Patent ID: 12220364

In the figures, like symbols indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Conventional systems for pressure control in an air mattress can suffer from one or more drawbacks. For example, conventional systems may not regulate temperature and/or pressure of individual air capsules in conditions where regularly scheduled patient movements, such as patient turns, are necessary. Such systems may not reliably reduce pressure build-up on soft tissues beneath bony prominences of the patient, such as beneath hips, feet, or shoulders.

Similarly, a system's inability to accurately sense temperature changes can undermine the therapeutic efficiency and slow a treatment process of decubitus ulcers a user is experiencing. In addition, without responsive remote control, it may be difficult for the user to make adjustments on their own. Also, conventional systems can automatically notify nursing staff if the patient has not moved during some predetermined time period, so that the staff knows to manually reposition the patient. However, this typically involves having an attendant bodily move the patient, possibly rousing them from slumber.

This disclosure features dynamic air mattress assemblies including a collection of pressure- and temperature-adjustable chambers, a corresponding number of chamber regulators, and a controller. The controller is programmed to detect the presence and orientation of a patient, and modify the pressure under bony prominence of the patient according to a schedule. By varying the pressure under weight-bearing prominences, the development of decubitus ulcers can be delayed.

The controller of the dynamic mattress assemblies is configured to automatically, without user or attendant intervention, follow a pre-programmed automatic adjustment profile to maintain a time-dependent series of pressure and temperature values within the chambers of a mattress assembly. The controller is also configured to transmit and receive commands from a remote control unit. This can allow a user, an attendant, or a family member to remotely manipulate pressures and temperatures of one or more chambers disposed beneath a patient to prevent or delay the development of decubitus ulcers.

FIG.1is a perspective view of an example mattress assembly100. The mattress assembly100includes a number of air chambers102supported by a frame104. The air chambers102fit together within the frame104so that, collectively, the top surface of the air chambers102form a mattress surface for supporting a person. As discussed in more detail below, the pressure and temperature of each chamber102are adjustable independent of the temperature and pressure of the other chambers.

In general, the frame104is sized to provide a mattress surface of an appropriate size (e.g., corresponding to a standard mattress size). For example, in some embodiments, frame104is approximately 2 meters (m) in length, 90 centimeters (cm) in width, and 15 cm in height. The frame104can have other dimensions, for example, the frame104can be between 1.8 and 2.2 m in length, between 80 cm and 160 cm in width, and between 10 cm and 30 cm in height. The frame104supports and contains the lateral expansion of the included air chambers102and is composed of materials of sufficient rigidity to provide such support. Common examples of frame construction materials can include wood, a metal or metal alloy (e.g., stainless steel), and/or plastic (e.g., acrylic or polystyrene). In some implementations, the mattress assembly100can be constructed to match the dimensions of an existing bed frame, e.g., a hospice bed, a hospital bed, or a user bed in a home environment. In such implementations the mattress assembly100is then disposed within and supported by the existing frame.

The assembly100includes nineteen air chambers102within the interior volume of the frame104. More generally, the number of air chambers102can vary based upon the size of the frame104, the size of the air chambers102, and the number of independently adjustable surfaces desired for the assembly. For example, a smaller frame104can include fewer air chambers102where a larger frame104can include more. The air chambers102are composed of a flexible, durable material such as woven nylon, polyester, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or textile-reinforced urethane plastic, or rubber, and are capable of holding a pressure of between 0.01 and 10 psi (e.g., 0.05 to 10 psi, 0.1 to 10 psi, 1 to 10 psi, 5 to 10 psi, 0.01 and 5 psi, 0.01 and 1 psi, 0.01 and 0.1 psi, or 0.01 and 0.05 psi).

The exterior dimensions of the air chambers102can be modular and specific to a particular frame design. The chambers102ofFIG.1each have a rectangular top surface, though other geometric profiles, such as square, or hexagonal, can be constructed. Generally, each chamber102can have the same shape and/or size, or the assembly can be composed of chambers having different sizes and/or shapes. Assembly100, for example, at one end along its length, has a top row102tof five chambers102each having the same size. At the opposite end of its length, assembly100is composed of another row102bof five chambers102each having the same size, but being a different from the size of the chambers102in row102t. Between rows102tand102bis a middle region102mcomposed of two rows of four chambers each having the same size and, the rows being arranged along opposite sides of the width of the assembly, the two rows being separated by a single, large chamber having a length that extends the entire length of the two rows of region102m.

