Apparatuses and methods for measured sleep alarm signaling

Measured sleep alarm signaling is provided which activates an alarm in a manner that allows a user to get a predetermined amount of measured sleep, rather than just awakening the person at a specific time, or when the person has been in the bed for a certain amount of time. A method for awakening a person includes: setting a desired amount of actual sleep time; receiving measurement signals relating to the person's state of sleep over time; determining, using the received measurement signals, an actual sleep time indicating an amount of time that the person has actually slept; determining whether the actual sleep time is greater than or equal to the desired amount of actual sleep time, as a first determination result; and initiating an alarm for awakening the person using the first determination result.

BACKGROUND

Methods, apparatuses, and systems consistent with the present invention relate to measured sleep alarm signaling.

Conventional devices for awakening a person, such as alarm clocks, produce an audible alarm at a predetermined time (e.g. at 7:00 AM). However, such conventional alarm clocks are problematic since, among other disadvantages, they always awaken a person at a predetermined time (e.g. at 7:00 AM) regardless of the person's state of sleep at the predetermined time, and regardless of the amount of time the person actually slept (e.g., perhaps the person was in bed for ten hours, but only got two hours of actual sleep).

On the other hand, U.S. application Ser. No. 12/990,456 (U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2011/0291842, filed Nov. 14, 2008, entitled APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR A PHYSIOLOGICAL ALARM, hereinafter referred to as “the '456 application”), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes a physiological alarm for awakening a sleeping person based on the person's state of sleep. Specifically, the '456 application describes a physiological alarm, wherein a person sets a range of time during which the person desires to awake and the alarm device monitors the person's sleep state and activates the alarm based on the state of the person's sleep.

In other words, the alarm sounds within a preset time range (e.g., between 6:45 AM and 7:15 AM), but at a time when the person is detected to be in a light stage of sleep. By awakening the person while in a light stage of sleep, the person is less likely to awake in a state of confusion and disorientation and a better overall awakening experience for the person is provided.

However, there is a need for an alarm which awakens a sleeping person after the person has actually gotten a predetermined amount of measured sleep (e.g., after eight hours of actual sleep), as opposed to simply awakening the person within a preset time range.

For example, even using the alarm in the '456 application, a person would be awakened within the preset time range (e.g., between 6:45 AM and 7:15 AM) regardless of whether or not the person ever actually fell asleep. Thus, there is a need for an alarm which would provide the person with the option of being woken up later than the preset time range, if desired, to ensure that a predetermined amount sleep had been measured.

Conversely, even using the alarm in the '456 application, it is possible that the person could sleep the desired amount before the preset time range is reached. Thus, there is a need for alarm which would provide the person with the option of being woken up earlier than a preset time range, if desired, so that time is not spent unnecessarily continuing to sleep after a suitable amount of sleep has already been obtained.

SUMMARY

Methods, apparatuses, and systems for measured sleep alarm signaling are described herein. An aspect of the present invention provides measured sleep alarm signaling which activates an alarm in a manner that allows a user to get a predetermined amount of measured sleep, rather than just awakening the person at a specific time, or when the person has been in the bed for a certain amount of time.

One aspect of the present invention provides a method for awakening a person, the method comprising: setting a desired amount of actual sleep time; receiving measurement signals relating to the person's state of sleep over time; determining, using the received measurement signals, an actual sleep time indicating an amount of time that the person has actually slept; determining whether the actual sleep time is greater than or equal to the desired amount of actual sleep time, as a first determination result; and initiating an alarm for awakening the person using the first determination result.

Another aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for awakening a person, the apparatus comprising: a memory configured to store setting information indicating a desired amount of actual sleep time; and at least one processor configured to determine, using received measurement signals relating to the person's state of sleep over time, an actual sleep time indicating an amount of time that the person has actually slept, wherein the at least one processor is configured to determine whether the actual sleep time is greater than or equal to the desired amount of actual sleep time, as a first determination result, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to initiate an alarm for awakening the person using the first determination result.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions for causing a computer to execute a process, the process comprising: storing, in a memory, a setting indicating a desired amount of actual sleep time; receiving, by at least one processor, measurement signals relating to the person's state of sleep over time; determining, by the at least one processor, using the received measurement signals, an actual sleep time indicating an amount of time that the person has actually slept; determining, by the at least one processor, whether the actual sleep time is greater than or equal to the desired amount of actual sleep time, as a first determination result; and initiating, by the at least one processor, an alarm for awakening the person using the first determination result.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, illustrative embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Various illustrative embodiments employ the structures and methods described in the drawings.

FIG. 1illustrates a schematic view of an apparatus for a physiological alarm according to an illustrative embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 1, physiological alarm unit103comprises a data analysis unit111, an input unit123and an alarm control unit117. The data analysis unit111analyzes data related to a person's state of sleep, as discussed in detail below. The alarm control unit117controls an alarm for awakening the person using information provided by the data analysis unit111, as discussed in detail below.

