CONTROLLING A MATTRESS CLIMATE-CONTROL SYSTEM BASED ON THERMAL EVENT GRADIENT

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/573,684, filed on Apr. 3, 2024. The disclosure of the prior application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present document relates to bed systems, and more particularly to techniques and components for controlling bed systems.

BACKGROUND

In general, a bed is a piece of furniture used as a location to sleep or relax. Many modern beds include a soft mattress on a bed frame. The mattress may include springs, foam material, and/or an air chamber to support the weight of one or more occupants. Various features and systems have been used in conjunction with beds, including heating and cooling systems for heating and cooling a user of a bed. A thermal event such as a fire in the mattress may warrant a mechanism for controlling various mattress components such as climate-control systems for heating and cooling the mattress in reliable, secured, and efficient ways in response to the thermal event occurring at the mattress.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments described herein include a bed system with fire protection capabilities. The bed system can include a mattress climate-control system configured to supply conditioned air (e.g., heated or cooled air) to a mattress to achieve a desired temperature of the mattress. A thermal sensor and a controller can be used to detect a thermal event (such as a fire, including an incipient fire, a free burning fire, a smoldering fire, or other potentially dangerous thermal event) at the mattress and operate the mattress climate-control system based on the thermal event. Any thermal event that has a temperature gradient greater than or equal to a threshold temperature gradient will be detected by the thermal sensor. For example, the thermal sensor can be positioned in the mattress, in a mattress foundation on which the mattress rests, or in the climate-control system. A condition of the thermal sensor can change in response to the thermal event at the mattress. The controller detects the condition of the thermal sensor. Based on the condition of the thermal sensor, the controller operates the mattress climate-control system to disable one or more functions or components of the mattress climate-control system.

Some embodiments described herein include a bed system having a mattress, a mattress climate-control system, a thermal sensor, and a controller. The mattress climate-control system controls a climate at the mattress. The thermal sensor is positioned at the mattress. A condition of the thermal sensor changes in response to a thermal event at the mattress. The controller is connected to the mattress climate-control system. The controller performs operations including detecting the condition of the thermal sensor and operating the mattress climate-control system based on the condition of the thermal sensor.

Embodiments described herein can include one or more optional features. For example, the mattress climate-control system can include a heater coupled to the mattress to heat at least a portion of the mattress. For example, the mattress climate-control system can include a fan coupled to the mattress to supply or draw air to a top of the mattress.

In one aspect, a bed system includes a mattress, a mattress climate-control system to control a climate at the mattress, a thermal sensor positioned in the mattress climate-control system, and a controller connected to the mattress climate-control system. A condition of the thermal sensor changes in response to a thermal event proximate the mattress climate-control system. The controller performs operations including detecting the condition of the thermal sensor indicating the thermal event; and based on the condition of the thermal sensor, operating the mattress climate-control system. The thermal event includes a change in temperature with respect to time equal to or greater than a threshold change in temperature with respect to time.

In another aspect combinable with any other aspect, the threshold change in temperature with respect to time is 0.5 Fahrenheit per second (° F./s).

In another aspect combinable with any other aspect, the thermal sensor is positioned in an exhaust air flow of the mattress climate-control system.

In another aspect combinable with any other aspect, the thermal sensor includes at least one of a thermocouple, a resistance temperature device, or a thermistor.

In another aspect combinable with any other aspect, the mattress climate-control system includes a fan coupled to the mattress to draw air from a top of the mattress.

In another aspect combinable with any other aspect, operating the mattress climate-control system includes disabling the fan.

In another aspect combinable with any other aspect, the mattress climate-control system defines an air flow path.

In another aspect combinable with any other aspect, the air flow path passes from a core of the mattress to a thermal layer positioned above the core and out the thermal layer.

In another aspect combinable with any other aspect, the mattress further includes a core to pass a flow of air.

In another aspect combinable with any other aspect, the mattress climate-control system includes a thermal layer, an extended thermal layer, and a fan housing. The thermal layer is coupled to the core. The thermal layer receives the flow of air from the core and conducts the flow of air. The extended thermal layer is coupled to the thermal layer. The extended thermal layer receives the flow of air from the thermal layer and conducts the flow of air. The fan housing has a fan inlet, a fan, and a fan outlet. The fan inlet is coupled to the extended thermal layer. The fan draws air from a space outside the mattress into the core, through the thermal layer, through the extended thermal layer, through the fan inlet, through the fan housing, and out the fan outlet back into another space outside the mattress away from the core.

In another aspect combinable with any other aspect, the fan is positioned proximate a foot portion of the bed system. The extended thermal layer extends from the thermal layer to the foot portion.

In another aspect combinable with any other aspect, the controller samples the condition of the thermal sensor at a rate of between 1 and 5 Hz.

In another aspect combinable with any other aspect, operating the mattress climate-control system includes generating an alarm notifying a user of the thermal event.

In another aspect, a mattress climate-control system includes a thermal layer, a fan, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The fan draws air from the thermal layer.

The temperature sensor is positioned in an exhaust of the fan. The temperature sensor senses a condition of the air in the exhaust. The temperature sensor transmits a signal representing the condition of the air in the exhaust to the controller. The condition includes a change in temperature with respect to time equal to or greater than a threshold change in temperature with respect to time. The controller performs operations including receiving the signal representing the condition of the air in the exhaust; comparing the condition of the air in the exhaust to a threshold condition of the air in the exhaust to obtain a comparison result; and based on the comparison result, operating the mattress climate-control system.

In another aspect, a mattress assembly includes a thermal sensor and a controller. The thermal sensor senses a condition of air in an exhaust of a fan to cool the mattress assembly. The thermal sensor transmits a signal representing the condition of the air in the exhaust. The condition of the air includes a change in temperature with respect to time equal to or greater than a threshold change in temperature with respect to time. The controller performs operations including receiving the signal representing the condition of the air in the exhaust; comparing the condition of air in the exhaust to a threshold condition of the air in the exhaust to obtain a comparison result; and based on the comparison result, operating the mattress assembly.

In another aspect, a method includes detecting a thermal event in a mattress with a thermal sensor, where the thermal event includes a change in temperature with respect to time equal to or greater than a threshold change in temperature with respect to time; and based on detecting the thermal event, disabling a mattress climate-control system positioned in the mattress.

In another aspect combinable with any other aspect, the method includes transmitting a signal indicating an occurrence of thermal event to a user computing device.

In another aspect combinable with any other aspect, disabling the mattress climate-control system includes disabling at least a fan of the mattress climate-control system.

In another aspect combinable with any other aspect, disabling the mattress climate-control system includes disabling at least a fan and a heater of the mattress climate-control system.

In another aspect combinable with any other aspect, disabling the mattress climate-control system includes disabling all of the mattress climate-control system.

In another aspect a mattress includes a fan, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The fan moves air through the mattress. The controller is in communication with the fan and the temperature sensor. The controller detects a fire as a function of a temperature gradient and reduces speed of the fan in response to detecting the fire.

In another aspect combinable with any other aspect, the temperature gradient includes a change in temperature with respect to time equal to or greater than a threshold change in temperature with respect to time.

In another aspect combinable with any other aspect, the fan, the temperature sensor, and the controller are positioned in a common housing.

The devices, system, and techniques described herein may provide one or more of the following advantages. Some embodiments described herein include a mattress with one or more thermal sensors to detect a thermal event and a controller to operate a climate-control system based on detecting the thermal event.

The time to detect a thermal event can be decreased. For example, by positioning one or more thermal sensor in the mattress in the exhaust air flow downstream from where the thermal event may occur, the time to detect the thermal event can be decreased.

The time to operate the climate-control system in response to the thermal event can be decreased. For example, by positioning one or more thermal sensor in the mattress in the exhaust air flow downstream from where the thermal event may occur, the thermal event can be detected sooner, reducing the time to operate the climate-control system responsive to the controller detecting the change in condition of the thermal sensor.

User safety can be improved. For example, when the user is on the mattress and the thermal event occurs on the mattress, the climate-control system can be transitioned to an OFF state, reducing an air flow or a heat input into the mattress, reducing a condition or a magnitude of the thermal event.

Damage to the mattress as a result of the thermal event can be reduced. For example, by positioning one or more thermal sensors in the mattress in the exhaust air flow downstream from where the thermal event may occur, the time to detect the thermal event can be decreased.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects and potential advantages will be apparent from the accompanying description and figures.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example air bed system including an example thermal sensor and a controller.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example of various components of an air bed system.

FIG. 3 shows an example environment including a bed in communication with devices located in and around a home.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are block diagrams of example data processing systems that can be associated with a bed.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are block diagrams of examples of motherboards that can be used in a data processing system associated with a bed.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example of a daughterboard that can be used in a data processing system associated with a bed.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an example of a motherboard with no daughterboard that can be used in a data processing system associated with a bed.

FIG. 9A is a block diagram of an example of a sensory array that can be used in a data processing system associated with a bed.

FIG. 9B is a schematic top view of a bed having an example of a sensor strip with one or more sensors that can be used in a data processing system associated with the bed.

FIG. 9C is a schematic diagram of an example bed with force sensors located at the bottom of the legs of the bed.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example of a control array that can be used in a data processing system associated with a bed.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an example of a computing device that can be used in a data processing system associated with a bed.

FIGS. 12-16 are block diagrams of example cloud services that can be used in a data processing system associated with a bed.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an example of using a data processing system that can be associated with a bed to automate peripherals around the bed.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram that shows an example of a computing device and a mobile computing device.

FIG. 19A is a perspective of an example bed with an example climate-control system having an integrated fan assembly and an example thermal event protection assembly.

FIG. 19B is an exploded perspective view of the example bed of FIG. 19A.

FIG. 19C is a cross sectional view of airflow through the example bed of FIG. 19A, taken along a cross sectional line shown in FIG. 31

FIG. 19D is a perspective view of the integrated fan assembly from an outlet of the climate-control system of FIG. 19A.

FIG. 20 is a graph of the temperature of the thermal event with respect to time.

FIG. 21 is a graph of the temperature gradient with respect to time of the thermal event.

FIG. 22 is a graph of the temperature of the mattress with respect to time during a warm-up with the fan disabled.

FIG. 23 is a graph of the temperature gradient with respect to time of the mattress during the warm-up with the fan disabled.

FIG. 24 is a graph of the temperature of the mattress during normal operation.

FIG. 25 is a graph of the temperature gradient of the mattress with respect to time during normal operation.

FIG. 26 is a diagram of an example process for controlling mattress components based on a thermal event.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an example air bed system 100 that includes a bed 112, a climate-control system 102 with fans 106, a thermal sensor 108, and a controller 110. The climate-control system 102 controls a climate of the air bed system 100 moving air through channels 150 in the mattress 112 with the fans 106 to cool the bed 112. One or more thermal sensors 108 are positioned at the bed 112 (a mattress). A condition of the thermal sensor 108 changes in response to a thermal event at the mattress. For example, the thermal event can be a change or an increase in a temperature of the air bed system 100 which changes the condition of the thermal sensor 108. The controller 110 is operatively coupled to the climate-control system 102. The controller 110 detects the condition of the thermal sensor 108 and based on the condition of the thermal sensor 108, operates the climate-control system 102, for example, by selectively operating or disabling one or more features or components of the climate-control system 102. While the climate-control system 102 is shown and described as part of an air bed system (the air bed system 100) with air chambers 114, the climate-control system 102 can also be used with non-air bed systems (e.g., systems without inflatable air chambers). Accordingly, the air bed system 100 could be modified to be a non-air bed system that includes none, one, or several of the features and components described with respect to the air bed system 100. The climate-control system 102, the thermal sensor 108, and the controller 110 are described in more detail in reference to FIGS. 2 and 19-20.

The bed 112 can be a mattress that includes at least one air chamber 114 surrounded by a resilient border 116 and encapsulated by bed ticking 118. The resilient border 116 can include any suitable material, such as foam. In some embodiments, the resilient border 116 can combine with a top layer or layers of foam (not shown in FIG. 1) to form an upside-down foam tub (a foam tub 1910 shown in FIG. 19A). In other embodiments, mattress structure can be varied as suitable for the application.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the bed 112 can be a two chamber design having first and second fluid chambers, such as a first air chamber 114A and a second air chamber 114B. Sometimes, the bed 112 can include chambers for use with fluids other than air that are suitable for the application. For example, the fluids can include liquid. In some embodiments, such as single beds or children's beds, the bed 112 can include a single air chamber 114A or 114B or multiple air chambers 114A and 114B. Although not depicted, sometimes the bed 112 can include additional air chambers.

The first and second air chambers 114A and 114B can be in fluid communication with a pump 120. The pump 120 can be in electrical communication with a remote control 122 via control box 124. The control box 124 can include a wired or wireless communications interface for communicating with one or more devices, including the remote control 122. The control box 124 can be configured to operate the pump 120 to cause increases and decreases in the fluid pressure of the first and second air chambers 114A and 114B based upon commands input by a user using the remote control 122. In some implementations, the control box 124 is integrated into a housing of the pump 120. Moreover, sometimes, the pump 120 can be in wireless communication (e.g., via a home network, WiFi, Bluetooth, or other wireless network) with a mobile device via the control box 124. The mobile device can include, but is not limited to, the user's smartphone, cell phone, laptop, tablet, computer, wearable device, home automation device, or other computing device. A mobile application can be presented at the mobile device and provide functionality for the user to control the bed 112 and view information about the bed 112. The user can input commands in the mobile application presented at the mobile device. The inputted commands can be transmitted to the control box 124, which can operate the pump 120 based upon the commands.

The remote control 122 can include a display 126, an output selecting mechanism 128, a pressure increase button 129, and a pressure decrease button 130. The remote control 122 can include one or more additional output selecting mechanisms and/or buttons. The display 126 can present information to the user about settings of the bed 112. For example, the display 126 can present pressure settings of both the first and second air chambers 114A and 114B or one of the first and second air chambers 114A and 114B. Sometimes, the display 126 can be a touch screen, and can receive input from the user indicating one or more commands to control pressure in the first and second air chambers 114A and 114B and/or other settings of the bed 112. The remote control 122 can control the climate-control system 102 by operating the fans 106. For example, the remote control 122 can, based on the user inputs, turn on, turn off, increase a speed, or decrease the speed of the fans 106.

The output selecting mechanism 128 can allow the user to switch air flow generated by the pump 120 between the first and second air chambers 114A and 114B, thus enabling control of multiple air chambers with a single remote control 122 and a single pump 120. For example, the output selecting mechanism 128 can be a physical control (e.g., switch or button) or an input control presented on the display 126. Alternatively, separate remote control units can be provided for each air chamber 114A and 114B and can each include the ability to control multiple air chambers. Pressure increase and decrease buttons 129 and 130 can allow the user to increase or decrease the pressure, respectively, in the air chamber selected with the output selecting mechanism 128. Adjusting the pressure within the selected air chamber can cause a corresponding adjustment to the firmness of the respective air chamber. In some embodiments, the remote control 122 can be omitted or modified as appropriate for an application.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example of various components of an air bed system. These components can be used in the example air bed system 100. The control box 124 can include a power supply 134, a processor 136, a memory 137, a switching mechanism 138, and an analog to digital (A/D) converter 140. The switching mechanism 138 can be, for example, a relay or a solid state switch. In some implementations, the switching mechanism 138 can be located in the pump 120 rather than the control box 124. The pump 120 and the remote control 122 can be in two-way communication with the control box 124. The pump 120 includes a motor 142, a pump manifold 143, a relief valve 144, a first control valve 145A, a second control valve 145B, and a pressure transducer 146. The pump 120 is fluidly connected with the first air chamber 114A and the second air chamber 114B via a first tube 148A and a second tube 148B, respectively. The first and second control valves 145A and 145B can be controlled by switching mechanism 138, and are operable to regulate the flow of fluid between the pump 120 and first and second air chambers 114A and 114B, respectively.

In some implementations, the pump 120 and the control box 124 can be provided and packaged as a single unit. In some implementations, the pump 120 and the control box 124 can be provided as physically separate units. The control box 124, the pump 120, or both can be integrated within or otherwise contained within a bed frame, foundation, or bed support structure that supports the bed 112. Sometimes, the control box 124, the pump 120, or both can be located outside of a bed frame, foundation, or bed support structure (as shown in the example in FIG. 1).

The air bed system 100 in FIG. 2 includes the two air chambers 114A and 114B and the single pump 120 of the bed 112 depicted in FIG. 1. However, other implementations can include an air bed system having two or more air chambers and one or more pumps incorporated into the air bed system to control the air chambers. For example, a separate pump can be associated with each air chamber. As another example, a pump can be associated with multiple chambers. A first pump can be associated with air chambers that extend longitudinally from a left side to a midpoint of the air bed system 100 and a second pump can be associated with air chambers that extend longitudinally from a right side to the midpoint of the air bed system 100. Separate pumps can allow each air chamber to be inflated or deflated independently and/or simultaneously. Additional pressure transducers can also be incorporated into the air bed system 100 such that a separate pressure transducer can be associated with each air chamber.

As an illustrative example, in use, the processor 136 can send a decrease pressure command to one of air chambers 114A or 114B, and the switching mechanism 138 can convert the low voltage command signals sent by the processor 136 to higher operating voltages sufficient to operate the relief valve 144 of the pump 120 and open the respective control valve 145A or 145B. Opening the relief valve 144 can allow air to escape from the air chamber 114A or 114B through the respective air tube 148A or 148B. During deflation, the pressure transducer 146 can send pressure readings to the processor 136 via the A/D converter 140. The A/D converter 140 can receive analog information from pressure transducer 146 and can convert the analog information to digital information useable by the processor 136. The processor 136 can send the digital signal to the remote control 122 to update the display 126 to convey the pressure information to the user. The processor 136 can also send the digital signal to other devices in wired or wireless communication with the air bed system, including, but not limited to, mobile devices described herein. The user can then view pressure information associated with the air bed system at their device instead of at, or in addition to, the remote control 122.

As another example, the processor 136 can send an increase pressure command. The pump motor 142 can be energized in response to the increase pressure command and can send air to the designated one of the air chambers 114A or 114B through the air tube 148A or 148B via electronically operating the corresponding control valve 145A or 145B. While air is being delivered to the designated air chamber 114A or 114B to increase the chamber firmness, the pressure transducer 146 can sense pressure within the pump manifold 143. The pressure transducer 146 can send pressure readings to the processor 136 via the A/D converter 140. The processor 136 can use the information received from the A/D converter 140 to determine the difference between the actual pressure in air chamber 114A or 114B and the desired pressure. The processor 136 can send the digital signal to the remote control 122 to update a display 126.

