System and method for regulating the temperature of an item of furniture

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system for regulating the temperature of a portion of a furniture item and a method for using the same. The system may include at least one sensor configured to detect a biosignal of a user of the furniture item. The system may include a temperature control device configured to change the temperature of the portion of the furniture item. The system may include a processor configured to (i) specify a time for the furniture item to wake up the user based on the biosignal of the user detected by the at least one sensor when the user is using the furniture item when the user is sleeping on the furniture item, and (ii) change the temperature of the portion of the furniture item by the temperature control device before the time.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 774,659, filed on December 3, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 804,729, filed on February 12, 2019, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Regulating the temperature of an item of furniture (e.g., a bed) can help improve the quality of a person's activities on the furniture (e.g., sleeping in the bed). Current methods of supporting and / or improving a user's sleep may include an electric blanket, a heating pad, or a bed warmer. For example, an electric blanket may be a blanket with an integrated electric heating device that may be placed above the top of a bed sheet or below the bottom of a bed sheet. An electric blanket may be used to preheat a bed before use or to keep an occupant warm in bed. However, turning on an electric blanket may require the user to manually turn it on. Furthermore, electric blankets do not provide additional functionality other than heating the bed. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure describes techniques related to regulating the temperature of an item of furniture, and more particularly, the present disclosure describes regulating the temperature of a portion of an item of furniture using a fluid (eg, liquid or gas) and one or more temperature regulators of the fluid.

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for changing the temperature of a portion of a furniture item, the system comprising: (a) at least one sensor that is a portion of the furniture item, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect a biosignal of a user of the furniture item; (b) a temperature control device that is coupled to the portion of the furniture item, wherein the temperature control device is configured to change the temperature of the portion of the furniture item; and (c) a processor that is communicatively coupled to the sensor and the temperature control device, wherein the processor is configured to (i) when a user is sleeping on the furniture item, specify a time for the furniture item to wake up the user based on the biosignal of the user detected by the at least one sensor when the user is using the furniture item, and (ii) change the temperature of the portion of the furniture item by the temperature control device before the time.

[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for regulating the temperature of a portion of a furniture item, the method comprising: (a) providing (i) at least one sensor as a portion of the furniture item, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect a biosignal of a user of the furniture item, (ii) a temperature control device coupled to the portion of the furniture item, wherein the temperature control device is configured to change the temperature of the portion of the furniture item, and (iii) a processor communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and the temperature control device; (b) with the help of the at least one sensor, when the user uses the furniture item, detecting the biosignal of the furniture user; (c) with the help of the processor, when the user is sleeping on the furniture item, specifying a time for the furniture item to wake up the user based at least in part on the detected biosignal of the user; and (d) with the help of the processor, changing the temperature of the portion of the furniture item by the temperature control device before the time.

[0007] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for regulating the temperature of a portion of a furniture item, the system comprising: (a) a temperature control device operably coupled to the portion of the furniture item, configured to change the temperature of the portion of the furniture item; and (b) a processor communicatively coupled to the temperature control device, the processor configured to specify a time for the temperature control device to change the temperature of the portion of the furniture item based at least in part on a predetermined wake-up time of a user, wherein the time is before the predetermined wake-up time of the user.

[0008] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for regulating the temperature of a portion of a furniture item, the method comprising: (a) providing (i) a temperature control device, the temperature control device being operably coupled to the portion of the furniture item, the temperature control device being configured to change the temperature of the portion of the furniture item, and (ii) a processor, which is communicatively coupled to the temperature control device; and (b) with the assistance of the processor, specifying, by the temperature control device, a time for changing the temperature of the portion of the furniture item based at least in part on a predetermined wake-up time of a user, wherein the time is before the predetermined wake-up time of the user.

[0009] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for regulating the temperature of a furniture item, the system comprising: (a) a portion of the furniture item configured to hold a fluid; (b) a reservoir in fluid communication with the portion of the furniture item, wherein the reservoir is configured to contain the fluid; (c) a temperature regulator in fluid communication with the portion of the furniture item and the reservoir, wherein the temperature regulator is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid when the fluid is not contained in the reservoir; and (d) a processor operably coupled to the temperature regulator, wherein the processor is programmed to control the temperature regulator to regulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby regulating the temperature of the portion of the furniture item.

[0010] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for regulating the temperature of a furniture item, the method comprising: (a) providing a temperature controller, the temperature controller being fluidly connected to (i) a portion of the furniture item capable of retaining a fluid and (ii) a reservoir capable of containing the fluid, wherein the temperature controller is capable of regulating the temperature of the fluid when the reservoir does not contain the fluid; and (b) controlling the temperature controller by a computer system to regulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby regulating the temperature of the portion of the furniture item.

[0011] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for regulating the temperature of a furniture item, the system comprising: (a) a furniture item comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein each of the first portion and the second portion is configured to hold a fluid; (b) a common temperature controller configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid, wherein the common temperature controller comprises (i) a first channel in fluid communication with the first portion of the furniture item, and (ii) a second channel in fluid communication with the second portion of the furniture item, wherein the first channel and the second channel are configured to hold the fluid; and (c) a processor operably coupled to the common temperature controller, the processor being programmed to control the common temperature controller to regulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby independently regulating a first temperature of the first portion of the furniture item and a second temperature of the second portion of the furniture item.

[0012] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for regulating the temperature of a furniture item, the method comprising: (a) providing a common temperature controller configured to regulate the temperature of a fluid, wherein the common temperature controller comprises (i) a first channel in fluid communication with a first portion of the furniture item, and (ii) a second channel in fluid communication with a second portion of the furniture item, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the furniture item are configured to hold the fluid, and wherein the first channel and the second channel are configured to hold the fluid; and (b) controlling the common temperature controller to regulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby independently regulating a first temperature of the first portion of the furniture item and a second temperature of the second portion of the furniture item.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing machine-executable code, which, when executed by one or more computer processors, implements any method above or elsewhere herein.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system comprising one or more computer processors and a computer memory coupled thereto. The computer memory comprises machine executable code, which, when executed by the one or more computer processors, implements any method described above or elsewhere herein.

[0015] Other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein only illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As will be appreciated, the present disclosure is capable of other different embodiments, and its several details can be modified in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the present disclosure. Therefore, the drawings and description are to be considered illustrative in nature, rather than restrictive.

[0016] Incorporated by Reference

[0017] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The novel features of the present invention are particularly set forth in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings (also herein "figures" and "illustrations") which set forth illustrative embodiments in which the principles of the present invention are utilized, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a bed apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 An example of a bed apparatus according to one embodiment is shown.

[0021] Figure 3 An example of layers comprising a mattress arrangement according to one embodiment is shown.

[0022] Figure 4A A user sensor is shown placed on a sensor bar according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4B is a sensor bar according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4Cis a flow chart of a process for manufacturing a sensor bar body according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4D is a flow chart of a process for manufacturing a sensor bar tail according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C and Figure 5D Different configurations of sensor strips are shown according to one embodiment to accommodate mattresses of different sizes.

[0027] Fig. 6A The division of the heating coils into zones and sub-zones according to one embodiment is shown.

[0028] Figure 6B and Figure 6C Independent control of different sub-zones according to one embodiment is shown.

[0029] Fig. 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C is a flow chart of a process for deciding when to heat or cool a bed assembly according to various embodiments.

[0030] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a process for recommending a bedtime to a user according to one embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a process for activating a user alert according to one embodiment.

[0032] Fig.10 is a flow chart of a process for shutting down an appliance according to one embodiment.

[0033] Fig.11 is a diagram of a system capable of automatically controlling home appliances according to one embodiment.

[0034] Fig.12 is an illustration of a system capable of controlling appliances and a home, according to one embodiment.

[0035] Fig.13 is a flow chart of a process for controlling an electrical appliance according to one embodiment.

[0036] Fig.14 is a flow chart of a process for controlling an electrical appliance according to another embodiment.

[0037] Fig.15 is a diagram of a system for monitoring biosignals associated with a user and providing notifications or alerts, according to one embodiment.

[0038] Fig.16 is a flow chart of a process for generating a notification based on a history of bio-signals associated with a user, according to one embodiment.

[0039] Fig.17 is a flow chart of a process for generating a comparison between a biosignal associated with a user and a target biosignal, according to one embodiment.

[0040] Fig.18 is a flow chart of a process for detecting a disease onset, according to one embodiment.

[0041] Fig.19 is an illustration of a machine in the example form of a computer system within which a set of instructions may be executed for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methods or modules discussed herein.

[0042] Fig. 20 is an example of adjusting the temperature of a bed.

[0043] Fig.21 is an example of a block diagram for adjusting the temperature of a bed.

[0044] Fig. 22 is an example of a block diagram for adjusting the current supplied to the thermoelectric element to adjust the temperature of the bed.

[0045] FIG. 23A to FIG. 23H An example of a system for regulating the temperature of a portion of an item of furniture is shown.

[0046] FIG. 24A to FIG. 24G An example of a system for regulating the temperature of multiple portions of an item of furniture is shown.

[0047] Fig.25 and Fig.26 An example of a method for regulating the temperature of an item of furniture is shown.

[0048] Fig. 27 and Fig.28 Various examples of methods for regulating the temperature of an item of furniture are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided only as examples. Without departing from the present invention, those skilled in the art may conceive of many variations, changes and substitutions. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the present invention described herein may be employed.

[0050] The terms "furniture", "article of furniture" or "piece of furniture" are used interchangeably herein and may refer to a bed, a crib, a cradle, a chair, a seat, a loveseat, a sofa, a couch, a headrest, a stool, an ottoman, a bench, or any panel intended to be covered with a fabric. The article of furniture may be used in a home, an office, a medical facility (e.g., a hospital), or a vehicle (such as a car, truck, boat, bus, train, etc.). The article of furniture may be used for at least one person (and / or at least one animal, such as a pet). The article of furniture may be intended for use by at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more persons. The article of furniture may be used for use by up to 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 person. In an example, the article of furniture may be a bed, and the bed may include a variety of sizes, including single, single extra long, double, queen, king, super king, etc. In another example, the article of furniture may be an infant warmer (ie, a babytherm) for providing heat at one or more temperatures to an infant.

[0051] The terms "bed" or "bed device", used interchangeably herein, may be an item of furniture for sleeping or resting. A bed may include a mattress, a mattress pad, and / or a covering (e.g., a blanket). One or more users may sleep or rest on a surface of the bed and / or adjacent to a surface of the bed. The surface may be the top surface of the bed. The top surface of the bed may be flat or textured. The bed may be a mattress. The bed may be a mattress pad that covers at least a portion of the mattress surface or at least one surface of the mattress. Alternatively or in addition, one or more users may sleep under the surface of the bed. The surface may be one or more surfaces of a covering, such as, for example, a blanket. A blanket may be disposed on top of at least a portion of one or more users. The bed may be a blanket.

