Controlling the Internal Pressure of a Mattress

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Application Serial No. 63/730,574, filed December 11, 2024. The disclosure of the prior application is considered part of the disclosure of this application and incorporated in its entirety into this application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This present document relates to beds, and more particularly controlling inflatable chambers for beds, such as inflatable chambers in pillows and mattresses.

BACKGROUND

In general, a bed is a piece of furniture used as a location to sleep or relax. Some 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. People have traditionally used beds that come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. Such beds can range from extremely simple designs to rather complex designs that include a variety of features. For example, some beds can have one or more inflatable air chambers. Some of such beds can include an inflation system including a number of mechanical and electrical components. For example, some beds can include one or more pumps with one or more valves for inflating the air chambers.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of a mattress and related assemblies can include one or more of the features and functions disclosed herein. Some embodiments can have an air system capable of allowing for deflation of an inflatable chamber at different speeds (e.g., relatively fast and relatively slow and in between speeds). This can be particularly desirable in inflatable air beds where noise can be undesirable, especially while a person is sleeping on the air bed. Inflation and deflation of inflatable chambers can be performed relatively slowly and quietly when performed while a user is sleeping and can be performed more quickly (and possibly more loudly) when the user is awake and desiring faster deflation or when faster inflation or deflation is desired.

In an example aspect, a sleep system includes an inflatable chamber, a valve manifold, multiple pumps, and multiple switching valves. The valve manifold can conduct a flow of fluid alternatively to and from the inflatable chamber. The pumps are coupled to the valve manifold. The switching valves are coupled to the valve manifold. The switching valves control fluid flow from the pumps through the valve manifold to the inflatable chamber.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the valve manifold includes a pump inlet conduit, a pump outlet conduit, and an inflatable chamber conduit. The pump inlet conduit is coupled to inlets of the pumps. The pump outlet conduit is coupled to outlets of the pumps. The inflatable chamber conduit is alternatively coupled to the inflatable chamber and either the pump inlet conduit or the pump outlet conduit.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the valve manifold includes an atmospheric conduit to conduct a fluid from a space outside the valve manifold into the valve manifold. The atmospheric conduit alternatively couples to either the pump inlet conduit or the pump outlet conduit.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the atmospheric conduit includes an atmospheric port open to a space exterior to the valve manifold.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the atmospheric port is frustoconical.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the sleep system includes a controller to perform operations including operating the pumps and the switching valves to alter an internal pressure of the inflatable chamber.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, a first valve of the multiple valves controls a flow of fluid i) between the atmospheric port and the atmospheric conduit and ii) the atmospheric port and the pump inlet conduit. A second valve of the multiple valves controls a flow fluid between the atmospheric conduit and the pump outlet conduit. A third valve of the multiple valves controls a flow fluid between the pump inlet conduit and the inflatable chamber conduit. A fourth valve of the multiple valves controls a flow fluid between i) the pump outlet conduit and the inflatable chamber conduit and ii) between the third valve and the inflatable chamber through the inflatable chamber conduit. A fifth valve of the multiple valves controls a flow fluid between the inflatable chamber conduit and a first chamber port. A sixth valve of the multiple valves controls a flow fluid between the inflatable chamber conduit and a second chamber port.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, altering the internal pressure of the inflatable chamber includes increasing the internal pressure. The controller performs operations including moving the first valve from a first position preventing flow through the first valve to a second position allowing flow between the atmospheric port and the pump inlet conduit, moving the fourth valve from a first position preventing fluid flow through the fourth valve to a second position allowing fluid flow between pump outlet conduit and the inflatable chamber conduit, moving the fifth valve from a first position preventing flow through the fifth valve to a second position allowing flow between the inflatable chamber conduit and a first chamber port, and energizing a first pump of the multiple pumps. Responsive to energizing the first pump, a fluid flow is generated from the atmospheric port through the first valve to the pump inlet conduit, from the pump inlet conduit to energized first pump, through the energized first pump to the pump outlet conduit, from the pump outlet conduit to the fourth valve, through the fourth valve to the fifth valve, through the fifth valve and out the first chamber port to the first inflatable chamber. Responsive to flowing the fluid into the first inflatable chamber, an internal pressure of the first inflatable chamber is increased.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, increasing the internal pressure of the inflatable chamber includes energizing a second pump of the multiple pumps and responsive to energizing the second pump, increasing the fluid flow from the atmospheric port through the valve manifold to the first inflatable chamber.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, altering the internal pressure of the inflatable chamber includes decreasing the internal pressure. The controller perform operations including moving the fifth valve from a first position preventing flow between the inflatable chamber conduit and the first fluid chamber to a second position allowing fluid flow between a first inflatable chamber port and the inflatable chamber conduit, moving the fourth valve from a first position preventing fluid flow through the fourth valve to a third position allowing fluid flow between the fourth valve and the third valve, moving the third valve from a first position preventing fluid flow through the third valve to a second position allowing fluid flow between the inflatable chamber conduit and the pump inlet conduit, moving the second valve from a first position preventing fluid flow through the second valve to a second position allowing fluid flow from the pump outlet conduit through the second valve to the atmospheric conduit, moving the first valve from a first position preventing fluid flow through the first valve to a third position allowing fluid flow between the atmospheric conduit and the atmospheric port, and energizing a first pump of the multiple pumps. Responsive to energizing the first pump, a fluid flow is generated from the inflatable chamber through the first inflatable chamber port to the fifth valve, through the fifth valve to the inflatable chamber conduit, through the inflatable chamber conduit to the fourth valve, through the fourth valve to the third valve, through the third valve to the pump inlet conduit, from the pump inlet conduit to the first pump, from the first pump to the pump outlet conduit, through the pump outlet conduit to the second valve, through the second valve to the atmospheric conduit, through the atmospheric conduit to the first valve, through the first valve, and out the atmospheric port to a space outside the valve manifold. Responsive to flowing the fluid to the space outside the valve manifold, an internal pressure of the first inflatable chamber is decreased.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, decreasing the internal pressure of the first inflatable chamber includes energizing a second pump of the multiple pumps. Responsive to energizing the second pump, the fluid flow from the first inflatable chamber through the valve manifold to the atmospheric port is increased.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, altering the internal pressure of the inflatable chamber includes decreasing the internal pressure. The controller performs operations including moving the fifth valve from a first position preventing flow between the inflatable chamber conduit and the first inflatable chamber to a second position allowing fluid flow between a first inflatable chamber port and the inflatable chamber conduit, moving the fourth valve from the first position preventing fluid flow through the fourth valve to the second position allowing fluid flow between pump outlet conduit and the inflatable chamber conduit, moving the second valve from a first position preventing fluid flow through the second valve to a second position allowing fluid flow from the pump outlet conduit through the second valve to the atmospheric conduit, moving the first valve from a first position preventing fluid flow through the first valve to a third position allowing fluid flow between the atmospheric conduit and the atmospheric port, responsive to moving the fifth valve to the second position, moving the fourth valve to the second position, moving the second valve to the second position, and moving the first valve to the third position, forming an unpowered deflate flow path from the first inflatable chamber through the valve manifold to the atmospheric port.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, when the internal pressure of the first inflatable chamber is greater than an atmospheric pressure, fluid flows from the first inflatable chamber into the valve manifold, through the valve manifold along the unpowered deflate flow path, and out the valve manifold to the space outside the valve manifold.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the pumps include micro-fluidic diaphragm pumps.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the valves seal in both a vacuum condition and a suction condition.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the valves are actuatable between a first position preventing flow through each of the valves, a second position allowing flow through a first flow path through each of the valves, and a third position allowing flow through a second flow path through each of the valves different than the first flow path.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the sleep system includes one or more sensors detect a condition of the inflatable chamber and transmit a signal representing the condition of the inflatable chamber to the controller.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the condition of the inflatable chamber includes one or more of a chamber pressure, a sleep position of a person on the inflatable chamber, a snore condition, a temperature, or a humidity.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the inflatable chamber is positioned in a pillow.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the inflatable chamber is positioned in a mattress.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the inflatable chamber is positioned on a mattress.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the inflatable chamber includes multiple sub-sections positioned in a mattress.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, at least one sub-section allows a portion of fluid to freely flow to another sub-section.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, each of the sub-sections are independently inflatable and deflatable.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the sleep system includes a booster pump fluidly coupled to the inflatable chamber. The booster pump can flow fluid to the inflatable chamber.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the booster pump flows fluid to the inflatable chamber at a rate greater than a sum of the total output of the pumps.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the booster pump and the pumps flow fluid to the inflatable chamber simultaneously.

In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the booster pump and the pumps can optionally flow fluid to the inflatable chamber in parallel.

In another example aspect, a sleep system adjusts a pressure of an inflatable chamber. The sleep system includes a manifold, multiple pumps, multiple control valves, and a controller. The pumps are coupled to the manifold. The control valves are coupled to the manifold. The valves direct fluid to or from the inflatable chamber by changing the suction or discharge of the pumps between a fluid volume outside the manifold and the inflatable chamber. The controller is operatively coupled to the pumps and the control valves.

In another example aspect, a sleep system inflates or deflates a chamber. The sleep system includes a manifold, multiple control valves, and multiple pumps. The multiple control valves are coupled to the manifold. The control valves control a flow of fluid to and from the chamber. The pumps are coupled to the manifold in parallel.