Generally speaking, during an inflation or deflation process, the pressure sensed within the pump manifold 143 can provide an approximation of the actual pressure within the respective air chamber that is in fluid communication with the pump manifold 143. An example method includes turning off the pump 120, allowing the pressure within the air chamber 114A or 114B and the pump manifold 143 to equalize, then sensing the pressure within the pump manifold 143 with the pressure transducer 146. Providing a sufficient amount of time to allow the pressures within the pump manifold 143 and chamber 114A or 114B to equalize can result in pressure readings that are accurate approximations of actual pressure within air chamber 114A or 114B. In some implementations, the pressure of the air chambers 114A and/or 114B can be continuously monitored using multiple pressure sensors (not shown). The pressure sensors can be positioned within the air chambers. The pressure sensors can also be fluidly connected to the air chambers, such as along the air tubes 148A and 148B.

In some implementations, information collected by the pressure transducer 146 can be analyzed to determine various states of a user laying on the bed 112. For example, the processor 136 can use information collected by the pressure transducer 146 to determine a heartrate or a respiration rate for the user. As an illustrative example, the user can be laying on a side of the bed 112 that includes the chamber 114A. The pressure transducer 146 can monitor fluctuations in pressure of the chamber 114A, and this information can be used to determine the user's heartrate and/or respiration rate. As another example, additional processing can be performed using the collected data to determine a sleep state of the user (e.g., awake, light sleep, deep sleep). For example, the processor 136 can determine when the user falls asleep and, while asleep, determine the various sleep states (e.g., sleep stages) of the user. Based on the determined heartrate, respiration rate, and/or sleep states of the user, the processor 136 can determine information about the user's sleep quality. The processor 136 can, for example, determine how well the user slept during a particular sleep cycle. The processor 136 can also determine user sleep cycle trends. Accordingly, the processor 136 can generate recommendations to improve the user's sleep quality and overall sleep cycle. Information that is determined about the user's sleep cycle (e.g., heartrate, respiration rate, sleep states, sleep quality, recommendations to improve sleep quality, etc.) can be transmitted to the user's mobile device and presented in a mobile application, as described above.

Additional information associated with the user of the air bed system 100 that can be determined using information collected by the pressure transducer 146 includes user motion, presence on a surface of the bed 112, weight, heart arrhythmia, snoring, partner snore, and apnea. One or more other health conditions of the user can also be determined based on the information collected by the pressure transducer 146. Taking user presence detection for example, the pressure transducer 146 can be used to detect the user's presence on the bed 112, e.g., via a gross pressure change determination and/or via one or more of a respiration rate signal, heartrate signal, and/or other biometric signals. Detection of the user's presence can be beneficial to determine, by the processor 136, adjustment(s) to make to settings of the bed 112 (e.g., adjusting a firmness when the user is present to a user-preferred firmness setting) and/or peripheral devices (e.g., turning off lights when the user is present, activating a heating or cooling system, etc.).

For example, a simple pressure detection process can identify an increase in pressure as an indication that the user is present. As another example, the processor 136 can determine that the user is present if the detected pressure increases above a specified threshold (so as to indicate that a person or other object above a certain weight is positioned on the bed 112). As yet another example, the processor 136 can identify an increase in pressure in combination with detected slight, rhythmic fluctuations in pressure as corresponding to the user being present. The presence of rhythmic fluctuations can be identified as being caused by respiration or heart rhythm (or both) of the user. The detection of respiration or a heartbeat can distinguish between the user being present on the bed and another object (e.g., a suitcase, a pet, a pillow, etc.) being placed thereon.

In some implementations, pressure fluctuations can be measured at the pump 120. For example, one or more pressure sensors can be located within one or more internal cavities of the pump 120 to detect pressure fluctuations within the pump 120. The fluctuations detected at the pump 120 can indicate pressure fluctuations in the chambers 114A and/or 114B. One or more sensors located at the pump 120 can be in fluid communication with the chambers 114A and/or 114B, and the sensors can be operative to determine pressure within the chambers 114A and/or 114B. The control box 124 can be configured to determine at least one vital sign (e.g., heartrate, respiratory rate) based on the pressure within the chamber 114A or the chamber 114B.

The control box 124 can also analyze a pressure signal detected by one or more pressure sensors to determine a heartrate, respiration rate, and/or other vital signs of the user lying or sitting on the chamber 114A and/or 114B. More specifically, when a user lies on the bed 112 and is positioned over the chamber 114A, each of the user's heart beats, breaths, and other movements (e.g., hand, arm, leg, foot, or other gross body movements) can create a force on the bed 112 that is transmitted to the chamber 114A. As a result of this force input, a wave can propagate through the chamber 114A and into the pump 120. A pressure sensor located at the pump 120 can detect the wave, and thus the pressure signal outputted by the sensor can indicate a heartrate, respiratory rate, or other information regarding the user.

With regard to sleep state, the air bed system 100 can determine the user's sleep state by using various biometric signals such as heartrate, respiration, and/or movement of the user. While the user is sleeping, the processor 136 can receive one or more of the user's biometric signals (e.g., heartrate, respiration, motion, etc.) and can determine the user's present sleep state based on the received biometric signals. In some implementations, signals indicating fluctuations in pressure in one or both of the chambers 114A and 114B can be amplified and/or filtered to allow for more precise detection of heartrate and respiratory rate.

Sometimes, the processor 136 can receive additional biometric signals of the user from one or more other sensors or sensor arrays positioned on or otherwise integrated into the air bed system 100. For example, one or more sensors can be attached or removably attached to a top surface of the air bed system 100 and configured to detect signals such as heartrate, respiration rate, and/or motion. The processor 136 can combine biometric signals received from pressure sensors located at the pump 120, the pressure transducer 146, and/or the sensors positioned throughout the air bed system 100 to generate accurate and more precise information about the user and their sleep quality.

Sometimes, the control box 124 can perform a pattern recognition algorithm or other calculation based on the amplified and filtered pressure signal(s) to determine the user's heartrate and/or respiratory rate. For example, the algorithm or calculation can be based on assumptions that a heartrate portion of the signal has a frequency in a range of 0.5-4.0 Hz and that a respiration rate portion of the signal has a frequency in a range of less than 1 Hz. Sometimes, the control box 124 can use one or more machine learning models to determine the user's health information. The models can be trained using training data that includes training pressure signals and expected heartrates and/or respiratory rates. Sometimes, the control box 124 can determine user health information by using a lookup table that corresponds to sensed pressure signals.

The control box 124 can also be configured to determine other characteristics of the user based on the received pressure signal, such as blood pressure, tossing and turning movements, rolling movements, limb movements, weight, presence or lack of presence of the user, and/or the identity of the user.

For example, the pressure transducer 146 can be used to monitor the air pressure in the chambers 114A and 114B of the bed 112. If the user on the bed 112 is not moving, the air pressure changes in the air chamber 114A or 114B can be relatively minimal, and can be attributable to respiration and/or heartbeat. When the user on the bed 112 is moving, however, the air pressure in the mattress can fluctuate by a much larger amount. The pressure signals generated by the pressure transducer 146 and received by the processor 136 can be filtered and indicated as corresponding to motion, heartbeat, or respiration. The processor 136 can attribute such fluctuations in air pressure to the user's sleep quality. Such attributions can be determined based on applying one or more machine learning models and/or algorithms to the pressure signals. For example, if the user shifts and turns frequently during a sleep cycle (for example, in comparison to historic trends of the user's sleep cycles), the processor 136 can determine that the user experienced poor sleep during that particular sleep cycle.

In some implementations, rather than performing the data analysis in the control box 124 with the processor 136, a digital signal processor (DSP) can be provided to analyze the data collected by the pressure transducer 146. Alternatively, the collected data can be sent to a cloud-based computing system for remote analysis.

In some implementations, the example air bed system 100 further includes a temperature controller configured to increase, decrease, or maintain a temperature of the bed 112, for the comfort of the user. For example, a pad (e.g., mat, layer, etc.) can be placed on top of or be part of the bed 112, or can be placed on top of or be part of one or both of the chambers 114A and 114B. Air can be pushed through the pad and vented to cool off the user on the bed 112. Additionally or alternatively, the pad can include a heating element used to keep the user warm. In some implementations, the temperature controller can receive temperature readings from the pad. The temperature controller can determine whether the temperature readings are less than or greater than some threshold range and/or value. Based on this determination, the temperature controller can actuate components to push air through the pad to cool off the user or activate the heating element. In some implementations, separate pads are used for different sides of the bed 112 (e.g., corresponding to the locations of the chambers 114A and 114B) to provide for differing temperature control for the different sides of the bed 112. Each pad can be selectively controlled by the temperature controller to provide cooling or heating preferred by each user on the different sides of the bed 112. For example, a first user on a left side of the bed 112 can prefer to have their side of the bed 112 cooled during the night while a second user on a right side of the bed 112 can prefer to have their side of the bed 112 warmed during the night. As the pad or bed 112 is heated, the air passing the sensor 108 is heated. The sensor 108 senses the rise in temperature.

In some implementations, the user of the air bed system 100 can use an input device, such as the remote control 122 or a mobile device as described above, to input a desired temperature for a surface of the bed 112 (or for a portion of the surface of the bed 112, for example at a foot region, a lumbar or waist region, a shoulder region, and/or a head region of the bed 112). The desired temperature can be encapsulated in a command data structure that includes the desired temperature and also identifies the temperature controller as the desired component to be controlled. The command data structure can then be transmitted via Bluetooth or another suitable communication protocol (e.g., WIFI, a local network, etc.) to the processor 136. In various examples, the command data structure is encrypted before being transmitted. The temperature controller can then configure its elements to increase or decrease the temperature of the pad depending on the temperature input provided at the remote control 122 by the user.

In some implementations, data can be transmitted from a component back to the processor 136 or to one or more display devices, such as the display 126 of the remote controller 122. For example, the current temperature as determined by a sensor element of a temperature controller, the pressure of the bed, the current position of the foundation or other information can be transmitted to control box 124. The control box 124 can transmit this information to the remote control 122 to be displayed to the user (e.g., on the display 126). As described above, the control box 124 can also transmit the received information to a mobile device to be displayed in a mobile application or other graphical user interface (GUI) to the user.

In some implementations, the example air bed system 100 further includes an adjustable foundation and an articulation controller configured to adjust the position of the bed 112 by adjusting the adjustable foundation supporting the bed. For example, the articulation controller can adjust the bed 112 from a flat position to a position in which a head portion of a mattress of the bed is inclined upward (e.g., to facilitate a user sitting up in bed and/or watching television). The bed 112 can also include multiple separately articulable sections. As an illustrative example, the bed 112 can include one or more of a head portion, a lumbar/waist portion, a leg portion, and/or a foot portion, all of which can be separately articulable. As another example, portions of the bed 112 corresponding to the locations of the chambers 114A and 114B can be articulated independently from each other, to allow one user positioned on the bed 112 surface to rest in a first position (e.g., a flat position or other desired position) while a second user rests in a second position (e.g., a reclining position with the head raised at an angle from the waist or other desired position). Separate positions can also be set for two different beds (e.g., two twin beds placed next to each other). The foundation of the bed 112 can include more than one zone that can be independently adjusted.

Sometimes, the bed 112 can be adjusted to one or more user-defined positions based on user input and/or user preferences. For example, the bed 112 can automatically adjust, by the articulation controller, to one or more user-defined settings. As another example, the user can control the articulation controller to adjust the bed 112 to one or more user-defined positions. Sometimes, the bed 112 can be adjusted to one or more positions that may provide the user with improved sleep and sleep quality. For example, a head portion on one side of the bed 112 can be automatically articulated, by the articulation controller, when one or more sensors of the air bed system 100 detect that a user sleeping on that side of the bed 112 is snoring. As a result, the user's snoring can be mitigated so that the snoring does not wake up another user sleeping in the bed 112.

In some implementations, the bed 112 can be adjusted using one or more devices in communication with the articulation controller or instead of the articulation controller. For example, the user can change positions of one or more portions of the bed 112 using the remote control 122 described above. The user can also adjust the bed 112 using a mobile application or other graphical user interface presented at a mobile computing device of the user.

The articulation controller can also provide different levels of massage to one or more portions of the bed 112 for one or more users. The user(s) can adjust one or more massage settings for the portions of the bed 112 using the remote control 122 and/or a mobile device in communication with the air bed system 100.

The example air bed system 100 further includes the controller 110 to detect the condition of the thermal sensor 108 and based on the condition of the thermal sensor 108, operate the climate-control system 102. As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 110 includes circuits 132 to detect the condition of the thermal sensor 108 and send signals to the control box 124 which sends command signals to operate the climate-control system 102 based on the condition of the thermal sensor 108.

As an illustrative example, in use, the processor 136 receives a signal from the controller 110 representing a value of the thermal condition of the thermal sensor 108. For example, the controller 110 receives the signal representing the value of the thermal condition from the thermal sensor 108; compares the value of the thermal condition to multiple threshold values; and based on the result of the comparison, transmits a signal to the processor 136 indicating that the thermal event has occurred in the bed 112. The processor 136 then transmits a command signal to the climate-control system 102 to stop operation of the fans 106.

When no thermal event has occurred, and based on the result of the comparison, the controller 110 transmits a signal to the processor 136 indicating that no thermal event has occurred in the bed 112. The processor 136 then transmits a command signal to the climate-control system 102 to enable operation of the fans 106 by the user, for example, by the remote control 122.The climate-control system 102, the thermal sensor 108, and the controller 110 are described in more detail in reference to FIGS. 19-23.

As shown in FIG. 19, the controller 110 is a separate module from the control box 124. The controller 110 is positioned spaced apart from the control box 124 and can be added to existing air bed systems 100. However, in some implementations, the control box 124 includes the controller 110 to detect the condition of the thermal sensor 108. In other words, the controller 110 is inside the control box 124. In yet another implementation, the fans 106 each include separate controllers 110 which individually detect the condition of the thermal sensors 108. Still in other implementations, the controller 110 is included in the remote control 122 or the user device 310 (described in more detail in reference to FIG. 3).

Example of a Bed in a Bedroom Environment

FIG. 3 shows an example environment 300 including a bed 302 in communication with devices located in and around a home. In the example shown, the bed 302 includes a pump 304 for controlling air pressure within two air chambers 306a and 306b (as described above). The pump 304 additionally includes circuitry 334 for controlling inflation and deflation functionality performed by the pump 304. The circuitry 334 is programmed to detect fluctuations in air pressure of the air chambers 306a-b and use the detected fluctuations to identify bed presence of a user 308, the user's sleep state, movement, and biometric signals (e.g., heartrate, respiration rate). The detected fluctuations can also be used to detect when the user 308 is snoring and whether the user 308 has sleep apnea or other health conditions. The detected fluctuations can also be used to determine an overall sleep quality of the user 308.

In the example shown, the pump 304 is located within a support structure of the bed 302 and the control circuitry 334 for controlling the pump 304 is integrated with the pump 304. In some implementations, the control circuitry 334 is physically separate from the pump 304 and is in wireless or wired communication with the pump 304. In some implementations, the pump 304 and/or control circuitry 334 are located outside of the bed 302. In some implementations, various control functions can be performed by systems located in different physical locations. For example, circuitry for controlling actions of the pump 304 can be located within a pump casing of the pump 304 while control circuitry 334 for performing other functions associated with the bed 302 can be located in another portion of the bed 302, or external to the bed 302. The control circuitry 334 located within the pump 304 can also communicate with control circuitry 334 at a remote location through a LAN or WAN (e.g., the internet). The control circuitry 334 can also be included in the control box 124 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

In some implementations, one or more devices other than, or in addition to, the pump 304 and control circuitry 334 can be utilized to identify user bed presence, sleep state, movement, biometric signals, and other information (e.g., sleep quality, health related) about the user 308. For example, the bed 302 can include a second pump, with each pump connected to a respective one of the air chambers 306a-b. For example, the pump 304 can be in fluid communication with the air chamber 306b to control inflation and deflation of the air chamber 306b as well as detect user signals for a user located over the air chamber 306b. The second pump can be in fluid communication with the air chamber 306a and be used to control inflation and deflation of the air chamber 306a as well as detect user signals for a user located over the air chamber 306a.

As another example, the bed 302 can include one or more pressure sensitive pads or surface portions operable to detect movement, including user presence, motion, respiration, and heartrate. A first pressure sensitive pad can be incorporated into a surface of the bed 302 over a left portion of the bed 302, where a first user would normally be located during sleep, and a second pressure sensitive pad can be incorporated into the surface of the bed 302 over a right portion of the bed 302, where a second user would normally be located. The movement detected by the pressure sensitive pad(s) or surface portion(s) can be used by control circuitry 334 to identify user sleep state, bed presence, or biometric signals for each user. The pressure sensitive pads can also be removable rather than incorporated into the surface of the bed 302.

The bed 302 can also include one or more temperature sensors and/or array of sensors operable to detect temperatures in microclimates of the bed 302. Detected temperatures in different microclimates of the bed 302 can be used by the control circuitry 334 to determine one or more modifications to the user 308′s sleep environment. For example, a temperature sensor located near a core region of the bed 302 where the user 308 rests can detect high temperature values. Such high temperature values can indicate that the user 308 is warm. To lower the user's body temperature in this microclimate, the control circuitry 334 can determine that a cooling element of the bed 302 can be activated. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can determine that a cooling unit in the home can be automatically activated to cool an ambient temperature in the environment 300.

The control circuitry 334 can also process a combination of signals sensed by different sensors that are integrated into, positioned on, or otherwise in communication with the bed 112. For example, pressure and temperature signals can be processed by the control circuitry 334 to more accurately determine one or more health conditions of the user 308 and/or the sleep quality of the user 308. Acoustic signals detected by one or more microphones or other audio sensors can also be used in combination with pressure or motion sensors in order to determine when the user 308 snores, whether the user 308 has sleep apnea, and/or overall sleep quality of the user 308. Combinations of one or more other sensed signals are also possible for the control circuitry 334 to more accurately determine one or more health and/or sleep conditions of the user 308.

Accordingly, information detected by one or more sensors or other components of the bed 112 (e.g., motion information) can be processed by the control circuitry 334 and provided to one or more user devices, such as a user device 310 for presentation to the user 308 or to other users. The information can be presented in a mobile application or other graphical user interface at the user device 310. The user 308 can view different information that is processed and/or determined by the control circuitry 334 and based on the signals that are detected by components of the bed 302. For example, the user 308 can view their overall sleep quality for a particular sleep cycle (e.g., the previous night), historic trends of their sleep quality, and health information. The user 308 can also adjust one or more settings of the bed 302 (e.g., increase or decrease pressure in one or more regions of the bed 302, incline or decline different regions of the bed 302, turn on or off massage features of the bed 302, etc.) using the mobile application that is presented at the user device 310.