Consistent with an illustrative embodiment, the physiological alarm unit103can be incorporated into a standalone unit disposed in a person's bedroom (e.g., a device disposed on a person's nightstand). More generally, the physiological alarm unit103can be integrated into any aspect of the person's sleeping environment including, but not limited to, any aspect of a bedding assembly, mattress, pillow, sheets, comforter, box spring unit, foundation unit, bed frame, mattress pad, linens etc.

The data analysis unit111analyzes data relating to a person's state of sleep that can be collected in a wide variety of ways using a wide variety of collection devices, examples of which are discussed in detail below. According to an illustrative embodiment, the data analysis unit111analyzes data relating to the person's state of sleep including, but not limited to, the person's body position, body movement, breathing rate, heart rate, state of sleep, near-body temperature, near-body humidity, etc. According to an illustrative embodiment, as explained in detail below, the data analysis unit111may also be configured to measure the amount of time the person has actually slept, or the amount of time spent by the person in respective states of sleep.

The alarm control unit117then initiates an alarm using data provided by the data analysis unit111. For example, according to one illustrative embodiment the alarm control unit117initiates an alarm when the person is at an optimal sleep state within a predetermined period during which the person desires to be awakened. According to another illustrative embodiment, as explained in detail below, the alarm control unit117initiates an alarm when the person has gotten a predetermined amount of measured sleep. Consistent with an illustrative embodiment, a wide variety of alarms can be used, as discussed in detail below, and the present invention is not limited to any particular type of alarm.

According to an illustrative embodiment, a person inputs a desired awaken time (e.g., 7:00 AM) to the input unit123. The person also inputs a desired awaken period within which the person desires to be awakened (e.g., ±5 minutes, ±15 minutes, ±30 minutes, etc.). By way of illustration, if the person inputs a desired awaken time of 7:00 AM and inputs a desired awaken period of ±15 minutes, then the data analysis unit111analyzes data relating to the person's state of sleep and provides the alarm control unit117with data regarding the optimal time to awaken the person between 6:45 AM and 7:15 AM. The alarm control unit117then initiates an alarm at the determined optimal awaken time so as to thereby awaken the person at the optimal state of sleep within the desired awaken period. However, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned illustrative configuration and a wide variety of desired awaken times and desired awaken periods can be employed consistent with an illustrative embodiment.

According to the above example, when the desired awaken period begins (e.g., 6:45 AM), the data analysis unit111analyzes data collected relating to the person's state of sleep. If the data analysis unit111determines that the person is in a deep state of sleep (e.g., State N4), then the alarm control unit117does not initiate an alarm at the beginning of the desired awaken period (e.g., 6:45 AM). Instead, the alarm control unit117continues to analyze data collected relating to the person's state of sleep until the data analysis unit111determines that the person is in a lighter state of sleep (e.g., State N1) before initiating the alarm. However, if the person does not experience a lighter state of sleep before the desired awaken period expires (e.g., by 7:15 AM), then the alarm control unit117initiates an alarm at the cutoff time of 7:15 AM. As a result, the person is generally awakened in a lighter state of sleep and, therefore, the awakening experience is much easier for the person and the possibility of tiredness or grogginess is reduced.

According to another example, when the desired awaken period begins (e.g., 6:45 AM), the data analysis unit111analyzes data collected relating to the person's state of sleep. If the data analysis unit111determines that the person is in a state of REM sleep, where most dream activity occurs, then the alarm control unit117does not initiate an alarm at the beginning of the desired awaken period (e.g., 6:45 AM). Rather, the alarm control unit117continues to analyze data collected relating to the person's state of sleep until the data analysis unit111determines that the person is in a non-REM (hereinafter “NREM”) sleep before initiating the alarm. However, if the person does not experience an NREM state of sleep before the desired awaken period expires (e.g., by 7:15 AM), then the alarm control unit117initiates an alarm at the cutoff time of 7:15 AM. In such a way, the person is generally awakened during a non-dreaming state of sleep and, thus, the possibility of confusion and disorientation is reduced and the awakening experience is more pleasant for the person.

Importantly, the present invention is not limited to the above illustrative configurations and a wide variety of apparatuses and methods for awakening a sleeping person based on the person's state of sleep fall within the scope of the present invention. For instance, according to one illustrative embodiment, the data analysis unit111analyzes data collected relating to the person's state of sleep over time and determines an optimal time to awaken the person within a desired awaken period using sleep state patterns exhibited by the person over time. As such, according to one example, the data analysis unit111analyzes data collected relating to the person's state of sleep just before the desired awaken period and determines that a person has periodically fluctuated between a deep state of sleep (e.g., State N4) and a lighter state of sleep (e.g., State N1). Using such data, the data analysis unit111determines when the next cycle of State N1is likely to occur and the alarm control unit117initiates an alarm at the calculated optimal state of sleep within the desired awaken period.