In another example aspect, a sleep system inflates or deflates a chamber. The sleep system includes a manifold, multiple control valves, multiple pumps, and a controller. The control valves are coupled to the manifold. The control valves control a flow of fluid to and from the chamber. The pumps flow fluid to and from the manifold. The controller performs operations including receiving a signal representing a value of a condition of the inflatable chamber; comparing the value of the condition of the inflatable chamber to a threshold value; and based on a result of the comparison, adjusting a quantity of the pumps in use to flow fluid to or from the inflatable chamber via the manifold.

In another example aspect, a valve manifold includes an inlet conduit, multiple inlets, an outlet conduit, multiple outlets, an inflatable chamber, and an atmospheric conduit. The inlets are coupled to the inlet conduit. Each inlet is coupled a separate pump inlet. The outlets are coupled to the outlet conduit. Each outlet is coupled to a separate pump outlet. The inflatable chamber conduit alternatively couples to the inflatable chamber and either the inlet conduit or the outlet conduit. The atmospheric conduit conducts a fluid from a space outside the valve manifold into the valve manifold. The atmospheric conduit alternatively couples to either the inlet conduit or the outlet conduit.

In another example aspect, a bed system includes a mattress, a pump system, one or more air pressure sensors, and a controller. The mattress has first and second air chambers positioned to support a first user. The pump system is connected to the first and second air chambers. The controller drives the pump system to inflate the first air chamber and to deflate the second air chamber, deflate the second air chamber to be substantially empty while maintaining air in the first air chamber, and stop deflating the second air chamber in response to data from the one or more pressure sensors indicating that the second air chamber is substantially empty.

In another example aspect, a pump system for a bed includes one or more pumps and a manifold. The manifold connects to the one or more pumps. The manifold includes an inlet conduit, multiple inlets, an outlet conduit, multiple outlets, an inflatable chamber conduit, and an atmospheric conduit. The multiple inlets are coupled to the inlet conduit. Each inlet is coupled to a separate pump inlet. The outlets are coupled to the outlet conduit. Each outlet couples to a separate pump outlet. The inflatable chamber conduit can alternatively couple to the inflatable chamber and either the inlet conduit or the outlet conduit. The atmospheric conduit conducts a fluid from a space outside the valve conduit into the valve conduit. The atmospheric conduit can alternatively couple to either the inlet conduit or the outlet conduit.

The devices, systems, and techniques described herein may provide one or more of the following advantages. These systems and methods can provide for a scalable design flow rate to and from the inflatable chamber. For example, the operator can include two, three, four, or even more pumps to achieve a maximum flow rate by connecting additional pumps to the valve manifold. The same valve manifold can be used for a mattress inflatable chamber and a pillow inflatable chamber. In some cases, only two pumps may be needed to achieve the desired maximum flow rate for a pillow inflatable chamber, but four pumps may be needed to achieve the desired flowrate for a mattress inflatable chamber.

These systems and methods can provide for an adjustable flow rate to and from the respective inflatable chamber. For example, by having at least two pumps fluidly connected to the valve manifold in parallel, the flow rate into the inflatable chamber can be increased by energizing another pump, inflating the inflatable chamber more quickly. For example, when more than one pump is flowing fluid into the inflatable chamber, the flow rate into the inflatable chamber can be decreased by deenergizing one or more pumps, inflating the inflatable chamber slower. For example, the flow rate from the inflatable chamber can be increased by energizing another pump, deflating the inflatable chamber more quickly. For example, when more than one pump is flowing fluid from the inflatable chamber, the flow rate from the inflatable chamber can be decreased by deenergizing one or more pumps, deflating the inflatable chamber slower.

These systems and methods can reduce the noise level of the sleep system. For example, some small pumps, such as the pumps used with this valve manifold, are quieter in operation than a single larger pump. Using multiple smaller pumps can reduce the noise level relative to using a single large pump.

These systems and methods can improve the sleep quality of a person sleeping on the mattress. For example, by reducing the noise level by using multiple small pumps, the person sleeping on the mattress can be less likely to be disturbed by pump operation, improving the sleep quality of the person. For example, by adjusting the flow rate quickly and quietly when desired, the optimal sleep conditions can be more easily maintained, improving the sleep quality of person sleeping on the mattress.

These systems and methods can increase inflation system lifetime. For example, smaller pumps can be more reliable than a single larger pumps. For example, additional spare smaller pumps can be included and at a lower cost than a larger, more complex pump. When one smaller pump fails, the spare smaller pump can be operated without having to replace the failed pump, increasing inflation system lifetime.

These systems and methods can reduce an overall system size. The use of multiple smaller pumps can reduce the overall pump volume so the pump/control system is lower in profile. This can be particularly beneficial when the pump/control system is used with a zero clearance base design (i.e., a thin profile) or reduce the profile of the adjustable base surround reducing the amount of material used to hide underlying components. This could also reduce the size of the plastic enclosure used to contain for the pump/control system.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a sleep system.

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. 9 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. 10 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. 11-15 are block diagrams of example cloud services that can be used in a data processing system associated with a bed.

FIG. 16 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. 17 is a schematic diagram that shows an example of a computing device and a mobile computing device.

FIG. 18 shows a sleep system with a valve manifold.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the valve manifold of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is another perspective view of the valve manifold of FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a perspective internal view of the valve manifold of FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is a perspective internal view of the valve manifold of FIG. 18 aligned to inflate the inflatable chamber using pumps.

FIG. 23 is a perspective internal view of the valve manifold of FIG. 18 aligned to deflate the inflatable chamber using pumps.

FIG. 24 is a perspective internal view of the valve manifold of FIG. 18 aligned to deflate the inflatable chamber without using pumps.

FIG. 25 shows another sleep system.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some mattress and pillows have inflatable chambers. A pressure control system can be connected to inflate or deflate the inflatable chambers. The pressure control system has a valve manifold with multiple interconnected flow paths, multiple pumps connected to inlet and outlet flow paths of the valve manifold, and multiple valves coupled to the valve manifold to control fluid flow through the interconnected flow paths between the atmosphere, the pumps, and the inflatable chambers. When one flow rate to or from the inflatable chamber is desired, only one pump is energized to flow fluid and the valve aligns the flow to or from the inflatable chamber. When more flow is desired, another pump can be energized, increasing the flow rate to or from the inflatable chamber. A particular arrangement of a manifold with multiple pumps (e.g., four pumps) with multiple inlets, outlets, and valves can facilitate different speeds of powered inflation and different speeds of powered deflation (and/or unpowered deflation) for one or more air chambers. This can facilitate very quiet operation that may be desirable while a user is sleeping and very fast operation that may be desired when performing a large volume change for an air chamber, such as complete or near complete inflation or deflation of an air chamber.

FIG. 1 shows an example air bed system 100 that includes a bed 112. The bed 112 can be a mattress that includes at least one air chamber 114A or 114B surrounded by a resilient border 116 and encapsulated by bed ticking 118. The resilient border 116 can comprise 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. 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 kids’ 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 inputted by a user using the remote control 122. In some implementations, the control box 124 is integrated into the 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 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 by 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 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 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 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 heart rate 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 heart rate and/or respiration rate. As another example, additional processing can be performed using the collected data to determine a sleep state of the user (e.g., awake, light sleep, deep sleep). For example, the processor 136 can determine when the user falls asleep and, while asleep, the various sleep states (e.g., sleep stages) of the user. Based on the determined heart rate, 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., heart rate, 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, heart rate 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 the 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., heart rate, 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 heart rate, 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 heart rate, 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 heart rate, 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., heart rate, 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 heart rate 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 heart rate, 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 heart rate and/or respiratory rate. For example, the algorithm or calculation can be based on assumptions that a heart rate portion of the signal has a frequency in 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 heart rates 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 a lot 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 example 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.

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 another 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.

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 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., heart rate, 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 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 heart rate. 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 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), historical 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 the amount of sleep for the user 308 over a period of time (e.g., a single evening, a week, a month, etc.), the 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, heart rate 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 better information 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 the 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 the 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 the 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 send 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 machine 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 (not shown) 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 heart rate 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 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 light 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 the 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, heart rate, 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, smartphones, 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 timeframe (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 timeframe (e.g., between 6:00 am and 8:00 am). The control circuitry 334 can also monitor movement, heart rate, 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 the 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, if 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 bedtime 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 the 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 about2 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 302 usually sleeps or otherwise stays on the bed 302.

The control circuitry 334 can detect repeated extended sleep events to automatically determine a typical bedtime range of the user 308, without requiring the user 308 to enter a bedtime 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 bedtime 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 bedtime range or outside of the bedtime range.

The control circuitry 334 can automatically determine the bedtime range of the user 308 without requiring user inputs. The control circuitry 334 may also determine the bedtime 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 bedtime range directly according to user inputs. The control circuity 334 can associate different bedtimes 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 bedtime 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 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 comfort, 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 is in 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 kid’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 the 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 similarly 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 on, 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, 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.

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 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, 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 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.

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 pump motherboard 402 and a pump 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 pump motherboard 402 (e.g., for analysis). The sensor array 406 can include one or more 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 pump 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 pump 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 pump motherboard 402. For example, a sensor of the sensor array 406 may not be configured to, or may not be able to, communicate directly with a corresponding controller. 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 pump 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 pump controller 504 and a pump motor 506. The pump controller 504 can receive commands from the processor 502 to control functioning of the pump motor 506. For example, the pump controller 504 can receive a command to increase pressure of an air chamber by 0.3 pounds per square inch (PSI). The pump controller 504, in response, engages a valve so that the pump motor 506 pumps air into the selected air chamber, and can engage the pump motor 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 pump motor 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 the 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 heart rate, 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.