In the example depicted in FIG. 3, the user device 310 is a mobile phone; however, the user device 310 can also be any one of a tablet, personal computer, laptop, a smartphone, a smart television (e.g., a television 312), a home automation device, or other user device capable of wired or wireless communication with the control circuitry 334, one or more other components of the bed 302, and/or one or more devices in the environment 300. The user device 310 can be in communication with the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 through a network or through direct point-to-point communication. For example, the control circuitry 334 can be connected to a LAN (e.g., through a WIFI router) and communicate with the user device 310 through the LAN. As another example, the control circuitry 334 and the user device 310 can both connect to the Internet and communicate through the Internet. For example, the control circuitry 334 can connect to the Internet through a WIFI router and the user device 310 can connect to the Internet through communication with a cellular communication system. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can communicate directly with the user device 310 through a wireless communication protocol, such as Bluetooth. As yet another example, the control circuitry 334 can communicate with the user device 310 through a wireless communication protocol, such as ZigBee, Z-Wave, infrared, or another wireless communication protocol suitable for the application. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can communicate with the user device 310 through a wired connection such as, for example, a USB connector, serial/RS232, or another wired connection suitable for the application.

As mentioned above, the user device 310 can display a variety of information and statistics related to sleep, or user 308's interaction with the bed 302. For example, a user interface displayed by the user device 310 can present information including amount of sleep for the user 308 over a period of time (e.g., a single evening, a week, a month, etc.), amount of deep sleep, ratio of deep sleep to restless sleep, time lapse between the user 308 getting into bed and falling asleep, total amount of time spent in the bed 302 for a given period of time, heartrate over a period of time, respiration rate over a period of time, or other information related to user interaction with the bed 302 by the user 308 or one or more other users. In some implementations, information for multiple users can be presented on the user device 310, for example information for a first user positioned over the air chamber 306a can be presented along with information for a second user positioned over the air chamber 306b. In some implementations, the information presented on the user device 310 can vary according to the age of the user 308 so that the information presented evolves with the age of the user 308.

The user device 310 can also be used as an interface for the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 to allow the user 308 to enter information and/or adjust one or more settings of the bed 302. The information entered by the user 308 can be used by the control circuitry 334 to provide improved feedback to the user 308 or to various control signals for controlling functions of the bed 302 or other devices. For example, the user 308 can enter information such as weight, height, and age of the user 308. The control circuitry 334 can use this information to provide the user 308 with a comparison of the user 308's tracked sleep information to sleep information of other people having similar weights, heights, and/or ages as the user 308. The control circuitry 334 can also use this information to accurately determine overall sleep quality and/or health of the user 308 based on information detected by components (e.g., sensors) of the bed 302.

The user 308 may also use the user device 310 as an interface for controlling air pressure of the air chambers 306a and 306b, various recline or incline positions of the bed 302, temperature of one or more surface temperature control devices of the bed 302, or for allowing the control circuitry 334 to generate control signals for other devices (as described below).

The control circuitry 334 may also communicate with other devices or systems, including but not limited to the television 312, a lighting system 314, a thermostat 316, a security system 318, home automation devices, and/or other household devices (e.g., an oven 322, a coffee maker 324, a lamp 326, a nightlight 328). Other examples of devices and/or systems include a system for controlling window blinds 330, devices for detecting or controlling states of one or more doors 332 (such as detecting if a door is open, detecting if a door is locked, or automatically locking a door), and a system for controlling a garage door 320 (e.g., control circuitry 334 integrated with a garage door opener for identifying an open or closed state of the garage door 320 and for causing the garage door opener to open or close the garage door 320). Communications between the control circuitry 334 and other devices can occur through a network (e.g., a LAN or the Internet) or as point-to-point communication (e.g., Bluetooth, radio communication, or a wired connection). Control circuitry 334 of different beds 302 can also communicate with different sets of devices. For example, a kid's bed may not communicate with and/or control the same devices as an adult bed. In some embodiments, the bed 302 can evolve with the age of the user such that the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 communicates with different devices as a function of age of the user of that bed 302.

The control circuitry 334 can receive information and inputs from other devices/systems and use the received information and inputs to control actions of the bed 302 and/or other devices. For example, the control circuitry 334 can receive information from the thermostat 316 indicating a current environmental temperature for a house or room in which the bed 302 is located. The control circuitry 334 can use the received information (along with other information, such as signals detected from one or more sensors of the bed 302) to determine if a temperature of all or a portion of the surface of the bed 302 should be raised or lowered. The control circuitry 334 can then cause a heating or cooling mechanism of the bed 302 to raise or lower the temperature of the surface of the bed 302. The control circuitry 334 can also cause a heating or cooling unit of the house or room in which the bed 302 is located to raise or lower the ambient temperature surrounding the bed 302. Thus, by adjusting the temperature of the bed 302 and/or the room in which the bed 302 is located, the user 308 can experience more improved sleep quality and comfort.

As an example, the user 308 can indicate a desired sleeping temperature of 74 degrees while a second user of the bed 302 indicates a desired sleeping temperature of 72 degrees. The thermostat 316 can transmit signals indicating room temperature at predetermined times to the control circuitry 334. The thermostat 316 can also send a continuous stream of detected temperature values of the room to the control circuitry 334. The transmitted signal(s) can indicate to the control circuitry 334 that the current temperature of the bedroom is 72 degrees. The control circuitry 334 can identify that the user 308 has indicated a desired sleeping temperature of 74 degrees, and can accordingly send control signals to a heating pad located on the user 308's side of the bed to raise the temperature of the portion of the surface of the bed 302 where the user 308 is located until the user 308's desired temperature is achieved. Moreover, the control circuitry 334 can sent control signals to the thermostat 316 and/or a heating unit in the house to raise the temperature in the room in which the bed 302 is located.

The control circuitry 334 can generate control signals to control other devices and propagate the control signals to the other devices. The control signals can be generated based on information collected by the control circuitry 334, including information related to user interaction with the bed 302 by the user 308 and/or one or more other users. Information collected from other devices other than the bed 302 can also be used when generating the control signals. For example, information relating to environmental occurrences (e.g., environmental temperature, environmental noise level, and environmental light level), time of day, time of year, day of the week, or other information can be used when generating control signals for various devices in communication with the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302.

For example, information on the time of day can be combined with information relating to movement and bed presence of the user 308 to generate control signals for the lighting system 314. The control circuitry 334 can, based on detected pressure signals of the user 308 on the bed 302, determine when the user 308 is presently in the bed 302 and when the user 308 falls asleep. Once the control circuitry 334 determines that the user has fallen asleep, the control circuitry 334 can transmit control signals to the lighting system 314 to turn off lights in the room in which the bed 302 is located, to lower the window blinds 330 in the room, and/or to activate the nightlight 328. Moreover, the control circuitry 334 can receive input from the user 308 (e.g., via the user device 310) that indicates a time at which the user 308 would like to wake up. When that time approaches, the control circuitry 334 can transmit control signals to one or more devices in the environment 300 to control devices that may cause the user 308 to wake up. For example, the control signals can be sent to a home automation device that controls multiple devices in the home. The home automation device can be instructed, by the control circuitry 334, to raise the window blinds 330, turn off the nightlight 328, turn on lighting beneath the bed 302, start the coffee maker 324, change a temperature in the house via the thermostat 316, or perform some other home automation. The home automation device can also be instructed to activate an alarm that can cause the user 308 to wake up. Sometimes, the user 308 can input information at the user device 310 that indicates what actions can be taken by the home automation device or other devices in the environment 300.

In some implementations, rather than or in addition to providing control signals for other devices, the control circuitry 334 can provide collected information (e.g., information related to user movement, bed presence, sleep state, or biometric signals) to one or more other devices to allow the one or more other devices to utilize the collected information when generating control signals. For example, the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 can provide information relating to user interactions with the bed 302 by the user 308 to a central controller (such as control box 124 described previously) that can use the provided information to generate control signals for various devices, including the bed 302.

The central controller can, for example, be a hub device that provides a variety of information about the user 308 and control information associated with the bed 302 and other devices in the house. The central controller can include sensors that detect signals that can be used by the control circuitry 334 and/or the central controller to determine information about the user 308 (e.g., biometric or other health data, sleep quality). The sensors can detect signals including such as ambient light, temperature, humidity, volatile organic compound(s), pulse, motion, and audio. These signals can be combined with signals detected by sensors of the bed 302 to determine accurate information about the user 308's health and sleep quality. The central controller can provide controls (e.g., user-defined, presets, automated, user initiated) for the bed 302, determining and viewing sleep quality and health information, a smart alarm clock, a speaker or other home automation device, a smart picture frame, a nightlight, and one or more mobile applications that the user 308 can install and use at the central controller. The central controller can include a display screen that outputs information and receives user input. The display can output information such as the user 308's health, sleep quality, weather, security integration features, lighting integration features, heating and cooling integration features, and other controls to automate devices in the house. The central controller can operate to provide the user 308 with functionality and control of multiple different types of devices in the house as well as the user 308's bed 302.

As an illustrative example of FIG. 3, the control circuitry 334 integrated with the pump 304 can detect a feature of a mattress of the bed 302, such as an increase in pressure in the air chamber 306b, and use this detected increase to determine that the user 308 is present on the bed 302. The control circuitry 334 may also identify a heartrate or respiratory rate for the user 308 to identify that the increased pressure is due to a person sitting, laying, or resting on the bed 302, rather than an inanimate object (e.g., a suitcase) having been placed on the bed 302. In some implementations, the information indicating user bed presence can be combined with other information to identify a current or future likely state for the user 308. For example, a detected user bed presence at 11:00 am can indicate that the user is sitting on the bed (e.g., to tie her shoes, or to read a book) and does not intend to go to sleep, while a detected user bed presence at 10:00 pm can indicate that the user 308 is in bed for the evening and is intending to fall asleep soon. As another example, if the control circuitry 334 detects that the user 308 has left the bed 302 at 6:30 am (e.g., indicating that the user 308 has woken up for the day), and then later detects presence of the user 308 at 7:30 am on the bed 302, the control circuitry 334 can use this information that the newly detected presence is likely temporary (e.g., while the user 308 ties her shoes before heading to work) rather than an indication that the user 308 is intending to stay on the bed 302 for an extended period of time.

If the control circuitry 334 determines that the user 308 is likely to remain on the bed 302 for an extended period of time, the control circuitry 334 can determine one or more home automation controls that can aid the user 308 in falling asleep and experience improved sleep quality throughout the user 308's sleep cycle. For example, the control circuitry 334 can communicate with security system 318 to ensure that doors are locked. The control circuitry 334 can communicate with the oven 322 to ensure that the oven 322 is turned off. The control circuitry 334 can also communicate with the lighting system 314 to dim or otherwise turn off lights in the room in which the bed 302 is located and/or throughout the house, and the control circuitry 334 can communicate with the thermostat 316 to ensure that the house is at a desired temperature of the user 308. The control circuitry 334 can also determine one or more adjustments that can be made to the bed 302 to facilitate the user 308 falling asleep and staying asleep (e.g., changing a position of one or more regions of the bed 302, foot warming, massage features, pressure/firmness in one or more regions of the bed 302, etc.).

In some implementations, the control circuitry 334 may use collected information (including information related to user interaction with the bed 302 by the user 308, environmental information, time information, and user input) to identify use patterns for the user 308. For example, the control circuitry 334 can use information indicating bed presence and sleep states for the user 308 collected over a period of time to identify a sleep pattern for the user. The control circuitry 334 can identify that the user 308 generally goes to bed between 9:30 pm and 10:00 pm, generally falls asleep between 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm, and generally wakes up between 6:30 am and 6:45 am, based on information indicating user presence and biometrics for the user 308 collected over a week or a different time period. The control circuitry 334 can use identified patterns of the user 308 to better process and identify user interactions with the bed 302.

Given the above example user of bed presence, sleep, and wake patterns for the user 308, if the user 308 is detected as being on the bed 302 at 3:00 pm, the control circuitry 334 can determine that the user 308's presence on the bed 302 is temporary, and use this determination to generate different control signals than if the control circuitry 334 determined the user 308 was in bed for the evening (e.g., at 3:00 pm, a head region of the bed 302 can be raised to facilitate reading or watching TV while in the bed 302, whereas in the evening, the bed 302 can be adjusted to a flat position to facilitate falling asleep). As another example, if the control circuitry 334 detects that the user 308 got out of bed at 3:00 am, the control circuitry 334 can use identified patterns for the user 308 to determine the user has gotten up temporarily (e.g., to use the bathroom, get a glass of water). The control circuitry 334 can turn on underbed lighting to assist the user 308 in carefully moving around the bed 302 and room. By contrast, if the control circuitry 334 identifies that the user 308 got out of the bed 302 at 6:40 am, the control circuitry 334 can determine the user 308 is up for the day and generate a different set of control signals (e.g., the control circuitry 334 can turn on lamp 326 near the bed 302 and/or raise the window blinds 330). For other users, getting out of the bed 302 at 3:00 am can be a normal wake-up time, which the control circuitry 334 can learn and respond to accordingly. Moreover, if the bed 302 is occupied by two users, the control circuitry 334 can learn and respond to the patterns of each of the users.

The bed 302 can also generate control signals based on communication with one or more devices. As an illustrative example, the control circuitry 334 can receive an indication from the television 312 that the television 312 is turned on. If the television 312 is located in a different room than the bed 302, the control circuitry 334 can generate a control signal to turn the television 312 off upon making a determination that the user 308 has gone to bed for the evening or otherwise is remaining in the room with the bed 302. If presence of the user 308 is detected on the bed 302 during a particular time range (e.g., between 8:00 pm and 7:00 am) and persists for longer than a threshold period of time (e.g., 10 minutes), the control circuitry 334 can determine the user 308 is in bed for the evening. If the television 312 is on, as described above, the control circuitry 334 can generate a control signal to turn the television 312 off. The control signals can be transmitted to the television (e.g., through a directed communication link or through a network, such as WIFI). As another example, rather than turning off the television 312 in response to detection of user bed presence, the control circuitry 334 can generate a control signal that causes the volume of the television 312 to be lowered by a pre-specified amount.

As another example, upon detecting that the user 308 has left the bed 302 during a specified time range (e.g., between 6:00 am and 8:00 am), the control circuitry 334 can generate control signals to cause the television 312 to turn on and tune to a pre-specified channel (e.g., the user 308 indicated a preference for watching morning news upon getting out of bed). The control circuitry 334 can accordingly generate and transmit the control signal to the television 312 (which can be stored at the control circuitry 334, the television 312, or another location). As another example, upon detecting that the user 308 has gotten up for the day, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the television 312 to turn on and begin playing a previously recorded program from a digital video recorder (DVR) in communication with the television 312.

As another example, if the television 312 is in the same room as the bed 302, the control circuitry 334 may not cause the television 312 to turn off in response to detection of user bed presence. Rather, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the television 312 to turn off in response to determining that the user 308 is asleep. For example, the control circuitry 334 can monitor biometric signals of the user 308 (e.g., motion, heartrate, respiration rate) to determine that the user 308 has fallen asleep. Upon detecting that the user 308 is sleeping, the control circuitry 334 generates and transmits a control signal to turn the television 312 off. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can generate the control signal to turn off the television 312 after a threshold period of time has passed since the user 308 has fallen asleep (e.g., 10 minutes after the user has fallen asleep). As another example, the control circuitry 334 generates control signals to lower the volume of the television 312 after determining that the user 308 is asleep. As yet another example, the control circuitry 334 generates and transmits a control signal to cause the television to gradually lower in volume over a period of time and then turn off in response to determining that the user 308 is asleep. Any of the control signals described above in reference to the television 312 can also be determined by the central controller previously described.

In some implementations, the control circuitry 334 can similarly interact with other media devices, such as computers, tablets, mobile phones, smart phones, wearable devices, stereo systems, etc. For example, upon detecting that the user 308 is asleep, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit a control signal to the user device 310 to cause the user device 310 to turn off or turn down the volume on a video or audio file being played by the user device 310.

The control circuitry 334 can additionally communicate with the lighting system 314, receive information from the lighting system 314, and generate control signals for controlling functions of the lighting system 314. For example, upon detecting user bed presence on the bed 302 during a certain time frame (e.g., between 8:00 pm and 7:00 am) that lasts for longer than a threshold period of time (e.g., 10 minutes), the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 can determine that the user 308 is in bed for the evening and generate control signals to cause lights in one or more rooms other than the room in which the bed 302 is located to switch off. The control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to turn off lights in all common rooms, but not in other bedrooms. As another example, the control signals can indicate that lights in all rooms other than the room in which the bed 302 is located are to be turned off, while one or more lights located outside of the house containing the bed 302 are to be turned on. The control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the nightlight 328 to turn on in response to determining user 308 bed presence or that the user 308 is asleep. The control circuitry 334 can also generate first control signals for turning off a first set of lights (e.g., lights in common rooms) in response to detecting user bed presence, and second control signals for turning off a second set of lights (e.g., lights in the room where the bed 302 is located) when detecting that the user 308 is asleep.

In some implementations, in response to determining that the user 308 is in bed for the evening, the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 can generate control signals to cause the lighting system 314 to implement a sunset lighting scheme in the room in which the bed 302 is located. A sunset lighting scheme can include, for example, dimming the lights (either gradually over time, or all at once) in combination with changing the color of the light in the bedroom environment, such as adding an amber hue to the lighting in the bedroom. The sunset lighting scheme can help to put the user 308 to sleep when the control circuitry 334 has determined that the user 308 is in bed for the evening. Sometimes, the control signals can cause the lighting system 314 to dim the lights or change color of the lighting in the bedroom environment, but not both.

The control circuitry 334 can also implement a sunrise lighting scheme when the user 308 wakes up in the morning. The control circuitry 334 can determine that the user 308 is awake for the day, for example, by detecting that the user 308 has gotten off the bed 302 (e.g., is no longer present on the bed 302) during a specified time frame (e.g., between 6:00 am and 8:00 am). The control circuitry 334 can also monitor movement, heartrate, respiratory rate, or other biometric signals of the user 308 to determine that the user 308 is awake or is waking up, even though the user 308 has not gotten out of bed. If the control circuitry 334 detects that the user is awake or waking up during a specified timeframe, the control circuitry 334 can determine that the user 308 is awake for the day. The specified timeframe can be, for example, based on previously recorded user bed presence information collected over a period of time (e.g., two weeks) that indicates that the user 308 usually wakes up for the day between 6:30 am and 7:30 am. In response to the control circuitry 334 determining that the user 308 is awake, the control circuitry 334 can generate control signals to cause the lighting system 314 to implement the sunrise lighting scheme in the bedroom in which the bed 302 is located. The sunrise lighting scheme can include, for example, turning on lights (e.g., the lamp 326, or other lights in the bedroom). The sunrise lighting scheme can further include gradually increasing the level of light in the room where the bed 302 is located (or in one or more other rooms). The sunrise lighting scheme can also include only turning on lights of specified colors. The sunrise lighting scheme can include lighting the bedroom with blue light to gently assist the user 308 in waking up and becoming active.

