification module1308, a device management1310module, a sensor data module1310, and an advanced sleep data module1314.

The network interface1300generally includes hardware and low level software used to allow one or more hardware devices to communicate over networks. For example the network interface1300can include network cards, routers, modems, and other hardware needed to allow the components of the bed data cloud service410ato communicate with each other and other destinations over, for example, the Internet512. The communication manger1302generally comprises hardware and software that operate above the network interface1300. This includes software to initiate, maintain, and tear down network communications used by the bed data cloud service510a.This includes, for example, TCP/IP, SSL or TLS, Torrent, and other communication sessions over local or wide area networks. The communication manger1302can also provide load balancing and other services to other elements of the bed data cloud service510a.

The server hardware1304generally includes the physical processing devices used to instantiate and maintain bed data cloud service510a.This hardware includes, but is not limited to processors (e.g., central processing units, ASICs, graphical processors), and computer readable memory (e.g., random access memory, stable hard disks, tape backup). One or more servers can be configured into clusters, multi-computer, or datacenters that can be geographically separate or connected.

The server system software1306generally includes software that runs on the server hardware1304to provide operating environments to applications and services. The server system software1306can include operating systems running on real servers, virtual machines instantiated on real servers to create many virtual servers, server level operations such as data migration, redundancy, and backup.

The user identification1308can include, or reference, data related to users of beds with associated data processing systems. For example, the users can include customers, owners, or other users registered with the bed data cloud service510aor another service. Each user can have, for example, a unique identifier, user credentials, contact information, billing information, demographic information, or any other technologically appropriate information.

The device manager1310can include, or reference, data related to beds or other products associated with data processing systems. For example, the beds can include products sold or registered with a system associated with the bed data cloud service510a.Each bed can have, for example, a unique identifier, model and/or serial number, sales information, geographic information, delivery information, a listing of associated sensors and control peripherals, etc. Additionally, an index or indexes stored by the bed data cloud service510acan identify users that are associated with beds. For example, this index can record sales of a bed to a user, users that sleep in a bed, etc.

The sensor data1212can record raw or condensed sensor data recorded by beds with associated data processing systems. For example, a bed's data processing system can have a temperature sensor, pressure sensor, and light sensor. Readings from these sensors, either in raw form or in a format generated from the raw data (e.g. sleep metrics) of the sensors, can be communicated by the bed's data processing system to the bed data cloud service510afor storage in the sensor data1312. Additionally, an index or indexes stored by the bed data cloud service510acan identify users and/or beds that are associated with the sensor data1312.

The bed data cloud service510acan use any of its available data to generate advanced sleep data1314. In general, the advanced sleep data1314includes sleep metrics and other data generated from sensor readings. Some of these calculations can be performed in the bed data cloud service510ainstead of locally on the bed's data processing system, for example, because the calculations are computationally complex or require a large amount of memory space or processor power that is not available on the bed's data processing system. This can help allow a bed system to operate with a relatively simple controller and still be part of a system that performs relatively complex tasks and computations.

FIG.14is a block diagram of an example sleep data cloud service510bthat can be used in a data processing system that can be associated with a bed system, including those described above with respect toFIGS.1-4E. In this example, the sleep data cloud service510bis configured to record data related to users' sleep experience.

The sleep data cloud service510bis shown with a network interface1400, a communication manager1402, server hardware1404, and server system software1406. In addition, the sleep data cloud service510bis shown with a user identification module1408, a pressure sensor manager1410, a pressure based sleep data module1412, a raw pressure sensor data module1414, and a non-pressure sleep data module1416.

The pressure sensor manager1410can include, or reference, data related to the configuration and operation of pressure sensors in beds. For example, this data can include an identifier of the types of sensors in a particular bed, their settings and calibration data, etc.

The pressure based sleep data1412can use raw pressure sensor data1414to calculate sleep metrics specifically tied to pressure sensor data. For example, user presence, movements, weight change, heart rate, and breathing rate can all be determined from raw pressure sensor data1414. Additionally, an index or indexes stored by the sleep data cloud service510bcan identify users that are associated with pressure sensors, raw pressure sensor data, and/or pressure based sleep data.

The non-pressure sleep data1416can use other sources of data to calculate sleep metrics. For example, user entered preferences, light sensor readings, and sound sensor readings can all be used to track sleep data. Additionally, an index or indexes stored by the sleep data cloud service510bcan identify users that are associated with other sensors and/or non-pressure sleep data1416.

FIG.15is a block diagram of an example user account cloud service410cthat can be used in a data processing system that can be associated with a bed system, including those described above with respect toFIGS.1-4E. In this example, the user account cloud service510cis configured to record a list of users and to identify other data related to those users.