Data relating to a person's state of sleep can be collected in a wide variety of ways using a wide variety of collection devices. As one example, data relating to a person's state of sleep can be collected by detecting the person's body movement. Generally speaking, if a person exhibits body movement, then the person is awake or in a lighter state of sleep. Therefore, by collecting data regarding the person's body movement, and by initiating an alarm when such movement occurs, the person may be awakened in a lighter state of sleep. Further, if the person is awake when such movement occurs, but not necessarily fully alert to their awakened state, such an alarm would, in effect, remind the person to awaken.

As one illustration of such devices that collect data relating to a person's state of sleep, according to an illustrative embodiment, data regarding a person's state of sleep is collected using a variable sleep system like that disclosed by the inventors of the present application in U.S. Provisional No. 61/028,591 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,341,786, both entitled, “Apparatuses and Methods Providing Variable Support and Variable Comfort Control of a Sleep System and Automatic Adjustment Thereof,” which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, the present invention is not limited to including such a variable sleep system and a wide variety of sleep systems and apparatuses for collecting data regarding a person's state of sleep can be employed consistent with an illustrative embodiment (a few examples of which are discussed in detail below).

FIG. 2illustrates a cross-sectional view of sleep system201employing a variable support and comfort control system according to an illustrative embodiment. As shown inFIG. 2, a variable support and variable comfort sleep system201comprises a variable comfort layer220and a variable support layer230that is disposed below the variable comfort layer220. The variable comfort layer220further comprises an upper buildup layer290and a topmost layer295. Further, as shown inFIG. 2, the variable sleep system201is connected to a sense and control unit250, which is in turn connected to the physiological alarm unit103described above.

By adjusting both the variable comfort layer220and the variable support layer230, it is possible to adjust the variable sleep system201so that it provides the best possible combination of comfort and support to the person. Adjustments to the variable comfort layer220and the variable support layer230may be performed automatically based on body variances of the person, or manually based on the person's comfort and support preferences.

FIG. 2shows an illustrative embodiment wherein the variable support layer230comprises a layer of upper coils231and a layer of lower coils232. As shown inFIG. 2, the layer of upper coils231and the layer of lower coils232are enclosed by a foam encasement280. A plurality of support layer inflatable members or bladders234are disposed between the layer of upper coils231and the layer of lower coils232. As shown inFIG. 2, there are three groups of support layer inflatable members234, which are respectively referenced as S1, S2and S3. However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown inFIG. 2and any number of groups of support layer inflatable members234may be employed. According to the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 2, the support layer inflatable members234are pneumatic and are connected to an optional pump/vacuum unit (shown inFIG. 3) via pneumatic tubes. However, the present invention is not limited to this illustrative configuration and other gasses or fluids may be employed to inflate/deflate the support layer inflatable members234to a desired pressure.

The support layer inflatable members234may be constructed of a variety of materials including, but not limited to plastic, vinyl, neoprene, rubber and the like. According to the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 2, the support layer inflatable members234extend in a lateral direction across the width of the variable sleep system201, however, the present invention is not limited to this configuration and the support layer inflatable members234may be configured in any arrangement. For a sleep system designed to accommodate two people, such as a queen or king size bed, two sets of support layer inflatable members may be employed, each extending across the area in which one of the people would sleep.

As shown inFIG. 2, the support layer inflatable members234are configured such that, when inflated, the support layer inflatable members234apply forces to the layer of upper coils231and to the layer of lower coils232. Accordingly, by controlling the inflation/deflation of the support layer inflatable members234, the support characteristics of the variable sleep system201can be adjusted.

As shown inFIG. 2, the variable sleep system201is connected to a sense and control unit250, which is in turn connected to the physiological alarm unit103. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrative configuration shown inFIG. 2and, according to one illustrative embodiment, the physiological alarm unit103is integrated into the sense and control unit250. More generally, the physiological alarm unit103may be integrated into any aspect of the variable sleep system201or any aspect of the person's sleeping environment consistent with an illustrative embodiment.

A detailed illustration of an illustrative sense and control unit250is shown inFIG. 3. As shown inFIG. 3, the sense and control unit250comprises a plurality of comfort layer sensors228, which are respectively associated with the comfort layer inflatable members224, which are respectively referenced as C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, C10, C11, C12, C13, C14and C15. The sense and control unit250further comprises a plurality of support layer sensors238, which are respectively associated with the groups S1, S2and S3of support layer inflatable members234. As further illustrated inFIG. 3, the sense and control unit250comprises an embedded control unit300, a pump/vacuum unit310and an auxiliary exhaust unit320. The embedded control unit comprises a processor330, a memory (volatile or non-volatile), a communication bus, and an input/output unit (not shown). According to the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 3, the sense and control unit250is connected to a database390that can be integrated with the embedded control unit300or can be external thereto.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, each of the plurality of support layer sensors238are connected to a respective group of the support layer inflatable members234. Each of the support layer sensors238is configured to provide real time measurements relating to the pressure of a respective support layer inflatable member234or a respective group of support layer inflatable members234.