[0052] The bed of the present invention can assist one or more users to fall asleep on the bed (e.g., assist one or more users to fall asleep faster). Compared with sleeping on different beds, the bed of the present invention can assist one or more users to fall asleep faster by at least about 0.1 hours. Compared with sleeping on different beds, the bed of the present invention can assist one or more users to fall asleep at least about 0.1 hours, 0.2 hours, 0.3 hours, 0.4 hours, 0.5 hours, 0.6 hours, 0.7 hours, 0.8 hours, 0.9 hours, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours or more hours. Compared with sleeping on different beds, the bed of the present invention can assist one or more users to fall asleep at most about 2 hours, 1.5 hours, 1 hour, 0.9 hours, 0.8 hours, 0.7 hours, 0.6 hours, 0.5 hours, 0.4 hours, 0.3 hours, 0.2 hours, 0.1 hours or less hours. The bed of the present invention can assist one or more users to stay asleep for longer (e.g., non-determined time period or predetermined time period) on the bed. Compared with sleeping on different beds, the bed of the present disclosure can assist one or more users to keep sleeping for at least about 0.5 hours. Compared with sleeping on different beds, the bed of the present disclosure can assist one or more users to keep sleeping for at least about 0.1 hours, 0.2 hours, 0.3 hours, 0.4 hours, 0.5 hours, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 2.5 hours, 3 hours, 3.5 hours, 4 hours, 4.5 hours, 5 hours or more hours. Compared with sleeping on different beds, the bed of the present disclosure can assist one or more users to keep sleeping for at least about 5 hours, 4.5 hours, 4 hours, 3.5 hours, 3 hours, 2.5 hours, 2 hours, 1.5 hours, 1 hour, 0.5 hours, 0.4 hours, 0.3 hours, 0.2 hours, 0.1 hours or less hours. When sleeping or resting on the bed, the bed can shorten or extend the sleep stage of one or more users. The bed can assist one or more users to enter or exit the sleep stage when waking up, sleeping or lying on the bed to rest. The bed can improve the sleep quality of one or more users.

[0053] The bed of the present disclosure can assist the user to wake up from sleep. The bed of the present disclosure can use one or more alarm mechanisms to wake the user from sleep. The alarm mechanism may include a personal device (e.g., a mobile device, a computer, a digital alarm, etc.) or the bed itself (e.g., a mattress, a sheet, a blanket, a pillow, a mattress frame, etc.). In some cases, the bed can adjust (or adjust) one or more settings of the bed. Such one or more settings of the bed may include temperature, position relative to the static position of the bed, movement (e.g., vibration, translation, rotation, etc.). In an example, the bed may be able to increase and / or reduce the temperature of a part of the bed (e.g., a part of the surface of the bed) to wake up a user sleeping on a part of the bed. Such a bed may be called a thermal alarm. In some cases, the bed may be configured to wake up the user at a predetermined wake-up time entered by the user before sleep. In some cases, the bed may not receive data indicating a predetermined wake-up time from the user. In some cases, the bed may be configured to automatically determine the wake-up time (e.g., the optimal wake-up time) for waking up the user based at least in part on one or more detected biosignals of the user of the bed. The bed may be capable of using one or more sensors to detect movement, presence and / or absence of a user of the bed, thereby determining whether the user wakes up and / or gets out of bed. In addition, the bed can be configured to automatically reduce and / or turn off one or more alarm mechanisms when the user wakes up and / or gets out of bed, at least in part, as determined by the one or more sensors.

[0054] The temperature of an item of furniture (e.g., a bed, such as a mattress, mattress pad, or blanket) may be controlled (e.g., to increase, decrease, or maintain the temperature of the bed). The temperature of at least a portion of an item of furniture may be controlled. The temperature of an item of furniture may be adjusted or maintained before, during, or after use by one or more users (e.g., to sleep or rest for a period of time). In an example, a bed may be preheated (e.g., automatically or based on user preference) prior to use by one or more users. In some cases, the temperature of two or more portions of an item of furniture (e.g., a bed) may be controlled individually or simultaneously.

[0055] The terms "biological signal" and "bio signal" may be used interchangeably. Examples of bio signals may include heart signals (e.g., heart rate or sounds), respiratory (breathing) signals (e.g., breathing rate or sounds), movement, temperature, movement, sweating, sounds, neural activity, etc. A furniture item (e.g., a bed) may be able to detect one or more bio signals of one or more users. A furniture item may be able to adjust a property of the furniture item (e.g., temperature or movement (such as vibration), geometric configuration, etc.) of the furniture item to control (e.g., increase, decrease, or maintain) one or more bio signals of one or more users of the furniture item.

[0056] The term "sleep stage" as used herein may refer to light sleep, deep sleep, or rapid eye movement ("REM") sleep. There are two main stages of sleep: non-REM sleep and REM sleep. A person may experience non-REM sleep first, followed by a shorter period of REM sleep. In some cases, a person may experience a continuous cycle of non-REM sleep and REM sleep. There may be three stages of non-REM sleep. Each stage may last from 5 to 15 minutes. A person may go through all three stages before entering REM sleep. In the first stage, a person's eyes may be closed, but the person may be easily awakened. The stage may last from 5 to 10 minutes. The stage may be considered light sleep. In the second stage, a person may be in a light sleep state. The person's heart rate may slow down and the person's body temperature may drop. The person's body may be preparing for deep sleep. The stage may also be considered light sleep. The third stage may be a deep sleep stage. It may be more difficult for a person to wake up in the stage, and if a person is awakened, the person will feel disoriented within a few minutes. In the deep stages of non-REM sleep, the body can repair and regenerate tissues, build bones and muscles, and strengthen the immune system. REM sleep can occur 90 minutes after a person falls asleep. In some cases, a person may dream during REM sleep. The initial stage of REM sleep can usually last 10 minutes. Any later stage of REM sleep may become longer, and the final stage of REM sleep may last about an hour. During REM sleep (for example, in the final stage of REM sleep), a person's heart rate and breathing may speed up. A person may have intense dreams during REM sleep because the brain is more active. REM sleep may affect the learning of certain mental skills.

[0057] As used herein, "sleep pattern" may refer to repetition or variation of (i) one or more biosignals and / or (ii) one or more sleep stages of a user of a bed. A sleep pattern may be described over a period of time (e.g., 0.5 hours, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, etc.), as well as counts of one or more biosignals or one or more sleep stages. A sleep pattern may include preferred settings for one or more biosignals or one or more sleep stages of a user. The preferred settings for one or more biosignals may include types of one or more biosignals, and preferred values ​​or value ranges for one or more biosignals (e.g., a preferred body temperature or body temperature range of a user). The preferred settings for one or more sleep stages may include types of one or more sleep stages, and preferred values ​​or value ranges for one or more sleep stages.

[0058] The bed can identify sleep disorders of one or more users. Examples of sleep disorders may include sleep disorders such as insomnia, primary hypersomnia (e.g., narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, recurrent hypersomnia, post-traumatic hypersomnia, hypersomnia associated with menstruation), sleep breathing disorders (e.g., sleep apnea, snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome), circadian rhythm sleep disorders (e.g., delayed sleep phase disorder, advanced sleep phase disorder, non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder), parasomnias (e.g., bedwetting, bruxism, catatonia, exploding head syndrome, sleep phobia, REM sleep behavior disorder, sleep talking), jet lag, restless legs syndrome, etc. Methods and systems for monitoring a person's sleep pattern in bed and detecting a person's sleep disorder (e.g., snoring, sleep apnea, etc.) are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0135632 ("DETECTING SLEEPING DISORDERS"), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0059] A furniture item (e.g., a bed) may use one or more sensors and / or one or more computer systems to identify one or more bio-signals and / or sleep sequences of one or more users. The one or more sensors may be part of the furniture item, or may not be part of the furniture item. The one or more sensors may be part of the space (e.g., a room) surrounding the furniture item. The one or more sensors may be wearable by one or more users. The one or more sensors may be used to detect characteristics of the furniture item (e.g., temperature, movement, etc.).

[0060] The term "module" refers broadly to a software, hardware, or firmware component (or any combination thereof). A module is typically a functional component that can generate useful data or other output using one or more specified inputs. Modules may or may not be independent. An application (also called an "application") may include one or more modules, or a module may include one or more applications.

[0061] The term "on top of" may refer to two objects, where a first object is "on top of" a second object, which may be rotated so that the first object is above the second object relative to the ground. The two objects may be in direct or indirect contact, or may not be in contact at all.

[0062] System and method for regulating the temperature of an item of furniture

[0063] The present disclosure provides a system for regulating the temperature of a furniture item and a method for using the same. In some embodiments, the system may include a furniture item. The furniture item may be operably coupled to at least one sensor (e.g., at least one user sensor) configured to detect one or more biosignals of at least one user of the furniture item (e.g., when the at least one user is on the furniture item). The detected one or more biosignals may be used to regulate the temperature of the furniture item. In some cases, the at least one sensor may be part of the furniture item. Alternatively, the at least one sensor may not be part of the furniture item.

[0064] In some embodiments, a system may include a temperature control device (or temperature controller, as used interchangeably herein) configured to adjust the temperature of a furniture item. The temperature control device may be operably coupled to the furniture item. The temperature control device may not be coupled to the furniture item. Alternatively, at least a portion of the temperature control device may be coupled to the furniture item (e.g., may be disposed above or below the furniture item, may be disposed within the furniture item, etc.). In some cases, the temperature control device may include a temperature regulator that is capable of regulating the temperature of at least a portion of the temperature control device such that the temperature control device may direct the transfer of heat (i) from the temperature control device and to at least a portion of the furniture item, or (ii) from at least a portion of the furniture item and to the temperature control device. In some cases, the temperature regulator may be capable of regulating the temperature of a fluid that is in thermal communication with the temperature control device and at least a portion of the furniture item. When temperature regulating, such a fluid may direct the transfer of heat (i) from the temperature control device to at least a portion of the furniture item, or (ii) from at least a portion of the furniture item to the temperature control device.

[0065] In some embodiments, the system may include a processor. The processor may be operably coupled to at least one sensor (e.g., or one or more components within at least one sensor), a temperature control device (e.g., or one or more components within the temperature control device), or both. The processor may be configured to direct (e.g., automatically direct) temperature regulation of at least a portion of the furniture item. In some cases, regulating the temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item may affect a user of the furniture item to, for example, improve sleep quality, falling asleep, or waking up.

[0066] Figure 11 is a diagram of an example furniture item, specifically a bed device (e.g., a mattress or a mattress pad), according to one embodiment. Any number of sensors (or user sensors) 140, 150 monitor bio-signals associated with a user, such as heart rate, breathing rate, temperature, motion, or presence associated with the user. Any number of environmental sensors 160, 170 monitor environmental characteristics, such as temperature, sound, light, or humidity. The user sensors 140, 150 and environmental sensors 160, 170 communicate their measurements to the processor 100. The environmental sensors 160, 170 measure environmental characteristics associated with the environmental sensors 160, 170. In one embodiment, the environmental sensors 160, 170 are placed next to the bed. The processor 100 determines based on bio-signals associated with the user, historical bio-signals associated with the user, user-specified preferences, exercise data associated with the user, or received environmental characteristics, control signals, and the time to send the control signals to the bed device 120.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the processor 100 is connected to a database 180 that stores biosignals associated with a user or users of a furniture item (e.g., a bed device). In addition, the database 180 may store an average biosignal associated with a user, a history of biosignals associated with a user, etc. The database 180 may be associated with a user, or the database 180 may be associated with a furniture item (e.g., a bed device).