The user account cloud service510cis shown with a network interface1500, a communication manager1502, server hardware1504, and server system software1506. In addition, the user account cloud service510cis shown with a user identification module1508, a purchase history module1510, an engagement module1512, and an application usage history module1514.

The user identification module1508can include, or reference, data related to users of beds with associated data processing systems. For example, the users can include customers, owners, or other users registered with the user account cloud service510aor another service. Each user can have, for example, a unique identifier, and user credentials, demographic information, or any other technologically appropriate information.

The purchase history module1510can include, or reference, data related to purchases by users. For example, the purchase data can include a sale's contact information, billing information, and salesperson information. Additionally, an index or indexes stored by the user account cloud service510ccan identify users that are associated with a purchase.

The engagement1512can track user interactions with the manufacturer, vendor, and/or manager of the bed and or cloud services. This engagement data can include communications (e.g., emails, service calls), data from sales (e.g., sales receipts, configuration logs), and social network interactions.

The usage history module1514can contain data about user interactions with one or more applications and/or remote controls of a bed. For example, a monitoring and configuration application can be distributed to run on, for example, computing devices512. This application can log and report user interactions for storage in the application usage history module1514. Additionally, an index or indexes stored by the user account cloud service510ccan identify users that are associated with each log entry.

FIG.16is a block diagram of an example point of sale cloud service1600that can be used in a data processing system that can be associated with a bed system, including those described above with respect toFIGS.1-4E. In this example, the point of sale cloud service1600is configured to record data related to users' purchases.

The point of sale cloud service1600is shown with a network interface1602, a communication manager1604, server hardware1606, and server system software1608. In addition, the point of sale cloud service1600is shown with a user identification module1610, a purchase history module1612, and a setup module1614.

The purchase history module1612can include, or reference, data related to purchases made by users identified in the user identification module1610. The purchase information can include, for example, data of a sale, price, and location of sale, delivery address, and configuration options selected by the users at the time of sale. These configuration options can include selections made by the user about how they wish their newly purchased beds to be setup and can include, for example, expected sleep schedule, a listing of peripheral sensors and controllers that they have or will install, etc.

The bed setup module1614can include, or reference, data related to installations of beds that users' purchase. The bed setup data can include, for example, the date and address to which a bed is delivered, the person that accepts delivery, the configuration that is applied to the bed upon delivery, the name or names of the person or people who will sleep on the bed, which side of the bed each person will use, etc.

Data recorded in the point of sale cloud service1600can be referenced by a user's bed system at later dates to control functionality of the bed system and/or to send control signals to peripheral components according to data recorded in the point of sale cloud service1600. This can allow a salesperson to collect information from the user at the point of sale that later facilitates automation of the bed system. In some examples, some or all aspects of the bed system can be automated with little or no user-entered data required after the point of sale. In other examples, data recorded in the point of sale cloud service1600can be used in connection with a variety of additional data gathered from user-entered data.

FIG.17is a block diagram of an example environment cloud service1700that can be used in a data processing system that can be associated with a bed system, including those described above with respect toFIGS.1-4E. In this example, the environment cloud service1700is configured to record data related to users' home environment.

The environment cloud service1700is shown with a network interface1702, a communication manager1704, server hardware1706, and server system software1708. In addition, the environment cloud service1700is shown with a user identification module1710, an environmental sensor module1712, and an environmental factors module1714.

The environmental sensors module1712can include a listing of sensors that users' in the user identification module1710have installed in their bed. These sensors include any sensors that can detect environmental variables—light sensors, noise sensors, vibration sensors, thermostats, etc. Additionally, the environmental sensors module1712can store historical readings or reports from those sensors.

The environmental factors module1714can include reports generated based on data in the environmental sensors module1712. For example, for a user with a light sensor with data in the environment sensors module1712, the environmental factors module1714can hold a report indicating the frequency and duration of instances of increased lighting when the user is asleep.

In the examples discussed here, each cloud service510is shown with some of the same components. In various configurations, these same components can be partially or wholly shared between services, or they can be separate. In some configurations, each service can have separate copies of some or all of the components that are the same or different in some ways. Additionally, these components are only supplied as illustrative examples. In other examples each cloud service can have different number, types, and styles of components that are technically possible.

FIG.18is a block diagram of an example of using a data processing system that can be associated with a bed (such as a bed of the bed systems described herein) to automate peripherals around the bed. Shown here is a behavior analysis module1800that runs on the pump motherboard502. For example, the behavior analysis module1800can be one or more software components stored on the computer memory612and executed by the processor602. In general, the behavior analysis module1800can collect data from a wide variety of sources (e.g., sensors, non-sensor local sources, cloud data services) and use a behavioral algorithm1802to generate one or more actions to be taken (e.g., commands to send to peripheral controllers, data to send to cloud services). This can be useful, for example, in tracking user behavior and automating devices in communication with the user's bed.