Moreover, as shown inFIG. 2, a first force dispersing cover235may be disposed between the support layer inflatable members234and the coils of the layer of upper coils231. Likewise, a second force dispersing cover236may be disposed between the support layer inflatable members234and the layer of lower coils232.

As shown inFIG. 2, an upper buildup layer290is disposed above the layer of upper coils231. The upper buildup layer290comprises a plurality of comfort layer inflatable members224that are disposed above the layer of upper coils231and below a topmost layer295. The configuration of each of the respective comfort layer inflatable members224is similar to the configuration of the support layer inflatable members234, discussed above.

Consistent with the illustrative embodiment depicted inFIG. 2, the comfort layer inflatable members224are configured such that, when inflated, the comfort layer inflatable members224apply forces to the layer of upper coils231, to the upper buildup layer290and to the topmost layer295. By controlling the inflation/deflation of the comfort layer inflatable members224, the comfort characteristics of the variable sleep system201(among other things) can be adjusted.

Additionally, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, each of a plurality of comfort layer sensors228are connected to a respective one of the comfort layer inflatable members224. Each of the comfort layer sensors228is configured to provide real time measurements relating to the pressure of a respective comfort layer inflatable member224.

FIG. 4illustrates a view of an inflatable member224or234according to an illustrative embodiment. Although one illustrative shape and configuration of the inflatable member is shown inFIG. 4, the inflatable members224and234may assume other shapes and configurations consistent with the present invention. Further, the comfort layer inflatable members224may assume shapes and/or configurations that are different from the shapes and/or configurations of the support layer inflatable members234. As shown inFIG. 4, each of the inflatable members comprises a valve401.

FIG. 10Aillustrates a side view of one end of an inflatable member224or234according to an illustrative embodiment.FIG. 10Billustrates a top view of an inflatable member224or234according to an illustrative embodiment.

The support layer sensors238and the comfort layer sensors228provide the ability to measure a wide variety of data. For example, when a person is positioned on the variable sleep system201, data provided by the support layer sensors238and the comfort layer sensors228can be analyzed to determine, among other things, the person's weight, weight distribution, body position, body movement, breathing rate, heart rate, state of sleep, etc. Further, such data can be acquired and analyzed over time by the sense and control unit250to determine a variety of body variances and sleep state variances of the person while the person is positioned on the variable sleep system201.

According to an illustrative embodiment, data collected by the sense and control unit250relating to the person's state of sleep is provided to the physiological alarm unit103. For instance, according to one illustrative embodiment, data provided by the support layer sensors238and the comfort layer sensors228is processed by the processor330using various algorithms to produce data relating to the person's state of sleep including, but not limited to, the person's body movement, breathing rate, heart rate, etc. The sense and control unit250then provides data relating to the person's state of sleep to the physiological alarm unit103. The data analysis unit111analyzes this data relating to the person's state of sleep and the alarm control unit117initiates an alarm using data provided by the data analysis unit111, as described in detail above.

However, the above illustrative embodiments are merely examples and the present invention may comprise many different configurations. For example, according to one illustrative embodiment, the data analysis unit111is incorporated into the sense and control unit250. According to another illustrative embodiment, the alarm control unit117is incorporated into the sense and control unit250. According to another illustrative embodiment, the input unit123is incorporated into the sense and control unit250. Indeed, according to one illustrative embodiment, the entire physiological alarm unit103is incorporated into the sense and control unit250so that a separate standalone unit is not required.

Importantly, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned illustrative embodiments and data relating to a person's state of sleep can be collected in a wide variety of ways other using a wide variety of collection devices other than those described above. For instance, according to another illustrative embodiment, data relating to a person's state of sleep can be collected using an automatic pillow adjustment system like that disclosed by the inventors of the present application in U.S. Provisional No. 61/028,572 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,341,784 both entitled “Automatic Pillow Adjustment System,” which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, the present invention does not require use of such an automatic pillow adjustment system and illustrative embodiments employ conventional adjustable and non-adjustable pillow systems.

FIG. 5illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an automatic pillow adjustment system according to an illustrative embodiment. As shown inFIG. 5, an adjustable head support member500comprises a first inflatable member or bladder520and a second inflatable member530, which are both surrounded by an encasement layer540. According to an illustrative embodiment, the configurations of the inflatable members520and530are similar to the configurations of the support layer inflatable members234and comfort layer inflatable members224, discussed above, each with a length suitable for use in a pillow.

As shown inFIG. 5, a sense and control unit550is disposed external to the adjustable head support member500and the inflatable members520and530are connected to the sense and control unit550by pneumatic tubes581and582. As shown inFIG. 5, a safety disconnect unit560may be disposed between the inflatable members520and530and the sense and control unit550. The safety disconnect unit560is configured such that, in case of entanglement, the safety disconnect unit560will allow the adjustable head support member500to come free from the sense and control unit550. As shown inFIG. 5, the sense and control unit550, in turn, is connected to the physiological alarm unit103.