The control circuitry 334 may also generate different control signals for controlling actions of components depending on a time of day that user interactions with the bed 302 are detected. For example, the control circuitry 334 can use historical user interaction information to determine that the user 308 usually falls asleep between 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm and usually wakes up between 6:30 am and 7:30 am on weekdays. The control circuitry 334 can use this information to generate a first set of control signals for controlling the lighting system 314 if the user 308 is detected as getting out of bed at 3:00 am (e.g., turn on lights that guide the user 308 to a bathroom or kitchen) and to generate a second set of control signals for controlling the lighting system 314 if the user 308 is detected as getting out of bed after 6:30 am.

In some implementations, if the user 308 is detected as getting out of bed prior to a specified morning rise time for the user 308, the control circuitry 334 can cause the lighting system 314 to turn on lights that are dimmer than lights that are turned on by the lighting system 314 if the user 308 is detected as getting out of bed after the specified morning rise time. Causing the lighting system 314 to only turn on dim lights when the user 308 gets out of bed during the night (e.g., prior to normal rise time for the user 308) can prevent other occupants of the house from being woken up by the lights while still allowing the user 308 to see in order to reach their destination in the house.

The historical user interaction information for interactions between the user 308 and the bed 302 can be used to identify user sleep and awake timeframes. For example, user bed presence times and sleep times can be determined for a set period of time (e.g., two weeks, a month, etc.). The control circuitry 334 can identify a typical time range or timeframe in which the user 308 goes to bed, a typical timeframe for when the user 308 falls asleep, and a typical timeframe for when the user 308 wakes up (and in some cases, different timeframes for when the user 308 wakes up and when the user 308 actually gets out of bed). Buffer time may be added to these timeframes. For example, if the user is identified as typically going to bed between 10:00 pm and 10:30 pm, a buffer of a half hour in each direction can be added to the timeframe such that any detection of the user getting in bed between 9:30 pm and 11:00 pm is interpreted as the user 308 going to bed for the evening. As another example, detection of bed presence of the user 308 starting from a half hour before the earliest typical time that the user 308 goes to bed extending until the typical wake up time (e.g., 6:30 am) for the user 308 can be interpreted as the user 308 going to bed for the evening. For example, if the user 308 typically goes to bed between 10:00 pm and 10:30 pm, and the user 308's bed presence is sensed at 12:30 am one night, that can be interpreted as the user 308 getting into bed for the evening even though this is outside of the user 308's typical timeframe for going to bed because it has occurred prior to the user 308's normal wake up time. In some implementations, different timeframes are identified for different times of year (e.g., earlier bed time during winter vs. summer) or at different times of the week (e.g., user 308 wakes up earlier on weekdays than on weekends).

The control circuitry 334 can distinguish between the user 308 going to bed for an extended period (e.g., for the night) as opposed to being present on the bed 302 for a shorter period (e.g., for a nap) by sensing duration of presence of the user 308 (e.g., by detecting pressure and/or temperature signals of the user 308 on the bed 302 by sensors integrated into the bed 302). In some examples, the control circuitry 334 can distinguish between the user 308 going to bed for an extended period (e.g., for the night) versus going to bed for a shorter period (e.g., for a nap) by sensing duration of the user 308's sleep. The control circuitry 334 can set a time threshold whereby if the user 308 is sensed on the bed 302 for longer than the threshold, the user 308 is considered to have gone to bed for the night. In some examples, the threshold can be about 2 hours, whereby if the user 308 is sensed on the bed 302 for greater than 2 hours, the control circuitry 334 registers that as an extended sleep event. In other examples, the threshold can be greater than or less than two hours. The threshold can be determined based on historic trends indicating how long the user usually sleeps or otherwise stays on the bed 302.

The control circuitry 334 can detect repeated extended sleep events to automatically determine a typical bed time range of the user 308, without requiring the user 308 to enter a bed time range. This can allow the control circuitry 334 to accurately estimate when the user 308 is likely to go to bed for an extended sleep event, regardless of whether the user 308 typically goes to bed using a traditional sleep schedule or a non-traditional sleep schedule. The control circuitry 334 can then use knowledge of the bed time range of the user 308 to control one or more components (including components of the bed 302 and/or non-bed peripherals) based on sensing bed presence during the bed time range or outside of the bed time range.

The control circuitry 334 can automatically determine the bed time range of the user 308 without requiring user inputs. The control circuitry 334 may also determine the bed time range automatically and in combination with user inputs (e.g., using signals sensed by sensors of the bed 302 and/or the central controller). The control circuitry 334 can set the bed time range directly according to user inputs. The control circuity 334 can associate different bed times with different days of the week. In each of these examples, the control circuitry 334 can control components (e.g., the lighting system 314, thermostat 316, security system 318, oven 322, coffee maker 324, lamp 326, nightlight 328), as a function of sensed bed presence and the bed time range.

The control circuitry 334 can also determine control signals to be transmitted to the thermostat 316 based on user-inputted preferences and/or maintaining improved or preferred sleep quality of the user 308. For example, the control circuitry 334 can determine, based on historic sleep patterns and quality of the user 308 and by applying machine learning models, that the user 308 experiences their best sleep when the bedroom is at 74 degrees. The control circuitry 334 can receive temperature signals from devices and/or sensors in the bedroom indicating a bedroom temperature. When the temperature is below 74 degrees, the control circuitry 334 can determine control signals that cause the thermostat 316 to activate a heating unit to raise the temperature to 74 degrees in the bedroom. When the temperature is above 74 degrees, the control circuitry 334 can determine control signals that cause the thermostat 316 to activate a cooling unit to lower the temperature back to 74 degrees. Sometimes, the control circuitry 334 can determine control signals that cause the thermostat 316 to maintain the bedroom within a temperature range intended to keep the user 308 in particular sleep states and/or transition the user 308 to next preferred sleep states.

Similarly, the control circuitry 334 can generate control signals to cause heating or cooling elements on the surface of the bed 302 to change temperature at various times, either in response to user interaction with the bed 302, at various pre-programmed times, based on user preference, and/or in response to detecting microclimate temperatures of the user 308 on the bed 302. For example, the control circuitry 334 can activate a heating element to raise the temperature of one side of the surface of the bed 302 to 73 degrees when it is detected that the user 308 has fallen asleep. As another example, upon determining that the user 308 is up for the day, the control circuitry 334 can turn off a heating or cooling element. The user 308 can pre-program various times at which the temperature at the bed surface should be raised or lowered. As another example, temperature sensors on the bed surface can detect microclimates of the user 308. When a detected microclimate drops below a predetermined threshold temperature, the control circuitry 334 can activate a heating element to raise the user 308's body temperature, thereby improving the user 308's comfortability, maintaining their sleep cycle, transitioning the user 308 to a next preferred sleep state, and/or maintaining or improving the user 308's sleep quality.

In response to detecting user bed presence and/or that the user 308 is asleep, the control circuitry 334 can also cause the thermostat 316 to change the temperature in different rooms to different values. Other control signals are also possible, and can be based on user preference and user input. Moreover, the control circuitry 334 can receive temperature information from the thermostat 316 and use this information to control functions of the bed 302 or other devices (e.g., adjusting temperatures of heating elements of the bed 302, such as a foot warming pad). The control circuitry 334 may also generate and transmit control signals for controlling other temperature control systems, such as floor heating elements in the bedroom or other rooms.

The control circuitry 334 can communicate with the security system 318, receive information from the security system 318, and generate control signals for controlling functions of the security system 318. For example, in response to detecting that the user 308 in is bed for the evening, the control circuitry 334 can generate control signals to cause the security system 318 to engage or disengage security functions. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the security system 318 to disable in response to determining that the user 308 is awake for the day (e.g., user 308 is no longer present on the bed 302).

The control circuitry 334 can also receive alerts from the security system 318 and indicate the alert to the user 308. For example, the security system can detect a security breach (e.g., someone opened the door 332 without entering the security code, someone opened a window when the security system 318 is engaged) and communicate the security breach to the control circuitry 334. The control circuitry 334 can then generate control signals to alert the user 308, such as causing the bed 302 to vibrate, causing portions of the bed 302 to articulate (e.g., the head section to raise or lower), causing the lamp 326 to flash on and off at regular intervals, etc. The control circuitry 334 can also alert the user 308 of one bed 302 about a security breach in another bedroom, such as an open window in a child's bedroom. The control circuitry 334 can send an alert to a garage door controller (e.g., to close and lock the door). The control circuitry 334 can send an alert for the security to be disengaged. The control circuitry 334 can also set off a smart alarm or other alarm device/clock near the bed 302. The control circuitry 334 can transmit a push notification, text message, or other indication of the security breach to the user device 310. Also, the control circuitry 334 can transmit a notification of the security breach to the central controller, which can then determine one or more responses to the security breach.

The control circuitry 334 can additionally generate and transmit control signals for controlling the garage door 320 and receive information indicating a state of the garage door 320 (e.g., open or closed). The control circuitry 334 can also request information on a current state of the garage door 320. If the control circuitry 334 receives a response (e.g., from the garage door opener) that the garage door 320 is open, the control circuitry 334 can notify the user 308 that the garage door is open (e.g., by displaying a notification or other message at the user device 310, outputting a notification at the central controller), and/or generate a control signal to cause the garage door opener to close the door. The control circuitry 334 can also cause the bed 302 to vibrate, cause the lighting system 314 to flash lights in the bedroom, etc. Control signals can also vary depend on the age of the user 308. Similarly, the control circuitry 334 can send and receive communications for controlling or receiving state information associated with the door 332 or the oven 322.

In some implementations, different alerts can be generated for different events. For example, the control circuitry 334 can cause the lamp 326 (or other lights, via the lighting system 314) to flash in a first pattern if the security system 318 has detected a breach, flash in a second pattern if garage door 320 is open, flash in a third pattern if the door 332 is open, flash in a fourth pattern if the oven 322 is on, and flash in a fifth pattern if another bed has detected that a user 308 of that bed has gotten up (e.g., a child has gotten out of bed in the middle of the night as sensed by a sensor in the child's bed). Other examples of alerts include a smoke detector detecting smoke (and communicating this detection to the control circuitry 334), a carbon monoxide tester sensing carbon monoxide, a heater malfunctioning, or an alert from another device capable of communicating with the control circuitry 334 and detecting an occurrence to bring to the user 308's attention. In another example, when the controller 110 detects the condition of the thermal sensor 108 indicating a thermal event has occurred, the controller 110 and/or the control circuitry 334 can cause the lamp 326 to flash in a sixth pattern or send a signal to another device to generate an alert such as a visual, physical, or audible alert communicating the thermal event has occurred.

The control circuitry 334 can also communicate with a system or device for controlling a state of the window blinds 330. For example, in response to determining that the user 308 is up for the day or that the user 308 set an alarm to wake up at a particular time, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the window blinds 330 to open. By contrast, if the user 308 gets out of bed prior to a normal rise time for the user 308, the control circuitry 334 can determine that the user 308 is not awake for the day and may not generate control signals that cause the window blinds 330 to open. The control circuitry 334 can also generate and transmit control signals that cause a first set of blinds to close in response to detecting user bed presence and a second set of blinds to close in response to detecting that the user 308 is asleep.

As other examples, in response to determining that the user 308 is awake for the day, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to the coffee maker 324 to cause the coffee maker 324 to brew coffee. The control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to the oven 322 to cause the oven 322 to begin preheating. The control circuitry 334 can use information indicating that the user 308 is awake for the day along with information indicating that the time of year is currently winter and/or that the outside temperature is below a threshold value to generate and transmit control signals to cause a car engine block heater to turn on. The control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause devices to enter into a sleep mode in response to detecting user bed presence, or in response to detecting that the user 308 is asleep (e.g., causing a mobile phone of the user 308 to switch into sleep or night mode so that notifications are muted to not disturb the user 308's sleep). Later, upon determining that the user 308 is up for the day, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the mobile phone to switch out of sleep/night mode.

The control circuitry 334 can also communicate with one or more noise control devices. For example, upon determining that the user 308 is in bed for the evening, or that the user 308 is asleep (e.g., based on pressure signals received from the bed 302, and/or audio/decibel signals received from audio sensors positioned on or around the bed 302), the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause noise cancelation devices to activate. The noise cancelation devices can be part of the bed 302 or located in the bedroom. Upon determining that the user 308 is in bed for the evening or that the user 308 is asleep, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to turn the volume on, off, up, or down, for one or more sound generating devices, such as a stereo system radio, television, computer, tablet, mobile phone, etc.

Additionally, functions of the bed 302 can be controlled by the control circuitry 334 in response to user interactions. For example, the articulation controller can adjust the bed 302 from a flat position to a position in which a head portion of a mattress of the bed 302 is inclined upward (e.g., to facilitate a user sitting up in bed, reading, and/or watching television). Sometimes, the bed 302 includes multiple separately articulable sections. Portions of the bed corresponding to the locations of the air chambers 306a and 306b can be articulated independently from each other, to allow one person to rest in a first position (e.g., a flat position) while a second person rests in a second position (e.g., a reclining position with the head raised at an angle from the waist). Separate positions can be set for two different beds (e.g., two twin beds placed next to each other). The foundation of the bed 302 can include more than one zone that can be independently adjusted. The articulation controller can also provide different levels of massage to one or more users on the bed 302 or cause the bed to vibrate to communicate alerts to the user 308 as described above.

The control circuitry 334 can adjust positions (e.g., incline and decline positions for the user 308 and/or an additional user) in response to user interactions with the bed 302 (e.g., causing the articulation controller to adjust to a first recline position in response to sensing user bed presence). The control circuitry 334 can cause the articulation controller to adjust the bed 302 to a second recline position (e.g., a less reclined, or flat position) in response to determining that the user 308 is asleep. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can receive a communication from the television 312 indicating that the user 308 has turned off the television 312, and in response, the control circuitry 334 can cause the articulation controller to adjust the bed position to a preferred user sleeping position (e.g., due to the user turning off the television 312 while the user 308 is in bed indicating the user 308 wishes to go to sleep).

In some implementations, the control circuitry 334 can control the articulation controller to wake up one user without waking another user of the bed 302. For example, the user 308 and a second user can each set distinct wakeup times (e.g., 6:30 am and 7:15 am respectively). When the wakeup time for the user 308 is reached, the control circuitry 334 can cause the articulation controller to vibrate or change the position of only a side of the bed on which the user 308 is located. When the wakeup time for the second user is reached, the control circuitry 334 can cause the articulation controller to vibrate or change the position of only the side of the bed on which the second user is located. Alternatively, when the second wakeup time occurs, the control circuitry 334 can utilize other methods (such as audio alarms, or turning on the lights) to wake the second user since the first user 308 is already awake and therefore will not be disturbed when the control circuitry 334 attempts to wake the second user.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the control circuitry 334 for the bed 302 can utilize information for interactions with the bed 302 by multiple users to generate control signals for controlling functions of various other devices. For example, the control circuitry 334 can wait to generate control signals for devices until both the user 308 and a second user are detected in the bed 302. The control circuitry 334 can generate a first set of control signals to cause the lighting system 314 to turn off a first set of lights upon detecting bed presence of the user 308 and generate a second set of control signals for turning off a second set of lights in response to detecting bed presence of a second user. The control circuitry 334 can also wait until it has been determined that both users are awake for the day before generating control signals to open the window blinds 330. One or more other home automation control signals can be determined and generated by the control circuitry 334, the user device 310, and/or the central controller.

In some implementations, one or more devices in the environment 300 include a room smoke detector 336. The room smoke detector 336 detects smoke in the environment 300. Smoke in the environment 300 can indicate a thermal event in or on the mattress and/or in the environment. The room smoke detector 336 can transmit a signal to the central controller (processor 136 of the control box 124) indicating the occurrence of the thermal event. The processor 136 will then transmit the command signal to the climate-control system 102 to stop operation of the fans 106. The room smoke detector 336 can also transmit the signal indicating the occurrence of the thermal event to the security system 318.

Examples of Data Processing Systems Associated with a Bed

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

FIG. 4A is a block diagram of an example data processing system 400 that can be associated with a bed system, including those described above (e.g., see FIGS. 1-3). The system 400 includes a motherboard 402 and a daughterboard 404. The system 400 includes a sensor array 406 having one or more sensors configured to sense physical phenomenon of the environment and/or bed, and to report sensing back to the motherboard 402 (e.g., for analysis). In this implementation, the sensor array 406 can be the thermal sensor described herein. The sensor array 406 can also include one or more other different types of sensors, including, but not limited to, pressure, temperature, light, movement (e.g., motion), and audio. The system 400 also includes a controller array 408 that can include one or more controllers configured to control logic-controlled devices of the bed and/or environment (e.g., home automation devices, security systems, light systems, and other devices described in FIG. 3). The motherboard 402 can be in communication with computing devices 414 and cloud services 410 over local networks (e.g., Internet 412) or otherwise as is technically appropriate.

In FIG. 4A, the motherboard 402 and daughterboard 404 are communicably coupled. They can be conceptually described as a center or hub of the system 400, with the other components conceptually described as spokes of the system 400. This can mean that each spoke component communicates primarily or exclusively with the motherboard 402. For example, a sensor such as the thermal sensor 108 of the sensor array 406 may not be configured to, or may not be able to, communicate directly with a corresponding controller 110. Instead, the sensor can report a sensor reading to the motherboard 402, and the motherboard 402 can determine that, in response, a controller of the controller array 408 should adjust some parameters of a logic-controlled device or otherwise modify a state of one or more peripheral devices.

One advantage of a hub-and-spoke network configuration, or a star-shaped network, is a reduction in network traffic compared to, for example, a mesh network with dynamic routing. If a particular sensor generates a large, continuous stream of traffic, that traffic is transmitted over one spoke to the motherboard 402. The motherboard 402 can marshal and condense that data to a smaller data format for retransmission for storage in a cloud service 410. Additionally or alternatively, the motherboard 402 can generate a single, small, command message to be sent down a different spoke in response to the large stream. For example, if the large stream of data is a pressure reading transmitted from the sensor array 406 a few times a second, the motherboard 402 can respond with a single command message to the controller array 408 to increase the pressure in an air chamber of the bed. In this case, the single command message can be orders of magnitude smaller than the stream of pressure readings.

As another advantage, a hub-and-spoke network configuration can allow for an extensible network that accommodates components being added, removed, failing, etc. This can allow more, fewer, or different sensors in the sensor array 406, controllers in the controller array 408, computing devices 414, and/or cloud services 410. For example, if a particular sensor fails or is deprecated by a newer version, the system 400 can be configured such that only the motherboard 402 needs to be updated about the replacement sensor. This can allow product differentiation where the same motherboard 402 can support an entry level product with fewer sensors and controllers, a higher value product with more sensors and controllers, and customer personalization where a customer can add their own selected components to the system 400.

Additionally, a line of air bed products can use the system 400 with different components. In an application in which every air bed in the product line includes both a central logic unit and a pump, the motherboard 402 (and optionally the daughterboard 404) can be designed to fit within a single, universal housing. For each upgrade of the product in the product line, additional sensors, controllers, cloud services, etc., can be added. Design, manufacturing, and testing time can be reduced by designing all products in a product line from this base, compared to a product line in which each product has a bespoke logic control system.