The behavior analysis module1800can collect data from any technologically appropriate source, for example, to gather data about features of a bed, the bed's environment, and/or the bed's users. Some such sources include any of the sensors of the sensor array506. For example, this data can provide the behavior analysis module1800with information about the current state of the environment around the bed. For example, the behavior analysis module1800can access readings from the pressure sensor1002to determine the pressure of an air chamber in the bed. From this reading, and potentially other data, user presence in the bed can be determined. In another example, the behavior analysis module can access a light sensor1008to detect the amount of light in the bed's environment.

Similarly, the behavior analysis module1800can access data from cloud services. For example, the behavior analysis module1800can access the bed cloud service510ato access historical sensor data1312and/or advanced sleep data1314. Other cloud services510, including those not previously described can be accessed by the behavior analysis module1800. For example, the behavior analysis module1800can access a weather reporting service, a 3rdparty data provider (e.g., traffic and news data, emergency broadcast data, user travel data), and/or a clock and calendar service.

Similarly, the behavior analysis module1800can access data from non-sensor sources1804. For example, the behavior analysis module1800can access a local clock and calendar service (e.g., a component of the motherboard502or of the processor602).

The behavior analysis module1800can aggregate and prepare this data for use by one or more behavioral algorithms1802. The behavioral algorithms1802can be used to learn a user's behavior and/or to perform some action based on the state of the accessed data and/or the predicted user behavior. For example, the behavior algorithm1802can use available data (e.g., pressure sensor, non-sensor data, clock and calendar data) to create a model of when a user goes to bed every night. Later, the same or a different behavioral algorithm1802can be used to determine if an increase in air chamber pressure is likely to indicate a user going to bed and, if so, send some data to a third-party cloud service510and/or engage a peripheral controller1102.

In the example shown, the behavioral analysis module1800and the behavioral algorithm1802are shown as components of the motherboard502. However, other configurations are possible. For example, the same or a similar behavioral analysis module and/or behavior algorithm can be run in one or more cloud services, and the resulting output can be sent to the motherboard502, a controller in the controller array508, or to any other technologically appropriate recipient.

The computing device1900includes a processor1902, a memory1904, a storage device1906, a high-speed interface1908connecting to the memory1904and multiple high-speed expansion ports1910, and a low-speed interface1912connecting to a low-speed expansion port1914and the storage device1906. Each of the processor1902, the memory1904, the storage device1906, the high-speed interface1908, the high-speed expansion ports1910, and the low-speed interface1912, are interconnected using various buses, and can be mounted on a common motherboard or in other manners as appropriate. The processor1902can process instructions for execution within the computing device1900, including instructions stored in the memory1904or on the storage device1906to display graphical information for a GUI on an external input/output device, such as a display1916coupled to the high-speed interface1908. In other implementations, multiple processors and/or multiple buses can be used, as appropriate, along with multiple memories and types of memory. Also, multiple computing devices can be connected, with each device providing portions of the necessary operations (e.g., as a server bank, a group of blade servers, or a multi-processor system).

The memory1904stores information within the computing device1900. In some implementations, the memory1904is a volatile memory unit or units. In some implementations, the memory1904is a non-volatile memory unit or units. The memory1904can also be another form of computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic or optical disk.

The storage device1906is capable of providing mass storage for the computing device1900. In some implementations, the storage device1906can be or contain a computer-readable medium, such as a floppy disk device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, or a tape device, a flash memory or other similar solid state memory device, or an array of devices, including devices in a storage area network or other configurations. A computer program product can be tangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer program product can also contain instructions that, when executed, perform one or more methods, such as those described above. The computer program product can also be tangibly embodied in a computer- or machine-readable medium, such as the memory1904, the storage device1906, or memory on the processor1902.

The high-speed interface1908manages bandwidth-intensive operations for the computing device1900, while the low-speed interface1912manages lower bandwidth-intensive operations. Such allocation of functions is exemplary only. In some implementations, the high-speed interface1908is coupled to the memory1904, the display1916(e.g., through a graphics processor or accelerator), and to the high-speed expansion ports1910, which can accept various expansion cards (not shown). In the implementation, the low-speed interface1912is coupled to the storage device1906and the low-speed expansion port1914. The low-speed expansion port1914, which can include various communication ports (e.g., USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, wireless Ethernet) can be coupled to one or more input/output devices, such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a scanner, or a networking device such as a switch or router, e.g., through a network adapter.