Referring to FIGS. 4-8, the sensor 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 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 (e.g., a temperature sensor 1618, a light sensor 1614, or a sound sensor 1614). The bed mounted sensors 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 can be load cells or force sensors. Other sensors may not be mounted to the bed and can include a pressure sensor and/or another peripheral sensor 1616. For example, the sensors can be integrated or otherwise part of a user mobile device (e.g., mobile phone, wearable device). The sensors can also be part of a central controller for controlling the bed and peripheral devices. Sometimes, the sensors can be part of one or more home automation devices or other peripheral devices. In some implementations, the peripheral sensors 1616 can include but are not limited to light-detection-and-ranging (LiDAR), radar, and/or time-of-flight (ToF) sensors. LiDAR sensors can, for example emit light from a laser in order to collect measurements, including, but not limited to, user movement and/or user biometrics. The light can be emitted from pulsed laser beams with wavelengths in a near-infrared (NIR) range. Radar sensors can use radio waves and/or microwaves and thus operate at longer wavelengths than LiDAR sensors. Radar sensors can similarly be used to detect user movement and/or user biometrics. ToF sensors can be used to determine the amount of time that it takes photons or other energy particles to travel between two points, which can be similarly used to detect user movement and/or user biometrics. One or more other peripheral sensors are also possible.

Sometimes, some or all of the bed mounted sensors 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 the sensors can sense features of a mattress (e.g., pressure, temperature, light, sound, and/or other features) and features external to the mattress. Sometimes, the pressure sensor can sense the pressure of the mattress while some or all the sensors sense features of the mattress and/or features external to the mattress.

FIG. 9 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 900, such as a temperature controller 906, a light controller 908, and a speaker controller 910. Peripheral controllers 902 and 904 can be in communication with the motherboard 402, but optionally not mounted to the bed.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example computing device 414 used in a data processing system associated with a bed system. The computing device 414 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, smartphones, wearable devices), desktop computers, home automation devices, and/or central controllers or other hub devices.

The computing device 414 includes a power supply 1000, a processor 1002, and computer readable memory 1004. User input and output can be transmitted by speakers 1006, a touchscreen 1008, or other not shown components (e.g., a pointing device or keyboard). The computing device 414 can run applications 1010 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 414 can be used in addition to, or to replace, the remote control 122 described above.

FIG. 11 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 1100, a communication manager 1202, server hardware 1204, and server system software 1106. The bed data cloud service 410a is also shown with a user identification module 1108, a device management 1110 module, a sensor data module 1110, and an advanced sleep data module 1114. The network interface 1100 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 1100 can include network cards, routers, modems, and other hardware.

The communication manager 1102 generally includes hardware and software that operate above the network interface 1100 such as software 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 1102 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 processors) and computer readable memory (e.g., random access memory, stable hard disks, tape backup). One or more servers can be configured into clusters, multi-computer, or datacenters that can be geographically separate or connected. The server system software 1106 generally includes software that runs on the server hardware 1104 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 1108 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 1110 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 1112 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 1112. An index or indexes stored by the service 410a can identify users and/or beds associated with the sensor data 1112.

The service 410a can use any of its available data (e.g., sensor data 1112) to generate advanced sleep data 1114. 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. However, other configurations are possible in which the service 410a is executed on the bed system. For example, the pump motherboard 402 and/or pump daughterboard 404 can contain sufficient processor and memory resources to execute the service 410a. In some cases, this can allow the service 410a to be executed redundantly, to protect against loss of network.

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 1114. The service 410a can retrieve one or more models to determine overall sleep quality of the user based on currently detected sensor data 1112 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 1112.

FIG. 12 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 1200, a communication manager 1202, server hardware 1204, and server system software 1206. The service 410b also includes a user identification module 1208, a pressure sensor manager 1210, a pressure based sleep data module 1212, a raw pressure sensor data module 1214, and a non-pressure sleep data module 1216. 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 bed sensor manager 1210 can include, or reference, data related to the configuration and operation of sensors in beds such as pressure sensors, force sensors, or other sensors of a bed. This data can include an identifier of the types of sensors in a particular bed, their settings and calibration data, etc. The bed based sleep data 1212 can use raw bed sensor data 1214 to calculate sleep metrics tied to bed sensor data. For example, user presence, movements, weight change, heart rate, and breathing rate can be determined from raw bed sensor data 1214. 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-bed sleep data 1216 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 bed sensor data 1214 and non-bed sleep data 1216 (e.g., raw temperature data gathered from a peripheral device on a nightstand by the bed). 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. Sometimes, bed presence can be determined using only the load cell data. In other instances, data from two or more sensors can be used to determine bed 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 1216.

FIG. 13 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 1300, a communication manager 1302, server hardware 1304, and server system software 1306. The service 410c also includes a user identification module 1308, a purchase history module 1310, an engagement module 1312, and an application usage history module 1314.

The user identification module 1308 can include, or reference, data related to users of beds with associated data processing systems, as described above. The purchase history module 1310 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 1312 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 1314 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 414 described herein. The application can log and report user interactions for storage in the application usage history module 1314. An index or indexes stored by the service 410c can also identify users associated with each log entry. User interactions stored in the module 1314 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. 14 is a block diagram of an example point-of-sale cloud service 1400 used in a data processing system associated with a bed system. Here, the service 1400 can record data related to users’ purchases, specifically purchases of bed systems described herein. The service 1400 is shown with a network interface 1402, a communication manager 1404, server hardware 1406, and server system software 1408. The service 1400 also includes a user identification module 1410, a purchase history module 1412, and a bed setup module 1414.

The purchase history module 1412 can include, or reference, data related to purchases made by users identified in the module 1410, 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. The selections can include expected sleep schedule, a listing of peripheral sensors and controllers that they have or will install, and other suitable selections, etc.

The bed setup module 1414 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, the 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 1400 can be referenced by a user’s bed system at later times to control the 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 1400 can be used in connection with other, user-entered data.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an example environment cloud service 1500 used in a data processing system associated with a bed system. Here, the service 1500 is configured to record data related to users’ home environment. The service 1500 includes 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, an environmental sensors module 1512, and an environmental factors module 1514. The environmental sensors module 1512 can include a listing and identification of sensors that users identified in the module 1510 to have installed in and/or surrounding their bed (e.g., light, noise/audio, vibration, thermostats, movement/motion sensors). The module 1512 can also store historical readings or reports from the environmental sensors. The module 1512 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 1514 can include reports generated based on data in the module 1512. For example, the module 1514 can generate and retain a report indicating the 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 1512.

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. 16 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 1600 that runs on the motherboard 402. The behavior analysis module 1600 can be one or more software components stored on the computer memory 512 and executed by the processor 502. In general, the module 1600 can collect data from a variety of sources (e.g., sensors 602,1612, 1614, 1616, 1618 non-sensor local sources 1604, and/or cloud data services 410a and/or 410c) and use a behavioral algorithm 1602 (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 1600 can collect data from any technologically appropriate source (e.g., sensors of the sensor array 406) to gather data about the features of a bed, the bed’s environment, and/or the bed’s users. The data can provide the module 1600 with information about a current state of the bed’s environment. For example, the module 1600 can access readings from the pressure sensor 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 1600 can access a light sensor 1612 to detect the amount of light in the environment. The module 1600 can also access the temperature sensor 1618 to detect a temperature in the environment and/or microclimates in the bed. Using this data, the module 1600 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 comfort. Similarly, the module 1600 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 1600 can access the bed cloud service 410a to access historical sensor data 1212 and/or advanced sleep data 1214. The module 1600 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 1600 can accurately determine user sleep quality, health information, and/or control of the bed and/or peripheral devices. Similarly, the module 1600 can access data from non-sensor sources 1604, such as a local clock and calendar service (e.g., a component of the motherboard 402 or of the processor 502). The module 1600 can use this information to determine, for example, the times of day that the user is in bed, asleep, waking up, and/or going to bed.

The behavior analysis module 1600 can aggregate and prepare this data for use with one or more behavioral algorithms 1602 (e.g., machine learning models). The behavioral algorithms 1602 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 1602 can use available data (e.g., pressure sensor, non-sensor data, or 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 1602 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 902 or 904, foundation actuators 1606, a temperature controller 1608, and/or an under-bed lighting controller 1610.

Data described in this document can be organized into time periods that align with user behavior. For example, sensor data used as training data and for other purposes can be indexed by an associated sleep session. In some cases, sleep sessions are a period of time in which a user intends to, and does, sleep on the bed. For example, a user may go to bed at 10:00 pm on Monday, and awaken at6:00am the next Tuesday by their alarm. In this case, a sleep session may be identified for this. The sleep session may be started when the user enters the bed (e.g., at 10:00 pm), when the user falls asleep (e.g., at 10:17 pm) as determined from sensor data, or at another time (e.g., noon on Monday for a 24-hour sleep session). The sleep session may be ended when the user awakens (e.g., 6:00 pm), exits the bed (e.g., at 6:03 pm), or at another time (e.g., noon on Tuesday for a 24-hour sleep session). As will be appreciated, many sleep sessions occur at night, spanning across two calendar days. However, other types of sleep sessions are possible. For example, a user that works an overnight shift, e.g., sleeps from about noon to about 8:00 pm every day, and thus their sleep session would be contained within a single calendar day. The particular delineations of the sleep sessions for a single user or a class of users can be identified based on user input (e.g., entering into a GUI their own sleep habits), automatically identified (e.g., without user input), or via another technologically appropriate process.