Each of the components discussed above can be realized in a wide variety of technologies and configurations. Below, some examples of each component are discussed. Sometimes, two or more components of the system 400 can be realized in a single alternative component; some components can be realized in multiple, separate components; and/or some functionality can be provided by different components.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram showing communication paths of the system 400. As described, the motherboard 402 and daughterboard 404 may act as a hub of the system 400. When the daughterboard 404 communicates with cloud services 410 or other components, communications may be routed through the motherboard 402. This may allow the bed to have a single connection with the Internet 412. The computing device 414 may also have a connection to the Internet 412, possibly through the same gateway used by the bed and/or a different gateway (e.g., a cell service provider).

In FIG. 4B, cloud services 410d and 410e may be configured such that the motherboard 402 communicates with the cloud service directly (e.g., without having to use another cloud service 410 as an intermediary). Additionally or alternatively, some cloud services 410 (e.g., 410f) may only be reachable by the motherboard 402 through an intermediary cloud service (e.g., 410e). While not shown here, some cloud services 410 may be reachable either directly or indirectly by the pump motherboard 402.

Additionally, some or all of the cloud services 410 may communicate with other cloud services, including the transfer of data and/or remote function calls according to any technologically appropriate format. For example, one cloud service 410 may request a copy for another cloud service's 410 data (e.g., for purposes of backup, coordination, migration, calculations, data mining). Many cloud services 410 may also contain data that is indexed according to specific users tracked by the user account cloud 410c and/or the bed data cloud 410a. These cloud services 410 may communicate with the user account cloud 410c and/or the bed data cloud 410a when accessing data specific to a particular user or bed.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example motherboard 402 in a data processing system associated with a bed system (e.g., refer to FIGS. 1-3). In this example, compared to other examples described below, this motherboard 402 consists of relatively fewer parts and can be limited to provide a relatively limited feature set.

The motherboard 402 includes a power supply 500, a processor 502, and computer memory 512. In general, the power supply 500 includes hardware used to receive electrical power from an outside source and supply it to components of the motherboard 402. The power supply may include 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 motherboard 402.

The processor 502 is generally a device for receiving input, performing logical determinations, and providing output. The processor 502 can be a central processing unit, a microprocessor, general purpose logic circuity, application-specific integrated circuity, a combination of these, and/or other hardware.

The memory 512 is generally one or more devices for storing data, which may 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 motherboard 402 includes a controller 504 (such as control box 124) and a system 506, such as the climate-control system 102 with the fans 106. The controller 504 can receive commands from the processor 502 to control functioning of the system 506. For example, the controller 504 can receive a command to increase or decrease the speed of the fan 106 pressure of an air chamber by 15 revolutions per minute (RPM).

When the system 506 is a pump motor, the controller 504 can receive commands from the processor 502 to control functioning of the system 506. For example, the controller 504 can receive a command to increase pressure of an air chamber by 0.3 pounds per square inch (PSI). The controller 504, in response, engages a valve so that the pump motor 506 pumps air into the selected air chamber, and can engage the system 506 for a length of time that corresponds to 0.3 PSI or until a sensor indicates that pressure has been increased by 0.3 PSI. Sometimes, the message can specify that the chamber should be inflated to a target PSI, and the pump controller 504 can engage the system 506 until the target PSI is reached.

A valve solenoid 508 can control which air chamber a pump is connected to. In some cases, the solenoid 508 can be controlled by the processor 502 directly. In some cases, the solenoid 508 can be controlled by the pump controller 504.

A remote interface 510 of the motherboard 402 can allow the motherboard 402 to communicate with other components of a data processing system. For example, the motherboard 402 can be able to communicate with one or more daughterboards, with peripheral sensors, and/or with peripheral controllers through the remote interface 510. The remote interface 510 can provide any technologically appropriate communication interface, including, but not limited to, multiple communication interfaces such as WIFI, Bluetooth, and copper wired networks.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of another example motherboard 402. Compared to the motherboard 402 in FIG. 5, the motherboard 402 in FIG. 6 can contain more components and provide more functionality in some applications.

This motherboard 402 can further include a valve controller 600, a pressure sensor 602, a universal serial bus (USB) stack 604, a WiFi radio 606, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio 608, a ZigBee radio 610, a Bluetooth radio 612, and a computer memory 512.

The valve controller 600 can convert commands from the processor 502 into control signals for the valve solenoid 508. For example, the processor 502 can issue a command to the valve controller 600 to connect the pump to a particular air chamber out of a group of air chambers in an air bed. The valve controller 600 can control the position of the valve solenoid 508 so the pump is connected to the indicated air chamber.

The pressure sensor 602 can read pressure readings from one or more air chambers of the air bed. The pressure sensor 602 can also perform digital sensor conditioning. As described herein, multiple pressure sensors 602 can be included as part of the motherboard 402 or otherwise in communication with the motherboard 402.

The motherboard 402 can include a suite of network interfaces 604, 606, 608, 610, 612, etc., including but not limited to those shown in FIG. 6. These network interfaces can allow the motherboard to communicate over a wired or wireless network with any devices, including, but not limited to, peripheral sensors, peripheral controllers, computing devices, and devices and services connected to the Internet 412.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example daughterboard 404 used in a data processing system associated with a bed system described herein. One or more daughterboards 404 can be connected to the motherboard 402. Some daughterboards 404 can be designed to offload particular and/or compartmentalized tasks from the motherboard 402. This can be advantageous if the particular tasks are computationally intensive, proprietary, or subject to future revisions. For example, the daughterboard 404 can be used to calculate a particular sleep data metric. This metric can be computationally intensive, and calculating the metric on the daughterboard 404 can free up resources of the motherboard 402 while the metric is calculated. The sleep metric may be subject to future revisions. To update the system 400 with the new metric, it is possible that only the daughterboard 404 calculates the metric to be replaced. In this case, the same motherboard 402 and other components can be used, saving the need to perform unit testing of additional components instead of just the daughterboard 404.

The daughterboard 404 includes a power supply 700, a processor 702, computer readable memory 704, a pressure sensor 706, and a WiFi radio 708. The processor 702 can use the pressure sensor 706 to gather information about pressure of air bed chambers. The processor 702 can perform an algorithm to calculate a sleep metric (e.g., sleep quality, bed presence, whether the user fell asleep, a heartrate, a respiration rate, movement, etc.). Sometimes, the sleep metric can be calculated from only air chamber pressure. The sleep metric can also be calculated using signals from a variety of sensors (e.g., movement, pressure, temperature, and/or audio sensors). The processor 702 can receive that data from sensors that may be internal to the daughterboard 404, accessible via the WiFi radio 708, or otherwise in communication with the processor 702. Once the sleep metric is calculated, the processor 702 can report that sleep metric to, for example, the motherboard 402. The motherboard 402 can generate instructions for outputting the sleep metric to the user or using the sleep metric to determine other user information or controls to control the bed and/or peripheral devices.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an example motherboard 800 with no daughterboard used in a data processing system associated with a bed system. In this example, the motherboard 800 can perform most, all, or more of the features described with reference to the motherboard 402 in FIG. 6 and the daughterboard 404 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9A is a block diagram of an example sensory array 406 used in a data processing system associated with a bed system described herein. The sensor array 406 is a conceptual grouping of some or all peripheral sensors that communicate with the motherboard 402 but are not native to the motherboard 402. The peripheral sensors 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, and the thermal sensor 108 of the sensor array 406 communicate with the motherboard 402 through one or more network interfaces 604, 606, 608, 610, and 612 of the motherboard, as is appropriate for the configuration of the particular sensor. For example, a sensor that outputs a reading over a USB cable can communicate through the USB stack 604.

Some peripheral sensors of the sensor array 406 can be bed mounted sensors 900 (e.g., temperature sensor 906, light sensor 908, sound sensor 910, and the thermal sensor 108). The bed mounted sensors 900 can be embedded into a bed structure and sold with the bed, or later affixed to the structure (e.g., part of a pressure sensing pad that is removably installed on a top surface of the bed, part of a temperature sensing or heating pad that is removably installed on the top surface of the bed, integrated into the top surface, attached along connecting tubes between a pump and air chambers, within air chambers, attached to a headboard, attached to one or more regions of an adjustable foundation). One or more of the sensors 902 can be load cells or force sensors as described in FIG. 9A. Other sensors 902 and 904 may not be mounted to the bed and can include a pressure sensor 902 and/or peripheral sensor 904. For example, the sensors 902 and 904 can be integrated or otherwise part of a user mobile device (e.g., mobile phone, wearable device). The sensors 902 and 904 can also be part of a central controller for controlling the bed and peripheral devices. Sometimes, the sensors 902 and 904 can be part of one or more home automation devices or other peripheral devices.

Sometimes, some or all of the bed mounted sensors 900 and/or sensors 902 and 904 share networking hardware (e.g., a conduit that contains wires from each sensor, a multi-wire cable or plug that, when affixed to the motherboard 402, connect all the associated sensors with the motherboard 402). One, some, or all of the sensors 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, and the thermal sensor 108 can sense features of a mattress (e.g., pressure, temperature, light, sound, thermal events, and/or other features) and features external to the mattress. Sometimes, pressure sensor 902 can sense pressure of the mattress while some or all of the sensors 902, 904, 906, 908, and 910 sense features of the mattress and/or features external to the mattress.

FIG. 9B is a schematic top view of a bed 920 having a sensor strip 932 with sensors 934A-N used in a data processing system associated with the bed 920. The bed 920 includes a mattress 922 (e.g., refer to FIG. 1). The mattress 922 can have a foam tub 930 beneath a top of the mattress 922. The foam tub 930 can have air chamber 923A and/or 923B, similar to those described herein.

The sensor strip 932 can be attached across the mattress top 924 from one lateral side to an opposing lateral side (e.g., from left to right). The sensor strip 932 can be attached proximate to a head section of the mattress 922 to measure temperature and/or humidity values around a chest area of a user 936. The sensor strip 932 can also be placed at a center point (e.g., midpoint) of the mattress 922 such that the distances 938 and 940 are equal to each other. The sensor strip 932 can be placed at other locations to capture temperature and/or humidity values at the top of the mattress 922.

The sensors 934A-N can be any one or more of the temperature sensors 906 described in FIG. 9A. The sensor strip 932 can also include a carrier strip 933 having a first strip portion 933A and a second strip portion 933B. The carrier strip 933 can be releasably attached to the foam tub layer 920 and extend between the opposite lateral ends of the foam tub 920. The sensor strip 932 can have first sensors 934A-N and second sensors 934A-N. Each of the first and second sensors 934A-N can have five sensors each. For example, a sensor strip 932 for a king or queen size mattress can have a total of ten sensors. When the user 936 is positioned on top of the mattress 922 over the air chamber 923A, the first sensors 934A-N can measure temperature and/or humidity of the mattress top 924 above the air chamber 923A. Those values can be used to, for example, determine a conditioned airflow to supply to the air chamber 923A. Temperature and/or humidity values measured by the second sensors 934A-N can be used to, for example, determine a conditioned airflow to supply to the air chamber 923B. The bed system 920 can provide for custom airflow to different portions of the mattress 922 based on body temperatures of users and/or temperatures of different portions of the mattress top 924.

Sometimes, two separate sensor strips can be attached to the mattress 922 (e.g., a first sensor strip over the air chamber 923A and a second sensor strip, separate from the first sensor strip, over the air chamber 923B). The first and second sensor strips can be attached to a center of the mattress top 924 via fastening elements, such as adhesive. The sensor strip 932 can also be easily replaced with another sensor strip.

FIG. 9C is a schematic diagram of an example bed with force sensors 955 located at the bottom of legs 953 of the bed (e.g., in four, six, eight, or another number of legs). The force sensors 955 may also be located elsewhere on the bed with similar effect (e.g., between the legs 953 and platform 950). When a strain gauge is used as the force sensors 955, the force sensor(s) 955 can be positioned nearer centers of the legs 953. The force sensors 955 can be load cells.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example controller array 408 used in a data processing system associated with a bed system. The controller array 408 is a conceptual grouping of some or all peripheral controllers that communicate with the motherboard 402 but are not native to the motherboard 402. The peripheral controllers can communicate with the motherboard 402 through one or more of the network interfaces 604, 606, 608, 610, and 612 of the motherboard, as is appropriate for the configuration of the particular controller. Some of the controllers can be bed mounted controllers 1000, such as a temperature controller 1006, a light controller 1010, and a speaker controller 1010, as described in reference to bed-mounted sensors in FIG. 9A. Peripheral controllers 1002 and 1004 can be in communication with the motherboard 402, but optionally not mounted to the bed.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an example computing device 412 used in a data processing system associated with a bed system. The computing device 412 can include computing devices used by a user of a bed including, but not limited, to mobile computing devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablet computers, laptops, smart phones, wearable devices), desktop computers, home automation devices, and/or central controllers or other hub devices.

The computing device 412 includes a power supply 1100, a processor 1102, and computer readable memory 1104. User input and output can be transmitted by speakers 1106, a touchscreen 1108, or other not shown components (e.g., a pointing device or keyboard). The computing device 412 can run applications 1110 including, for example, applications to allow the user to interact with the system 400. These applications can allow a user to view information about the bed (e.g., sensor readings, sleep metrics), information about themselves (e.g., health conditions detected based on signals sensed at the bed), and/or configure the system 400 behavior (e.g., set desired firmness, set desired behavior for peripheral devices). The computing device 412 can be used in addition to, or to replace, the remote control 122 described above.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an example bed data cloud service 410a used in a data processing system associated with a bed system. Here, the bed data cloud service 410a is configured to collect sensor data and sleep data from a particular bed, and to match the data with one or more users that used the bed when the data was generated.

The bed data cloud service 410a includes a network interface 1200, a communication manager 1202, server hardware 1204, and server system software 1206. The bed data cloud service 410a is also shown with a user identification module 1208, a device management 1210 module, a sensor data module 1210, and an advanced sleep data module 1214. The network interface 1200 includes hardware and low level software to allow hardware devices (e.g., components of the service 410a) to communicate over networks (e.g., with each other, with other destinations over the Internet 412). The network interface 1200 can include network cards, routers, modems, and other hardware.

The communication manager 1202 generally includes hardware and software that operate above the network interface 1200 to initiate, maintain, and tear down network communications used by the service 410a (e.g., TCP/IP, SSL or TLS, Torrent, and other communication sessions over local or wide area networks). The communication manager 1202 can also provide load balancing and other services to other elements of the service 410a. The server hardware 1204 generally includes physical processing devices used to instantiate and maintain the service 410a. This hardware includes, but is not limited to, processors (e.g., central processing units, ASICs, graphical processers) and computer readable memory (e.g., random access memory, stable hard disks, tape backup). One or more servers can be configured into clusters, multi-computer, or datacenters that can be geographically separate or connected. The server system software 1206 generally includes software that runs on the server hardware 1204 to provide operating environments to applications and services (e.g., operating systems running on real servers, virtual machines instantiated on real servers to create many virtual servers, server level operations such as data migration, redundancy, and backup).

The user identification 1208 can include, or reference, data related to users of beds with associated data processing systems. The users may include customers, owners, or other users registered with the service 410a or another service. Each user can have a unique identifier, user credentials, contact information, billing information, demographic information, or any other technologically appropriate information.

The device manager 1210 can include, or reference, data related to beds or other products associated with data processing systems. The beds can include products sold or registered with a system associated with the service 410a. Each bed can have a unique identifier, model and/or serial number, sales information, geographic information, delivery information, a listing of associated sensors and control peripherals, etc. An index or indexes stored by the service 410a can identify users associated with beds. This index can record sales of a bed to a user, users that sleep in a bed, etc.

The sensor data 1212 can record raw or condensed sensor data recorded by beds with associated data processing systems. For example, a bed's data processing system can have temperature, pressure, motion, audio, and/or light sensors. Readings from these sensors, either in raw form or in a format generated from the raw data (e.g., sleep metrics), can be communicated by the bed's data processing system to the service 410a for storage in the sensor data 1212. An index or indexes stored by the service 410a can identify users and/or beds associated with the sensor data 1212.

The service 410a can use any of its available data (e.g., sensor data 1212) to generate advanced sleep data 1214. The advanced sleep data 1214 includes sleep metrics and other data generated from sensor readings (e.g., health information). Some of these calculations can be performed in the service 410a instead of locally on the bed's data processing system because the calculations can be computationally complex or require a large amount of memory space or processor power that may not be available on the bed's data processing system. This can help allow a bed system to operate with a relatively simple controller while being part of a system that performs relatively complex tasks and computations.

For example, the service 410a can retrieve one or more machine learning models from a remote data store and use those models to determine the advanced sleep data 1214. The service 410a can retrieve one or more models to determine overall sleep quality of the user based on currently detected sensor data 1212 and/or historic sensor data. The service 410a can retrieve other models to determine whether the user is snoring based on the detected sensor data 1212. The service 410a can retrieve other models to determine whether the user experiences a health condition based on the data 1212.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an example sleep data cloud service 410b used in a data processing system associated with a bed system. Here, the sleep data cloud service 410b is configured to record data related to users' sleep experience. The service 410b includes a network interface 1300, a communication manager 1302, server hardware 1304, and server system software 1306. The service 410b also includes a user identification module 1308, a pressure sensor manager 1310, a pressure based sleep data module 1312, a raw pressure sensor data module 1314, and a non-pressure sleep data module 1316. Sometimes, the service 410b can include a sensor manager for each sensor. The service 410b can also include a sensor manager that relates to multiple sensors in beds (e.g., a single sensor manager can relate to pressure, temperature, light, movement, and audio sensors in a bed).

The pressure sensor manager 1310 can include, or reference, data related to the configuration and operation of pressure sensors in beds. This data can include an identifier of the types of sensors in a particular bed, their settings and calibration data, etc. The pressure based sleep data 1312 can use raw pressure sensor data 1314 to calculate sleep metrics tied to pressure sensor data. For example, user presence, movements, weight change, heartrate, and breathing rate can be determined from raw pressure sensor data 1314. An index or indexes stored by the service 410b can identify users associated with pressure sensors, raw pressure sensor data, and/or pressure based sleep data. The non-pressure sleep data 1316 can use other sources of data to calculate sleep metrics. User-entered preferences, light sensor readings, and sound sensor readings can be used to track sleep data. User presence can also be determined from a combination of raw pressure sensor data 1314 and non-pressure sleep data 1316 (e.g., raw temperature data). Sometimes, bed presence can be determined using only the temperature data. Changes in temperature data can be monitored to determine bed presence or absence in a temporal interval (e.g., window of time) of a given duration. The temperature and/or pressure data can also be combined with other sensing modalities or motion sensors that reflect different forms of movement (e.g., load cells) to accurately detect user presence. For example, the temperature and/or pressure data can be provided as input to a bed presence classifier, which can determine user bed presence based on real-time or near real-time data collected at the bed. The classifier can be trained to differentiate the temperature data from the pressure data, identify peak values in the temperature and pressure data, and generate a bed presence indication based on correlating the peak values. The peak values can be within a threshold distance from each other to then generate an indication that the user is in the bed. An index or indexes stored by the service 410b can identify users associated with sensors and/or the data 1316.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an example user account cloud service 410c used in a data processing system associated with a bed system. Here, the service 410c is configured to record a list of users and to identify other data related to those users. The service 410c includes a network interface 1400, a communication manager 1402, server hardware 1404, and server system software 1406. The service 410c also includes a user identification module 1408, a purchase history module 1410, an engagement module 1412, and an application usage history module 1414.