[0068] Figure 2 According to one embodiment, Figure 1 An example of a furniture item (e.g., a bed device). A sensor (e.g., a sensor bar) 210 associated with a mattress 200 of the bed device 120 monitors biosignals associated with a user sleeping on the mattress 200. The sensor bar 210 may be built into the mattress 200, or may be a part of the mattress device. Alternatively, the sensor 210 may be a part of any other piece of furniture, such as a rocking chair, a sofa, an armchair, etc. The sensor 210 includes a temperature sensor or a piezoelectric sensor. The environmental sensor 220 measures environmental characteristics, such as temperature, sound, light, or humidity. According to one embodiment, the environmental sensor 220 is associated with the environment surrounding the mattress 200. The sensor 210 and the environmental sensor 220 transmit the measured environmental characteristics to the processor 230. In some embodiments, the processor 230 may be similar to Figure 1 The processor 100 of the present invention. The processor 230 may be connected to the sensor 210 or the environmental sensor 220 through a computer bus (such as an I2C bus). In addition, the processor 230 may be connected to the sensor 210 or the environmental sensor 220 through a communication network.

[0069] As an example, the communication network connecting the processor 230 to the sensor 210 or the environmental sensor 220 includes one or more networks, such as a data network, a wireless network, a telephone network, or any combination thereof. The data network can be any local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a public data network (such as the Internet), a short-range wireless network, or any other suitable packet switching network, such as a commercially owned proprietary packet switching network, such as a proprietary cable or fiber optic network, etc., or any combination thereof. In addition, the wireless network can be, for example, a cellular network, and can adopt various technologies, including Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), etc., and any other suitable wireless medium, such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Internet Protocol (IP) data broadcasting, satellite, mobile ad hoc network (MANET), etc., or any combination thereof.

[0070] Processor 230 is any type of microcontroller, or any processor in a mobile terminal, fixed terminal or portable terminal, including mobile devices, stations, units, devices, multimedia computers, multimedia tablet computers, Internet nodes, cloud computers, communicators, desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, netbook computers, tablet computers, personal communication system (PCS) devices, personal navigation devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), audio / video players, digital cameras / camcorders, positioning devices, television receivers, radio broadcast receivers, e-book devices, gaming devices, accessories and peripheral devices of these devices, or any combination thereof.

[0071] Figure 3 According to one embodiment, Figure 1 An example of at least a portion of a component (e.g., layer) of a furniture item (e.g., a mattress set). In some embodiments, the mattress set 120 is a pad that can be placed on top of a mattress. The mattress set 120 includes multiple parts (e.g., multiple layers). The top (e.g., top layer) 350 includes fabric. Another part (e.g., another layer) 340 includes a matrix (e.g., cotton batting) and a sensor (e.g., a sensor strip) 330. A different part (e.g., a different layer) 320 can be at least a portion of a temperature control device. In an example, layer 320 includes a coil for cooling or heating the bed set. Alternatively, layer 320 can include a fluid in a fluid flow channel for cooling or heating the furniture item. Layer 310 includes a waterproof material.

[0072] According to another embodiment, layer 320 includes a material (e.g., a solid, semi-solid, gel, liquid, or a combination thereof) that can be heated from about 0.5 degrees Celsius (°C) to about 50°C or cooled from about 50°C to about 0.5°C. In some cases, the material can be heated from about 0.5°C to about 50°C or cooled from about 50°C to about 0.5°C without changing the properties of the material, such as the state of matter. Alternatively, the material properties can change during heating or cooling, and such material properties can be reversible. In some cases, the material can be cooled from about 10°C to about 50°C without changing the properties of the material, such as the state of matter. Examples of such materials can be air, water, argon, synthetic materials (such as polymers, carbon nanotubes), etc. According to one embodiment, layer 320 is connected to an external thermal regulator that heats or cools the material based on a signal received from processor 230. The material of layer 320 can be heated or cooled to a temperature in a range between about 10°C to about 50°C. The temperature of such materials can be adjusted by at least about 0.1°C, 0.2°C, 0.3°C, 0.4°C, 0.5°C, 0.6°C, 0.7°C, 0.8°C, 0.9°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 45°C, 50°C or more. The temperature of such materials may be adjusted by up to about 50°C, 49°C, 48°C, 47°C, 46°C, 45°C, 40°C, 35°C, 30°C, 25°C, 20°C, 15°C, 14°C, 13°C, 12°C, 11°C, 10°C, 9°C, 8°C, 7°C, 6°C, 5°C, 4°C, 3°C, 2°C, 1°C, 0.9°C, 0.8°C, 0.7°C, 0.6°C, 0.5°C, 0.4°C, 0.3°C, 0.2°C, 0.1°C or less. The external thermal regulator may be part of a temperature control device operably coupled to the item of furniture.

[0073] According to another embodiment, the layer 320 comprising material is integrated into a mattress, a bed sheet, a bed cover, a bed frame, etc. The layer 320 comprising material can also be integrated with any furniture item.

[0074] Figure 4A FIG. 4 shows user sensors 420, 440, 450, 470 placed on sensor 400 according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, user sensors 420, 440, 450, 470 may be similar to Figure 2Sensor 210 of or a portion thereof. Sensors 470 and 440 include piezoelectric sensors that can measure biosignals associated with a user, such as heart rate and breathing rate. Sensors 450 and 420 include temperature sensors. According to one embodiment, sensors 450 and 470 measure biosignals associated with one user, while sensors 420, 440 measure biosignals associated with another user. Analog-to-digital converter 410 converts analog sensor signals into digital signals for transmission to a processor. Computer buses 430 and 460, such as an I2C bus, transmit digitized biosignals to a processor.

[0075] Figure 4B 4 is a sensor (e.g., sensor strip) 400 according to one embodiment. The sensor 400 includes several layers, such as a fabric layer 471, foam layers 473, 475, piezoelectric sensors 470, 440, reinforcements (e.g., polymer reinforcements, such as polycarbonate reinforcements) 485, reinforcement foam 487, and temperature sensors 450, 420. Region 477 of the fabric layer 471 is the tail region of the sensor 400. Leads 489 associated with the piezoelectric sensors 470, 440 and the temperature sensors 450, 420 are placed on top of the tail region 477. The fabric layer 471 includes two short sides and two long sides. The length of the short sides varies from 40 mm to 70 mm. The fabric layer 471 has at least one coated surface. The foam layers 473, 475 also have two short sides and two long sides. One of the long sides includes a plurality of protrusions 491 and a plurality of gaps 493 between the plurality of protrusions 491.

[0076] Figure 4C4 is a flow chart of a process for manufacturing the body of the sensor 400 according to one embodiment. In step 472, the fabric layer 471 is arranged so that the coated surface faces upward. In step 474, the first foam layer is applied to the fabric layer 471. In one embodiment, the first foam layer 473 is centered on the fabric layer 471, has a margin of 10 mm from the first short side, and a margin of 5 mm from the long side. The margin to the second short side of the fabric layer 471 is greater than the margin to the first short side. In one embodiment, the margin to the second short side is at least twice as large as the margin to the first short side. The margin to the second short side of the fabric layer 471 is considered to be the tail of the sensor 400, which includes the tail area 477 of the fabric layer 471. In step 476, two temperature sensors 450, 420 are placed on the first foam layer 473. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor is placed 17 mm from the long side of the fabric layer 471. In step 478, two piezoelectric sensors 470, 440 are placed on the first foam layer 473. In one embodiment, the piezoelectric sensors are centered on the fabric layer 471. In step 480, a second foam layer 475 is applied on top of the piezoelectric sensors. In one embodiment, the second foam layer 475 is centered on the fabric layer 471 with a margin of 10 mm from the short side and 5 mm from the long side. In addition, the second foam layer 475 is placed as a mirror image of the first foam layer 473 and is staggered with the first foam layer 473. In step 482, a second fabric layer is applied on top of the second foam layer 475. In step 484, the entire assembly including all layers is laminated.

[0077] Figure 4D 4 is a flow chart of a process for manufacturing a sensor tail (e.g., sensor bar) 400 according to one embodiment. In step 486, a first polycarbonate reinforcement layer 485 is placed on top of the tail region 477 of the fabric layer 471. In one embodiment, the dimensions of the polycarbonate reinforcement layer 485 are 40 mm to 70 mm by 5 mm to 25 mm. The 40 mm to 70 mm side matches the length of the 40 mm to 70 mm side of the sensor 400. In step 488, a first reinforcement foam layer 487 is applied on top of the polycarbonate reinforcement layer 485. In step 490, the leads 489 of the piezoelectric sensors 470, 440 and the leads 489 of the temperature sensors 450, 420 are placed on top of the first reinforcement foam layer 487 and pass through the tail region 477 of the fabric layer 471. In step 492, a second reinforcement foam layer is applied on top of the leads 489. The dimensions of the second reinforcement foam layer are the same as the first reinforcement foam layer 487. In step 494, a second polycarbonate reinforcement layer is applied on top of the second reinforcement foam layer. The dimensions of the second polycarbonate reinforcement layer are the same as the dimensions of the first polycarbonate reinforcement layer 485. In step 496, the entire tail assembly is laminated.

[0078] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Different configurations of sensors (eg, sensor strips) are shown according to one embodiment to accommodate different sized beds (eg, different sized mattresses). Figure 5C and Figure 5D 500 . The sensor 400 includes computer buses 510, 530 and a sensor strip 505. The computer buses 510, 530 may be bent at predetermined locations 540, 550, 560, 570. Bending the computer bus 515 at location 540 results in a maximum overall length of the computer bus 530. The computer bus 530 combined with the sensor strip 505 fits a king-sized mattress 520. Bending the computer bus 515 at location 570 results in a minimum overall length of the computer bus 510. The computer bus 510 combined with the sensor strip 505 fits a twin-sized mattress 500. Bending the computer bus 515 at location 560 enables the sensor 400 to fit a full-sized bed. Bending the computer bus 515 at location 550 enables the sensor 400 to fit a queen-sized bed. In some embodiments, a twin mattress 500 or a king-sized mattress 520 may be similar to FIG. Figure 2 The mattress is 200.

[0079] Fig. 6AIt is shown that the heating coil 600 is divided into zones and sub-zones according to one embodiment. Specifically, the heating coil 600 is divided into two zones 660 and zone 610, each zone corresponding to a user of the bed. Each zone 660 and zone 610 can be heated or cooled independently of other zones in response to the needs of the user. In order to achieve independent heating of the two zones 660 and zone 610, the power supply associated with the heating coil 600 is divided into two zones, each power supply zone corresponding to a single user zone 660, 610. In addition, each zone 660 and zone 610 is further subdivided into sub-zones. Zone 660 is divided into sub-zones 670, 680, 690 and 695. Zone 610 is divided into sub-zones 620, 630, 640 and 650. The coil distribution in each sub-zone is configured so that the sub-zone is uniformly heated. However, the sub-zones may differ from each other in terms of coil density. For example, the data associated with the user sub-zone 670 has a lower coil density than the sub-zone 680. When the coils are heated, this will cause sub-zone 670 to have a lower temperature than sub-zone 680. Similarly, when the coils are used for cooling, sub-zone 670 will have a higher temperature than sub-zone 680. According to one embodiment, sub-zones 680 and 630 with the highest coil density correspond to the user's lower back; and sub-zones 695 and 650 with the highest coil density correspond to the user's feet. According to one embodiment, even if the user switches sides of the bed, the system will correctly identify which user is sleeping in which zone by identifying the user based on any of the following signals, either individually or in combination: heart rate, breathing rate, body movement, or body temperature associated with the user.

[0080] In another embodiment, the power associated with the heating coil 600 is divided into a plurality of zones, each power zone corresponding to a sub-zone 620, 630, 640, 650, 670, 680, 690, 695. The user can independently control the temperature of each sub-zone 620, 630, 640, 650, 670, 680, 690, 695. In addition, each of the users can independently specify the temperature preference for each of the sub-zones. Even if the user changes the side of the bed, the system will correctly identify the user and the preferences associated with the user by identifying the user based on any of the following signals, either individually or in combination: heart rate, breathing rate, body movement, or body temperature associated with the user.