The height of the chambers102comes to a common level to define an extended planar surface for a recumbent user. InFIG.1, the chambers102of the assembly100come to a common height with the height of the frame104(e.g., between 10 cm and 30 cm). The length and/or width of the pressurized air chambers102can be between 20 cm and 100 cm (e.g., between 30 cm and 90 cm, between 40 cm and 80 cm, or between 50 cm and 70 cm). Furthermore, while assembly100has 19 total chambers, assemblies with fewer or more chambers are possible. Moreover, while chambers102are arranged packed so that each chamber sidewall is either in contact with another chamber's sidewall or with frame104, in some embodiments, chambers can be separated by inactive spacers, e.g., compartments that provide part of the top surface of the mattress but without having an adjustable temperature and/or pressure.

Each air chamber102of the assembly connects to two air tubes, a hot air tube110and a cold air tube112. During operation of the assembly100, the hot air tube110carries heated air to the chamber102to raise the internal temperature of the chamber102. Similarly, the cold air tube112carries cooled air to the chamber102to lower the internal temperature of the chamber102. The hot air tubes110and cold air tubes112are composed of materials capable of holding the same pressures as the chambers102, e.g., textile-reinforced urethane plastic, or rubber. The tube110,112materials and dimensions are constructed based on operating conditions such a pressures, temperatures, and flow rate. For example, the tubes110,112can have an inner diameter of between 0.25 cm and 2 cm. The hot air tube110and cold air tube112extend from each chamber102and are collectively retained in a tube conduit114.

The tube conduit114is a hollow cylindrical conduit which contains and guides the hot air tubes110and cold air tubes112along a portion of their length to the regulator housing118. The tube conduit114can have an inner diameter to enclose up to ten air tubes110,112, for example, between 2 cm and 10 cm. Tube conduit can be formed from a rigid material that protects tubes110and102, such as a metal, metal alloy, or rigid plastic.

The air chambers102in the assembly100constitute a common surface providing an area for a user to lay recumbent. Disposed on the exposed surface of each air chamber102is a composite sensor, constituting a force pressure sensor106and a temperature sensor108.FIG.1depicts the force pressure sensor106and temperature sensor108of the composite sensor disposed centrally to each air chamber102and a communication wire109extending from a housing of the composite sensor. Alternatively, the force pressure sensor106and temperature sensor108can be independently disposed on the air chamber102at any point on the surface with independent communication wires. In some implementations, the composite sensor can use a wireless connection protocol to communicate with a controller of the mattress assembly100, e.g., WiFi, or Bluetooth®.

The force pressure sensor106is a sensor capable of sensing applied force over a surface area and can include piezoelectric, resistive, or capacitive load cells capable of sensing the pressure ranges expected in unloaded and user-loaded arrangements, for example, 0 psi to 10 psi for each air chamber. The temperature sensor106can be capable of sensing temperature over a surface area or at a point and can include negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, resistance thermometer, or thermocouple capable of sensing temperature in the range of 0° C. to 100° C.

FIG.2shows a perspective view of the underside of the assembly100, including the frame104, the air tubes110,112, and tube conduit114.FIG.2further shows a regulator housing118and a controller116. The underside of frame104depicted has a single, continuous flat platform105supporting the chambers102and can be composed of the same material as the sidewalls of the frame, or it can be composed of a different material. Alternatively, the frame104can have a multiple supporting slats extending along the length or width of the frame. The platform105can also provide a surface for supporting the tube conduits114at least those portions that extending beneath the frame104to the regulator housing118.

The controller116is affixed to a surface of the frame104at an edge of the frame so it is readily accessible. More generally, other placements are possible. For example, the controller116can be at any location that maintains wired or wireless communication with the chamber regulators. The controller116provides a user interface for control of the assembly100, and a control hub for wired or wireless communication with a remote control (not shown, described further herein).

The controller116can include a graphical display for displaying temperature and pressure values of one or more of the chambers102of the assembly100. The graphical display can additionally be a display that a user can control by touching the screen with one or more fingers, e.g., a touchscreen. The controller116can further includes one or more manual controls with which a user or clinician can control the temperature and pressure of the chambers102of the assembly100. Examples of manual controls can include a number pad, buttons, dials, switches, sliders, or keypad.

The regulator housing118is a rigid enclosure containing the one or more chamber regulators for controlling the temperature and pressure of connected chambers102. The regulator housing118can be composed of the same material as the frame104, or a different material. The housing118is sized to contain a number of chamber regulators that is equal to the number of chambers102in the assembly100.

FIG.3shows a cut-away view of the interior of the housing118containing chamber regulators120. The chamber regulators120are arranged in a regular array within the interior volume of the housing118. In general, the chamber regulators can be arranged in any suitable geometric shape, such as a cube or cuboid. Hot air tubes110and cold air tubes112extend from the tube conduit114and paired hot110and cold air tubes112from a single air chamber102terminate at ports on opposing sides of an individual chamber regulator120.