Here, the module 1600 and the behavioral algorithm 1602 are shown as components of the motherboard 402. Other configurations are also possible. For example, the same or a similar behavioral analysis module 1600 and/or behavioral algorithm 1602 can be run in one or more cloud services, and the 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. 17 shows an example of a computing device 1700 and an example of a mobile computing device that can be used to implement the techniques described here. The computing device 1700 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, smartphones, 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 1700 includes a processor 1702, a memory 1704, a storage device 1706, a high-speed interface 1708 connecting to the memory 1704 and multiple high-speed expansion ports 1710, and a low-speed interface 1712 connecting to a low-speed expansion port 1714 and the storage device 1706. Each of the processor 1702, the memory 1704, the storage device 1706, the high-speed interface 1708, the high-speed expansion ports 1710, and the low-speed interface 1712, are interconnected using various busses, and can be mounted on a common motherboard or in other manners as appropriate. The processor 1702 can process instructions for execution within the computing device 1700, including instructions stored in the memory 1704 or on the storage device 1706 to display graphical information for a GUI on an external input/output device, such as a display 1716 coupled to the high-speed interface 1708. 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 1704 stores information within the computing device 1700. In some implementations, the memory 1704 is a volatile memory unit or units. In some implementations, the memory 1704 is a non-volatile memory unit or units. The memory 1704 can also be another form of computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic or optical disk. The storage device 1706 is capable of providing mass storage for the computing device 1700. In some implementations, the storage device 1706 can be or contain a computer-readable medium, such as a floppy disk device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, or a tape device, a flash memory or other similar solid state memory device, or an array of devices, including devices in a storage area network or other configurations. A computer program product can be tangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer program product can also contain instructions that, when executed, perform one or more methods, such as those described above. The computer program product can also be tangibly embodied in a computer- or machine-readable medium, such as the memory 1704, the storage device 1706, or memory on the processor 1702.

The high-speed interface 1708 manages bandwidth-intensive operations for the computing device 1700, while the low-speed interface 1712 manages lower bandwidth-intensive operations. Such allocation of functions is exemplary only. In some implementations, the high-speed interface 1708 is coupled to the memory 1704, the display 1716 (e.g., through a graphics processor or accelerator), and to the high-speed expansion ports 1710, which can accept various expansion cards (not shown). In the implementation, the low-speed interface 1712 is coupled to the storage device 1706 and the low-speed expansion port 1714. The low-speed expansion port 1714, 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 1700 can be implemented in a number of different forms, as shown in the figure. For example, it can be implemented as a standard server 1720, or multiple times in a group of such servers. In addition, it can be implemented in a personal computer such as a laptop computer 1722. It can also be implemented as part of a rack server system 1724. Alternatively, components from the computing device 1700 can be combined with other components in a mobile device (not shown), such as a mobile computing device 1750. Each of such devices can contain one or more of the computing device 1700 and the mobile computing device 1750, and an entire system can be made up of multiple computing devices communicating with each other. The mobile computing device 1750 includes a processor 1752, a memory 1764, an input/output device such as a display 1754, a communication interface 1766, and a transceiver 1768, among other components. The mobile computing device 1750 can also be provided with a storage device, such as a micro-drive or other device, to provide additional storage. Each of the processor 1752, the memory 1764, the display 1754, the communication interface 1766, and the transceiver 1768, 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 1752 can execute instructions within the mobile computing device 1750, including instructions stored in the memory 1764. The processor 1752 can be implemented as a chipset of chips that include separate and multiple analog and digital processors. The processor 1752 can provide, for example, for coordination of the other components of the mobile computing device 1750, such as control of user interfaces, applications run by the mobile computing device 1750, and wireless communication by the mobile computing device 1750. The processor 1752 can communicate with a user through a control interface 1758 and a display interface 1756 coupled to the display 1754. The display 1754 can be, for example, a TFT (Thin-Film-Transistor Liquid Crystal Display) display or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display, or other appropriate display technology. The display interface 1756 can comprise appropriate circuitry for driving the display 1754 to present graphical and other information to a user. The control interface 1758 can receive commands from a user and convert them for submission to the processor 1752. In addition, an external interface 1762 can provide communication with the processor 1752, so as to enable near area communication of the mobile computing device 1750 with other devices. The external interface 1762 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 1764 stores information within the mobile computing device 1750. The memory 1764 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 1774 can also be provided and connected to the mobile computing device 1750 through an expansion interface 1772, which can include, for example, a SIMM (Single In Line Memory Module) card interface. The expansion memory 1774 can provide extra storage space for the mobile computing device 1750, or can also store applications or other information for the mobile computing device 1750. Specifically, the expansion memory 1774 can include instructions to carry out or supplement the processes described above, and can include secure information also. Thus, for example, the expansion memory 1774 can be provided as a security module for the mobile computing device 1750, and can be programmed with instructions that permit secure use of the mobile computing device 1750. In addition, secure applications can be provided via the SIMM cards, along with additional information, such as placing identifying information on the SIMM card in a non-hackable manner.

The memory can include, for example, flash memory and/or NVRAM memory (non-volatile random access memory), as discussed below. In some implementations, a computer program product is tangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer program product contains instructions that, when executed, perform one or more methods, such as those described above. The computer program product can be a computer- or machine-readable medium, such as the memory 1764, the expansion memory 1774, or memory on the processor 1752. In some implementations, the computer program product can be received in a propagated signal, for example, over the transceiver 1768 or the external interface 1762.

The mobile computing device 1750 can communicate wirelessly through the communication interface 1766, which can include digital signal processing circuitry where necessary. The communication interface 1766 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 1770 can provide additional navigation- and location-related wireless data to the mobile computing device 1750, which can be used as appropriate by applications running on the mobile computing device 1750. The mobile computing device 1750 can also communicate audibly using an audio codec 1760, which can receive spoken information from a user and convert it to usable digital information. The audio codec 1760 can likewise generate audible sound for a user, such as through a speaker, e.g., in a handset of the mobile computing device 1750. 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 1750. The mobile computing device 1750 can be implemented in a number of different forms, as shown in the figure. For example, it can be implemented as a cellular telephone 1780. It can also be implemented as part of a smartphone 1782, 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.

FIG. 18 shows a pressure control system for inflating or deflating variable sized air chambers (i.e., inflatable chambers) used in sleep systems. For example, variable sized air chambers can be used in mattresses or pillows. The pressure control system has a valve manifold with several interconnected fluid pathways. Flow through the fluid pathways is controlled by valves. Multiple small pumps are connected in parallel to the fluid pathways of the valve manifold. The pumps can be selectively energized to increase or decrease the flow rate to and from the inflatable chambers to increase or decrease the rate of inflation and deflation of the inflatable chambers.

The example bed system 1800 in FIG. 18 includes a pressure control system 1802 for use with the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c of a bed 1818. The pressure control system 1802 can increase or decrease the flow rate to or from the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c during inflation or deflation of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c. The pressure control system 1802 can be integrated with and used in conjunction with one or more of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-17 to improve the sleep quality of a person sleeping on the bed 112.

As shown and described in more detail in reference to FIGS. 18-24, the pressure control system 1802 includes a controller 1804, a valve manifold 1806, multiple pumps 1808a-1808d coupled to the valve manifold 1806, and multiple valves 1810a-1810f coupled to the valve manifold 1806. The pumps 1808a-1808d flow fluid from the valve manifold 1806, pressurize the fluid, and return the pressurized fluid to the valve manifold 1806. The valves 1810a-1810f are coupled to the valve manifold 1806 between different sections of the flow paths to control fluid flow to and from the atmosphere 1812 through an atmospheric port 1814 of the valve manifold 1806, the pumps 1808a-1808d, and the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c. The controller 1804 generates control signals and sends the control signals to the pumps 1808a-1808d and the valves 1810a-1810f. The control signals to the pumps 1808a-1808d turn on and off the pumps 1808a-1808d, flow fluid from the from the valve manifold 1806, pressurize the fluid, and return the pressurized fluid to the valve manifold 1806. The control signals to the valves 1810a-1810f reposition the valves 1810a-1810f between open and closed positions, allowing or preventing flow through the interconnected flow paths of the valve manifold 1806 as shown and described in more detail in reference to FIGS. 18 and 21-24.

Referring to FIGS. 19-24, the valve manifold 1806 has a body 1902. The body 1902 can be a polymer, metal, or any other suitable material, or any combination thereof. For example, the body 1902 can be aluminum, steel, polyvinyl carbonate, or any other suitable material.