[0081] Figure 6B and Figure 6CIndependent control of different sub-zones in each zone 610, 660 is shown according to one embodiment. A set of uniform coils 611 connected to the power management box 601 uniformly heats or cools the bed. Another set of coils targets specific areas of the body, such as the neck, back, legs, or feet, layered on top of the uniform coils 611. Sub-zone 615 heats or cools the neck. Sub-zone 625 heats or cools the back. Sub-zone 635 heats or cools the feet, and sub-zone 645 heats or cools the feet. Power is distributed to the coils via the duty cycle of the power supply 605. By assigning a power duty cycle to each set of coils, consecutive sets of coils can be heated or cooled at different levels. The user can control the temperature of each sub-zone independently.

[0082] Fig. 7A is a flow chart of a process for deciding when to heat or cool a bed arrangement according to one embodiment. At block 700, the process obtains a biosignal associated with a user, such as presence in bed, movement, respiration rate, heart rate, or temperature. The process obtains the biosignal from a sensor associated with the user. In addition, at block 710, the process obtains environmental characteristics, such as the amount of ambient light and the temperature of the bed. The process obtains the environmental characteristics from an environmental sensor associated with the bed arrangement. If the user is in bed, the temperature of the bed is low, and the ambient light is low, the process sends a control signal to the bed arrangement. The control signal includes instructions to heat the bed arrangement to an average nighttime temperature associated with the user. According to another embodiment, the control signal includes instructions to heat the bed arrangement to a user-specified temperature. Similarly, if the user is in bed, the temperature of the bed is high, and the ambient light is low, the process sends a control signal to the bed arrangement to cool the bed arrangement to an average nighttime temperature associated with the user. According to another embodiment, the control signal includes instructions to cool the bed arrangement to a user-specified temperature.

[0083] In another embodiment, in addition to obtaining the biosignals and environmental characteristics associated with the user, the process also obtains a history of the biosignals associated with the user. The history of the biosignals may be stored in a database associated with the bed device, or in a database associated with the user. The history of the biosignals includes the average bedtime for each day of the week for the user; that is, the history of the biosignals includes the average bedtime associated with the user on Monday, the average bedtime associated with the user on Tuesday, and so on. For a given day of the week, the process determines the average bedtime associated with the user on that day of the week and sends a control signal to the bed device, thereby allowing the bed sufficient time to reach a desired temperature before the average bedtime associated with the user. The control signal includes an instruction to heat or cool the bed to a desired temperature. The desired temperature may be determined automatically, such as by averaging historical nighttime temperatures associated with the user, or the desired temperature may be specified by the user.

[0084] Figure 7B is a flow chart of a process for cooling or heating a bed device according to another embodiment. In step 750, the processor 230 obtains a biosignal associated with a user, wherein the biosignal includes a breathing rate associated with the user, a heart rate associated with the user, a movement associated with the user, or a temperature associated with the user. In step 755, the processor 230 identifies the user based on at least one of the following: a heart rate associated with the user, a breathing rate associated with the user, a movement associated with the user, or a temperature associated with the user. In step 760, based on the user identification, the processor 230 obtains a normal biosignal range associated with a sleep stage in a plurality of sleep stages associated with the user from the database 180, wherein the normal biosignal range includes a normal temperature range associated with the user. In step 765, the processor 230 identifies a sleep stage in a plurality of sleep stages associated with the user based on the normal biosignal range and the biosignal. The plurality of sleep stages include a sleep stage including an awake stage, a light sleep stage, a deep sleep stage, or a rapid eye movement sleep stage. In step 770, when the temperature associated with the sleep stage is outside the normal temperature range associated with the sleep stage, the processor 230 sends a control signal to a temperature control device coupled to the mattress, the control signal including instructions to heat or cool the mattress to a temperature within the normal temperature range.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the processor 230 obtains the bio-signal associated with the user from the sensor 210 coupled to the mattress, wherein the sensor 210 measures the bio-signal associated with the user. In another embodiment, the processor 230 obtains the bio-signal associated with the user from a wearable device (such as a fitbit bracelet) coupled to the user, wherein the wearable device measures the bio-signal of the user. The processor 230 may also store the bio-signal in the database 180.

[0086] According to another embodiment, the processor 230 determines a current time. The processor 230 identifies the user based on at least one of: a heart rate associated with the user, a breathing rate associated with the user, a movement associated with the user, or a temperature associated with the user. Based on the user identification, the processor 230 obtains a wake-up time associated with the user. When the current time is at most 3 hours before the wake-up time, the processor 230 sends a control signal to a temperature control device coupled to the mattress, the control signal including a shutdown instruction.

[0087] Processor 230 can detect sleep stages by detecting a slow heart rate, a drop in temperature, and a normal breathing rate. Processor 230 can also detect sleep stages by detecting the end of a previous sleep stage. For example, a healthy user typically cycles through light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep throughout the night. When the REM sleep stage ends, the light sleep stage begins, followed by the deep sleep stage.

[0088] According to another embodiment, the processor 230 obtains perspiration associated with the user from a perspiration sensor built into the sensor 210. When the user sweats, the processor sends a control signal to cool the temperature control device by a fraction of a degree Celsius until the user stops sweating. The processor 230 maintains a temperature at which the user does not sweat. The fraction of a degree Celsius can be 1 / 10, 1 / 5, 1 / 4, 1 / 2, 1, etc. According to another embodiment, based on the total amount of perspiration of the user during sleep, the processor 230 recommends an amount of fluid (such as water or electrolytes) that the user should consume upon waking.

[0089] According to another embodiment, the processor 230 sends a control signal to cool or heat the temperature control device by a fraction of a degree Celsius, and monitors the user's sleep quality. For example, the processor 230 monitors whether the user goes through sleep cycles in sequence, and whether the sleep cycles last for a normal amount of time. Once the user's sleep cycles become irregular, or do not last for a normal amount of time, the processor records the last temperature at which the user slept soundly. The last temperature at which the user slept soundly is the limit of a comfort temperature range associated with the user. The limits can be high temperature limits, or can be low temperature limits. Fractions of degrees Celsius can be 1 / 10, 1 / 5, 1 / 4, 1 / 2, 1, etc. The processor 230 stores a comfort temperature range associated with the user, including a high temperature limit and a low temperature limit and heats or cools the bed to a temperature within the comfort temperature range.

[0090] Figure 7C775 is a flow chart of a process for cooling or heating a bed device according to yet another embodiment. In step 775, the processor 230 obtains a biosignal associated with the user, wherein the biosignal includes a breathing rate associated with the user, a heart rate associated with the user, a movement associated with the user, or a temperature associated with the user. In step 780, based on the biosignal, the processor 230 detects when the user has transitioned to sleep. The processor 230 detects a sleep transition by detecting a slowing heart rate, a normal heart rate, a drop in temperature, and / or a normal breathing rate. In step 785, when the user has transitioned to sleep, the processor 230 sends a control signal to a temperature control device coupled to the mattress, the control signal including an instruction to cool the mattress to a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature may be an average nighttime temperature associated with the user, the predetermined temperature may be in the range of 27°C to 35°C, or the temperature may be specified by the user. The biosignal may be measured by the sensor 210 or any other sensing device, such as a wearable sensor, for example, a fitbit bracelet.

[0091] According to another embodiment, the processor 230 obtains the ambient temperature of the user. The environmental sensor 220 can supply the ambient temperature to the processor 230. When the ambient temperature is outside the range of 35°C to 36°C, the processor 230 sends a control signal to a temperature control device coupled to the mattress, the control signal including an instruction to adjust the mattress to a temperature within the range of 27°C to 35°C, a user-specified temperature, or a user-related temperature. The user-related temperature can be a set point predetermined by using the user's historical data. The user's historical data can include multiple body temperatures of the user within a set time period (e.g., a time period of at least 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, or more days). The user's historical data can include an average value of multiple body temperatures of the user within the set time period.

[0092] According to another embodiment, the processor 230 identifies the user based on at least one of: a heart rate associated with the user, a breathing rate associated with the user, a temperature associated with the user, or a movement associated with the user. Based on the user identification, the processor 230 determines an average bedtime associated with the user. The average bedtime may be the same for each day of the week, or may include an average Monday bedtime, an average Tuesday bedtime, an average Wednesday bedtime, an average Thursday bedtime, an average Friday bedtime, an average Saturday bedtime, or an average Sunday bedtime. At the average bedtime associated with the user, the processor 230 sends a control signal to a temperature control device coupled to the mattress, wherein the control signal includes one of an instruction to heat the temperature control device to a temperature in the range of 27° C. to 35° C. or an instruction to cool the temperature control device to a temperature in the range of 37° C. to 35° C. The temperature may be a user-specified temperature.

[0093] Fig. 20 is another example of adjusting the temperature of the bed. Fig. 20 , a user who intends to sleep on the mattress 200 can use the computing device 2005 to select a temperature setting 2015 indicating a certain preference for cooling and / or heating, and view last night's sleep information 2020 to obtain and view information related to how the user sleeps. For example, the hub 2040 (e.g., a temperature control device or circuit) can be a device including a processor 230 that receives various data disclosed herein, such as temperature, biosignals, and other types of information about the user's sleep, and generates a temperature adjustment 2035 for the mattress 200. This can cause the mattress to heat or cool, thereby improving the user's sleeping experience. The temperature sensor can provide a back temperature 2030 that indicates the current temperature of the mattress 200. As the temperature changes, the temperature 2030 provided to the hub 2040 can change, and if the temperature indicated by the temperature 2030 is too hot (e.g., above a threshold temperature) or too cold (e.g., below a threshold temperature), the hub 2040 can generate a temperature adjustment 2035 that can allow the mattress 200 to change temperature in response to the current conditions. Thus, a feedback loop can be implemented in which the temperature of the mattress 200 is adjusted multiple times throughout the night as the user sleeps. As discussed later herein, the temperature adjustment 2035 can include data or signals that can be used to adjust the temperature of the mattress 200, for example, a signal that provides a specific current for generating a voltage across a thermoelectric element to appropriately heat or cool the mattress 200.

[0094] In some cases, the mattress 200 may include different zones 660 and 610, as previously described. This may allow two different people (or users) sleeping on the mattress 200 to perform different heating or cooling throughout the user's sleep experience. For example, one person sleeping in zone 660 (e.g., the left side of the bed) may cause zone 660 to be heated, while another person sleeping in zone 610 (e.g., the right side of the bed) may cause zone 610 to be cooled. Thus, different portions of the mattress 200 may be heated and / or cooled differently. In another example, both zones 660 and 610 may be heated, but one zone may be heated to a higher temperature than the other zone. Similarly, both zones 660 and 610 may be cooled, but one zone may be cooled to a lower temperature than the other zone.

[0095] The hub 2040 can manage different sleep experiences for different zones 660 and zones 610. For example, two different computing devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablet computers, smart watches, laptop computers, etc.) can be communicatively coupled to the hub 2040, for example, via a wireless network such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN) standard, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave, etc. This can allow the different computing devices to receive and provide different sleep information 2025, such as different temperature settings 2015 and different last night sleep information 2020. For example, one computing device can be set or indicated by the hub 2040 as a computing device for a user sleeping on zone 660. A different computing device can be set or indicated by the hub 2040 as a computing device for a user sleeping on zone 610. Thus, when data is received from a computing device, it can be determined that the device providing the data and the zone associated with the computing device can operate accordingly (e.g., heated to a specific temperature later in the evening). When data (e.g., last night's sleep information 2020) is to be provided to a computing device, the hub 2040 can provide the computing device with information related to the zone associated with the computing device so that different users sleeping on the same mattress 200 will receive different information.