FIG.4is a top-down cutaway view of an example chamber regulator120. The chamber regulator120includes a case121with four ports119providing access to compartments123a,123bin the interior of the case121. Each compartment has two ports119on opposing sides of the case121. The hot air tube110connects to a port119of compartment123band the cold air tube112connects to a port of compartment123aon the same side of case121. The two ports119on the opposing side of case121connect the respective compartment to the external environment and aid in regulating pressure within the respective compartment.

A divider122separates the interior volume of the case121into the two compartments123a,123b, each compartment containing a body of gas. Each compartment123a,123bfurther contains a number of components for regulating the pressure and temperature of the corresponding chamber102connected to the regulator by the hot air tube110and cold air tube112. One compartment123aproduces and drives chilled air to the connected chamber102via the cold air tube112, thereby reducing the air temperature within the chamber102. The opposing compartment123bproduces and drives heated air to the connected chamber102via the hot air tube110, thereby increasing the air temperature within the chamber102.

The regulator120includes a heating exchanger element128, which can be a thermoelectric element, e.g., a Peltier device. In general, the thermoelectric element128is solid-state active heat pump which creates a heat flux at the junction of two unique semiconductors, one n-type and one p-type, when a DC electric current flows through the element. This effect transfers heat from one side of the device to the other, heating one side and cooling the other.

The thermoelectric element128spans the divider122such that one surface is disposed within a first compartment and the second surface is disposed within the opposing compartment. For example, the thermoelectric element128can be connected to a power supply in a manner such that the heated side of the thermoelectric element128is within the heated compartment123band the cooled side of the thermoelectric element128is within the cooled compartment123a. This arrangement allows for one compartment to be heated, e.g.,123b, while the opposing compartment is cooled, e.g.,123a.

Attached to the thermoelectric element128are a heat sinks130a,130b. The heat sinks130a,130bare passive heat exchangers with high thermal conductivity, such as an extruded or milled block of aluminum or aluminum alloy. In general, a passive heat sink transfers heat energy away from a heat source and to a heat sink.

In regulator120, the heat sink130adisposed in the cooled compartment123atransfers heat energy from the surrounding air into the cooled side of the thermoelectric element, thereby cooling the air in the cooled compartment128a. The heat sink130bdisposed in the heated compartment123btransfers heat energy from the device128to the surrounding air, thereby heating the air in the heated compartment128b.

Air pump assemblies131a,131bare disposed in compartments128a,128b, respectively, and operate to pump air from adjacent the heat sinks130a,130bto the hot air line110and cold air line112, respectively, when instructed by the controller116. An example pump assembly131includes an air pump136, an intake cone132, an intake hose134, an exhaust hose138, and an exhaust cone140. Any suitable pump can be used. For example, the air pumps136a,136bcan be diaphragm pumps. The flow rate of the air pumps136a,136bis sufficient to alter the pressure within a connected chamber102within a short time (e.g., within a few seconds) of receiving instructions from the controller116. For example, the flow rate of the air pumps136can be between 1 and 50 liters/min.

The air pumps136a,136bhave an intake port and an exhaust port. The intake port of the air pumps136a,136bconnect to intake hoses134a,134b. The intake hoses extend from the intake port of the air pumps136a,136bto intake cones132a,132bdisposed adjacent to the heat sinks130a,130b. The exhaust ports of the air pumps136a,136bconnect to exhaust hoses138a,138bextending to exhaust cones140a,140b.

When the air pumps136a,136bof the pump assemblies131a,131boperate following instruction from the controller116, air is drawn into the intake cones132a,132b, through the intake hoses134a,134b, into the intake ports and out the exhaust ports of the air pumps136a,136b, into the exhaust hoses138a,138b, out the exhaust cones140a,140b.

The pump assembly131ain compartment123apumps cooled air from the cooling heat sink130ato the connected chamber102. The pump assembly131bin compartment123bpumps heated air from the heated heat sink130bto the connected chamber102.

The regulator120further includes a fan144in each compartment123a, bto circulate the heated or cooled air within the respective compartment. The air the fan144circulates homogenizes the temperature within each compartment123. A switch146attached to the hood of each fan144controls the operational state of the fan144, the switch regulated by the controller116.

Positioned adjacent to the surface opposite the fan144is a servo motor126with an affixed gate124.FIG.5is a perspective view of the interior of one chamber123band the external surface of the regulator120. One surface of the gate124is situated parallel to the surface of the case121and in register with the port119open to the external environment. The servo motor126bcontrols the position of the gate124b.FIG.5depicts the gate124bin a ‘closed’ state, blocking the port119. Following instructions by the controller116, the servo motor126bcan actuate the gate124bbetween a ‘closed’ state and an ‘open’ state, wherein the gate124bdoes not block the port119.