The computing device1900can be implemented in a number of different forms, as shown in the figure. For example, it can be implemented as a standard server1920, or multiple times in a group of such servers. In addition, it can be implemented in a personal computer such as a laptop computer1922. It can also be implemented as part of a rack server system1924. Alternatively, components from the computing device1900can be combined with other components in a mobile device (not shown), such as a mobile computing device1950. Each of such devices can contain one or more of the computing device1900and the mobile computing device1950, and an entire system can be made up of multiple computing devices communicating with each other.

The mobile computing device1950includes a processor1952, a memory1964, an input/output device such as a display1954, a communication interface1966, and a transceiver1968, among other components. The mobile computing device1950can also be provided with a storage device, such as a micro-drive or other device, to provide additional storage. Each of the processor1952, the memory1964, the display1954, the communication interface1966, and the transceiver1968, are interconnected using various buses, and several of the components can be mounted on a common motherboard or in other manners as appropriate.

The processor1952can execute instructions within the mobile computing device1950, including instructions stored in the memory1964. The processor1952can be implemented as a chip set of chips that include separate and multiple analog and digital processors. The processor1952can provide, for example, for coordination of the other components of the mobile computing device1950, such as control of user interfaces, applications run by the mobile computing device1950, and wireless communication by the mobile computing device1950.

The processor1952can communicate with a user through a control interface1958and a display interface1956coupled to the display1954. The display1954can be, for example, a TFT (Thin-Film-Transistor Liquid Crystal Display) display or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display, or other appropriate display technology. The display interface1956can comprise appropriate circuitry for driving the display1954to present graphical and other information to a user. The control interface1958can receive commands from a user and convert them for submission to the processor1952. In addition, an external interface1962can provide communication with the processor1952, so as to enable near area communication of the mobile computing device1950with other devices. The external interface1962can provide, for example, for wired communication in some implementations, or for wireless communication in other implementations, and multiple interfaces can also be used.

The memory1964stores information within the mobile computing device1950. The memory1964can be implemented as one or more of a computer-readable medium or media, a volatile memory unit or units, or a non-volatile memory unit or units. An expansion memory1974can also be provided and connected to the mobile computing device1950through an expansion interface1972, which can include, for example, a SIMM (Single In Line Memory Module) card interface. The expansion memory1974can provide extra storage space for the mobile computing device1950, or can also store applications or other information for the mobile computing device1950. Specifically, the expansion memory1974can include instructions to carry out or supplement the processes described above, and can include secure information also. Thus, for example, the expansion memory1974can be provide as a security module for the mobile computing device1950, and can be programmed with instructions that permit secure use of the mobile computing device1950. In addition, secure applications can be provided via the SIMM cards, along with additional information, such as placing identifying information on the SIMM card in a non-hackable manner.

The memory can include, for example, flash memory and/or NVRAM memory (non-volatile random access memory), as discussed below. In some implementations, a computer program product is tangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer program product contains instructions that, when executed, perform one or more methods, such as those described above. The computer program product can be a computer- or machine-readable medium, such as the memory1964, the expansion memory1974, or memory on the processor1952. In some implementations, the computer program product can be received in a propagated signal, for example, over the transceiver1968or the external interface1962.

The mobile computing device1950can communicate wirelessly through the communication interface1966, which can include digital signal processing circuitry where necessary. The communication interface1966can provide for communications under various modes or protocols, such as GSM voice calls (Global System for Mobile communications), SMS (Short Message Service), EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service), or MMS messaging (Multimedia Messaging Service), CDMA (code division multiple access), TDMA (time division multiple access), PDC (Personal Digital Cellular), WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), CDMA2000, or GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), among others. Such communication can occur, for example, through the transceiver1968using a radio-frequency. In addition, short-range communication can occur, such as using a Bluetooth, WiFi, or other such transceiver (not shown). In addition, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver module1970can provide additional navigation- and location-related wireless data to the mobile computing device1950, which can be used as appropriate by applications running on the mobile computing device1950.

The mobile computing device1950can also communicate audibly using an audio codec1960, which can receive spoken information from a user and convert it to usable digital information. The audio codec1960can likewise generate audible sound for a user, such as through a speaker, e.g., in a handset of the mobile computing device1950. Such sound can include sound from voice telephone calls, can include recorded sound (e.g., voice messages, music files, etc.) and can also include sound generated by applications operating on the mobile computing device1950.

The mobile computing device1950can be implemented in a number of different forms, as shown in the figure. For example, it can be implemented as a cellular telephone1980. It can also be implemented as part of a smart-phone1982, personal digital assistant, or other similar mobile device.