[0096] In addition to the coils discussed previously, a variety of heating or cooling mechanisms may also be used with the technology described herein. For example, forced directional gas (e.g., air) cooling (or heating), liquid (e.g., water) cooling (or heating), thermoelectric cooling (or heating), modifications thereof, or combinations thereof may be used with a furniture item, such as a mattress or mattress pad for a bed.

[0097] Regarding forced directional air cooling, the mattress 200 may include a directional fan or blower that can direct air into the mattress 200. For example, one or more channels (e.g., baffles) can be integrated into a layer of the mattress 200 (e.g., below the surface where the user sleeps) to provide a cavity for pushing air through. In some cases, the one or more channels can be a continuous network of channels. The one or more channels can include a hollow portion that runs through the mattress 200, which allows the propagation or flow of a fluid (e.g., a liquid or gas). In some cases, the gas can contain air. The one or more channels can be concentrated on the area of ​​the high temperature area where the user sleeps on the mattress 200, for example, a portion of the mattress 200 that will be under the user's back, shoulders, and hips. Other areas, such as areas near the user's legs, may include areas with less or no obstruction because these areas may not be equally useful areas for heating or cooling. Therefore, different parts of the mattress 200 can have one or more channels with different concentrations to promote air flow, and some parts may even have no channels. Therefore, air can be blown into the inlet of one or more channels integrated in the mattress 200. In some cases, air can be blown into the inlets and outlets of one or more channels so that air circulates through mattress 200 .

[0098] In some cases, if cooling is desired, air at a temperature lower than that indicated by temperature 2030 may be provided (e.g., by blowing air into the inlet of one or more channels of mattress 200). If heating is desired, air at a temperature higher than that indicated by temperature 2030 may be provided. Thus, temperature adjustment 2035 may be generated by the hub to adjust a forced directional air cooling mechanism (e.g., a fan, an air conditioning unit, etc.) to provide the appropriate temperature.

[0099] With respect to liquid cooling, a liquid (e.g., water) may be pumped into one or more channels (e.g., baffles). The temperature of the water may be adjusted in a manner similar to air being blown into a baffle structure. The liquid may circulate from the outside of the mattress 200, enter one or more channels of the mattress 200, absorb heat, and then be pumped back out of the mattress 200. This may allow the liquid to transfer heat to the outside of the mattress 200 and cool outside of the mattress 200. Thus, the liquid may transfer heat away from the mattress 200 and circulate outside of the mattress so that the heat is distributed away from the mattress 200. This may result in cooling of the mattress 200 (e.g., reducing the temperature).

[0100] Thermoelectric temperature regulation (e.g., heating and / or cooling) can be achieved using an electrical-based system (e.g., via a thermoelectric engine). A thermoelectric engine can be configured to convert electrical energy into a heat flux (or temperature difference), or to convert a heat flux into electrical energy. A thermoelectric engine can be a solid-state device.

[0101] In some embodiments, a furniture item (e.g., a bed) may include a thermoelectric engine in the furniture item (e.g., a mattress or mattress pad) as a mechanism for regulating the temperature of the furniture item. Such a thermoelectric engine may have moving parts (e.g., a fan, a pumping part, etc.) or may not have moving parts (e.g., a fan, a pumping part, etc.) and may be quieter than liquid or air cooling. For example, a thermoelectric engine for adjusting the temperature of a mattress 200 may include a thermoelectric element integrated on a printed circuit board embedded in the mattress 200 or a cover on the mattress 200. When a current (e.g., an electric current, such as a charge flow in amperes) is provided to the thermoelectric element and a voltage is generated across the thermoelectric element, a heat flux may be generated, resulting in a separation of high and low temperatures across the thermoelectric element. That is, heat may be separated to one side of the thermoelectric element of the thermoelectric engine, resulting in one side being hotter than the other side (which is colder than the hotter side). Thus, heat (or energy) may be distributed away from a user sleeping on the mattress 200. Thermoelectric elements may also be concentrated in areas of the mattress 200 where the user sleeps at high temperatures, such as a portion of the mattress 200 that would be under the user's back, shoulders, and hips, similar to the baffles described above. Thus, other areas, such as areas near the user's legs, may include fewer thermoelectric elements, or even no thermoelectric elements, as these areas may not be equally useful for heating or cooling. Thus, different portions of the mattress 200 may have different concentrations of thermoelectric elements to facilitate heat transfer.

[0102] In some embodiments, the temperature control mechanism of the furniture item may include a combination of thermoelectric temperature control and a fluid (e.g., a liquid or gas). In such cases, the fluid may flow into and out of one or more channels of the furniture item, and the thermoelectric temperature controller may control the temperature of the fluid (e.g., water) to control the temperature of the furniture item. The fluid at the regulated temperature may flow through one or more channels of the furniture item (e.g., a bed) to (i) maintain the temperature of a user of the furniture item, (ii) supply heat to the user of the furniture item, or (iii) obtain heat from the user of the furniture item (or cool the user). The thermoelectric temperature controller may be part of the furniture item, or may not be part of the furniture item. The thermoelectric temperature controller may include a thermoelectric engine for controlling the temperature of the fluid and a reservoir for containing the fluid. The thermoelectric engine may be separate from the reservoir and in fluid communication with the reservoir. In some cases, the reservoir may control the temperature of the fluid. Alternatively, the reservoir may not be configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the reservoir. In such cases, the fluid contained in the reservoir may not be heated or cooled inside the reservoir. In such cases, the fluid is external to the reservoir and flows through or adjacent to the thermoelectric engine (e.g., flows through one or more channels of the thermoelectric engine, flows through one or more channels directly adjacent to the thermoelectric engine, etc.) and can be heated or cooled by the thermoelectric engine.

[0103] The thermoelectric engine may include at least one thermoelectric unit. The thermoelectric engine may include at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more thermoelectric units. The thermoelectric engine may include up to about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 thermoelectric unit. Each thermoelectric unit may be configured to adjust the temperature of a fluid flowing through or adjacent to each thermoelectric unit.

[0104] For each thermoelectric unit, a first direction of current passing through the thermoelectric unit can increase the temperature of one side of the thermoelectric unit, thereby increasing the temperature of a fluid (e.g., water) flowing through or adjacent to one side of the thermoelectric unit. A second direction of current passing through the thermoelectric unit, opposite to the first direction, can reduce the temperature of the side of the thermoelectric unit, thereby reducing the temperature of the fluid flowing through or adjacent to the side of the thermoelectric unit. In some cases, the first direction can be a positive current and the second direction can be a negative current. In some cases, the first direction can be a negative current and the second direction can be a positive current.

[0105] In some cases, phase change materials can also be used to facilitate the transfer of heat between a user and an item of furniture (such as, for example, between a user and a mattress 200). For example, if a thermoelectric engine is implemented (e.g., without a fluid or in combination with a fluid) to adjust the temperature of a mattress 200, a phase change material can be used to transfer heat away from the sides of the thermoelectric element so that the heat is distributed further away from where the user sleeps (e.g., to another area of ​​the mattress 200, such as underneath where the user sleeps, to the side, etc.). That is, the phase change material can be distributed on or within the mattress 200 so that it transfers heat away from a person sleeping on the mattress 200 from one side of the thermoelectric element that is hotter or cooler than the other side.

[0106] Phase change materials may include organic materials such as, for example, carbohydrates or lipids. Examples of organic phase change materials include lauric acid, TME (63%) / H2O (37%), paraffin 14-carbon, paraffin 15-carbon, paraffin 16-carbon, paraffin 17-carbon, paraffin 18-carbon, paraffin 19-carbon, paraffin 20-carbon, paraffin 21-carbon, paraffin 22-carbon, paraffin 23-carbon, paraffin 24-carbon, paraffin 25-carbon, paraffin 26-carbon, paraffin 27-carbon, paraffin 28-carbon, paraffin 29-carbon, paraffin 30-carbon, paraffin 31-carbon, paraffin 32-carbon, paraffin 33-carbon, paraffin 34-carbon, formic acid, caprylic acid, glycerol, p-lactic acid, methyl palmitate, camphene, bromine The phase change material may include an inorganic material such as, for example, a salt (e.g., a salt hydrate), an inorganic eutectic or a hygroscopic material. Examples of inorganic phase change materials include water, sodium sulfate (Na2SO4·10H2O), NaCl·Na2SO4·10H2O, Mn(NO3)2·6H2O / MnCl2·4H2O (4%), Na2SiO3·5H2O, aluminum, copper, gold, iron, lead, lithium, silver, titanium, zinc, NaNO3, NaNO2, NaOH, KNO3, KOH, NaOH / Na2CO3 (7.2%), NaCl (26.8%) / NaOH, NaCl / KCL (32.4%) / LiCl(32.8%), NaCl(5.7%) / NaNO3(85.5%) / Na2SO4, NaCl / NaNO3(5.0%), NaCl(5.0%) / NaNO3, NaCl(42.5%) / KCl(20.5%) / MgCl2, KNO3(10%) / NaNO3, KNO3 / KCl(4.5%), KNO3 / KBr(4.7%) / KCl(7.3%), variations thereof, or combinations thereof. In some cases, a phase change material (e.g., paraffin wax) can be used for thermal energy storage and, therefore, can be used to store heat away from the user's body while the user sleeps on the mattress 200. The phase change material can be embedded within the memory foam (e.g., polyurethane) material that makes up the mattress 200. In an example, the paraffin wax can be "sprayed" throughout the memory foam so that the mattress 200 includes a layer of memory foam impregnated with paraffin wax as the phase change material.In some cases, a bladder or shell (e.g., made of rubber, plastic, etc.) of a phase change material (e.g., paraffin wax) can be integrated into the mattress 200. In an example, the bladder can contain the paraffin wax so that it can be isolated to a specific layer of the mattress 200. This can provide a layer of paraffin wax as a phase change material within the mattress 200, resulting in greater temperature regulation (e.g., a cooling effect) than if the paraffin wax were embedded throughout the memory foam. In such cases, more heat can be removed from the user.

[0107] In some cases, the shell of phase change material (e.g., paraffin) can be below a layer of memory foam on which a user sleeps. For example, mattress 200 can include a layer of memory foam (e.g., a layer closer to a person sleeping on mattress 200), and below the memory foam can be a layer of thermoelectric elements. Below the layer of thermoelectric elements, the shell of phase change material (e.g., paraffin) can be positioned so that heat separated by the thermoelectric elements can be distributed downward and away from the other side of the memory foam (e.g., the layer of memory foam opposite the side on which the user sleeps that is closest to the thermoelectric elements). Thus, as described above, the three layers can be positioned adjacent to each other to distribute heat toward or away from a person sleeping on mattress 200.

[0108] In some cases, the phase change material may also be concentrated in a portion of the mattress 200 that is intended to be located under the user's back, shoulders, and hips. Other portions of the mattress 200, such as the area under the user's legs when sleeping, may have a lower concentration of phase change material, or no phase change material.