The servo motor126and gate124control the air flow through the external environment ports119. The servo motor126bcan be a rotational servo motor wherein the gate is spun on an axis around the center of the servo motor126bthereby exposing the port119. Alternatively, the servo motor126bcan be a linear servo motor wherein the gate moves along an axis parallel with the case121surface to the surface, thereby exposing the port119.

By exposing the compartments123aor123bto the external environment, the servo motor126and gate124regulate the internal compartment temperatures. In some implementations, the servo motor126and gate124can be operated to allow air to be drawn into the internal compartment when the regulator120is driving heated or cooled air into the connected chamber102.

Further detail of compartment123aand the opposing surface of the case121is shown inFIG.6. The exhaust cone140aof the air pump assembly131aadjoins the port119facing the cold air tube112and directs air driven from the pump assembly131ato the cold air tube112.

FIG.7depicts an example air circuit connecting an air chamber102to the regulator120via a hot air tube110and a cold air tube112. The relative spatial orientation and separation between can vary as appropriate and the depicted spatial relationship is illustrative only. The length of the hot air tube110and cold air tube112is also varies based on the respective positions of the two components. The hot air tube110and cold air tube112are connected to chamber102at a back surface of the chamber (i.e., opposite the top surface that forms part of the top surface of the mattress) at locations equidistant to a longitudinal end of the air chamber102, though more generally the location of the connection points can vary. In general, the hot air tube110and cold air tube112connections can be located at any point along the back surface, or side surfaces, of the air chamber102.

The back surface of the chamber102inFIG.7includes an air pressure sensor150. Generally, the air pressure sensor150can be located at any position along the back surface of the chamber102. Air pressure sensor150reads the air pressure within the chamber102. The air pressure sensor150can be in wired or wireless communication with the controller116and communicates the air pressure within the chamber102to the controller116.

The regulator120controls (e.g., maintains and/or varies) the pressure and temperature of the air chamber102to achieve a comfortable surface for the recumbent user and reduce the occurrence or severity of decubitus ulcers. The regulator varies the pressure and temperature by pumping heated or cooled air into the chamber through the hot air tube110and cold air tube112. For example, the regulator120can vary the pressure of the air chamber102by pumping air through the hot air tube110or cold air tube112, or both. To decrease the pressure of the air chamber102, the servo motors126a,126bactuate the gates124a,124binto an ‘open’ position, exposing the ports119opposing the hot air tube110and cold air tube112. The pump assemblies131a,131bthen draw air from the air chamber102and into the regulator120where the air flows through the opened ports119adjacent the servo motors126a,126b.

To increase the pressure of the air chamber102, the servo motors126a,126bactuate the gates124a,124binto an ‘open’ position, exposing the ports119opposing the hot air tube110and cold air tube112. The pump assemblies131a,131bthen drive air from the regulator120and into the air chamber102. The controller116determines when the regulated pressure has been reached within the air chamber102and sends instructions to the regulator120to actuate the gates124a,124binto a ‘closed’ position and terminate the action of pump assemblies131a,131b.

The regulator120also controls the temperature of the air within the interior volume of the air chamber102according to instructions from the controller116. To increase the temperature of the air within the interior volume of the air chamber102, the regulator120operates the thermoelectric element128creating a heat flux from compartment123bto compartment123a, and into the heat sink130a. The heat sink130aheats the air surrounding the heat sink130aand pump assembly131adrives the heated air into the hot air tube110and into the air chamber102, thereby increasing the air temperature within the interior volume of the air chamber102.

In some embodiments, the regulator102can cause pump assembly131bto draw non-heated air from the interior volume of the air chamber102through the cold air tube112and into compartment123b. The regulator can additionally actuate the gate124bto an ‘open’ position to further increase the air exchange rate within the air chamber102.

To decrease the temperature of the air within the interior volume of the air chamber102, the regulator120operates the thermoelectric element128creating a heat flux from creating a heat flux from compartment123bto compartment123a, thereby cooling heat sink130b. The cooled heat sink130bcools the air surrounding the heat sink130band pump assembly131bdrives the cooled air into the cold air tube110and into the air chamber102, thereby decreasing the air temperature within the interior volume of the air chamber102.

In some embodiments, the regulator102can cause pump assembly131ato draw non-cooled air from the interior volume of the air chamber102through the hot air tube112and into compartment123a. The regulator can additionally actuate the gate124ato an ‘open’ position to further increase the air exchange rate within the air chamber102.

FIG.8is a block diagram of an example controller816of the mattress assembly100. The controller816includes a power supply800, a processor802, and computer memory806. In general, the power supply includes hardware used to receive electrical power from an outside source and supply it to components of the control board. 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 control board.