Referring to FIG. 21, the valve manifold 1806 has multiple flow paths extending through the body 1902. The valve manifold 1806 has a pump inlet conduit 2102, a pump outlet conduit 2104, an inflatable chamber conduit 2106, and an atmospheric conduit 2108. The valve manifold 1806 has multiple cross-over conduits extending between the pump inlet conduit 2102, the pump outlet conduit 2104, the inflatable chamber conduit 2106, and the atmospheric conduit 2108. The cross-over conduits include an atmospheric conduit to pump inlet conduit cross-over conduit 2110, an atmospheric conduit to pump outlet conduit cross-over conduit 2112, an inflatable chamber conduit to pump inlet conduit cross-over conduit 2114, and an inflatable chamber conduit to pump outlet conduit cross-over conduit 2116. The pump inlet conduit 2102, the pump outlet conduit 2104, the inflatable chamber conduit 2106, the atmospheric conduit 2108, the atmospheric conduit to pump inlet conduit cross-over conduit 2110, the atmospheric conduit to pump outlet conduit cross-over conduit 2112, the inflatable chamber conduit to pump inlet conduit cross-over conduit 2114, and the inflatable chamber conduit to pump outlet conduit cross-over conduit 2116 are separated the valves 1810a-1810f which open and close to define different flow paths to inflate or deflate the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c, which are operations described in more detail in reference to FIGS. 22-24.

The valve manifold 1806 has multiple pump inlets 2118a-2118d. The pump inlets 2118a-2118d are fluidly coupled to each of the respective pumps 1808a-1808d. The pump inlets 2118a-2118d extend through the body 1902 to the pump inlet conduit 2102. The pump inlets 2118a-2118d fluidly couple the pumps 1808a-1808d to the pump inlet conduit 2102.

The pump inlets 2118a-2118d can each be threaded to receive a hose barb 1904 which can couple to a flexible hose 1906. The flexible hoses 1906 extend between the hose barbs 1904 and the pumps 1808a-1808d. In other implementations, the valve manifold 1806 can include an integral external or recessed barb. In FIG. 19, the hose barbs 1904 and flexible hoses 1906 are only labeled with respect to the first pump 1808a for clarity, however, each of the pumps 1808c-d are also fluidly coupled to the valve manifold 1806 by hose barbs 1904 and flexible hoses 1906. The fluid in the valve manifold 1806 flows from the pump inlet conduit 2102 through the pump inlets 2118a-2118d, through the flexible hoses 1906, to the respective pumps 1808a-1808d. The pump inlets 2118a-2118d and the pump inlet conduit 2102 are coupled to the suction of the pumps 1808a-1808d. The flexible hoses 1906 can be rigid plastic tubes that are pre-formed to the desired length and shape. The fittings can include hose clamps. Different fittings may be used with different pressures, for example, to reduce leaks. In some implementations, push-to-connect type fittings may be used. Any suitable tube or fitting may be used. In other implementations, any other suitable manner of fluidly coupling the pumps 1808a-1808d to the valve manifold 1806 may be used.

The valve manifold 1806 has multiple pump outlets 2120a-2120d. The pump outlets 2120a-2120d are fluidly coupled to each of the respective pumps 1808a-1808d. The pump outlets 2120a-2120d extend through the body 1902 to the pump outlet conduit 2104. The pump outlets 2120a-2120d fluidly couple the pumps 1808a-1808d to the pump outlet conduit 2104.

The pump outlets 2120a-2120d can each be threaded to receive a hose barb 1904 which couple to a flexible hose 1906. The flexible hoses 1906 extend between the hose barbs 1904 and the pumps 1808a-1808d. The fluid in the valve manifold 1806 flows from the respective pumps 1808a-1808d, through the respective flexible hoses 1906, into the respective pump outlets 2120a-2120d to the pump outlet conduit 2104. The pump outlets 2120a-2120d and the pump outlet conduit 2104 are coupled to the discharge of the pumps 1808a-1808d.

The valve manifold 1806 includes the atmospheric port 1814. The atmospheric port 1814 is fluidly coupled to the atmospheric conduit 2108. The atmospheric port 1814 conducts fluid into and out of the valve manifold 1806 from the atmosphere 1812 based on the positions of the valves 1810a-1810f to and from the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c, described in more detail in reference to FIGS. 22-24.

The atmospheric conduit 2108 conducts fluid from a space outside the valve manifold 1806 (i.e., the atmosphere 1812) into the valve manifold 1806. The atmosphere 1812 is the space exterior to the valve manifold 1806. The atmospheric conduit is configured to alternatively couple to either the inlet conduit or the outlet conduit based on the position of the valves 1808a-1808b.

In this implementation, the atmospheric port 1814 has a frustoconical cross-section. However, in other implementations, the atmospheric port 1814 can have any other suitable cross-section.

In some implementations, where a liquid is used as the fluid for inflating and deflating the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c, the atmospheric port 1814 may not be used. In such implementations, the liquid may flow to a fluid reservoir.

The pressure control system 1802 includes a first valve 1810a and a second valve 1810b coupled to the valve manifold 1806. The first valve 1810a and the second valve 1810b control fluid flow through the atmospheric conduit 2108.

The first valve 1810a is a three-way valve. The first valve 1810a is positioned in the valve manifold 1806 at an intersection between the atmospheric port 1814, the atmospheric conduit 2108, and the atmospheric conduit to pump inlet conduit cross-over conduit 2110. The first valve 1810a is positioned at one end of the atmospheric conduit 2108. The controller 1804 is operatively coupled to the first valve 1810a. The first valve 1810a is operable between a first position, a second position, and a third position. When the first valve 1810a is in the first position, flow through the first valve 1810a is prevented. When the first valve 1810a is in the second position, the first valve 1810a allows flow between the atmospheric port 1814 to the atmospheric conduit to pump inlet conduit cross-over conduit 2110 and into the pump inlet conduit 2102. When the first valve 1810a is in the third position, the first valve 1810a allows fluid flow between the atmospheric conduit 2108 and the atmospheric port 1814.

The second valve 1810b is a two-way valve. The second valve 1810b is positioned in the valve manifold 1806 at an intersection between the atmospheric conduit 2108 and the atmospheric conduit to pump outlet conduit cross-over conduit 2112. The second valve 1810b is positioned at the opposite end of the atmospheric conduit 2108 from the first valve 1810a. The controller 1804 is operatively coupled to the second valve 1810b. The second valve 1810b is operable between a first position and a second position. When the second valve 1810b is in the first position, flow through the second valve 1810b is prevented. When the second valve 1810b is in the second position, the second valve 1810b allows flow between the atmospheric conduit 2108 to the atmospheric conduit to pump outlet conduit cross-over conduit 2112 and into the pump outlet conduit 2104.

The inflatable chamber conduit 2106 conducts fluid flow between the pump inlet conduit 2102, pump outlet conduit 2104, and the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c. The valve manifold 1806 has a first inflatable chamber port 2122a and a second inflatable chamber port 2122b. The first inflatable chamber port 2122a and the second inflatable chamber port 2122b extend through the body 1902 of the valve manifold 1806. The first inflatable chamber port 2122a and the second inflatable chamber port 2122b are fluidly coupled to the inflatable chamber conduit 2106.

The pressure control system 1802 includes a third valve 1810c, a fourth valve 1810d, a fifth valve 1810e, and a sixth valve 1810f coupled to the valve manifold 1806. The third valve 1810c, the fourth valve 1810d, the fifth valve 1810e, and the sixth valve 1810f control fluid flow through the inflatable chamber conduit 2106.

The third valve 1810c is a two-way valve. The third valve 1810c is positioned in the valve manifold 1806 at an intersection between the inflatable chamber conduit 2106 and the inflatable chamber conduit to pump inlet conduit cross-over conduit 2114. The third valve 1810c is positioned at one end of the inflatable chamber conduit 2106. The controller 1804 is operatively coupled to the third valve 1810c. The third valve 1810c is operable between a first position and a second position. When the third valve 1810c is in the first position, flow through the third valve 1810c is prevented. When the third valve 1810c is in the second position, the third valve 1810c allows flow between the inflatable chamber conduit 2016 and the inflatable chamber conduit to pump inlet conduit cross-over conduit 2114.

The fourth valve 1810d is a three-way valve. The fourth valve 1810d is positioned in the valve manifold 1806 at an intersection of the inflatable chamber conduit 2106 and the inflatable chamber conduit to pump outlet conduit cross-over conduit 2116. The fourth valve 1810d is positioned between the third valve 1810c and the first inflatable chamber port 2122a. The controller 1804 is operatively coupled to the fourth valve 1810d. The fourth valve 1810d is operable between a first position, a second position, and a third position. When the fourth valve 1810d is in the first position, flow through the fourth valve 1810d is prevented. When the fourth valve 1810d is in the second position, the fourth valve 1810d allows fluid flow between pump outlet conduit 2104 and the inflatable chamber conduit 2106 via the inflatable chamber conduit to pump outlet conduit cross-over conduit 2116. When the fourth valve 1810d is in the third position, the fourth valve 1810d allows fluid flow between the first inflatable chamber ports 2122a-2122b and the third valve 1810c to the inflatable chamber conduit to pump inlet conduit cross-over conduit 2114.