According to the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 5, the inflatable members520and530extend in a lateral direction across the width of the adjustable head support member500. Further, as shown inFIG. 5, the inflatable members520and530are configured such that, when inflated, the inflatable members520and530expand and thereby apply forces to the encasement layer540, which (among other things) supports the weight of the head and neck region of a person's body. Accordingly, by controlling the inflation/deflation of the inflatable members520and530, the support characteristics of the adjustable head support member500can be adjusted.

As shown inFIG. 5, the illustrative sense and control unit550comprises a first sensor3120, which is connected to inflatable member520, and a second sensor3130, which is connected to inflatable member530. According to the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 5, the sensor3120provides real time measurements relating to the pressure of inflatable member520and, likewise, the sensor3130provides real time measurements relating to the pressure of inflatable member530. As such, when a person positions their head on the adjustable head support member500, measurements relating to the pressure of respective inflatable members520and530can be acquired and analyzed. Using such measurements, a support pressure profile of the person can be obtained and used to determine the most suitable pillow support characteristics for the person.

Consistent with an illustrative embodiment, the sensors3120and3130, together with the inflatable members520and530, provide the ability to measure a wide variety of data. For example, when a person is positioned with their head on the adjustable head support member500, data provided by the sensors3120and3130can be analyzed to determine, among other things, the weight applied by the person to the adjustable head support member500, the distribution of such weight, the person's body position, the person's body movement, the person's breathing rate, the person's heart rate, the person's state of sleep, etc. Accordingly, by analyzing the data collected by the sensors3120and3130over time, the sleeping position of the person can be determined and the pressures of the inflatable members520and530can be controlled so that the adjustable head support member500provides the optimal support characteristics for the person.

According to an illustrative embodiment, data collected by the sense and control unit550relating to the person's state of sleep is provided to the physiological alarm unit103. For instance, according to one illustrative embodiment, data provided by the sensors3120and3130is processed by the sense and control unit550using various algorithms to produce data relating to the person's state of sleep including, but not limited to, the person's body movement, breathing rate, heart rate, etc. The sense control unit550then provides data relating to the person's state of sleep to the physiological alarm unit103. The data analysis unit111analyzes this data relating to the person's state of sleep, and the alarm control unit117initiates an alarm using data provided by the data analysis unit111, as described in detail above.

However, the above illustrative embodiments are merely examples and the present invention may comprise many different configurations. For example, according to one illustrative embodiment, the data analysis unit111is incorporated into the sense and control unit550. According to another illustrative embodiment, the alarm control unit117is incorporated into the sense and control unit550. According to another illustrative embodiment, the input unit123is incorporated into the sense and control unit550. Indeed, according to one illustrative embodiment, the entire physiological alarm unit103is incorporated into the sense and control unit550so that a separate standalone unit is not required.

According to another illustrative embodiment, data relating to a person's state of sleep can be collected using a near-body sensing device that, for example, may be worn on the wrist of a person positioned on the sleep system201. An example of such a near-body sensing device is disclosed by the inventors of the present application in U.S. Provisional No. 61/031,235 entitled “Systems and Methods for Controlling a Bedroom Environment,” and U.S. Patent Publication No. 20110010014, entitled “Systems and Methods for Controlling a Bedroom Environment and for Providing Sleep Data,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, the present invention does not require use of such a near-body sensing device.

As a non-limiting example, the near-body sensing device may comprise an Actiwatch® manufactured by Mini Mitter, which is an actigraphy device that is the size of a standard wrist watch. An Actiwatch® is equipped with a highly sensitive accelerometer, which records movement data that can be used to measure and analyze sleep quality of a person wearing the Actiwatch®.

However, the present invention is not limited to a configuration wherein the near-body sensing device is worn on a person's wrist, and illustrative embodiments may comprise near-body sensing device(s) that is/are worn on any part of a person's body, or multiple parts of a person's body. Illustrative embodiments may also comprise near-body sensing device(s) that is/are integrated into aspect(s) of the bedding assembly including, but not limited to, a mattress, a bed frame, a pillow, a mattress pad, and/or linens of the sleep system201. Alternatively, the near-body sensing device(s) can be integrated into clothes in which the person sleeps, such as in pajamas.

The near-body sensing device can collect a wide variety of data relating to the person's state of sleep including, but not limited to, the person's body position, body movement, breathing rate, heart rate, state of sleep, near-body temperature, near-body humidity, etc., of a person disposed on the sleep system201. The near-body sensing device may be configured to transmit collected data to the physiological alarm unit103via a wide variety of wired or wireless connections. The data analysis unit111then analyzes this data relating to the person's state of sleep, and the alarm control unit117initiates an alarm using data provided by the data analysis unit111, as described in detail above.