The processor802is generally a device for receiving input, performing logical operations on data, and providing output. The processor802can be a central processing unit, a microprocessor, general purpose logic circuitry, application-specific integrated circuitry, a combination of these, and/or other hardware for performing the functionality needed.

The memory806is generally one or more devices for storing data. The memory806can 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 controller includes a pump controller804in communication with the one or more chamber regulators120. The pump controller804can receive commands from the processor802and, in response, control the function of one or more of the chamber regulators120. For example, the pump controller804can receive, from the processor802, a command to increase the pressure of an air chamber by 0.3 pounds per square inch (PSI). The pump controller804, in response, engages a valve so that the chamber regulators120is configured to pump air into the corresponding air chamber, and can engage the chamber regulators120for 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 controller804can engage the one or more chamber regulator120until the target PSI is reached.

The controller816includes an interface810to allow a user to provide inputs or read outputs from the components of the mattress assembly800directly from the controller816. The interface810can include a display822, a mode selection mechanism824, a temperature increase button826, a temperature decrease button828, a pressure increase button830, and a pressure decrease button832.

The display822displays information from the processer802including information on chamber pressure, temperature, or user position. The mode selection mechanism828can allow the user to switch between a manual pressure/temperature adjustment mode, or an automatic pressure/temperature adjustment mode. In the manual pressure/temperature adjustment mode, the user can control the pressure, or temperature of one or more chambers102by inputting information through the display822or through a series of manual controls including controls826,828,830, or832. For example, the mode selecting mechanism828, temperature increase button826, temperature decrease button828, pressure increase button830, and pressure decrease button832can by a physical controls (e.g., switch or button) or an input control displayed on display826.

A remote interface812of the control board can allow the control board to communicate with other components of a control system. For example, the control board can be able to communicate with peripheral sensors, and/or with peripheral controllers through the remote interface812. The remote interface810can provide any technologically appropriate communication interface, including but not limited to multiple communication interfaces such as WiFi, Bluetooth®, and copper wired networks.

In some implementations, the user of the mattress assembly100can use an input device, such as the remote control830in communication with the remote interface812to accept commands for the controller816to 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 chamber regulator 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 chamber regulator 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 processor802or to one or more display devices, such as the display822. For example, the current temperature as determined by a temperature sensor108, the pressure of the bed of one or more chambers102determined by a pressure sensor106, or other information can be transmitted to processor802. The processor802can then transmit the received information to the remote control830where it can be displayed to the user (e.g., on the display832).

In general, the controller116of the mattress assembly100holds in computer memory 8wq 08 an algorithm for determining the positional state of a user, e.g., determining between a prone, supine, or a lateral position (e.g., on their side).FIG.9is a flowchart detailing an example process by which the controller determines the positional state of a user.

Position detection900begins after the controller receives a command to begin the process of determining a position. For example, a user can initiate position detection900through interaction with the controller, remotely with the remote control830, or on a pre-programmed schedule loaded in the media storage of the controller.

In step910, the controller determines the chambers that are disposed beneath a recumbent user. The controller reads the pressure data from the pressure sensors150and106corresponding to all chambers102of the assembly100to determine which chambers102are at a pressure level indicative of a portion of the users mass disposed on the chamber102. For example, this can include a pressure level within a chamber102being higher than adjacent chambers102, higher than a pre-programmed threshold, or higher pressure than a user-defined threshold (e.g., higher than 1 psi, higher than 1.5 psi, higher than 2 psi, or higher than 2.5 psi). If a chamber102is determined to be disposed beneath a portion of the user, the controller116sets an occupancy value for the corresponding chamber102. The occupancy value can be a binary value, a numerical value, or any value capable of differentiating between chambers102disposed and not disposed beneath a portion of a user, e.g., an occupancy state.

Upon determination of an occupancy value for a chamber102, the controller116begins an occupancy timer for the corresponding chamber102. For the duration that the occupancy value indicates a user is disposed on the top surface of a chamber102, the controller116can store the duration in an occupancy-time data.

In some implementations, pre-programmed thresholds can be used to determine the chambers disposed beneath a user and the orientation of the user recumbent on the assembly100. For example, a minimum pressure level of 90 mmHg (1.7 psi) can be set to correspond to a chamber102disposed beneath the hips of a user; a minimum pressure level of 80 mmHg (1.5 psi) can be set to correspond to a chamber102disposed beneath the shoulders of a user; and a minimum pressure level of 75 mmHg (1.4 psi) can be set to correspond to a chamber102disposed beneath the feet of a user. From these determinations, the controller estimates the position of the head using the position of the feet and the position of the shoulders.