The user identification module 1408 can include, or reference, data related to users of beds with associated data processing systems, as described above. The purchase history module 1410 can include, or reference, data related to purchases by users. The purchase data can include a sale's contact information, billing information, and salesperson information associated with the user's purchase of the bed system. An index or indexes stored by the service 410c can identify users associated with a bed purchase.

The engagement module 1412 can track user interactions with the manufacturer, vendor, and/or manager of the bed/cloud services. This data can include communications (e.g., emails, service calls), data from sales (e.g., sales receipts, configuration logs), and social network interactions. The data can also include servicing, maintenance, or replacements of components of the user's bed system. The usage history module 1414 can contain data about user interactions with applications and/or remote controls of the bed. A monitoring and configuration application can be distributed to run on, for example, computing devices 412 described herein. The application can log and report user interactions for storage in the application usage history module 1414. An index or indexes stored by the service 410c can also identify users associated with each log entry. User interactions stored in the module 1414 can optionally be used to determine or predict user preferences and/or settings for the user's bed and/or peripheral devices that can improve the user's overall sleep quality.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an example point of sale cloud service 1500 used in a data processing system associated with a bed system. Here, the service 1500 can record data related to users' purchases, specifically purchases of bed systems described herein. The service 1500 is shown with a network interface 1502, a communication manager 1504, server hardware 1506, and server system software 1508. The service 1500 also includes a user identification module 1510, a purchase history module 1512, and a bed setup module 1514.

The purchase history module 1512 can include, or reference, data related to purchases made by users identified in the module 1510, such as data of a sale, price, and location of sale, delivery address, and configuration options selected by the users at the time of sale. The configuration options can include selections made by the user about how they wish their newly purchased beds to be setup and can include expected sleep schedule and, a listing of peripheral sensors and controllers that they have or will install, etc.

The bed setup module 1514 can include, or reference, data related to installations of beds that users purchase. The bed setup data can include a date and address to which a bed is delivered, a person who accepts delivery, configuration that is applied to the bed upon delivery (e.g., firmness settings), name(s) of bed user(s), which side of the bed each user will use, etc. Data recorded in the service 1500 can be referenced by a user's bed system at later times to control functionality of the bed system and/or to send control signals to peripheral components. This can allow a salesperson to collect information from the user at the point of sale that later facilitates bed system automation. Sometimes, some or all aspects of the bed system can be automated with little or no user-entered data required after the point of sale. Sometimes, data recorded in the service 1500 can be used in connection with other, user-entered data.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an example environment cloud service 1600 used in a data processing system associated with a bed system. Here, the service 1600 is configured to record data related to users' home environment. The service 1600 includes a network interface 1602, a communication manager 1604, server hardware 1606, and server system software 1608. The service 1600 also includes a user identification module 1610, an environmental sensors module 1612, and an environmental factors module 1614. The environmental sensors module 1612 can include a listing and identification of sensors that users identified in the module 1610 to have installed in and/or surrounding their bed (e.g., light, noise/audio, vibration, thermostats, movement/motion sensors, and room smoke detector 336). The module 1612 can also store historical readings or reports from the environmental sensors. The module 1612 can be accessed at a later time and used by one or more cloud services described herein to determine sleep quality and/or health information of the users. The environmental factors module 1614 can include reports generated based on data in the module 1612. For example, the module 1614 can generate and retain a report indicating frequency and duration of instances of increased lighting when the user is asleep based on light sensor data that is stored in the environment sensors module 1612.

In the examples discussed here, each cloud service 410 is shown with some of the same components. These same components can be partially or wholly shared between services, or they can be separate. Sometimes, each service can have separate copies of some or all the components that are the same or different in some ways. These components are provided as illustrative examples. In other examples, each cloud service can have different numbers, types, and styles of components that are technically possible.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an example of using a data processing system associated with a bed to automate peripherals around the bed. Shown here is a behavior analysis module 1700 that runs on the motherboard 402. The behavior analysis module 1700 can be one or more software components stored on the computer memory 512 and executed by the processor 502. In general, the module 1700 can collect data from a variety of sources (e.g., sensors 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, thermal sensor 108, non-sensor local sources 1704, and/or cloud data services 410a and/or 410c) and use a behavioral algorithm 1702 (e.g., machine learning model(s)) to generate actions to be taken (e.g., commands to send to peripheral controllers, data to send to cloud services, such as the bed data cloud 410a and/or the user account cloud 410c). This can be useful, for example, in tracking user behavior and automating devices in communication with the user's bed.

The module 1700 can collect data from any technologically appropriate source (e.g., sensors of the sensor array 406) to gather data about features of a bed, the bed's environment, and/or the bed's users. The data can provide the module 1700 with information about a current state of the bed's environment. For example, the module 1700 can access readings from the pressure sensor 902 to determine air chamber pressure in the bed. From this reading, and potentially other data, user presence can be determined. In another example, the module 1700 can access the light sensor 908 to detect the amount of light in the environment. The module 1700 can also access the temperature sensor 906 to detect a temperature in the environment and/or microclimates in the bed. Using this data, the module 1700 can determine whether temperature adjustments should be made to the environment and/or components of the bed to improve the user's sleep quality and overall comfortability. Similarly, the module 1700 can access data from cloud services to make more accurate determinations of user sleep quality, health information, and/or control the bed and/or peripheral devices. For example, the behavior analysis module 1700 can access the bed cloud service 410a to access historical sensor data 1212 and/or advanced sleep data 1214. The module 1700 can also access a weather reporting service, a 3^rd party data provider (e.g., traffic and news data, emergency broadcast data, user travel data), and/or a clock and calendar service. Using data retrieved from the cloud services 410, the module 1700 can accurately determine user sleep quality, health information, and/or control of the bed and/or peripheral devices. Similarly, the module 1700 can access data from non-sensor sources 1704, such as a local clock and calendar service (e.g., a component of the motherboard 402 or of the processor 502). The module 1700 can use this information to determine, for example, times of day that the user is in bed, asleep, waking up, and/or going to bed.

The behavior analysis module 1700 can aggregate and prepare this data for use with one or more behavioral algorithms 1702 (e.g., machine learning models). The behavioral algorithms 1702 can be used to learn a user's behavior and/or to perform some action based on the state of the accessed data and/or the predicted user behavior. For example, the behavior algorithm 1702 can use available data (e.g., pressure sensor, non-sensor data, clock, and calendar data) to create a model of when a user goes to bed every night. Later, the same or a different behavioral algorithm 1702 can be used to determine if an increase in air chamber pressure is likely to indicate a user going to bed and, if so, send some data to a third-party cloud service 410 and/or engage a peripheral controller 1002 or 1004, foundation actuators 1012, a temperature controller 1006, and/or an under-bed lighting controller 1010.

Here, the module 1700 and the behavioral algorithm 1702 are shown as components of the motherboard 402. Other configurations are also possible. For example, the same or a similar behavioral analysis module 1700 and/or behavioral algorithm 1702 can be run in one or more cloud services, and resulting output can be sent to the pump motherboard 402, a controller in the controller array 408, or to any other technologically appropriate recipient described throughout this document.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a computing device 1800 and an example of a mobile computing device that can be used to implement the techniques described here. The computing device 1800 is 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 device is 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 exemplary only, and are not meant to limit implementations of the inventions described and/or claimed in this document.

The computing device 1800 includes a processor 1802, a memory 1804, a storage device 1806, a high-speed interface 1808 connecting to the memory 1804 and multiple high-speed expansion ports 1810, and a low-speed interface 1812 connecting to a low-speed expansion port 1814 and the storage device 1806. Each of the processor 1802, the memory 1804, the storage device 1806, the high-speed interface 1808, the high-speed expansion ports 1810, and the low-speed interface 1812, are interconnected using various buses, and can be mounted on a common motherboard or in other manners as appropriate. The processor 1802 can process instructions for execution within the computing device 1800, including instructions stored in the memory 1804 or on the storage device 1806 to display graphical information for a GUI on an external input/output device, such as a display 1816 coupled to the high-speed interface 1808. In other implementations, multiple processors and/or multiple buses can be used, as appropriate, along with multiple memories and types of memory. Also, multiple computing devices can be connected, with each device providing portions of the necessary operations (e.g., as a server bank, a group of blade servers, or a multi-processor system). The memory 1804 stores information within the computing device 1800. In some implementations, the memory 1804 is a volatile memory unit or units. In some implementations, the memory 1804 is a non-volatile memory unit or units. The memory 1804 can also be another form of computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic or optical disk. The storage device 1806 is capable of providing mass storage for the computing device 1800. In some implementations, the storage device 1806 can be or contain a computer-readable medium, such as a floppy disk device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, a tape device, a flash memory, other similar solid state memory device, or an array of devices such as devices in a storage area network or other configurations. A computer program product can be tangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer program product can also contain instructions that, when executed, perform one or more methods, such as those described above. The computer program product can also be tangibly embodied in a computer-or machine-readable medium, such as the memory 1804, the storage device 1806, or memory on the processor 1802.

The high-speed interface 1808 manages bandwidth-intensive operations for the computing device 1800, while the low-speed interface 1812 manages lower bandwidth-intensive operations. Such allocation of functions is exemplary only. In some implementations, the high-speed interface 1808 is coupled to the memory 1804, the display 1816 (e.g., through a graphics processor or accelerator), and to the high-speed expansion ports 1810, which can accept various expansion cards (not shown). In the implementation, the low-speed interface 1812 is coupled to the storage device 1806 and the low-speed expansion port 1814. The low-speed expansion port 1814, which can include various communication ports (e.g., USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, wireless Ethernet) can be coupled to one or more input/output devices, such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a scanner, or a networking device such as a switch or router, e.g., through a network adapter. The computing device 1800 can be implemented in a number of different forms, as shown in the figure. For example, it can be implemented as a standard server 1820, or multiple times in a group of such servers. In addition, it can be implemented in a personal computer such as a laptop computer 1822. It can also be implemented as part of a rack server system 1824. Alternatively, components from the computing device 1800 can be combined with other components in a mobile device (not shown), such as a mobile computing device 1850. Each of such devices can contain one or more of the computing device 1800 and the mobile computing device 1850, and an entire system can be made up of multiple computing devices communicating with each other. The mobile computing device 1850 includes a processor 1852, a memory 1864, an input/output device such as a display 1854, a communication interface 1866, and a transceiver 1868, among other components. The mobile computing device 1850 can also have a storage device, such as a micro-drive or other device, to provide additional storage. Each of the processor 1852, the memory 1864, the display 1854, the communication interface 1866, and the transceiver 1868, are interconnected using various buses, and several of the components can be mounted on a common motherboard or in other manners as appropriate.

The processor 1852 can execute instructions within the mobile computing device 1850, including instructions stored in the memory 1864. The processor 1852 can be implemented as a chipset of chips that include separate and multiple analog and digital processors. The processor 1852 can coordinate other components of the mobile computing device 1850, such as control of user interfaces, applications run by the mobile computing device 1850, and wireless communication by the mobile computing device 1850. The processor 1852 can communicate with a user through a control interface 1858 and a display interface 1856 coupled to the display 1854. The display 1854 can be, for example, a thin-film-transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display or an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display, or other appropriate display technology. The display interface 1856 can include appropriate circuitry for driving the display 1854 to present graphical and other information to a user. The control interface 1858 can receive commands from a user and convert them for submission to the processor 1852. In addition, an external interface 1862 can provide communication with the processor 1852, so as to enable near area communication of the mobile computing device 1850 with other devices. The external interface 1862 can provide, for example, for wired communication in some implementations, or for wireless communication in other implementations, and multiple interfaces can also be used.

The memory 1864 stores information within the mobile computing device 1850. The memory 1864 can 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 memory 1874 can also be provided and connected to the mobile computing device 1850 through an expansion interface 1872, which can include, for example, a SIMM (Single In Line Memory Module) card interface. The expansion memory 1874 can provide extra storage space for the mobile computing device 1850, or can also store applications or other information for the mobile computing device 1850. Specifically, the expansion memory 1874 can include instructions to carry out or supplement the processes described above, and can also secure information. Thus, for example, the expansion memory 1874 can be provide as a security module for the mobile computing device 1850, and can be programmed with instructions that permit secure use of the mobile computing device 1850. In addition, secure applications can be provided via the SIMM cards, along with additional information, such as storing identifying information on the SIMM card in a non-hackable manner.

The memory can include, for example, flash memory and/or non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), as discussed below. In some implementations, a computer program product is tangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer program product contains instructions that, when executed, perform one or more methods, such as those described above. The computer program product can be a computer-or machine-readable medium, such as the memory 1864, the expansion memory 1874, or memory on the processor 1852. In some implementations, the computer program product can be received in a propagated signal, for example, over the transceiver 1868 or the external interface 1862.

The mobile computing device 1850 can communicate wirelessly through the communication interface 1866, which can include digital signal processing circuitry where necessary. The communication interface 1866 can provide for communications under various modes or protocols, such as GSM voice calls (Global System for Mobile communications), SMS (Short Message Service), EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service), or MMS messaging (Multimedia Messaging Service), CDMA (code division multiple access), TDMA (time division multiple access), PDC (Personal Digital Cellular), WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), CDMA2000, or GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), among others. Such communication can occur, for example, through the transceiver 1868 using a radio-frequency. In addition, short-range communication can occur, such as using a Bluetooth, WiFi, or other such transceiver (not shown). In addition, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver module 1870 can provide additional navigation-and location-related wireless data to the mobile computing device 1850, which can be used as appropriate by applications running on the mobile computing device 1850. The mobile computing device 1850 can also communicate audibly using an audio codec 1860, which can receive spoken information from a user and convert it to usable digital information. The audio codec 1860 can likewise generate audible sound for a user, such as through a speaker, e.g., in a handset of the mobile computing device 1850. Such sound can include sound from voice telephone calls, can include recorded sound (e.g., voice messages, music files, etc.) and can also include sound generated by applications operating on the mobile computing device 1850. The mobile computing device 1850 can be implemented in a number of different forms, as shown in the figure. For example, it can be implemented as a cellular telephone 1880, a smart-phone 1882, a 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 can 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., a CRT (cathode ray tube) 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.

FIGS. 19A-19D are perspective views of an example bed system 1900 with an example climate-control system 102 having an example thermal event protection assembly 1902 and an integrated fan assembly 1904. The bed system 1900 can include one or more of the features previously described in reference to FIGS. 1-18. For instance, the bed system 1900 includes the bed 112 (including at least one mattress 112) and the mattress climate-control system 102 (with the fans 106). The integrated fan assembly 1904 includes the fan 106.

In some implementations, a singular fan 106 can be used in a single bed (i.e., a twin sized bed or extended twin sized bed. The thermal event protection assembly 1902 includes the thermal sensor 108 positioned at the mattress 112 and the controller 110 operatively coupled to the mattress climate-control system 102 to control the mattress climate-control system 102 based on a condition of the thermal sensor 108. When a thermal event is identified, the intended action is to shut down the fan 106 (i.e., secure power to the fan 106).

The thermal event can be a temperature gradient. For example, the temperature gradient can be a change in temperature with respect to a change in time. The temperature gradient of air exhausting from the mattress 112 through the fan 106 can be compared to a temperature gradient threshold (a threshold change in temperature with respect to a threshold change in time). The thermal event occurs when the temperature gradient reaches or exceeds the temperature gradient threshold, such as when a temperature of the mattress 112 increases in response to a fire.

For example, the temperature gradient can be 0.5° Fahrenheit per second (° F./s). When the change in temperature with respect to time is less than 0.5° F./s, a thermal event is not detected. When the temperature gradient of the mattress 112 reaches or exceeds the temperature gradient threshold of 0.5° F./s, the thermal event has occurred.

Although the temperature gradient threshold of 0.5° F./s is used here, any suitable temperature gradient threshold can be uses. The temperature gradient threshold can be selected based on the safety factor desired, engineering design constraints, or other mattress features such as size, shape, and configuration of the mattress 112 or climate-control system 102. Additionally, the actual temperature value of the mattress 112 can be compared to a temperature threshold to secure power to the fan 106. For example, when the air exiting the fan 106 in contact with the thermal sensor 108 exceeds the temperature threshold, the thermal event protection assembly 1902 can shut the fan 106 down. The bed system 1900 includes the fan assembly 1904. The cover (not shown) of the bed system 1900 has been removed for clarity to show internal components of the bed system 1900. In the example bed system 1900, a top layer 1906 (e.g., a comfort layer) attaches to a rail structure 1908. In some examples, the top layer 1906 is attached to the rail structure 1908 using an adhesive (e.g., a hot melt adhesive or laminate). One or more support layers (e.g., the intermediate layer 1912) are positioned within the rail structure 1908. Attaching the top layer 1906 to the rail structure 1908 and positioning the one or more support layers can streamline the construction of the bed system 1900 and reduce the thickness of the bed system 1900 because only the single top layer 1906 is attached to a top portion of the rail structure 1908. Further, this construction allows for the integrated fan assembly 1904 to be positioned in a foot rail 1914 of the rail structure without interfering with the intermediate layer 1912. The bed system 1900 can be constructed with a continuous lamination process of the top layer 1906 to the rail structure 1908 without needing to move the rail structure 1908 multiple times.

The bed system 1900 includes an integrated fan assembly 1904. In some implementations, the integrated fan assembly 1904 is integrated completely within the bed system 1900. In some implementations, both of the integrated fan assemblies 1904 are controlled by a single thermal module controller (not shown). In other implementations, each integrated fan assembly 1904 is controlled by a separate thermal module controller (not shown). In other implementations, the integrated fan assembly 1904 is controlled by the controller 110. The controller 110 may also control the air chambers 1932 (e.g., the controller 110 inflates or deflates the air chambers 1932, receives sensor data from sensors in the bed system, and other processes for operating/managing components of the bed system).

The example bed system 1900 includes the integrated fan assembly 1904. Other examples can include other types of air modules or fluid modules. In some implementations, the fan assembly 1904, or other air or fluid module, includes a module to heat air. In some implementations, the fan assembly 1904, or other air or fluid module, includes a module to cool (e.g., condition) air. In this implementation, the bed system 1900 includes an airflow insert 1916 at least partially covered by a sleeve 1918 made of a fire-resistant material and sized and shaped to at least partially cover the airflow insert 1916. The airflow insert 1916 is an extended thermal layer.