According to another illustrative embodiment, the physiological alarm unit103may be incorporated into the controller described the related U.S. Provisional No. 61/031,235, “Systems and Methods for Controlling a Bedroom Environment” and U.S. Patent Publication No. 20110010014, entitled “Systems and Methods for Controlling a Bedroom Environment and for Providing Sleep Data.” Consistent with an illustrative embodiment, the alarm control unit117may awaken a person based on the person's sleep state in a wide variety of different ways so as to improve the person's awakening experience. According to one illustrative embodiment, using data provided by the data analysis unit111, the alarm control unit117initiates an audible alarm, such as a buzzer or a ringing tone. According to one illustrative embodiment, the volume of the buzzer or ringing tone is initially barely audible and then gradually increases over time so that the buzzer or ringing tone does not startle the person.

Further, in one illustrative embodiment, using data provided by the data analysis unit111, the alarm control unit117initiates oscillation of the support layer inflatable members234, and/or the comfort layer inflatable members224, and/or the first inflatable member520, and/or the second inflatable member530so as to awaken the person. Initially, such oscillation may be small in magnitude and barely noticeable by the person. Then, the oscillation may gradually increase in magnitude over time so as to gently awaken the person.

According to another illustrative embodiment, using data provided by the data analysis unit111, the alarm control unit117controls a light in the bedroom in which the person is sleeping to turn ON in order to awaken the person. Initially, the intensity of the light may be barely visible to the human eye and the intensity of the light may be increased gradually so as to awaken the person in a pleasing manner. To this effect, the alarm control unit117may interface with the lighting system through a variety of wired and wireless means.

According to one illustrative embodiment, the alarm control unit117interfaces with the controller disclosed in U.S. Provisional No. 61/031,235, “Systems and Methods for Controlling a Bedroom Environment,” and U.S. Patent Publication No. 20110010014, entitled “Systems and Methods for Controlling a Bedroom Environment and for Providing Sleep Data” so as to adjust any bedroom device in such a way to awaken the person.

According to one illustrative embodiment, using data provided by the data analysis unit111, the alarm control unit117adjusts the comfort layer inflatable members224in a manner so as to awaken the person. For instance, the alarm control unit117may adjust the comfort layer inflatable members224so as to decrease the comfort level provided by the sleep system201and thereby awaken the person.

In another illustrative embodiment, sound producing devices may be incorporated into the sleep system201. Such sound devices may include, but are not limited to, audio speakers connected to a radio device, a digital media device, an analog media device, television, etc. The sound producing devices may be incorporated into any aspect of the sleep system201, including, but not limited to a sleep support member, a mattress, pillow, headboard, etc. Thus, in one illustrative embodiment, using data provided by the data analysis unit111, the alarm control unit117adjusts the sound producing devices to produce sounds so as to awaken the person. According to one illustrative embodiment, the volume of the sound producing devices is initially barely audible and then gradually increases over time so that the sound producing devices gently awaken the person without startling the person. Further, the alarm control unit117may control the sound producing devices to awaken the person with soft music, soothing nature sounds, etc. so that the person awakens in a pleasant manner.

According to another illustrative embodiment, massaging units may be incorporated into the sleep system201. Using data provided by the data analysis unit111, the alarm control unit117may control the massaging units to massage the person disposed on the sleep system201so as to awaken the person in a gentle and soothing manner.

In yet another illustrative embodiment, the sleep system201, is connected to a sleep system temperature adjustment unit and/or a sleep system humidity adjustment unit. The sleep system temperature adjustment unit may include a wide variety of conventional heating and cooling mechanisms. For example, the sleep system temperature adjustment unit may comprise a heating pad configured to heat a surface of the sleep system201and/or an area surrounding the sleep system201. Additionally, the sleep system temperature adjustment unit may comprise a cooling fan, or a fluid cooling mechanism integrated into the sleep system201, configured to cool the area surrounding the sleep system201. Likewise, the sleep system humidity adjustment unit may comprise a wide variety of conventional humidity control mechanisms that are configured to increase or decrease the relative humidity of the area surrounding the sleep system201. Such heating, cooling and humidity adjustments can be controlled, for example, using conventional control units like those developed by Logicdata® such as the LogicData FLEX-5M-5.7.4.KD. As such, in one illustrative embodiment, using data provided by the data analysis unit111, the alarm control unit117adjusts the sleep system temperature adjustment unit and the sleep system humidity adjustment unit so as to awaken the person.

Importantly, the present invention is not limited to any of the above-mentioned alarm mechanisms, and illustrative embodiments may employ other alarm mechanisms not specifically mentioned above. Further, illustrative embodiments may employ any combination of alarm mechanisms. For instance, according to one illustrative embodiment, using data provided by the data analysis unit111, the alarm control unit117first initiates subtle alarms such as gentle oscillation of the comfort layer inflatable members224. Then, if the data analysis unit111determines that the person has not yet fully awakened, the alarm control unit117controls the sound producing units to produce soothing nature sounds at gradually increasing volume levels. Finally, if the data analysis unit111determines that the person still has not yet fully awakened, the alarm control unit117controls a loud buzzer or ringing tone to awaken the person.