[0109] The computing device 2005 may also be used to provide additional temperature settings. In some cases, a user may wish to produce a heating or cooling effect during a specific time period. In some cases, a user may wish to set multiple time periods with different temperature set points. In some cases, some users may only wish to provide a heating or cooling effect from 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. The time period may include a typical time period when the user tends to sleep, so providing a heating or cooling effect only during the time period may help the user fall asleep, but also prevent the system from being used when the user falls asleep later in the evening. This helps to reduce the power cost of system operation. The hub 2040 may also provide information related to adjusting the mattress temperature to the computing device 2005 via a wireless network (e.g., a WLAN network as described above).

[0110] Fig.21 is another example of a block diagram for adjusting the temperature of a furniture item (e.g., a bed). Fig.21 In block 2105, a temperature associated with a bed (e.g., a mattress of the bed) may be determined. Fig. 20In some embodiments, the temperature of the mattress 200 may be determined using one or more sensors (e.g., one or more temperature sensors) in a portion of the mattress 200, integrated within the mattress 200, placed on the mattress 200, integrated within a cover placed on the mattress 200, etc. One or more such sensors may measure one or more temperatures indicative of a user's body temperature. In some cases, the temperature may be the temperature of a user sleeping on the mattress 200. In some cases, the user may be wearing an activity tracker, smart watch, etc., which may be used as a sensor to determine the user's body temperature. In some cases, the temperature may be an ambient temperature (e.g., a temperature above the mattress 200 but below the temperature of the sheets under which a person is sleeping) adjacent to a bed device (e.g., the mattress 200) or the mattress 200, which may or may not be indicative of the user's body temperature.

[0111] At block 2110, it may be determined that the temperature is outside a threshold range. For example, Fig. 20 The hub 2040 in the embodiment may receive the temperature 2030 from a sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor). The hub 2040 may attempt to regulate the temperature of the mattress 200 to a certain range. If the temperature 2030 is below the range, then this may mean that the person sleeping on the mattress 200 is cold. If the temperature 2030 is above the range, then this may mean that the person sleeping on the mattress 200 is hot.

[0112] Thus, at block 2115, the temperature associated with the mattress may be adjusted. Fig. 20 In the embodiment of the present invention, the hub 2040 can generate a temperature adjustment 2035. The temperature adjustment 2035 can be an analog signal that provides an amount of current supplied to the thermoelectric element of the mattress 200 so that the thermoelectric element can be used to distribute heat away from a person sleeping on the mattress 200, as previously described. Alternatively or in addition, the temperature adjustment 2035 can be a computer-implemented instruction to instruct the thermoelectric thermostat to adjust (i) the temperature of a fluid (e.g., water) flowing between the thermoelectric thermostat and one or more channels of the furniture item (e.g., a bed), and (ii) the flow of such fluid through one or more channels of the furniture item, thereby adjusting the temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item. In some cases, the temperature adjustment 2035 can include digital data (e.g., instructions for the thermoelectric thermostat, fan, pump, etc.) to provide heating or cooling of the fluid. In some cases, an analog signal as described can also be provided to the thermoelectric thermostat, fan, pump, etc.

[0113] Fig. 22 is an example of a block diagram for adjusting the current supplied to one or more thermoelectric elements of a thermoelectric regulator to adjust the temperature of a furniture item (e.g., a bed). Fig. 22In block 2205, a temperature associated with a bed (e.g., a mattress of the bed) may be determined. Fig. 20 In the embodiment of the present invention, a temperature 2030 provided by one or more sensors (e.g., one or more temperature sensors) may be received by a hub 2040. The temperature 2030 may provide a temperature reading from one or more sensors of the mattress 200. At block 2210, it may be determined that the temperature is below a threshold temperature. The threshold temperature may be a predetermined temperature (e.g., a temperature recommended by a doctor, an average temperature when a user uses a furniture item, etc.). The threshold temperature may be a temperature pre-specified by a user. For example, the hub 2040 may determine that the temperature 2030 is below a threshold temperature range, which means that the person sleeping on the mattress 200 is too cold. Therefore, at block 2115, the current provided to the thermoelectric element may be reduced. For example, the hub 2040 may provide a temperature adjustment 2035 by providing a lower current than it previously provided. This may result in a reduction in the current provided to the thermoelectric elements, resulting in a lower voltage across the thermoelectric elements. As previously described, this reduces the thermal separation capability of the thermoelectric elements, and thus less heat may be distributed away from the person sleeping on the mattress 200. That is, the temperature difference between the two sides of the thermoelectric element may be reduced, thereby reducing the heat distribution. This can allow the temperature to increase within a threshold range so that the person is no longer cold. Such methods can be implemented when the thermoelectric regulator (i) directly adjusts the temperature of the furniture item, or (ii) adjusts the temperature of a fluid flowing through one or more channels of the furniture item, thereby adjusting the heat distribution in the furniture item.

[0114] At block 2220, it may be determined that the temperature is above a threshold temperature. For example, if the temperature increases to a high temperature that is now above a threshold temperature range, this may indicate that the person sleeping on the mattress 200 is too hot. Therefore, at block 2225, the current provided to the thermoelectric element may be increased. This results in a higher voltage across the thermoelectric element, thereby improving the heat separation capability. This causes the temperature difference across the thermoelectric element to increase due to the concentration of heat toward one end. Then, as previously described, a phase change material may be used to distribute the concentrated heat away. This allows the temperature to decrease. Thus, a feedback loop may be implemented such that, at Fig. 20 In the embodiment, the hub 2040 continuously or periodically (e.g., every second, every minute, every ten minutes, every time motion is detected on the mattress 200, every time snoring is heard, etc.) receives and analyzes the temperature 2030 and adjusts the temperature 2035 to heat or cool the mattress 200 to provide a better sleeping experience.

[0115] In some cases, one or more thermoelectric elements of one or more thermoelectric engines can be used to cool and heat a furniture item (e.g., a bed or a mattress of a bed). For example, the operating mode can be switched from cooling to heating, or from heating to cooling, by changing the direction of the current supplied to the thermoelectric element.

[0116] Heat alarm

[0117] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for regulating the temperature of a portion of a furniture item (e.g., for waking up a user of the furniture item). The system may include a sensor. The sensor may be part of the furniture item. Alternatively, the sensor may not be part of the furniture item, but may be operably coupled to the furniture item. The sensor may be configured to detect a biosignal of a user of the furniture item. In some cases, the user may be one of multiple users of the furniture item, and the sensor may be configured to detect each individual biosignal of the multiple users. The system may include a temperature control device operably coupled to the furniture item, and the temperature control device may be configured to adjust the temperature of the furniture item. The temperature control device may be thermally coupled to the furniture item. The temperature control device may be coupled to (e.g., in contact with) the furniture item. The system may include a processor, the processor being communicatively coupled to the sensor and the temperature control device, and the processor may be configured to specify a time for the furniture item to wake up the user based on the biosignal of the user detected by the sensor when the user uses the furniture item when the user is sleeping on the furniture item. The processor may also be configured to regulate (e.g., change) the temperature of a portion of the furniture item by the temperature control device before the time. The processor may be part of the furniture item. Alternatively, the processor may not be part of the furniture item and be communicatively and operably linked to the furniture item and one or more components of the furniture item. In some cases, the processor may be configured to specify the time without user input to the processor (e.g., via a physical sensor or a graphical user interface (GUI) of a computer system operably coupled to the processor).

[0118] The system may include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more sensors. The system may include at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 sensor. Individual sensors may be configured to detect a biosignal of at least one user. In an example, an individual sensor may be capable of detecting one or more biosignals of multiple users of a furniture item. In some cases, multiple sensors may be in operable communication with each other. The system may include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more temperature control devices. The system may include at most 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 temperature control devices. In some cases, multiple temperature control devices may be in operable communication with each other.

[0119] In some cases, the processor may be further configured to specify a time based at least in part on the detected bio-signal of the user and a history of the bio-signal data of the user, and to adjust the temperature of the portion of the furniture item before the time, thereby waking the user of the furniture item. The history of the bio-signal data of the user may include one or more measurements of the bio-signal of the user while using the furniture item.

[0120] In some cases, the history of biosignal data for a user may include measurements of the user's biosignal during the user's current use of the furniture item (e.g., during the user's current sleep). The history of biosignal data may include data measured from at least about the past 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes, 50 minutes, 60 minutes, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, 10 hours, 11 hours, 12 hours or more. The history of biosignal data may include data measured from at most about the past 12 hours, 11 hours, 10 hours, 9 hours, 8 hours, 7 hours, 6 hours, 5 hours, 4 hours, 3 hours, 2 hours, 1.5 hours, 60 minutes, 50 minutes, 40 minutes, 30 minutes, 20 minutes, 10 minutes, 5 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes, 1 minute or less.

[0121] The user's current usage time of the furniture item may be in the range of about 0.1 hour to about 16 hours. The user's current usage of the furniture item may be in the range of at least about 0.1 hour. The user's current usage of the furniture item may be in the range of up to about 16 hours. The user's current usage of the furniture item may be in the range of about 0.1 hour to about 0.5 hour, about 0.1 hour to about 1 hour, about 0.1 hour to about 2 hours, about 0.1 hour to about 3 hours, about 0.1 hour to about 4 hours, about 0.1 hour to about 6 hours, about 0.1 hour to about 8 hours, about 0.1 hour to about 10 hours, about 0.1 hour to about 12 hours, about 0.1 hour to about 14 hours, about 0.1 hour to about 16 hours, about 0.5 hour to about 1 hour, about 0.5 hour to about 2 hours, about 0.5 hour to about 3 hours , about 0.5 hour to about 4 hours, about 0.5 hour to about 6 hours, about 0.5 hour to about 8 hours, about 0.5 hour to about 10 hours, about 0.5 hour to about 12 hours, about 0.5 hour to about 14 hours, about 0.5 hour to about 16 hours, about 1 hour to about 2 hours, about 1 hour to about 3 hours, about 1 hour to about 4 hours, about 1 hour to about 6 hours, about 1 hour to about 8 hours, about 1 hour to about 10 hours, about 1 hour to about 12 hours, about 1 hour to about 14 hours, about 1 hour to about 16 hours, about 2 hours to about 3 hours , about 2 hours to about 4 hours, about 2 hours to about 6 hours, about 2 hours to about 8 hours, about 2 hours to about 10 hours, about 2 hours to about 12 hours, about 2 hours to about 14 hours, about 2 hours to about 16 hours, about 3 hours to about 4 hours, about 3 hours to about 6 hours, about 3 hours to about 8 hours, about 3 hours to about 10 hours, about 3 hours to about 12 hours, about 3 hours to about 14 hours, about 3 hours to about 16 hours, about 4 hours to about 6 hours, about 4 hours to about 8 hours, about 4 hours to about 10 hours, about 4 hours to about 12 hours, The range currently used can be about 0.1 hour, about 0.5 hour, about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 3 hours, about 4 hours, about 6 hours, about 8 hours, about 10 hours, about 12 hours, about 14 hours, about 16 hours, about 8 hours to about 10 hours, about 8 hours to about 12 hours, about 8 hours to about 14 hours, about 8 hours to about 16 hours, about 10 hours to about 12 hours, about 10 hours to about 14 hours, about 10 hours to about 16 hours, about 12 hours to about 14 hours, about 12 hours to about 16 hours, or about 14 hours to about 16 hours. The range currently used can be about 0.1 hour, about 0.5 hour, about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 3 hours, about 4 hours, about 6 hours, about 8 hours, about 10 hours, about 12 hours, about 14 hours, or about 16 hours.