The controller compares the pressure within the chambers determined to be disposed beneath the user to the pre-programmed thresholds920. If the pressure chambers determined to be disposed beneath the user is higher than one or more of the pre-programmed thresholds, the controller determines that the user is in a supine position930. If one or more pressures within the chambers determined to be disposed beneath the user do not meet the pre-programmed thresholds, the controller determines that the user is not supine and continues the determination of the positional state of the user.

The controller determines the temperature of the surface of the capsules102determined to the near the head of the user940. The controller reads the temperature data from the temperature sensors108corresponding to the chambers102estimated to be under the head of the user. The controller compares the temperature data to a temperature threshold. For example, the temperature threshold can be above ambient temperature and below the average body temperature of a user and temperature data exceeding the temperature threshold indicates the presence of a user (e.g., 30° C., 32° C., 34° C., or 36° C.). In combination with the pressure data determined above, if the controller determines that the temperature data is greater than the temperature threshold and the pressure data is below the pressure threshold, the controller determines that the user is in a prone position950.

If the controller determines that the temperature data is lower than or equal to the temperature threshold and the pressure data is below the pressure threshold, the controller determines that the user is in a laterally reclined position970.

This information can be transmitted to a remote control830for display to the user.

The interface on remote control830can display information to the user facilitating adjustment of the mattress assembly by the user.FIG.10is a flowchart outlining an example user control interface process1000that a user can navigate to select various functions of the mattress assembly100.

The controller116communicates with the remote control to establish a connection to transmit and receive data1010. This can include a connection over various suitable communication interfaces such as WiFi, Bluetooth®, or a wired connection.

The controller116transmits chamber data, including pressure data, temperature data, occupancy value, and a chamber identification value identifying the chamber102in the mattress assembly100for one or more chambers102to the remote control830. The remote control1020can be configured to receive the transmitted chamber data and display on the display832an image of the mattress assembly100including all chambers102. The remote control830further displays the chamber data above any corresponding chambers102on the display. The user views the chamber data for one or more chambers102of the mattress assembly100.

If the controller116has performed a positional-state determination as described inFIG.9, the controller116can transmit positional-state data to the remote control830. The remote control830can be configured to receive the positional-state data from the controller116and display an image corresponding to the positional-state of the user, e.g., supine, prone, or lateral. The image can include an outline of a person, an image of a user, or a graphical rendering of a user in a position corresponding to the positional-state of the user.

The user selects a displayed chamber1040by interacting with the remote control830. This can include interacting with the display832or interacting with one or more buttons on the remote control830. In some implementations, the user can select additional chambers1045by interacting with the remote control830.

Responsive to the user selection of one or more chambers102, the remote control830displays the at least one data or value of the state data1050corresponding to the selected one or more chambers102. This can include pressure data, temperature data, occupancy value, occupancy-time data, or chamber identification value for the one or more selected chamber102. In some implementations, the user can select which of the data or values stored in the state data for the corresponding one or more chambers102to be displayed on the display832of the remote control830.

The controller116compares the occupancy-time data to an occupancy-time threshold value. If the occupancy-time data is greater than the occupancy-time threshold value, the controller116transmits to the remote control830a command to display an alert signal1060. For example, the occupancy-time threshold can be a pre-programmed or user-input value to relieve compression from pain areas of a user (e.g., 10 min, 20 min, 30 min, 40 min, 50 min, or 60 min). Responsive to the command from the controller116, the remote control830presents an alert signal to the user. The alert signal can include but is not limited to a sound played through a speaker of the remote control830, a visual signal displayed on the display832, or a tactile signal projected through a tactile device integrated in the remote control830.

The alert signal can include occupancy-state values and occupancy-time data for one or more chambers102whose occupancy-time data is greater than the occupancy-time threshold.

Responsive to an alert signal, the remote control830displays a prompt on the display832for the selection of an automatic adjustment or a manual adjustment1070of the pressure and/or temperature in one or more chambers. The remote control830can display the prompt for a time period.

The user can select an automatic adjustment1080within the time period by interacting with the automatic adjustment prompt on the remote control830. Responsive to the selection of an automatic adjustment, the remote control830transmits an automatic-response value to the controller116. The automatic-response value can be encapsulated in a command data structure that instructs the controller116to command one or more chamber regulators to adjust the pressure and/or temperature in one or more associated chambers102responsive to an automatic adjustment profile stored in the computer memory1008.