A measured sleep alarm signaling system consistent with an illustrative embodiment activates an alarm in a manner that allows a user to get a predetermined amount of measured sleep, rather than just awakening the person at a predetermined time, or within a preset time range, or when the person has been in the bed for a certain amount of time (when the person may or may not actually be sleeping).

A first illustrative embodiment is directed to a method for awakening a person by measuring sleep and initiating a wakeup signal based on the actual amount of measured sleep of a person, or subject, being monitored.

A second illustrative embodiment is directed to a method for awakening a person by measuring sleep and initiating a wakeup signal based on the actual amount of a particular stage of sleep the person achieves.

A third illustrative embodiment applies the above two methods to a calendar system that allows a user to specify and achieve differing amounts of measured sleep on a calendar basis, such as by day of the week (weekday or weekend), or a week of the year (a user's vacation week), or even time of the month or year.

Illustrative embodiments described herein can be used in combination with the physiological alarm103described above, the physiological alarm described in the '456 application and also with the BODY PERFECT/SLEEP SMART bedding products produced by KINGSDOWN, Inc., of Mebane, N.C.

Illustrative embodiments can be used if a person wants to obtain a certain number of hours of actual sleep, as opposed to a certain number of hours of time spent in bed (when the person may or may not actually be sleeping). For example, a person may desire to get eight hours of actual sleep, as opposed to eight hours of time in bed. A measured sleep alarm signaling system consistent with an illustrative embodiment can help the person achieve those eight hours of actual sleep. If desired, a measured sleep alarm signaling system consistent with an illustrative embodiment can also help the person wake up shortly after those desired eight hours of actual sleep are achieved so that the person does not spend unnecessary time continuing to sleep after those desired eight hours of actual sleep have been achieved.

An illustrative embodiment can also be used to help a person achieve a specific quantity of sleep that occurs in one or more particular stages of sleep. For example, the measured sleep alarm signaling system can be configured to activate when a person achieves a predetermined amount of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

Other illustrative embodiments allow a person to get more or less sleep, or more or less of a particular stage of sleep, on any particular day according to a calendar system. For example, if a person wants to get six hours of actual sleep during weekdays, then the alarm can be set accordingly. On the other hand, if a person wants to get more sleep on the weekends, such as eight hours of sleep, the alarm can be set to achieve eight hours of actual sleep, as opposed to simply eight hours of time in bed (when the person may or may not actually be sleeping).

A method for awakening a person according to a first illustrative embodiment, is illustrated inFIG. 6. In this illustrative method, a user presets a desired amount of time for which the user wants actual sleep (e.g., eight hours). In step S1, it is determined whether a physiological alarm is turned on. If the alarm is turned on, then the process proceeds to step S2in which it is determined whether the previously set desired amount of actual sleep has been obtained by the user. This may be determined, for example, by taking measurements from the sleep system201shown inFIG. 2.

The sleep system201shown inFIG. 2monitors the person's state of sleep by making measurements using various sensors, as described in detail above. For example, from the sensor measurements, various characteristics of the person can be monitored, such as, among other things, the person's weight, weight distribution, body position, body movement, breathing rate, heart rate, state of sleep, etc. As described above, other sensors can measure other characteristics such as near-body temperature, near-body humidity, etc. Signals from the sensors of the sleep system201are output to the physiological alarm unit103which uses the measurements to determine and monitor whether the person is awake or asleep and to monitor the person's state of sleep.

As shown inFIG. 6, if it is determined that the preset desired amount of actual sleep has not been achieved, then the process returns to step S2. If the preset desired actual amount of sleep has been obtained, then the process proceeds to step S3to initiate the alarm to awaken the user.

A method for awakening a person according to second illustrative embodiment is shown inFIG. 7. In this illustrative method it is determined in step S21whether a physiological alarm is turned on. If the alarm is turned on, the process determines in step S22whether the person has actually achieved the predetermined desired amount of sleep. This may be determined by taking measurements from the sleep system201, as described above and in the '456 application, and by determining whether the amount of sleep that the person has achieved is greater than or equal to the desired amount of sleep.

As an alternative to determining merely the desired amount of sleep, the method can determine if the desired amount of sleep at a certain type or stage of sleep (e.g., REM, NREM, State N4, State N1, etc.) has been achieved. If the desired amount of sleep is determined to have been achieved, the process proceeds to step S26in which the alarm is initiated to awaken the person.