The fan assembly 1904 is integrated into an example bed system 1900. The bed system 1900 can be part of a bed system and may include some or all of the components of the bed system 100 described in reference to FIG. 1. The bed system 1900 can be similarly configured as other examples of the mattress system described herein. Further, the fan assembly 1904 can be similarly configured as other examples of the fan assembly/air module described herein. The bed system 1900 includes the top layer 1906 (sometimes referred to as a first layer and/or a comfort layer), rail structure 1908, the bottom layer 1920, an intermediate layer 1912 (sometimes referred to as a support layer) and air chambers 1932. The intermediate layer 1912 includes recessed portions 1928 to house the airflow inserts 1916. In this example, the fan assembly 1904 can be disposed (e.g., positioned) at a foot end of the rail structure 1908. As described herein, the fan assembly 1904 can be received in a recessed portion 1930 of the foot rail 1914 of the rail structure 1908. As a result, the fan assembly 1904 may not interfere (or may reduce interference) with other components of the bed system 1900, such as the bottom layer 1920, the air chambers 1932, and/or the top layer 1906. In the embodiment shown, the fan assembly 1904 is directly connected to an airflow insert 1916. The fan assembly 1904 can draw air out of the airflow insert 1916 and exhaust the drawn air into the foot end of the rail structure 1908.

The fan assembly 1904 can be similar (e.g., in terms of structure and/or functionality) to the fan assembly 1904 described throughout this disclosure. For example, the fan assembly 1904 can pull or draw air from the bed system 1900. In other examples, the fan assembly 1904 can also push air into the bed system 1900 (such as ambient air or cooled/conditioned air), which can be beneficial to cool a top surface of the bed system 1900. Therefore, the fan assembly 1904 can be arranged to draw air into the bed system 1900 and circulate the air therein to help control a microclimate at the top surface of the bed system 1900.

As discussed above in some examples, the bed system 1900 includes a top layer 1906 attached to the rail structure 1908 (e.g., including a first side rail 1922, second side rail 1924, head rail 1926, foot rail 1914). Each air module, such as the fan assembly 1904, is in fluid communication with a corresponding airflow insert 1916 to create airflow through the top layer 1906. The one or more support layers (e.g., the intermediate layer 1912) are positioned under the top layer 1906 and within the rail structure 1908. For example, the one or more support layers can be positioned between the first side rail 1922, the second side rail 1924, the head rail 1926, and/or the foot rail 2430. In some examples, the top layer 1906, the intermediate layer 1912, the first side rail 1922, the second side rail 1924, the head rail 1926, and the foot rail 1914 include one or more foam materials.

The one or more support layers (e.g., the intermediate layer 1912) can also include recessed portions 1928 where the airflow inserts 1916 are each positioned within the corresponding recessed portion 1928. In some implementations, the airflow inserts 1916 (e.g., a thermal insert, a thermal insert pad, an airflow insert pad, an air distribution layer) are attached to the intermediate layer 1912 using one or more fasteners. Examples of fasteners include hook and loop fasteners (e.g., including corresponding hook and loop fasteners positioned at each corner on the top side of the airflow insert 1916 and the recessed portion 1928 on the bottom side of the intermediate layer 1912) and adhesive/laminate fasteners. In some example implementations, the intermediate layer 1912 and the airflow insert 1916 are at least partially laminated to attach the airflow insert 1916 to the intermediate layer 1912. In some examples, inflatable air chambers 1932 are positioned underneath the support layer and in between the first side rail 1922 and the second side rail 1924. In some implementations, the head rail 1926, the foot rail 1914, the first side rail 1922, and the second side rail 1924 of the rail structure 1908 with the top layer 1906 form part of the upside-down foam tub 1910.

In some implementations, the fan assembly 1904 includes one or more modules to heat and/or condition air. The fan assembly 1904 can be positioned within an air module recess (e.g., recessed portion 1928) in the foot rail 1914 and draw air from the top layer 1906. In some examples, the fan assembly 1904 includes a housing 1934 that defines an air inlet 1936 and an air outlet 1938 and a fan assembly 1904 enclosed in the housing 1934 to suction air through the air inlet 1936 and supply exhaust air through the air outlet 1938. The airflow insert 1916 connects to the air inlet 1936 of the fan assembly 1904 via a connector 1942. For example, the connector 1942 can be an extendable hose, such as an accordion-type construction. The fan assembly 1904 can include wiring that is electrically connected to the fan assembly 1904 and extends from the housing 1934, the wiring electrically connects to a power source external to the mattress 1900 and supplies electrical power to the fan assembly 1904.

In some implementations, a sleeve 1918 made of a fire-resistant material at least partially covers the airflow insert 1916. The sleeve 1918 resists transmission of fire through the sleeve 1918 into the airflow insert 1916. In some examples, the airflow insert 1916 includes material that blocks the airflow from the fan assembly 1904 when melted and, when a burn occurs, the heat melts material included in the airflow insert 1916 and blocks the airflow from the fan assembly 1904.

Some aspects include a process for assembling the bed system 1900. The bed system 1900 is assembled by first constructing the foam tub 1910 by applying an adhesive (e.g., a laminate) to connect the rails of the rail structure 1908 and the top layer 1906. In some examples, the bottom layer 1920 includes flaps that can be opened to access an interior space of the foam tub 1910. In some of these examples, the base pad flaps are adhered to the side rails of the foam tub 1910. Next, the intermediate layer 1912 is attached underneath the top layer 1906 and within the rail structure 1908. In some examples, the intermediate layer 1912 (which can include one or more support layers) is attached using connectors (e.g., hook and loop connectors, adhesives, laminates, etc.). The intermediate layer 1912 includes recessed portions 1928, where the airflow inserts 1916 are placed. In some examples, the airflow inserts 1916 are connected using hook and loop connectors that are placed in the corners of the recessed portion 1928 and on a top side of the airflow insert 1916. Prior to attaching the airflow insert 1916 to the recessed portion 1928 of the intermediate layer 1912, the airflow insert 1916 is connected to an air module (e.g., the fan assembly 1904). The airflow insert 1916 and fan assembly 1904 are placed together in the mattress with the fan assembly 1904 being placed within a recess in the foot rail. In some examples, the airflow insert 1916 is installed with a sleeve 1918 made of a fire resistant material. Next, in bed systems that include air chambers 1932, the air chambers 1932 are positioned within the foam tub 1910. After the air chambers 1932 are positioned, the foam tub 1910 is closed by closing the flaps of the bottom layer 1920. In some examples, a wire harness connected to the air module is routed alongside a side rail before the bottom layer 1920 is closed. In some examples, a cover is placed over the foam tub 1910. The cover may be made of a fire resistant material. In some examples, prior to placing the cover over the foam tub 1910 one or more sensors are positioned in the mattress including a temperature sensor strip, which can be placed on the top surface of the top layer 1906. In some examples, the cover is installed with a zipper to enclose the foam tub 1910 and the wires are routed together with a tie or hook and loop connector (e.g., Velcro loop) to hold the wires together.

The intermediate layer 1912 includes the recessed portion 1928 to receive the airflow inserts 1916. The airflow inserts 1916 can each extend some length from a foot end 1944 of the rail structure 1908 towards a head end 1946 of the rail structure 1908. The airflow insert 1916 can be adjacent from the foot end 1944 of the rail structure 1908 as well as inset from the respective right and left sides of the rail structure 1908.

The bottom layer 1920 can cover an entire bottom of the bed system 1900, from one rail edge to another rail edge (e.g., from a head end 1946 edge to a foot end 1944 edge of the rail structure 1908 and from a right side 1922 edge to a left side 1924 edge of the rail structure 1908). In some implementations, the bottom layer 1920 can also cover the rail structure 1908. In other implementations, the bottom layer 1920 is inserted into a space defined (surrounded) by the rail structure 1908.

The bed system 1900 can also include the rail structure 1908. The rail structure 1908 is arranged around a periphery of the bed system 1900 and at least partially surrounds an air chamber assembly or mattress core, and the intermediate layer 1912 containing the airflow insert 1916. For example, the air chamber assembly can include the one or more inflatable air chambers 1932. The foot end 1944 of the rail structure 1908 can have a wider width than the head end 1946 opposite the foot end 1944 and left and right sides of the rail structure 1908. For example, the foot rail 1914 can be 1.875 inches thicker than the head rail 1926. In some implementations, the combined width of the foot end 1944 and head end 1946 of the rail structure 1908 may be the same as the combined width of the foot rail 1914 and the head rail 1926. The foot end 1944 can be wider in order to accommodate placement of the fan assemblies 1904. The fan assemblies 1904 can be disposed inside the foot end 1944 of the rail structure 1908 and draw air from the airflow insert 1916 and out along the inside of the rail structure 1908 (e.g., along the foot end 1944 of the rail structure 1908). For example, the foot end 1944 defines a recessed portion 1930 receive the fan assembly 1904. The recessed portion 1928 entirely (or in some cases, substantially) receives an external housing 1934 of the fan assembly 1904. The recessed portion 1928 (e.g., a cavity) is open toward the interior of the mattress 1900 so that the fan assembly 1904 extends therethrough. The air inlet 1936 at the end of the housing 1934 is exposed out of the cavity 1930 in the foot end 1944 and couples to the airflow insert 1916. Directly connecting the fan assembly 1904 to the airflow inserts 1916 allows the fan assemblies 1904 to be placed closer to the airflow inserts 1916 to more quickly modulate the temperature at the top surface of the mattress 1900. As shown, the fan assemblies 1904 are positioned at the foot end 1944 of the rail structure 1908. The fan assemblies 1904 are positioned farther away from a head of a user of the bed system 1900 so that the fan assemblies 1904 are quieter when operating. As a result, sounds from the fan assemblies 1904 may not disturb the user's sleep.

As depicted, the bed system 1900 can have two fan assemblies 1904 disposed in the foot end 1944 of the rail structure 1908, and operable to control microclimates of two separate zones (left and right sides) at the top of the bed system 1900. In yet other implementations, the bed system 1900 can have fewer or more fan assemblies 1904.

In this implementation, the foot rail 1914 of the rail structure 1908 is thicker than a head rail 1926 and the opposite side rails 1922 and 1924. The thicker foot rail 1914 can provide additional support for the rail structure 1908 to hold a shape of the bed system 1900. The thicker foot rail 1914 can also provide additional support for maintaining the fan assemblies 1904 in place so that the rail structure 1908 has little or no bend and/or the fan assemblies 1904 do not protrude (or protrudes little) from a general shape of the bed system 1900. By thickening the foot rail 1914, the head rail 1926 and the opposite side rails 1922 and 1924 can be adjusted in width such that an existing air chamber assembly can be used. For example, the head rail 1926 may be thinned/thinner in width than the foot rail 1914 and the opposite side rails 1922 and 1924. Therefore, an air chamber assembly designed for a mattress having a less thick foot rail 1914 may not have to be modified in size and/or shape in order to fit within a space defined by and between the foot rail 1914, the head rail 1926, and the opposite side rails 1922 and 1924 of the rail structure 1908. For example, the air chamber assemblies 114A, 114B can be used with both the mattress system 100 and the bed system 1900. In one example, the width of the foot rail 1914 can range between 4 inches and 7 inches, and the head rail 1926 can range between 1 inch and 4 inches, so that the total width of the foot and head rails 1914, 1926 can be around 8 inches. In this example, each of the side rails 1922, 1924 can be maintained at 4 inches of width. Other dimensions can also be used.

In some implementations, the foot rail 1914 can have a largest width, the head rail 1926 can have a smallest width, and the opposite side rails 1922 and 1924 can have a same width that is less than the width of the foot rail 1914 and greater than the width of the head rail 1926. As mentioned above, the rail structure 1908 can be sized in such a way that still allows the existing air chamber assemblies 114A, 114B to be positioned in the bed system 1900 without having to be replaced by a differently sized air chamber assembly. In some implementations, the opposite side rails 1922 and 1924 can be increased in width to provide additional support and maintain the rail structure 1908 in the shape of the bed system 1900.

The recessed portions 1928 of the intermediate layer 1912 can be sized and shaped to securely fit the airflow insert 1916. The airflow inserts 1916 can be installed with a fire resistant sleeve 1918 covering the airflow inserts 1916. The airflow inserts 1916 can be attached to the recessed portion 1928 using hook and loop connectors, adhesives, laminates, or other connectors.

The air chambers 1932 and the intermediate layer 1912 can be arranged to be surrounded by the rail structure 1908. The rail structure 1908 is attached to the top layer 1906 using an adhesive where the intermediate layer 1912 is located within the rail structure 1908. Attaching the top layer 1906 directly to the rail structure 1908 can allow for a single lamination process to attach the top layer 1906 to the rail structure 1908.

The bed system 1900 can also include the airflow insert 1916 (e.g., a thermal insert, a thermal insert pad, an airflow insert pad, an air distribution layer), which can be positioned under the top layer 1906, above the air chambers 1932, and within the rail structure 1908. In some implementations, the intermediate layer 1912 can define a cutout section or recessed portion 1928 to receive the airflow inserts 1916 therein. In the illustrated example, the airflow insert 1916 is disposed between the head and foot of the bed system 1900, partially along a length of the bed system 1900 from the head to the foot. The airflow insert 1916 is disposed closer to the foot of the bed system 1900 than the head of the bed system 1900 to optimize positioning without the need to rely on a foundation hole pass-through. For example, as described herein, the fan assembly 1904 can be embedded in the foam. In the example shown, the airflow inserts 1916 are positioned adjacent to the foot rail 1914 of the bed system 1900 to connect with the fan assemblies 1904. The fan assembly 1904 can operate to draw air from the top of the mattress, and the fan assembly 1904 is designed to have enough power to expel the air out of the rail structure 1908 of the mattress. This design can allow the mattress assembly 1900 to not rely on a single purpose-built foundation and instead to be used with any type of foundation. In one example, a portion of the rail structure 1908 can be thickened in order to accept the fan assembly 1904 and maintain structural integrity of the foam mattress assembly. In some implementations, the fan assembly 1904 is placed in the foot of the bed (e.g., in the foot rail 1914 of the mattress), and the air chambers 1932 are shifted up towards the head of the bed, reducing the thickness of the head rail 1926. Placing the fan assembly 1904 in the foot rail 1914 as opposed to the head rail 1926 can provide additional benefits. For example, the sound of the fan 1904 is further away from the head of a sleeper, which can reduce perceived sound levels. The chamber is shifted toward the more comfort sensitive areas of the body (core, head) rather than the feet. In addition, where the fan assembly 1904 is a cooling-only module that utilizes ambient air for cooling, the fan assembly 1904 can have a relatively small form factor so as to fit within the bounds of the mattress 1900.

The airflow insert 1916 can be attached to a recessed portion 1928 of the intermediate layer 1912 using one or more attachment mechanisms. For example, each corner of the airflow insert 1916 can include a hook or loop to mate with a respective hook or loop on the recessed portion 1928 of the intermediate layer 1912. Such hook and loop fasteners can provide for easy and secure attachment of the airflow insert 1916 in the recessed portion 1928 of the intermediate layer. One or more other attachment mechanisms can be used, including but not limited to adhesives and laminates.

As discussed above, the airflow insert 1916 can be interference fit into the cutout section or recess (e.g., the recessed portion 1928) in the intermediate layer 1912, or received within the cutout section or recess in the intermediate layer 1912 without attachment mechanisms. In some implementations, the airflow insert 1916 can be positioned to be flush with the intermediate layer 1912.

The fan assemblies 1904 can be connected to or mounted to the airflow insert 1916. The fan assemblies 1904 can also be disposed at least partially in the rail structure 1908 at the foot end. In some alternative implementations, the intermediate layer 1912 defines a cutout section or recess to receive air duct hoses. In these implementations, the air duct hoses can be received in the cutout section or recess to be flush with the intermediate layer 1912.

FIG. 19C illustrates a cross sectional view of airflow through the bed system 1900 of FIG. 19A, taken along a cross sectional line A-A. FIG. 19C illustrates an example airflow 1940 (e.g., drawn air) through the bed system 1900. The view of FIG. 19C depicts the head rail 1926 and the foot rail 1914 of the rail structure 1908. The fan assemblies 1904 are positioned within the foot rail 1914 of the rail structure 1908. The airflow 1940 is directed from a top surface 1948 of the bed system 1900, through the airflow insert 1916, and into the fan assembly 1904 via the air inlet 1936. The airflow 1940 can then be routed into the housing 1934 of the fan assembly 1904. In some implementations, the airflow 1940 can also flow through one or more layers of the bed system 1900 to provide for air circulation at the top layer 1906. By circulating the airflow 1940, the fan assembly 1904 can cause the airflow 1940 at the top surface 1948 of the mattress 1900 cover to be a lower or higher temperature.

In the illustrated example, the fan assemblies 1904 are oriented towards the first side rail 1922 of the rail structure 1908. As a result, the airflow 1940 is discharged from the fan assemblies 1904 towards the same side portion of the bed system 1900 in order to lower a temperature of the top surface 1948 of the bed system 1900. Alternatively or in addition, the fan assemblies 1904 can be oriented towards the side rails 1922, 1924 of the rail structure 1908 or downward (i.e., away from the top surface 1948).

The fan assemblies 1904 can exhaust the airflow 1940 in the same direction. In some implementations, the fan assemblies 1904 can exhaust the airflow 1940 in different directions (e.g., the fan assembly 1904 closest to the side rail 1922 can exhaust the airflow 1940 towards the closest one of the side rails 1922, 1924 and the other fan assembly 1904 can exhaust the air flow 1940 toward the closest one of the other side rails 1922, 1924. Regardless of an orientation/direction of the fan assemblies 1904, the airflow 1940 can be directed into and/or around the rail structure 1908 to effectively adjust a microclimate of the top surface 1948 of the bed system 1900 as described throughout this disclosure.

The bottom layer 1920 (e.g., base pad) can cover an entire bottom of the bed system 1900, including a top layer (e.g., a first layer and/or comfort layer, such as the top layer 1906), a rail structure 1908, an intermediate layer (e.g., a second layer and/or support layer, such as the intermediate layer 1912) positioned within the rail structure 1908. The bottom layer 1920 can be made of a material that has some permeability to provide a sufficient airflow rate for adjusting a microclimate at a top surface 1948 of the bed system 1900. The fan assemblies 1904 can also route airflow throughout the bed system 1900 sufficiently to overcome features of the bottom layer 1920 that may otherwise impede ability to adjust the microclimate and achieve a desired cooling at the top surface 1948 of the bed system 1900. The foot of the bed is permeable enough to discharge the air through the foot rail 1914 without a need for any permeability of the base. Therefore, for example, the bottom layer 1920 can be made of various types of material (e.g., not breathable, having minimum breathability, etc.). In some implementations, the bottom layer 1920 is made to have little breathability so that the air exits the vertical surface at the foot of the bed. Moreover, the fan assemblies described herein can sufficiently route airflow through/around the rail structure 1908 and the bottom layer 1920 without requiring exhaust openings (e.g., the recessed portions 1928) to extend out from the rail structure 1908 and into a surrounding environment.