[0122] In some cases, the history of bio-signal data for a user may include measurements of the user's bio-signal during one or more prior uses of the furniture item by the user (e.g., one or more prior sleeps by the user on the furniture item). Prior uses may include at least 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, 7 months, 8 months, 9 months, 10 months, 11 months, 12 months, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, 5 years, or more. Prior uses may include up to about the past 5 years, 4 years, 3 years, 2 years, 12 months, 11 months, 10 months, 9 months, 8 months, 7 months, 6 months, 5 months, 4 months, 3 months, 2 months, 4 weeks, 3 weeks, 2 weeks, 7 days, 6 days, 5 days, 4 days, 3 days, 2 days, or 1 day.

[0123] In some cases, one or more previous uses may occur at least about 1 day to 1 year before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may occur at least about 1 day to 10 months before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may occur at least about 1 day to 8 months before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may occur at least about 1 day to 6 months before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may occur at least about 1 day to 4 months before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may occur at least about 1 day to 2 months before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may occur at least about 1 day to 1 month before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may occur at least about 1 day to 3 weeks before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may occur at least about 1 day to 2 weeks before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may occur at least about 1 day to 1 week before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may occur at least about 1 day to 6 days before the time. In some cases, one or more prior uses may occur at least about 1 day to 5 days prior to the time. In some cases, one or more prior uses may occur at least about 1 day to 4 days prior to the time. In some cases, one or more prior uses may occur at least about 1 day to 3 days prior to the time. In some cases, one or more prior uses may occur at least about 1 day to 2 days prior to the time.

[0124] In some cases, the processor can be communicatively coupled to at least one database, wherein the at least one database includes a database associated with furniture items or a database associated with users. In some cases, the processor can be configured to obtain a history (e.g., a current history, a previous history, or both) of the user's bio-signal data from the at least one database.

[0125] In some cases, the processor may be further configured to identify the user from a plurality of users of the furniture item based at least in part on the detected bio-signal of the user. In some cases, the processor may be further configured to obtain a history of the user's bio-signal data from the plurality of users based at least in part on the identity of the user.

[0126] In some cases, the user's bio-signal may include a heart signal, a breathing signal, motion, temperature, and / or perspiration. In some cases, the user's bio-signal may include two or more of the following: a heart signal, a breathing signal, motion, temperature, and perspiration. In some examples, the user's bio-signal may include temperature and at least one of the following: a heart signal and a breathing signal. In some cases, the user's bio-signal may include three or more of the following: a heart signal, a breathing signal, motion, temperature, and perspiration. In some examples, the user's bio-signal may include temperature, a heart signal, and a breathing signal.

[0127] In some cases, the processor may identify a user from a plurality of users based on a heart signal (e.g., the amplitude and / or frequency of the heart signal) and / or a breathing signal (e.g., the amplitude and / or frequency of the breathing signal). In some cases, the processor may use a piezoelectric sensor to detect the heart signal and / or the breathing signal. The detected heart signal and / or breathing signal may be compared with a plurality of historical data of heart signals and / or breathing signals of a plurality of users to identify the user from a plurality of users of the furniture item. The plurality of historical data of heart signals and / or breathing signals may be stored in one or more databases that are operably communicated with the processor of the furniture item. In some cases, the processor may detect and / or confirm the presence of a user based on the temperature of the surface of the furniture item detected by the sensor. In some cases, the processor may use a temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the surface of the furniture item. In an example, if the processor detects a sudden change in the temperature of the surface of the furniture item, such data may indicate that one or more users have started or ended use of the furniture item.

[0128] In some cases, an item of furniture may contain both a piezoelectric sensor and a temperature sensor, wherein the piezoelectric sensor and the temperature sensor are disposed on opposite sides of a layer of the item of furniture (eg, on opposite surfaces of a layer of a bed device).

[0129] In some cases, the temperature control device may include a temperature adjustable pad and a controller for adjusting the temperature of the pad. The controller may be part of the furniture item, or may not be part of the furniture item. The temperature adjustable pad may be part of the furniture item. In some cases, the temperature adjustable pad may be disposed at a distance away from the temperature sensor so that the temperature sensor does not read the temperature of the temperature adjustable pad. In some cases, the temperature adjustable pad may be on or adjacent to a layer comprising the piezoelectric sensor and the temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor and the temperature adjustable pad may be on opposite sides of the layer. In some cases, the temperature sensor and the temperature adjustable pad may be on the same side of the layer, but with sufficient spacing and / or insulation between them.

[0130] In some cases, the processor may be further configured to identify a user from a plurality of users of the furniture item based at least in part on the detected biosignal of the user. In some cases, the processor may be further configured to specify a time to wake the user based at least in part on the identity of the user, and to adjust the temperature of a portion of the furniture item before the time to wake the user of the furniture item.

[0131] In some cases, at least one sensor of the furniture item can be configured to detect a first biosignal and a second biosignal of a user. The first biosignal and the second biosignal of the user can be different types of biosignals of the user. In some cases, the processor can be configured to (i) determine the presence of the user on the furniture item based on the first biosignal, (ii) identify the user from multiple users of the furniture item based on the second biosignal, and (iii) specify a time for the furniture item to wake up the user based on the identity of the user. In some examples, the first biosignal can be the temperature of the user. In some examples, the second biosignal can be a heart signal of the user. In some examples, the second biosignal can be a breathing signal of the user.

[0132] In some cases, at least one sensor of the furniture item may be configured to detect a first biosignal of a first user of the furniture item and a second biosignal of a second user of the furniture item. In such cases, the processor may be configured to (i) identify the first user from the first user and the second user based on the first biosignal, and specify a first time for the furniture item to wake up the first user based on the identity of the first user, and (ii) identify the second user from the first user and the second user based on the second biosignal, and specify a second time for the furniture item to wake up the second user based on the identity of the second user. The first and second times may be the same or may be different.

[0133] In some cases, the identity of the user may include a circadian rhythm associated with the user. In some cases, the processor may also be configured to specify a time based at least in part on the circadian rhythm of the user, and to regulate the temperature of a portion of the furniture item before the time, thereby waking up the user of the furniture item. The circadian rhythm of the user may include a pattern of sleeping and / or waking up from one or more time periods (e.g., one or more 24-hour periods or cycles). The one or more time periods may include at least about 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months or more. The one or more time periods may be at most about 5 months, 4 months, 3 months, 2 months, 4 weeks, 3 weeks, 2 weeks, 7 days, 6 days, 5 days, 4 days, 3 days, 2 days or 1 day. In some cases, each of the one or more time periods may be a portion of a 24-hour cycle, such as at least 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, 10 hours, 11 hours, 12 hours of a 24-hour cycle.

[0134] In some cases, the circadian rhythm of the user can be generated by the furniture item (e.g., a processor of the furniture item) by using (i) one or more sensors (e.g., at least one sensor of the furniture item) to detect one or more biosignals of the user, and / or (ii) one or more additional sensors associated with the user (e.g., wearable sensors). In some cases, the wearable sensor can include a smart watch.

[0135] In some cases, the identity of the user may include multiple sleep stages associated with the user. In some cases, the processor may be further configured to identify the sleep stage of the user from the multiple sleep stages. In some cases, the processor may be further configured to specify a time based at least in part on the identified sleep stage of the user, and to adjust the temperature of a portion of the furniture item before the time to wake up the user of the furniture item. In some cases, the user may be in or about to enter a sleep stage that is most suitable for waking up, and the processor may specify a time based at least in part on the identified sleep stage of the user, and to adjust the temperature of a portion of the furniture item before the time. In some cases, the user may be in an undesirable sleep stage, and the processor may specify a time based at least in part on the identified sleep stage of the user, and to adjust the temperature of a portion of the furniture item before the time.

[0136] In some cases, the identity of the user may include the user's activity data. The activity data may include the user's exercise pattern and / or food consumption data. Examples of exercise patterns may include duration and / or frequency of walking, running, swimming, basketball, baseball, hockey, tennis, gymnastics, standing duration, etc. Examples of food consumption data may include the type of food consumed by the user (e.g., basic food, pre-packaged meals, home-cooked meals, fruits, vegetables, etc.), the amount of food consumed by the user, the frequency of the user's consumption of food, and / or the time of day when the food is consumed. In some cases, the processor may also be configured to specify a time based at least in part on the user's activity data, and to regulate the temperature of the furniture item before the time, thereby waking up the user of the furniture item. In some cases, based on the exercise pattern and / or the user's food consumption data, the processor may allow the user to wake up faster or slower than a furniture item without such a processor. In an example, the processor may regulate the user's metabolism by delaying the time to regulate the temperature of the furniture item to wake the user, thereby giving the user more time to metabolize food and its nutrients while sleeping.

[0137] In some cases, the identity of the user may include a scheduled wake-up time for the user. In some cases, the processor may be configured to retrieve the scheduled wake-up time for the user and adjust the temperature of the furniture item prior to the scheduled wake-up time for the user to thereby wake up the user of the furniture item. In an example, the user may provide a preferred wake-up time, which may or may not be a specific day of the week. In such cases, the processor may obtain such preferred wake-up time for the user from the identity of the user (e.g., a digital profile of the user) and adjust the temperature of the furniture item to wake up the user at or about the preferred wake-up time for the user.

[0138] In some cases, the identity of the user may include a history of one or more wake-up times of the user when using the furniture item. In some cases, the processor may also be configured to specify a time based at least in part on the history of the one or more wake-up times of the user, and to adjust the temperature of the furniture item before the time, thereby waking the user of the furniture item. The furniture item (e.g., one or more sensors of the furniture item) may be able to detect movement, presence, and / or absence of the user on the furniture item. The detected movement, presence, and / or absence of the user on the furniture item may be used to (i) determine when (e.g., the time) the user wakes up from sleep, and (ii) generate a history of one or more wake-up times for the user.

[0139] In some cases, the processor may be further configured to specify a time based at least in part on an average wake-up time of the user in a history of one or more wake-up times of the user, and to adjust the temperature of the furniture item before the time, thereby waking up the user of the furniture item. The processor may obtain a history of one or more wake-up times for the user, and generate (e.g., calculate) an average wake-up time for the user. Thus, the processor may adjust the temperature of the furniture item at a specific time so that the user may wake up at or near the average wake-up time for the user.

[0140] In some cases, the identity of the user may include a predetermined biosignal level of the user. Examples of the predetermined biosignal level of the user may include a predetermined heart signal level, a predetermined breathing signal level, a predetermined motion level, a predetermined temperature level, and / or a predetermined perspiration level. In some cases, the processor may also be configured to specify a time based at least in part on the predetermined biosignal level of the user, and to adjust the temperature of the furniture item before the time, thereby waking up the user of the furniture item. In some cases, once the predetermined biosignal is reached (e.g., detected by one or more sensors of the furniture item), the processor may specify the time at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more times. In some cases, when the predetermined biosignal is reached (e.g., detected by one or more sensors of the furniture item) at most 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 times, the processor may adjust the temperature of the furniture item to wake up the user. Alternatively or in addition, the processor may be configured to specify a time at which the detected biosignal of the user is expected (or projected) to reach the predetermined biosignal at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more times (or at most 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 times). In some cases, the processor may specify a time when the user's current bio-signal is within a range (e.g., a predetermined range) away from a predetermined bio-signal level of the user. Alternatively or in addition, the processor may be configured to specify a time when the user's current bio-signal is expected (or predicted) to be within a range away from a predetermined bio-signal level of the user.