However, if it is determined in step S22that the person has not achieved the predetermined desired amount of actual sleep, then the process proceeds to step S23to determine whether to awaken the person even though the person has not yet achieved the desired amount of actual sleep. Specifically, in step S23, the method determines whether the current time is within a preset time range for awakening the person (e.g., between 6:45 AM and 7:15 AM). If the current time is not within the preset time range for awakening the person, then the process returns to step S22to continue to determine whether the person has actually achieved the desired amount of sleep. If the current time is within a preset time range for awakening the person, then the method proceeds to step S24, wherein it is determined whether the measurement data collected indicates that the person presently is in a lighter stage of sleep (e.g., State N1) that is conducive to awakening the person.

In step S24, if the person is determined to be in a lighter stage of sleep that is conducive to awakening the person, then the process proceeds to step S26, which initiates the alarm to awaken the person. If not, and the person is determined to be in a heavier state of sleep, then the process proceeds to step S25in which it is determined if a cutoff time has been reached (i.e., the end of the desired awaken period). The cutoff time can be, for example, a maximum amount of time that the alarm will be deferred from being activated while the person is in a heavier state of sleep. This cutoff time can be set by the person or can be fixed in advance. If the cutoff time has been reached, then the process proceeds to step S26, which initiates the alarm to awaken the person. If the cutoff time has not been reached, then the process returns to step S22to continue to determine whether the person has achieved the desired actual amount of sleep.

A third illustrative embodiment is shown inFIG. 8, which employs a calendar system that allows a user to specify and achieve differing amounts of measured sleep on a calendar basis, such as by day of the week (weekday or weekend), or a week of the year (a user's vacation week), or even time of the month or year.

In this illustrative embodiment, in step S31it is determined whether a physiological alarm is turned on. If so, in step S32, it is determined from the measurements received from the sleep system201whether the person has actually achieved the predetermined desired amount of sleep at a particular stage of sleep that was previously set on a calendar basis, such as by day of the week (weekday or weekend), or a week of the year (a user's vacation week), or even time of the month or year. For example, the person may want to get six hours of actual sleep during weekdays, but get more sleep on the weekends (e.g., eight hours of sleep) and, thus, the measured sleep alarm signaling can be set accordingly.

If so, then the alarm is initiated in step S36to awaken the user.

If not, then the process continues to step S33to determine whether to awaken the person even though the person has not achieved the desired amount of actual sleep. Step S33determines if the current time is within a preset time range for awakening the person. If the current time is not within the preset time range for awakening the person, then the process returns to step S32to continue monitoring whether the person has actually achieved the desired amount of sleep. If the current time is within the preset time range for awakening the person, then the process continues to step S34to determine whether the person is in a state of sleep that is conducive to awakening the person.

Specifically, in step S34, the method determines whether the measurement data collected indicates that the person presently is in a lighter stage of sleep that is conducive to awakening the person. If the person is determined to be in a lighter stage of sleep that is conducive to awakening the person, then the process proceeds to step S36which initiates the alarm to awaken the person. If not, and the person is determined to be in a heavier state of sleep, the process proceeds to step S35in which it is determined if a cutoff time has been reached (i.e., the end of the desired awaken period). The cutoff time can be, for example, a maximum amount of time that the alarm will be deferred from being activated while the person is in a heavier state of sleep. This cutoff time can be set by the person or can be fixed in advance. If the cutoff time has not been reached, then the process returns to step S32to continue to determine whether the person has achieved the desired actual amount of sleep.

FIG. 9is a block diagram illustrating a computer system900upon which measured sleep alarm signaling may be implemented, according to an illustrative embodiment. The system900includes a computer/server platform901including a processor902and memory903which operate to execute instructions, as known to one of skill in the art. The term “computer-readable storage medium” as used herein refers to any tangible medium that participates in providing instructions to processor902for execution. Examples of the computer readable recording medium include, but are not limited to, a disk, semiconductor memory, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

Additionally, the computer platform901may receive input from a plurality of input devices904, such as a keyboard, mouse, touch device, touchscreen, or microphone. The computer platform901may additionally be connected to a removable storage device905, such as a portable hard drive, optical media (CD or DVD), disk media or any other tangible medium from which a computer can read executable code. The computer platform may further be connected to network resources906which connect to the Internet or other components of a local public or private network. The network resources906may provide instructions and data to the computer platform from a remote location on a network907. The connections to the network resources906may be via wireless protocols, such as the 802.11 standards, BLUETOOTH® or cellular protocols, or via physical transmission media, such as cables or fiber optics. The network resources may include storage devices for storing data and executable instructions at a location separate from the computer platform901. The computer interacts with a display908to output data and other information to a user, as well as to request additional instructions and input from the user. The display908may be a touchscreen display and may act as an input device904for interacting with a user.

The preceding description and figures show by way of description and illustration and not by way of limitation, specific illustrative embodiments and implementations consistent with the principles of the invention. These illustrative embodiments and implementations are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention and it is to be understood that other illustrative embodiments and implementations may be utilized and that structural changes and/or substitutions of various elements may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.