The bottom layer 1920 can be formed with multiple pieces. For example, the bottom layer 1920 can be split longitudinally down a midpoint of the bottom layer 1920, thereby having first and second flaps 1944A and 1944B, respectively, shown in FIG. 19A. Each of the flaps 1944A and 1944B can be individually opened/folded back from a midpoint of the bed system 1900 to access components of the bed system 1900 described throughout this disclosure. This construction can be beneficial to allow for opening the bed system 1900 for assembly, maintenance, and/or fixing/replacing one or more components of the bed system 1900. Each of the flaps 1944A and 1944B can also be attached (e.g., laminated, adhered) to respective side rails of the rail structure 1908. In some implementations, the flaps are attached to the rails using foam lamination. For example, for laminating to the head and foot rails, glue (e.g., 3-4 inches) would be present following the glue path created by the side rails. This makes the head/foot rails have a partial lamination with the base pads. The flaps 1944A and 1944B of the bottom layer 1920 may not be laminated or otherwise attached to head and foot rails of the rail structure 1908 to ensure that the flaps 1944A and 1944B can be individually opened or closed.

In some implementations, the bottom layer 1920 can also include openings (e.g., cutouts, chamber ports, etc.) on respective flaps 1944A and 1944B. The openings can be positioned towards a midpoint of the bed system 1900 (e.g., a hip of the bed). Alternatively or in addition, the openings can be offset some predetermined distance from the midpoint of the bed system 1900. Moreover, the openings can be positioned at locations where air duct hoses may attach to air chambers of the bed system 1900 such that all or some wiring/cables can be maintained together in a centralized location and routed therefrom to a power source and/or a controller for the bed system 1900 and/or the bed system. The openings can therefore receive wires/cables that are routed to and from components (e.g., the fan assemblies, air chambers, etc.) in the bed system 1900. For example, wiring/cables connected to an external housing of a fan assembly 1904 can be routed (e.g., in a wire harness or without a harness) from the foot rail 1914 of the rail structure 1908 to the midpoint of the bed system 1900 (e.g., the hip of the bed) along the foot rail 1914 and at least one of the side rails of the rail structure 1908.

The wiring can be routed, as an illustrative example, along the foot rail 1914 to a location where the flap 1944B folds back from the respective side rail of the rail structure 1908. The wiring can be secured along one or more portions of the rail structure 1908 using one or more wire management loops (not shown). The loops can keep the wiring from shifting out of its intended location inside the bed system 1900 when the bed system 1900 is transported (e.g., to a user's home), when a user sits on edges of the bed system 1900, and/or when the bed system 1900 is lifted off a base/foundation of a bed system. The loops can be secured to the respective side rails of the rail structure 1908 (and/or portions of the foot rail 1914 of the rail structure 1908) using adhesive (e.g., foam glue between the bottom layer 1920 and the respective side rail of the rail structure 1908) and/or hook and loop fasteners (e.g., micro-hooks adhered to the respective side rail and fabric attached to the micro-hooks). One or more other attachment mechanisms may also be used to attach the wire management loops to the bed system 1900.

One or more wire management loops can be attached to each side of the bed system 1900. For example, a loop can be placed at a corner where the foot rail 1914 meets a right side rail (and where the foot rail meets a left side rail) of the rail structure 1908. This location can be beneficial to ensure the wiring does not shift or move towards a center of the bed system 1900 and thus interfere with other components therein. Moreover, this location can be beneficial to ensure stress experienced on the fan assembly 1904 from using and/or moving the bed system 1900 may be relieved. One or more additional wire management loops can be placed along a length of the side rail up to the respective opening. In some implementations, wire management loops may not be used. Instead, the wiring can be attached directly to the bed system 1900 with adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, and/or one or more other types of attachment mechanisms.

The wiring can then be tucked between the respective side rail of the rail structure 1908 and the flap 1944A, 1944B of the bottom layer 1920 up to the respective opening. The wiring can then be routed through the respective opening. As a result, the wiring may be consolidated and maintained in one location, thereby providing an aesthetically pleasing look and simplify operation for a user of the bed system 1900 and/or a technician when setting up and maintaining the bed system 1900. In other words, when the bed system 1900 is manufactured and before it is delivered to a user, wires from the fan assemblies can be routed along the side the rails of the rail structure 1908 and out through the respective openings. Maintaining the wires in one location can be beneficial to ensure ease of setting up the bed system 1900 in a home of the user. A delivery technician or the user may not be required to connect wiring between/amongst one or more components of the bed system 1900. Instead, the wires may already be connected to the components and thus maintained in a centralized location. The wires can also be maintained at the openings such that they do not protrude through a cover of the bed system 1900 or otherwise interfere with comfortability of the user of the bed system 1900 or an aesthetic appearance of the bed system 1900 when it is in use in the user's home.

The features of the integrated fan assemblies and sleeves described herein can be applied to various types of mattress systems. In some implementations, the fan assemblies described herein can be integrated into a mattress that does not have air chambers. For example, the fan assemblies can be integrated into a mattress including spring assemblies, foam materials, or any suitable supporting materials, instead of inflatable air chambers. The fan assemblies can be installed inside such a mattress the same or similar ways described herein (e.g., by inserting the fan assemblies at least partially in cutout sections of the rail structure). In other implementations, the fan assemblies can be mounted to any suitable locations within a mattress other than the rail structure of the mattress. In some cases, a mattress system may not include a rail structure. Instead, the mattress system can include a material, such as springs, foam, or another supporting material that makes up a majority composition of the mattress. In such mattress systems, a fan assembly can be integrated into or otherwise housed in a recessed portion of the material of the mattress system. For example, a mattress system can be composed of foam materials. A recessed portion, such as an opening, can be cut into a foot end of the foam materials of the mattress system, near an edge of the foot end. The fan assembly can then be placed so as to provide similar or same functionality to the mattress system as the fan assemblies described herein. As another example, a mattress system can be composed of springs. A recessed portion can be formed near a foot end of the mattress system in which a fan assembly can be placed to provide similar or same functionality to the mattress system as the fan assemblies described throughout this disclosure. One or more other configurations and/or placements of the fan assembly can be used to incorporate the fan assembly into mattress systems that do not include rail structures and/or air chambers.

The airflow insert 1916 (an air distribution layer) includes an air permeable portion 1950, an air impermeable portion 1952, and the connector 1942. The airflow insert 1916 allows air to flow from the top surface 1948 of the mattress and directs air flow to the top surface 1948 of the mattress (e.g., when connected to an air module that draws air such as the fan assembly 1904). In some examples, the airflow insert 1916 includes a thermal insert. In some examples, the airflow insert 1916 includes linear polyolefin (POE) material contained within a cover that contains the air permeable portion 1950 and the air impermeable portion 1952. The POE may be highly breathable to allow airflow between the air permeable portion 1950 and the connector 1942.

The air permeable portion 1950 of the airflow insert 1916 is made of a mesh material. The air permeable portion 1950 is on a top surface of the air distribution layer to direct air to or from the top surface, for example, through the intermediate layer 1912 and the top layer 1906 in the bed system 1900 (e.g., bed system), or the top layer 1906 and the intermediate layer of the mattress system 1500 illustrated and described in reference to FIG. 15. The air impermeable portion 1952 of the airflow insert 1916 surrounds the air permeable portion 1950 to create a cover for the air distribution layer, where the cover encloses POE material. The connector 1942 connects the airflow insert 1916 to an air module (e.g., the fan assembly 1904). The connector 1942 is used to put the airflow insert 1916 in fluid communication with the air module. In some examples, the connector 1942 connects to a hose or includes a hose which is connected to the air module. In some examples, the connector is sewn to the air impermeable portion of the cover of the airflow insert 1916. The sleeve 1918 encloses the airflow insert 1916 except for the connector 1942 to allow the airflow insert 1916 to connect to an air module (e.g., the fan assembly 1904). The sleeve 1918 resist transmission of fire through the sleeve 1918 without stopping the airflow from the at least one air module. For example, the sleeve 1918 can be formed of a material and have a configuration (e.g., size and shape of holes) that resists transmission of fire through the sleeve 1918. In some implementations, the airflow insert 1916 includes material to block the airflow from the at least one air module when melted. For example, when a burn occurs the sleeve 1918 directs heat from the burn towards the airflow insert 1916, thereby melting the material included in the airflow insert 1916 and blocking the airflow from the air module. The sleeve 1918 includes fabric sized and shaped to at least partially surround the airflow insert 1916. The sleeve 1918 is made of a fire resistant material, such as flame resistant rayon. In some examples, the material that makes up the sleeve further includes polyester and fiberglass. In some examples, a top portion of the sleeve 1918 is made of a mesh fabric that is air permeable. In some examples, the sleeve 1918 is entirely made of fire resistant material. In some examples, the sleeve 1918 is constructed using ribbed knit construction of the fire resistant material. In some examples, the fire resistant material can resist burning at eight hundred degrees Fahrenheit. However, in different implementations, the material can resist burning at higher or lower temperatures and to meet a variety of different safety standards.

In some examples, the air module includes components and or a module to direct heated air through the airflow insert 1916 to heat the top surface 1948 of the mattress. The air module can also include components and or a module to direct conditioned (e.g., cooled) air through the air distribution layer to cool the top surface 1948 of the mattress.

In the example shown, the sleeve 1918 is installed by sliding the sleeve 1918 over the airflow insert 1916. In other implementations, the sleeve 1918 is laminated to the airflow insert 1916.

The sleeve 1918 can be stitched to the airflow insert 1916. In some of these examples, the sleeve 1918 includes a top portion and a bottom portion, where the top portion is stitched to a top side of the airflow insert and the bottom portion is stitched to a bottom side of the airflow insert.

The mattress climate-control system 102 can include the one or more integrated fan assemblies 1904 with each having one or more fans 106 positioned in fan housings 1934 to move a flow of air through the channel 150 of the mattress 112. In some implementations, the channel 150 is the airflow insert 1916. The fans 106 supply or draw air to the top layer 1906 of the mattress 112. In some cases, when the air is circulated by the fans 106 through the mattress, the air cools or decreases a temperature of the top layer 1906 of the mattress 112.

FIG. 19B is a diagram of one example of the thermal event protection assembly 1902 (with a cover removed) of FIG. 19A. Referring to FIGS. 19A and 19B, the fan housing 1934 is coupled to the airflow insert 1916 at the fan inlet 1936. The fan inlet 1936 receives air from the airflow insert 1916 and conducts the air into the fan housing 1934. The fan 106 is positioned within the fan housing 1934. The fan housing 1934 has an air outlet 1938 to pass air from the fan 106 out of the fan housing 1934. The air outlet 1938 conducts the air into the space outside the mattress 112 away from the core 1904. The air outlet 1938 exhausts the air away from the airflow insert 1916 (the thermal layer) and directs the air in a direction outside of the mattress 112 into the surrounding environment.

In this implementation, the fan 106 is positioned proximate the foot rail 1914 of the mattress 112 coupled to the channel 150. Positioning the fan 106 at the foot rail 1914 of the mattress 112 allows the fan 106 to draw air through the channel 150, pulling air from the cover and ultimately away from a user on the cover. In other implementations, the fan 106 can be positioned at other locations in the mattress relative to the channel 150.

This arrangement defines a flow path for air through the mattress 112. The air follows the air flow path through the airflow insert 1916 positioned above the foam tub 1932 and into the channel 150. The air then flows along the flow path through the channel 150 and is drawn into the fan housing 1934 by the fan 106. The fan 106 then forces the air out the air outlet 1938, exhausting the air out of the mattress 112. Additionally, the air follows the air flow path from the cover of the mattress 112 into the thermal layer 1906 positioned above the core 1904 and into the channel 150. The air then flows along the flow path through the channel 150 and is drawn into the fan housing 1934 by the fan 106. The fan 106 then forces the air out the air outlet 1938, exhausting the air out of the mattress 112.

The thermal event protection assembly 1902 includes one or more thermal sensors 108. In this implementation, the thermal sensor 108 is positioned in the fan housing 1934 downstream of the fan 106. In other implementations, the thermal sensor 108 can be positioned anywhere in the air flow. The thermal sensor 108 may be coupled to the controller 110. A condition of the thermal sensor 108 changes in response to the thermal event on, in, or around the mattress 112. The condition of the thermal sensor 108 is the temperature of the thermal sensor 108. The controller 110 receives a signal representing the value of the temperature of the thermal sensor 108.

In this implementation, the thermal sensor 108 is positioned in the exhaust air flow of the fan 106, as shown in FIG. 19D. For example, the thermal sensor 108 can be positioned in the air outlet 1938. The condition of the thermal sensor 108 changes in response to a change in the temperature of the exhaust air flowing from the fan 106 out of the air outlet 1938 and out of the mattress 112.

In other implementations, the one or more thermal sensors 108 can be positioned at one or more other locations. For example, the thermal sensor 108 can be positioned in the fan inlet 1918. In another example, the thermal sensor 108 can be positioned in the channel 150.

The thermal event protection assembly 1902 can include one or multiple thermal sensors 108. For example, as shown in FIG. 19B, multiple thermal sensors 108a-108e can be used to detect the thermal event. In FIG. 19B, the thermal sensors 108a-108e are positioned in the air outlet 1938. In other implementations, the thermal sensors 108a-108e can be positioned throughout the mattress 112. The thermal sensor 108a-108e can be one or more of a thermocouple, a resistance temperature device, a thermistor, a thermostat, or a snap disk.

The controller 110 receives the signal representing the value of the temperature and the change in temperature from the one or more thermal sensor 108a-108e and operates the fan 106 based on the condition of one or more of the thermal sensors 108a-108e. When the change in temperature of the thermal sensor 108 over a pre-determined time changes greater than a change threshold, the controller 110 determines that the thermal event has occurred at the mattress 112 and operates the fan 106. In this implementation, operating the fan 106 includes stopping the fan 106.

In this implementation, when the temperature changes 0.5° F./s, the thermal event has occurred at the mattress 112. When the change in temperature with respect to time is less than 0.5° F./s, a thermal event has not been detected. Although the temperature gradient threshold of 0.5° F./s is used here, any suitable temperature gradient threshold can be used. The temperature gradient threshold can be selected based on the safety factor desired, engineering design constraints, or other mattress features, such as size, shape, and configuration of the mattress 112 or climate-control system 102.

The controller 110 can sample the condition of the thermal sensor 108 at a pre-determined rate. For example, the controller 110 can sample the condition of the thermal sensor 108 at a rate of less than 1 Hz or between 1 and 5 Hz. In some cases, a lower sampling rate can reduce false positive indications of a thermal event.

The controller 110 performs operations, based on detecting the thermal event, to operate the climate-control system 102. The operations can include generating a command signal to the fan 106 to disable. Disabling the fan 106 can stop active air flow through the mattress 112. The operations can include generating an alarm notifying a user of the thermal event. Notifying the user of the thermal event can include transmitting a signal indicating an occurrence of thermal event to a user computing device.

In this implementation, the controller 110 performs software enabled operations. Alternatively or in addition, a hardware assembly can include a thermocouple, a resistance temperature device, a thermistor, a thermostat, or a snap disk directly in-line with the fans 106. The hardware assembly can actuate when the temperature gradient exceeds the temperature gradient threshold and stop the power being supplied to the fans 106.

FIGS. 20-25 show data from test results of the mattress 112 described in FIGS. 19A-B. FIG. 20 shows the temperature profiles at the five locations of thermal sensors 108a-108e within the mattress shown in FIGS. 19A-19B during a 16 C.F.R. 1633 test. At t=0, burners on the top 1908 and side 1924 of the mattress 112 are initiated. An increase in temperature in the thermal sensors 108a-108e is not recorded until approximately 70 seconds, before peaking at 87 seconds. FIG. 21 shows the same test but plots the temperature gradient (change of temperature per second). Temperature gradients exceed 0.5° F./s approximately one minute into the test.

Moreover, the use of temperature gradients can minimize the number of false positives in comparison to determining thermal events based on temperature alone. FIGS. 22-23 show the temperature and temperature gradient in the thermal sensor 108 during a six-hour period in which the fan 106 is not operating and there is a sleeper in the bed, using a comforter. Over a six-hour period the temperature increases 5° F. When the local ambient temperature is high enough, for example in the case of the mattress 112 is sitting in a location in the sun, the temperature in the thermal sensor 108 could exceed 90-100° F. These events can be referred to as a thermal soak. However, in some cases under these or similar conditions, the temperature gradient may not exceed 0.01° F./s, a gradient a couple of orders of magnitude less than the gradient observed during burn testing. Thus, even when the temperature of the mattress 112 is elevated, if the temperature gradient is suitably small then a thermal event is determined to not have occurred.

In some implementations, the thresholds can include one or more optional thresholds. An additional threshold can be a second thermal event threshold that is different (either smaller or larger). That is, a second threshold for an action by the controller 110 can be used based on environmental conditions or another desired action. For example, another threshold of 0.4° F./s or 0.6° F./s can be used.

In some implementations, the controller 110 can detect the temperature of the exhaust air and compare the temperature to a maximum temperature threshold. The controller 110 can additionally shut off the fan 106 when the temperature of the exhaust air reaches or exceeds the maximum temperature threshold.

During normal operation, temperatures tend to stay relatively constant but may have small fluctuations as seen in FIGS. 24-25. The temperature profile shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 shows temperatures occurring directly after the thermal events described in reference to FIGS. 22-23. The temperatures show a near instantaneous drop in temperature before increasing towards a steady state temperature slightly above the ambient temperature. However, small fluctuations in temperature can create larger temperature gradients than those seen in FIGS. 22-23, reaching nearly 0.1° F./s. These small fluctuations can indicate that a less frequent sampling time (<1 Hz) may reduce false negatives caused by small temperature fluctuations over a short period of time.

FIG. 26 is a diagram of an example process for controlling mattress components based on a thermal event according to the implementations of the present disclosure. At 2602, a thermal event is detected in a mattress with a thermal sensor 108. The thermal event is a change in temperature with respect to time equal to or greater than a threshold change in temperature with respect to time. For example, referring to FIGS. 19A-19B, the thermal sensor 108 detects a change in temperature with respect to time that is equal to or greater than 0.5° F./s, indicating a thermal event at the mattress 112.

At 2603, based on detecting the thermal event, some or all of a mattress climate-control system positioned in the mattress is disabled. For example, referring to FIGS. 19A-19B, the fans 106 can be disabled.

In some implementations, controlling mattress components based on a thermal event can include transmitting a signal indicating an occurrence of thermal event to a user computing device.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Accordingly, various features have been described above in the feature groups for clarity and organization purposes, however, it will be understood that features from the various feature groups can be beneficially combined together in a common system. Accordingly, various embodiments are specifically intended to include features of more than one, and sometimes many, feature groups. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.