The automatic adjustment profile is a data structure containing pressure values, temperature values, and occupancy-time threshold values that the processor1002can use to send commands to one or more chamber regulators120to alter the conditions in one or more chambers. For example, if the occupancy-time value for a discrete chamber102exceeds the s stored in the automatic adjustment profile, the controller can responsively command the corresponding chamber regulator120to adjust the pressure within the connected chamber102by operating the pump136to drive or draw air from the connected chamber102. The chamber regulator120operates the pump136until the pressure or temperature value within the chamber meets or exceeds the pressure or temperature value stored in the automatic adjustment profile. Once the pressure or temperature value stored in the profile is met or exceeded, the chamber regulator120ceases operation of the pump136. This adjustment can be performed on one or more chambers102responsive to the values and thresholds stored within the automatic adjustment profile until the pressure or temperature values of the one or more chamber102meet or exceed the pressure or temperature value stored in the automatic adjustment profile.

The user can select a manual adjustment within the time period by interacting with the manual adjustment prompt on the remote control830. Responsive to the selection of a manual adjustment, a user can issue one or more commands to the remote control830through the display832or other manual adjustment buttons. The user selects one or more chambers and inputs a target-pressure or target-temperature value for each chamber selected. The user can then trigger the remote control830to transmit a manual-adjustment value to the controller116.

The remote control830transmits a manual-response value1090to the controller116. The manual-response value can be encapsulated in a command data structure that instructs the controller116to command one or more chamber regulators to adjust the pressure and/or temperature in one or more associated chambers102responsive to the manual-response value from the remote control830.

If the user fails to select an automatic adjustment or a manual adjustment within the time period, the remote control can transmit a failed-input value to the controller116. Upon receiving a failed-input value from the remote control830, the controller116can direct one or more chamber regulators to perform an adjustment according to the automatic adjustment profile stored in the computer memory1008.

As noted previously, the systems and methods disclosed above utilize a controller116as part of the customizable mattress assembly100described. Generally, controller116is or is part of a data processing apparatus, which processes data generated by and/or received by the mattress assembly.FIG.11shows an example of a computing device1100and a mobile computing device1150that can be used as data processing apparatuses to implement the techniques described here. The computing device1100is intended to represent various forms of digital computers, such as laptops, desktops, workstations, personal digital assistants, servers, blade servers, mainframes, and other appropriate computers. The mobile computing device1150is intended to represent various forms of mobile devices, such as personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, smart-phones, and other similar computing devices. The components shown here, their connections and relationships, and their functions, are meant to be examples only, and are not meant to be limiting.

The computing device1100includes a processor1102, a memory1104, a storage device1106, a high-speed interface1108connecting to the memory1104and multiple high-speed expansion ports1110, and a low-speed interface1112connecting to a low-speed expansion port1114and the storage device1106. Each of the processor1102, the memory1104, the storage device1106, the high-speed interface1108, the high-speed expansion ports1110, and the low-speed interface1112, are interconnected using various busses, and may be mounted on a common motherboard or in other manners as appropriate. The processor1102can process instructions for execution within the computing device1100, including instructions stored in the memory1104or on the storage device1106to display graphical information for a GUI on an external input/output device, such as a display1116coupled to the high-speed interface1108. In other implementations, multiple processors and/or multiple buses may be used, as appropriate, along with multiple memories and types of memory. Also, multiple computing devices may 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 memory1104stores information within the computing device1100. In some implementations, the memory1104is a volatile memory unit or units. In some implementations, the memory1104is a non-volatile memory unit or units. The memory1104may also be another form of computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic or optical disk.

The storage device1106is capable of providing mass storage for the computing device1100. In some implementations, the storage device1106may 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. Instructions can be stored in an information carrier. The instructions, when executed by one or more processing devices (for example, processor1102), perform one or more methods, such as those described above. The instructions can also be stored by one or more storage devices such as computer- or machine-readable mediums (for example, the memory1104, the storage device1106, or memory on the processor1102).

The high-speed interface1108manages bandwidth-intensive operations for the computing device1100, while the low-speed interface1112manages lower bandwidth-intensive operations. Such allocation of functions is an example only. In some implementations, the high-speed interface1108is coupled to the memory1104, the display1116(e.g., through a graphics processor or accelerator), and to the high-speed expansion ports1110, which may accept various expansion cards (not shown). In the implementation, the low-speed interface1112is coupled to the storage device1106and the low-speed expansion port1114. The low-speed expansion port1114, which may include various communication ports (e.g., USB, Bluetooth®, Ethernet, wireless Ethernet) may 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 device1100may be implemented in a number of different forms, as shown in the figure. For example, it may be implemented as a standard server1120, or multiple times in a group of such servers. In addition, it may be implemented in a personal computer such as a laptop computer1122. It may also be implemented as part of a rack server system1124. Alternatively, components from the computing device1100may be combined with other components in a mobile device (not shown), such as a mobile computing device1150. Each of such devices may contain one or more of the computing device1100and the mobile computing device1150, and an entire system may be made up of multiple computing devices communicating with each other.