The fifth valve 1810e is a three-way valve. The fifth valve 1810e is positioned in the valve manifold 1806 at an intersection between the inflatable chamber conduit 2106 and the first inflatable chamber port 2122a. The controller 1804 is operatively coupled to the fifth valve 1810e. The fifth valve 1810e is operable between a first position and a second position. When the fifth valve 1810e is in the first position, flow through the fifth valve 1810e is prevented. When the fifth valve 1810e is in the second position, the fifth valve 1810e allows flow between the inflatable chamber conduit 2106 and the first inflatable chamber 1816a. When the fifth valve 1810e is in the third position, flow through fifth valve 1810e is allowed only through the inflatable chamber conduit 2106, and flow from the inflatable chamber conduit 2106 through the fifth valve 180e to the first inflatable chamber port 2122a is prevented. This allows fluid to flow into or out of the second inflatable chamber 1816b through the second inflatable chamber port 2122b without changing the pressure in the first inflatable chamber 1816a.

The sixth valve 1810f is a two-way valve. The sixth valve 1810f is positioned in the valve manifold 1806 at an intersection between the inflatable chamber conduit 2106 and the second inflatable chamber port 2122b. The controller 1804 is operatively coupled to the sixth valve 1810f. The sixth valve 1810f is operable between a first position and a second position. When the sixth valve 1810f is in the first position, flow through the sixth valve 1810f is prevented. When the sixth valve 1810f is in the second position, the sixth valve 1810f allows flow between the inflatable chamber conduit 2106 and the second inflatable chamber 1816b.

As may be appreciated, in some implementations, fewer or more than six valves may be used. As may also be appreciated, in some implementations, the valves may be any combination of two- or three-way valves.

Referring to FIG. 18, the pressure control system 1802 includes flexible hoses 1822 extending from the valve manifold 1806 to each of the respective inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c. The flexible hoses 1822 are coupled to the first inflatable chamber port 2122a and the second inflatable chamber port 2122b.

The controller 1804 generates control signals based on sleep patterns, conditions detected by sensors, or user input to inflate or deflate one or more of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c. The control signals from the controller 1804 energize or deenergize one or more of the pumps 1808a-1808d and reposition one or more of the valves 1810a-1810f to create flow paths through the valve manifold 1806 to alter the internal pressure of one or more of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c, inflating or deflating the respective inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c. FIG. 22 shows an internal view of the valve manifold 1806 with the valves 1810a-1810f aligned to inflate the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816b using one or more of the pumps 1808a-1808d. This can be called a powered inflate operation. FIG. 23 shows an internal view of the valve manifold 1806 with the valves 1810a-1810f aligned to deflate the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816b using the pumps 1808a-1808d. FIG. 24 shows an internal view of the valve manifold 1806 with the valves 1810a-1810f aligned to deflate the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816b without using the pumps 1808a-1808d.

Referring to FIG. 22, the flow paths through the valve manifold 1806 are shown to inflate the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c using the pumps 1808a-1808d (i.e., a powered inflation operation of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c). The controller 1804, valves 1810a-1810f, hose barbs 1904, flexible hoses 1906, and inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c are not shown for clarity. Inflating one or more of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c increases the pressure of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c. In an initial condition, the valves 1810a-1810f are all in the first position preventing flow through all of the valves 1810a-1810f and the pumps 1808a-1808d are deenergized. No fluid is flowing through the valve manifold 1806.

The controller 1804 generates control signals and sends the control signals to reposition the first valve 1810a, the fourth valve 1810d, the fifth valve 1810e, and the sixth valve 1810f. The controller generates control signals and sends the control signals to energize one or more of the pumps 1808a-1808d. In this example, only the first pump 1808a is initially energized, but in other examples, any number of pumps 1808a-1808d may be energized to perform powered inflation of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c. The controller 1804 can operate the valves 1810a-1810f and the pumps 1808a-1808d in any order. For example, the controller 1804 can send the control signals either simultaneously or sequentially, or some combination of simultaneously and sequentially. In this implementation, the time difference between the valves 1810a-1810f opening and first pump 1808a energizing is approximately one second or less. However, in other implementations, any suitable time interval for operation of each of the valves 1808a-1808f operating individually and one or more of the pumps 1808a-1808d may be used. The valves 1808a-1808f may be operated in any suitable sequence.

To align the valves 1810a-1810f to flow fluid to the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c to create a first flow path, the controller 1804 sends control signals to the first valve 1810a, the fourth valve 1810d, the fifth valve 1810e, and the sixth valve 1810f to move from the first position to the second position. When the first valve 1810a is in the second position, air can flow from the atmosphere 1812 into the atmospheric port 1814 to the atmospheric conduit to pump inlet conduit cross-over conduit 2110 and into the pump inlet conduit 2102 to the first pump 1808a as shown by arrows 2202. When the fourth valve 1810d is in the second position, air can flow from the first pump 1808a into the pump outlet conduit 2104 to the inflatable chamber conduit to pump outlet conduit cross-over conduit 2116, and into the inflatable chamber conduit 2106 as shown by arrows 2204. When the fifth valve 1810e is in the second position, the air can flow from the inflatable chamber conduit 2106 into the first inflatable chamber 1816a as shown by arrows 2206. When the sixth valve 1810f is in the second position, air can flow from the inflatable chamber conduit 2106 to the second inflatable chamber 1816b as shown by arrows 2208. The valve manifold 1806 is aligned so air can flow along a first flow path through the various conduits as shown by arrows 2202-2208.

The controller 1804 generates a control signal and sends the control signal to the first pump 1808a to energize, initiating flow along the first flow path from the atmosphere 1812 to the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816b. With the first pump 1808a energized, air flow from the atmosphere 1812 into the atmospheric port 1814 to the atmospheric conduit to pump inlet conduit cross-over conduit 2110 and into the pump inlet conduit 2102 to the first pump 1808a (i.e., a suction). The first pump 1818a pressurizes the air, and then discharges the pressurized air back to the valve manifold 1806. The pressurized air flows from the first pump 1808a into the pump outlet conduit 2104 to the inflatable chamber conduit to pump outlet conduit cross-over conduit 2116, and into the inflatable chamber conduit 2106. The air flow continues from the inflatable chamber conduit 2106 into the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b. Air flow into the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b, increases the internal pressure of the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b.

Sometimes, an increased flow rate of air into the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b is desired. For example, the controller 1804 may determine that the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b are inflating at a rate less than a desired threshold rate based on a pre-programmed user preference or calculated threshold rate.

When an increased flow rate into the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b is desired, the controller 1804 generates a control signal to energize additional pumps to increase the flow rate. For example, the controller 1804 can send a control signal to one or more of the pumps 1808b-1808d to energize. Since each of the pumps 1808b-1808d are connected in parallel between the pump inlet conduit 2102 and the pump outlet conduit 2104, the flow rate into the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b increases proportionally to the added pump flow rate while the pump head remains substantially the same. Sometimes, only one additional pump will be energized. For example, only either the second pump 1808b, the third pump 1808c, or the fourth pump 1808d is energized. Sometimes, two or three additional pumps 1808b-1808d may be energized. Any suitable combination of pumps 1808a-1808d may be energized to reach the desired flow rate into the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b. The pumps 1808a-1808d can be energized and energized as needed to increase or maintain the pressure of the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b.

When the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b reaches the desired internal pressure, the controller 1804 sends control signals to the energized pumps 1808a-1808d to deenergize and to the first valve 1810a, the fourth valve 1810d, the fifth valve 1810e, and the sixth valve 1810f to move from the second position to the first position, preventing flow through the valve manifold 1806, maintaining the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b at the desired pressure.

Referring to FIG. 23, the flow paths through the valve manifold 1806 are shown to deflate the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c using the pumps 1808a-1808d (i.e., a powered deflation of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c). The controller 1804, valves 1810a-1810f, hose barbs 1904, flexible hoses 1906, and inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c are not shown for clarity. Deflating one or more of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c decreases the internal pressure of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c. In an initial condition, the valves 1810a-1810f are all in the first position preventing flow through all of the valves 1810a-1810f and the pumps 1808a-1808d are deenergized. No fluid is flowing through the valve manifold 1806.

The controller 1804 generates control signals and sends the control signals to reposition all of the valves 1810a-1810f and energizing one or more of the pumps 1808a-1808d to perform a powered deflate operation of the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b. In this example, only the third pump 1808c is the first pump energized, but in other examples, any number of pumps 1808a-1808d may be energized to perform powered deflation of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c. Any other one of the pumps 1808a-1808c can be the first pump energized. The controller 1804 can operate the valves 1810a-1810f and the pumps 1808a-1808d in any order. For example, the controller 1804 can send the control signals either simultaneously or sequentially, or some combination of simultaneously and sequentially.

To align the valves 1810a-1810f to flow fluid from the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c to create a second flow path for powered deflation of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c, the controller 1804 sends control signals to the first valve 1810a to move from the first position to the third position, the second valve 1810b to move from the first position to the second position, the third valve 1810c to move from the first position to the second position, the fourth valve 1810d to move from the first position to the third position, the fifth valve 1810e to move from the first position the second position, and the sixth valve 1810f to move from the first position to the second position. When the first valve 1810a is in the third position, fluid can flow from the atmospheric conduit 2108 to the atmospheric port 1814 as shown by arrows 2302. When the second valve 1810b is in the second position, fluid can flow from the atmospheric conduit to pump outlet conduit cross-over conduit 2112 and into the pump outlet conduit 2104 to the atmospheric conduit 2108 as shown by arrows 2304. When the third valve 1810c is in the second position, fluid can flow from the inflatable chamber conduit 2016 to the inflatable chamber conduit to pump inlet conduit cross-over conduit 2114 as shown by arrows 2306. When the fourth valve 1810d is in the third position, the valve manifold 1806 allows fluid flow from the first inflatable chamber ports 2122a-2122b to the third valve 1810c (and on to the inflatable chamber conduit to pump inlet conduit cross-over conduit 2114 when the third valve 1810c is in the second position) as shown by arrows 2308. When the fifth valve 1810e is in the second position, the air can flow from the first inflatable chamber 1816a into the inflatable chamber conduit 2106 as shown by arrows 2206 as shown by arrows 2310. When the sixth valve 1810f is in the second position, air can flow from the second inflatable chamber 1816b to the inflatable chamber conduit 2106 as shown by arrows 2312. The valve manifold 1806 is aligned so air can flow along a second flow path through the various conduits as shown by arrows 2302-2212 from the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816b, deflating the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816b.