The mobile computing device1150includes a processor1152, a memory1164, an input/output device such as a display1154, a communication interface1166, and a transceiver1168, among other components. The mobile computing device1150may also be provided with a storage device, such as a micro-drive or other device, to provide additional storage. Each of the processor1152, the memory1164, the display1154, the communication interface1166, and the transceiver1168, are interconnected using various buses, and several of the components may be mounted on a common motherboard or in other manners as appropriate.

The processor1152can execute instructions within the mobile computing device1150, including instructions stored in the memory1164. The processor1152may be implemented as a chipset of chips that include separate and multiple analog and digital processors. The processor1152may provide, for example, for coordination of the other components of the mobile computing device1150, such as control of user interfaces, applications run by the mobile computing device1150, and wireless communication by the mobile computing device1150.

The processor1152may communicate with a user through a control interface1158and a display interface1156coupled to the display1154. The display1154may 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 interface1156may include appropriate circuitry for driving the display1154to present graphical and other information to a user. The control interface1158may receive commands from a user and convert them for submission to the processor1152. In addition, an external interface1162may provide communication with the processor1152, so as to enable near area communication of the mobile computing device1150with other devices. The external interface1162may provide, for example, for wired communication in some implementations, or for wireless communication in other implementations, and multiple interfaces may also be used.

The memory1164stores information within the mobile computing device1150. The memory1164can 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 memory1174may also be provided and connected to the mobile computing device1150through an expansion interface1172, which may include, for example, a SIMM (Single In Line Memory Module) card interface. The expansion memory1174may provide extra storage space for the mobile computing device1150, or may also store applications or other information for the mobile computing device1150. Specifically, the expansion memory1174may include instructions to carry out or supplement the processes described above, and may include secure information also. Thus, for example, the expansion memory1174may be provide as a security module for the mobile computing device1150, and may be programmed with instructions that permit secure use of the mobile computing device1150. In addition, secure applications may 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 may include, for example, flash memory and/or NVRAM memory (non-volatile random access memory), as discussed below. In some implementations, instructions are stored in an information carrier. The instructions, when executed by one or more processing devices (for example, processor1152), perform one or more methods, such as those described above. The instructions can also be stored by one or more storage devices, such as one or more computer- or machine-readable mediums (for example, the memory1164, the expansion memory1174, or memory on the processor1152). In some implementations, the instructions can be received in a propagated signal, for example, over the transceiver1168or the external interface1162.

The mobile computing device1150may communicate wirelessly through the communication interface1166, which may include digital signal processing circuitry where necessary. The communication interface1166may 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 may occur, for example, through the transceiver1168using a radio-frequency. In addition, short-range communication may occur, such as using a Bluetooth, WiFi, or other such transceiver (not shown). In addition, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver module1170may provide additional navigation- and location-related wireless data to the mobile computing device1150, which may be used as appropriate by applications running on the mobile computing device1150.

The mobile computing device1150may also communicate audibly using an audio codec1160, which may receive spoken information from a user and convert it to usable digital information. The audio codec1160may likewise generate audible sound for a user, such as through a speaker, e.g., in a handset of the mobile computing device1150. Such sound may include sound from voice telephone calls, may include recorded sound (e.g., voice messages, music files, etc.) and may also include sound generated by applications operating on the mobile computing device1150.

The mobile computing device1150may be implemented in a number of different forms, as shown in the figure. For example, it may be implemented as a cellular telephone1180. It may also be implemented as part of a smart-phone1182, personal digital assistant, or other similar mobile device.

Various implementations of the systems and techniques described here can be realized in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof. These various implementations can include implementation in one or more computer programs that are executable and/or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be special or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

These computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor, and can be implemented in a high-level procedural and/or object-oriented programming language, and/or in assembly/machine language. As used herein, the terms machine-readable medium and computer-readable medium refer to any computer program product, apparatus and/or device (e.g., magnetic discs, optical disks, memory, Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term machine-readable signal refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor.

To provide for interaction with a user, the systems and techniques described here can be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., an OLED (organic light emitting diode) display or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor) for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse or a trackball) by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback); and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

The systems and techniques described here can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back end component (e.g., as a data server), or that includes a middleware component (e.g., an application server), or that includes a front end component (e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the systems and techniques described here), or any combination of such back end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication (e.g., a communication network). Examples of communication networks include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and the Internet.

The computing system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

In some embodiments, the computing system can be cloud based and/or centrally processing data. In such case anonymous input and output data can be stored for further analysis. In a cloud based and/or processing center set-up, compared to distributed processing, it can be easier to ensure data quality, and accomplish maintenance and updates to the calculation engine, compliance to data privacy regulations and/or troubleshooting.

Other embodiments are in the following claims.