The controller 1804 generates a control signal and sends the control signal to the third pump 1808c to energize, initiating flow along the second flow path from the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816b to the atmosphere 1812. With the third pump 1808c energized, air flow from the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b through the first inflatable chamber port 2122a and the second inflatable chamber port 2122b, respectively, into the inflatable chamber conduit 2106 in the direction of arrows 2310, 2312. The air flows through the inflatable chamber conduit 2106, through the fourth valve 1810d to continue in the inflatable chamber conduit 2106 as shown by arrow 2314 to the third valve 1810c. The air flows through the third valve 1810c to the inlet conduit cross-over conduit 2114 to the pump inlet conduit 2102. The third pump 1808c draws a suction on the pump inlet conduit 2102. The third pump 1808c pressurizes the air and discharges the pressurized air back to the valve manifold 1806. The pressurized air flows from the third pump 1808c into the pump outlet conduit 2104 to the atmospheric conduit to pump outlet conduit cross-over conduit 2112 to the second valve 1810b. The air discharged from the third pump 1808c flows through the second valve 1810b, through the atmospheric conduit 2108 to the first valve 1810a. The air proceeds through the first valve 1810a and out the atmospheric port 1814 to the atmosphere 1812. Air flow from the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b, decreases the internal pressure of the first inflatable chamber 1816a, the second inflatable chamber 1816b, and or the third inflatable chamber 1816c.

Sometimes, a larger decreased flow rate of air from the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b is desired. For example, the controller 1804 may determine that the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b are deflating at a rate less than a desired threshold rate based on a pre-programmed user preference or calculated threshold rate.

When the decreased flow rate from the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b is desired, the controller 1804 generates a control signal to energize additional pumps to increase the flow rate. For example, the controller 1804 can send a control signal to one or more of the pumps 1808a-1808b or 1808d to energize. Since each of the pumps 1808a-1808b and 1808d are connected in parallel between the pump inlet conduit 2102 and the pump outlet conduit 2104, the flow rate into the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b increases proportionally to the added pump flow rate while the pump head remains substantially the same. Sometimes, only one additional pump will be energized. For example, only either the first pump 1808a, the second pump 1808b, or the fourth pump 1808d is energized. Sometimes, two or three additional pumps 1808a-1808b or 1808d may be energized. Any suitable combination of pumps 1808a-1808d may be energized to reach the desired flow rate from the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b.

When the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b reaches the desired lower internal pressure, the controller 1804 sends control signals to the energized pumps 1808a-1808d to deenergize and to the valves 1810a-1808f to move to the first position, preventing flow through the valve manifold 1806, maintaining the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b at the desired pressure.

Referring to FIG. 24, the flow paths through the valve manifold 1806 are shown to deflate the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c without using the pumps 1808a-1808d (i.e., an unpowered deflation of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c). The valves 1810a-1810f can be positioned to allow air to flow from the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b through the valve manifold 1806 to the atmosphere 1812. The air can flow from the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b based on a pressure differential between the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b and the atmosphere 1812 or responsive to an external pressure applied to one or both of the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b. For example, a person can lay on the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b or place their head on the pillow 1820, which may contain the third inflatable chamber 1816c. The controller 1804, valves 1810a-1810f, hose barbs 1904, flexible hoses 1906, and inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c are not shown for clarity. Unpowered deflation of one or more of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c decreases the internal pressure of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c without use of the pumps 1810a-1810d. In an initial condition, the valves 1810a-1810f are all in the first position (shut) preventing flow through all of the valves 1810a-1810f and the pumps 1808a-1808d are deenergized. No fluid is flowing through the valve manifold 1806.

The controller 1804 generates control signals and sends the control signals to reposition all of the valves 1810a-1810b and 1810d-1810f to perform an unpowered deflate operation of the first inflatable chamber 1816a, the second inflatable chamber 1816b, and/or the third inflatable chamber 1816c. The controller 1804 can operate the valves 1810a-1810f in any order. For example, the controller 1804 can send the control signals either simultaneously or sequentially, or some combination of simultaneously and sequentially.

To align the valves 1810a-1810b and 1810d-1810f to flow fluid from the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c to create a third flow path for powered deflation of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c, the controller 1804 sends control signals to the first valve 1810a to move from the first position to the third position, the second valve 1810b to move from the first position to the second position, the fourth valve 1810d to move from the first position to the second position, the fifth valve 1810e to move from the first position the second position, and the sixth valve 1810f to move from the first position to the second position. When the first valve 1810a is in the third position, fluid can flow from the atmospheric conduit 2108 to the atmospheric port 1814 as shown by arrows 2402. When the second valve 1810b is in the second position, fluid can flow from the atmospheric conduit to pump outlet conduit cross-over conduit 2112 and into the pump outlet conduit 2104 to the atmospheric conduit 2108 as shown by arrows 2404. The third valve 1810c remains in the first position, preventing fluid can flow from the inflatable chamber conduit 2016 to the inflatable chamber conduit to pump inlet conduit cross-over conduit 2114. When the fourth valve 1810d is in the second position, the valve manifold 1806 allows fluid flow through the inflatable chamber conduit 2106 through the third valve 1810c to the inflatable chamber conduit to pump inlet conduit cross-over conduit 2114 and through the pump outlet conduit 2104 as shown by arrows 2306. When the fifth valve 1810e is in the second position, the air can flow from the first inflatable chamber 1816a into the inflatable chamber conduit 2106 as shown by arrows 2408. When the sixth valve 1810f is in the second position, air can flow from the second inflatable chamber 1816b to the inflatable chamber conduit 2106 as shown by arrows 2410. Air can flow through the inflatable chamber conduit 2106 from the fifth valve 1810e and sixth valve 1810f to the fourth valve 1810d. The valve manifold 1806 is aligned so air can flow along the third flow path through the various conduits as shown by arrows 2402-2412 from the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816b to the atmosphere 1812, deflating the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816b based on a pressure differential between the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816b and the atmosphere 1812. When an external force is applied to one or more of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c, air can be also forced from the compressed inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c.

Air flow from the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b, decreases the internal pressure of the first inflatable chamber 1816a, the second inflatable chamber 1816b, and/or the third inflatable chamber 1816c.

Sometimes, a larger decreased flow rate of air from the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b than what unpowered deflation is providing. The controller 1804 may determine that the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b are deflating at a rate less than a desired threshold rate based on a pre-programmed user preference or calculated threshold rate and switch to powered deflation operations as described in reference to FIG. 23. The controller 1804 can generate and transmit control signals to shift to powered by repositioning the fourth valve 1810d from the third position to the second position, moving the third valve 1810c from the first position to the second position opening the third valve 1810c, and energizing one or more of the pumps 1810a-1810 to increase the deflation flow rate of the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b.

When the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b reaches the desired lower internal pressure, the controller 1804 sends control signals to the energized pumps 1808a-1808d to deenergize and to the valves 1810a-1808f to move to the first position, preventing flow through the valve manifold 1806, maintaining the first inflatable chamber 1816a and the second inflatable chamber 1816b at the desired pressure.

In some implementations, the pumps 1810a-1810d are micro-fluidic diaphragm pumps. Micro-fluidic diaphragm pumps are positive displacement pumps with a small rubber diaphragm to move fluid. Micro-fluidic diaphragm pumps can include a DC motor, a connecting rod, an oscillating membrane that in one stroke draws in fluid while pushing fluid out the outlet. The diaphragm is positioned within a hermetically sealed chamber. Micro-fluidic diaphragm pumps are smaller, quieter, have lower energy consumption, and have higher reliability than conventional pumps used in sleep systems. Using multiple micro-fluidic diaphragm pumps allows for a quiet, energy-efficient, scalable arrangement of pumps which allows for finer adjustment and tunability of flow rate which can improve sleep quality. Micro-fluidic diaphragm pumps can be operated at variable voltages to further adjust flow rate, improving flow rate control.

The valves 1810a-1810f can be bullet valves. The valves 1810a-1810f can be two, three, or four position solenoid operated flow control valves. The valves 1810a-1810f can seal in both a vacuum condition and a suction condition. In other implementations, piezo-electric proportional valves can be used. Any suitable type of or combination of fluid controlling devices may be used.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, the bed 1818 can be a two chamber design having first and second fluid chambers, such as a first fluid chamber 1816a and a second fluid chamber 1816b. Sometimes, the bed 112 can include chambers for use with fluids such as air or water, or any other suitable fluid, depending on the application. In some embodiments, such as single beds or kids’ beds, the bed 112 can include a single fluid chamber 1816a or 1816b. In other implementations, the bed 112 can include multiple fluid chambers, i.e., in addition to fluid chambers 1816a and 1816b. The bed 1818 can include a pillow 1820. The inflatable chamber 1816c is contained within the pillow 1820. The inflatable chamber 1816c of the pillow 1820 can be fluidly coupled to the valve manifold 1806. In some implementations, one or more of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816b can be positioned on top of the mattress. For example, the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816b can be a mattress topper assembly. The mattress topper assembly can have multiple independently inflatable and deflatable chambers 1816a-1816b.

The inflatable chambers 1816a-1816b can be arranged side by side, offset, fully or partially on top and bottom of one another, stacked, in a horseshoe arrangement, in a donut arrangement, wedged, a wedge on a rectangle, a rectangle on a wedge, or any other suitable size or arrangement. The inflatable chambers 1816a-1816b can be arranged to provide for adjustable lumbar support of one or both of the people sleeping on the mattress.

In some implementations, either as a mattress topper assembly or within the bed or pillow, at least one sub-section can allow a portion of fluid to freely flow to another sub-section. Although not depicted, sometimes, the bed 1818 can include any suitable number or arrangement of additional inflatable chambers.

In some implementations, smaller pumps (i.e., lower volumetric flow rates or total flow capacity) and/or a larger number of pumps may be used for finer control of flow rates. For example, when the fluid (i.e., water) is less compressible than other types of fluids, finer control may improve the quality of a user’s sleep. In some implementations, the flow of water to and from the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c can increase or decrease the temperature of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c relative to the surrounding environment. The temperature of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c can be controlled by the controller 1804 based on the user’s preferences.

The bed system 1800 can include one or more sensors previously described in reference to FIGS. 1-17. In one implementation, the sensors are positioned at one or more locations in the bed system 1800. For example, the sensors can be positioned within, on top of, on the sides, or below the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c. The sensors detect a condition of or near the respective inflatable chamber 1816a-1816c. The sensors can transmit a signal representing the condition of the respective inflatable chamber 1816a-1816c to the controller 1804. In some implementations, the condition of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c include one or more of a chamber pressure, a sleep position of a person on the inflatable chamber 1816a-1816c, a snore condition (i.e., whether or not a person is snoring and/or a sound level of the snore), a temperature, or a humidity.

Referring to FIG. 25, shows a sleep system 2500. The sleep system 2500 includes the sleep system 1800, a pump 2502, and a controller 2504. The pump 2502 is generally similar to the pump 120 described in reference to FIGS. 1-17. The pump 2502 is arranged in parallel with the pressure control system 1802 (i.e., the pumps 1810a-1810d). In this arrangement, the pump 2502 and associated pump manifold 143 act as a booster pump which can operate separately or in conjunction with the pressure control system 1802. For example, the pump 2502 may have a much larger flow rate than the pressure control system 1802 so the pump 2502 can be used for initial inflation or deflation of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c. Or, if a leak occurs in one or more of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c greater than what the pressure control system 1802 can maintain, the pump 2502 can energize, flowing air at a higher flow rate to the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c. The controller 2504 is operatively coupled to the pressure control system 1802 and the pump 2502. The controller 2504 can individually control the pressure control system 1802 and the pump 2502 to increase or decrease the pressure of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c simultaneously or using either flow path.

In some embodiments, a sleep system is configured to adjust a pressure of an inflatable chamber. The sleep system includes a manifold, multiple pumps, multiple control valves, and a controller. The pumps are coupled to the manifold. The control valves are coupled to the manifold. The valves direct fluid to or from the inflatable chamber by changing the suction or discharge of the pumps between a fluid volume outside the manifold and the inflatable chamber. The controller is operatively coupled to the pumps and the control valves. For example, as shown in reference to FIGS. 18-24, the valve manifold 1806, pumps 1808a-1808d, valves 1810a-1810f, and controller 1804 can control the pressure of the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c.

In some embodiments, a sleep system can inflate or deflate a chamber. The sleep system includes a manifold, multiple control valves, and multiple pumps. The multiple control valves are coupled to the manifold. The control valves control a flow of fluid to and from the chamber. The pumps are coupled to the manifold in parallel. For example, as shown in reference to FIGS. 18-24, pumps 1808a-1808d and the valves 1810a-1810f are coupled to the valve manifold 1806. The valves 1810a-1810f control the flow of fluid through the valve manifold 1806 to inflate or deflate the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c. The pumps 1808a-1808d are connected in parallel to the valve manifold 1806.

In some embodiments, a sleep system can inflate or deflate a chamber. The sleep system includes a manifold, multiple control valves, multiple pumps, and a controller. The control valves are coupled to the manifold. The control valves control a flow of fluid to and from the chamber. The pumps flow fluid to and from the manifold. The controller performs operations including receiving a signal representing a value of a condition of the inflatable chamber; comparing the value of the condition of the inflatable chamber to a threshold value; and based on a result of the comparison, adjusting how many of pumps in are in use to flow fluid to or from the inflatable chamber via the manifold. For example, as shown in reference to FIGS. 18-24, the valve manifold 1806, pumps 1808a-1808d, valves 1810a-1810f, and controller 1804 can inflate or deflate the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c. The valves 1810a-1810f control the flow of fluid to or from the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c. The pumps 1808a-1808d can be operated to flow fluid to and from the valve manifold 1806. The controller 1804 operates valves 1810a-1810f and/or the pumps 1808a-1808d and adjusts how many pumps 1808a-1808d are energized to adjust the flow rate to and from the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c.

Some embodiments include a valve manifold. The valve manifold has an inlet conduit, multiple inlets, an outlet conduit, multiple outlets, a chamber conduit, and an atmospheric conduit. The inlets are coupled to the inlet conduit. Each inlet can couple to a separate pump inlet. The outlets are coupled to the outlet conduit. Each outlet can couple to a separate pump outlet. The chamber conduit can alternatively couple to the inflatable chamber and either the inlet conduit or the outlet conduit. The atmospheric conduit can conduct a fluid from a space outside the valve manifold into the valve manifold. The atmospheric conduit can alternatively couple to either the inlet conduit or the outlet conduit. For example, as shown in reference to FIGS. 18-24, the valve manifold 1806 includes the pump inlet conduit 2102, pump outlet conduit 2104, inflatable chamber conduit 2106, and the atmospheric conduit 2108. The pump inlets 2118a-2118d are coupled to the pump inlet conduit 2102. The pump inlets 2118a-2118d are configured to couple to the suction of the pumps 1808a-1808d, respectively. The pump outlets 2120a-2120d are coupled to the pump outlet conduit 2104. The pump outlets 2120a-2120d are configured to couple to the discharge of the pumps 1808a-1808d, respectively. The inflatable chamber conduit 2106 can alternatively couple to the inflatable chambers 1816a-1816c and either the pump inlet conduit 2102 or the pump outlet conduit 2104 based on the position of the third valve 1810c and the fourth valve 1810d aligning to flow fluid through either the inflatable chamber conduit to pump inlet conduit cross-over conduit 2114 or the inflatable chamber conduit to pump outlet conduit cross-over conduit 2116. The atmospheric conduit 2108 flows fluid from the atmosphere 1812 to either the pump inlet conduit 2102 or the pump outlet conduit 2104 based on the position of the first valve 1810a or the second valve 1810b.

In some embodiments, a bed system includes a mattress, a pump system, air pressure sensors, and a controller. The mattress has two air chambers positioned to support a first user. The pump system can be connected to the air chambers. The controller drives the pump system to inflate the first air chamber and to deflate the second air chamber; deflates the second air chamber to be substantially empty while maintaining air in the first air chamber; and stops deflating the second air chamber in response to data from the one or more pressure sensors indicating that the second air chamber is substantially empty. For example, as shown in reference to FIGS. 18-24, the bed system 1800 includes the pressure control system 1802, pressure sensors, and the controller 1804. The controller 1804 operates the pressure control system 1802 to drive the pressure control system 1802 to inflate the first air chamber 1816a and to deflate the second air chamber 1816b; deflate the second air chamber 1816bto be substantially empty while maintaining air in the first air chamber 1816a; and stops deflating the second air chamber 1816b in response to data from the one or more pressure sensors indicating that the second air chamber 1816b is substantially empty.

As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

As used herein, the term “approximately” refers to a condition or parameter which can have a value or threshold value generally within acceptable engineering, machining, measurement, or manufacturing tolerances. For example, the parameter value or threshold value can be considered approximately met when the value is within 5% of the actual parameter value or threshold value. For example, the parameter value can be considered to be equal to the threshold value when the parameter value is within 5% of the threshold value. However, different approximations for different parameter values or threshold values may be used in different embodiments.

The foregoing detailed description and some embodiments have been given for clarity of understanding only. No unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes can be made in the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, a different order and type of operations may be used to generate classifiers. Additionally, a bed system may aggregate output from classifiers in different ways. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the exact details and structures described herein, but rather by the structures described by the language of the claims, and the equivalents of those structures. Any feature or characteristic described with respect to any of the above embodiments can be incorporated individually or in combination with any other feature or characteristic, and are presented in the above order and combinations for clarity only.

A number of embodiments of the inventions have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, in some embodiments the bed need not include adjustable air chambers. Moreover, in some embodiments various components of the foundation can be shaped differently than as illustrated. Additionally, different aspects of the different embodiments of foundations, mattresses, and other bed system components described above can be combined while other aspects as suitable for the application. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.