[0141] In an example, a user may be suspected of having a health condition (e.g., heart disease), and it may be beneficial for the user to wake up (or be awakened by a furniture item) before, during, and / or after a predetermined heart signal is reached during sleep. In another example, a user may be suspected of having a cold or flu, and it may be beneficial for the user to wake up before, during, and / or after a predetermined temperature (e.g., 102°F) is reached during sleep. Other examples of health conditions of users may include, but are not limited to, sleep disorders, neurological disorders, psychiatric disorders (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder), blood disorders, cancer, metabolic disorders, eye disorders, organ disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, heart disease, addiction (e.g., drug addition), etc.

[0142] In some cases, the identity of the user may include one or more future events of the user. In some cases, the processor may also be configured to adjust the temperature of the furniture item based at least in part on the one or more future events of the user, thereby waking up the user of the furniture item. The one or more future events of the user may include the time and / or location of the one or more future events. In some cases, the one or more future events may occur on the same day that the user is sleeping. In some cases, the processor may be operably linked to a digital profile or user that includes a digital calendar of the user. In some cases, the processor may be operably linked to one or more personal devices of the user (e.g., a mobile device, a computer, etc.) to access the digital calendar of the user. In some cases, information about one or more future events may be provided by the user as input data to the processor of the furniture item. In some cases, the processor may determine a wake-up time that provides the user with enough time to prepare for one or more future events after waking up (e.g., showering, getting dressed, going to an event, etc.).

[0143] In some cases, the identity of the user may include the geographic location of the user when using the furniture item. In some cases, the processor may also be configured to adjust the temperature of the furniture item based at least in part on the geographic location of the user, thereby waking the user of the furniture item. Examples of the user's geographic location may include the continent, country, town, city, longitude and / or latitude in which the user is located when using the furniture item. The processor of the furniture item may digitally communicate with one or more databases (e.g., via the Internet) to obtain such data related to the user's geographic location. The processor of the furniture item may digitally communicate with one or more personal devices of the user to obtain such data related to the user's geographic location. In some cases, the geographic location may be provided by the user.

[0144] In some cases, the processor may also be configured to adjust the temperature of the furniture item based at least in part on weather conditions at the geographic location (e.g., snow, rain, earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.) to wake up a user of the furniture item.

[0145] In some cases, the processor may be further configured to obtain current and / or predicted traffic conditions at or near the geographic location. In some cases, the processor may be further configured to adjust the temperature of the furniture item based at least in part on the current and / or predicted traffic conditions to wake up a user of the furniture item. In some examples, using the user's geographic location while using the furniture item, the processor may adjust the user's wake-up time based on the severity or severity of traffic conditions in the morning. In an example, if traffic conditions are predicted to be bad from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., the processor may adjust the temperature of the furniture item to wake up the user before 7 a.m.

[0146] In some cases, the processor may include a global positioning system (GPS) or may be operably coupled to a global positioning system (GPS) to retrieve data about the geographic location of the furniture item and / or the user of the furniture item. The processor may be coupled to the GPS via a wireless signal (e.g., near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) or a cable connection USB (e.g., USB2.0, USC-C, micro USB, etc.). In some cases, the processor may be operably coupled to a user device (e.g., via a wireless signal or a cable connection). Examples of user devices may include, but are not limited to, tablet computers, mobile phones, smart phones, smart watches, smart glasses, etc. The user device may include a GPS or may be operably coupled to a GPS, and the processor may retrieve data about the geographic location of the furniture item and / or the user through the user device. In addition, the processor, GPS and / or user device can be operably coupled to (1) a weather database (e.g., National Weather Service, AccuWeather, Weather Underground, WeatherBug, etc.) to retrieve past, current and / or predicted weather conditions for a geographic location, and / or (2) a traffic database (e.g., Department of Transportation, Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps, Sygic, MapQuest, INRIX Traffic, HEREWeGo, inRoute, Glob, Scout, ETA, etc.) to retrieve past, current and / or predicted ground (e.g., car, bus, subway, train, rental bikes, rental scooters, etc.) and / or air transportation traffic conditions at or near a geographic location.

[0147] In some cases, the processor may retrieve data regarding one or more future events (or one or more planned events) of the user via the user device (eg, from a calendar or scheduling application operably coupled to the user device).

[0148] In some cases, the processor may be further configured to determine a wake-up time for a user of the furniture item based at least in part on the detected bio-signal of the user. In some cases, the processor may be further configured to regulate (e.g., change) a temperature of the furniture item prior to the determined user wake-up time, thereby waking up the user of the furniture item at or near the determined user wake-up time.

[0149] To wake the user, the processor may begin changing the temperature of the furniture item at least 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 35 minutes, 40 minutes, 45 minutes, 50 minutes, 55 minutes, 60 minutes, or more before the determined user wake-up time. To wake the user, the processor may begin changing the temperature of the furniture item at most 60 minutes, 55 minutes, 50 minutes, 45 minutes, 40 minutes, 35 minutes, 30 minutes, 25 minutes, 20 minutes, 15 minutes, 10 minutes, 5 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes, or less before the determined user wake-up time. In an example, to wake the user, the processor may begin changing the temperature of the furniture item approximately 30 minutes before the determined user wake-up time.

[0150] To wake the user, the processor may provide a constant temperature of at least about 0.1°F / hour, 0.2°F / hour, 0.3°F / hour, 0.4°F / hour, 0.5°F / hour, 0.6°F / hour, 0.7°F / hour, 0.8°F / hour, 0.9°F / hour, 1°F / hour, 2°F / hour, 3°F / hour, 4°F / hour, 5°F / hour, 6°F / hour, 7°F / hour, 8°F / hour, 9°F / hour, 10°F / hour, 11°F / hour, 12°F / hour, 13°F / hour, 14°F / hour, 15°F / hour, 16°F / hour, 17°F / hour, 18°F / hour, 19°F / hour, 20°F / hour, 21°F / hour °F / hour, 9°F / hour, 10°F / hour, 11°F / hour, 12°F / hour, 13°F / hour, 14°F / hour, 15°F / hour, 16°F / hour, 17°F / hour, 18°F / hour, 19°F / hour, 20°F / hour, 25°F / hour, 30°F / hour, 35°F / hour, 40°F / hour or more. To wake a user, the processor may provide a temperature of up to about 40°F / hour, 35°F / hour, 30°F / hour, 25°F / hour, 20°F / hour, 19°F / hour, 18°F / hour, 17°F / hour, 16°F / hour, 15°F / hour, 14°F / hour, 13°F / hour, 12°F / hour, 11°F / hour, 10°F / hour, 9°F / hour, 8°F / hour. In some cases, the processor may be configured to determine (e.g., automatically determine) the rate at which the temperature control device regulates (e.g., increases or decreases) the temperature of a portion of the furniture item. In an example, a different sensor may be configured to measure the temperature of a portion of the furniture item (e.g., the temperature of a portion of a mattress or mattress pad), and the processor may be configured to determine the rate based at least in part on the temperature of the portion of the furniture item.

[0151] In order to wake the user, the processor may instruct the temperature control device to change (e.g., increase or decrease) the temperature of the furniture item by at least approximately 0.1°F, 0.2°F, 0.3°F, 0.4°F, 0.6°F, 0.7°F, 0.8°F, 0.9°F, 1°F, 2°F, 3°F, 4°F, 5°F, 6°F, 7°F, 8°F, 9°F, 10°F, 11°F, 12°F, 13°F, 14°F, 15°F, 16°F, 17°F, 18°F, 19°F, 20°F, 25°F, 30°F, 35°F, 40°F, or more. In some cases, in order to wake a user, the processor may increase and / or decrease the temperature of the furniture item by up to approximately 40°F, 35°F, 30°F, 25°F, 20°F, 19°F, 18°F, 17°F, 16°F, 15°F, 14°F, 13°F, 12°F, 11°F, 10°F, 9°F, 8°F, 7°F, 6°F, 5°F, 4°F, 3°F, 2°F, 1°F, 0.9°F, 0.8°F, 0.7°F, 0.6°F, 0.5°F, 0.4°F, 0.3°F, 0.2°F, 0.1°F, or less.

[0152] In some embodiments, prior to changing the temperature of the portion of the furniture item, the processor can be configured to specify a target temperature to which the temperature of the portion of the furniture item is to be changed. In some cases, the target temperature of the furniture item for waking the user can depend on the user (e.g., the temperature of the user during a current sleep), the environment of the furniture item, the geographic location and weather conditions surrounding the user and the furniture item, etc.

[0153] In some cases, a target temperature for waking a user may be specified (e.g., by a processor) based at least in part on a temperature of the user detected during a current sleep of the furniture item. In some examples, the target temperature may be based at least in part on a current temperature of the user. The current temperature may be the user's temperature measured at a predetermined time, such as about 6 p.m., about 6:30 p.m., about 7 p.m., about 7:30 p.m., about 8 p.m., about 8:30 p.m., about 9 p.m., about 9:30 p.m., about 10 p.m., about 10:30 p.m., about 11 p.m., about 11:30 p.m., about 12 a.m., about 12:30 a.m., about 1 a.m., about 1:30 a.m., about 2 a.m., about 2:30 a.m., about 3 a.m., about 3:30 a.m., about 4 a.m., about 4:30 a.m., about 5 a.m., about 5:30 a.m., about 6 a.m., about 6:30 a.m., about 7 a.m., about 7:30 a.m., about 8 a.m., about 8:30 a.m., about 9 a.m., etc. Alternatively, the current temperature may be an average or median temperature during the user's current sleep, the highest temperature of the user measured during the user's current sleep, or the lowest temperature of the user measured during the user's current sleep.

[0154] In some cases, the difference between the target temperature for waking up the user and the user's current temperature can be at least about 0.1°F, 0.2°F, 0.3°F, 0.4°F, 0.5°F, 0.6°F, 0.7°F, 0.8°F, 0.9°F, 1°F, 1.1°F, 1.2°F, 1.3°F, 1.4°F, 1.5°F, 1.6°F, 1.7°F, 1.8°F, 1.9°F, 2°F, 2.1°F, 2.2°F, 2.3°F, 2.4°F, 2.5°F, 2.6°F, 2.7°F, 2.8°F, 2.9°F, 3.1°F, 3.2°F, 3.3°F, 3.4°F, 3.5°F, 3.6°F, 3.7°F, 3.8°F, 3.9°F, 4. °F, 2.3°F, 2.4°F, 2.5°F, 2.6°F, 2.7°F, 2.8°F, 2.9°F, 3°F, 3.1°F, 3.2°F, 3.3°F, 3.4°F, 3.5°F, 3 .6°F, 3.7°F, 3.8°F, 3.9°F, 4°F, 4.5°F, 5°F, 6°F, 7°F, 8°F, 9°F, 10°F, 15°F, 20°F, 25°F, 30°F or more. In some cases, the difference between the target temperature for waking up the user and the user's current temperature may be at most about 30°F, 25°F, 20°F, 15°F, 10°F, 9°F, 8°F, 7°F, 6°F, 5°F, 4.5°F, 4°F, 3.9°F, 3.8°F, 3.7°F, 3.6°F, 3.5°F, 3.4°F, 3.3°F, 3.2°F, 3.1°F, 3°F, 2.9°F, 2.8 °F, 2.7°F, 2.6°F, 2.5°F, 2.4°F, 2.3°F, 2.2°F, 2.1°F, 2°F, 1.9°F, 1.8°F, 1.7°F, 1.6°F, 1.5°F, 1.4°F, 1.3°F, 1.2°F, 1°F, 0.9°F, 0.8°F, 0.7°F, 0.6°F, 0.5°F, 0.4°F, 0.3°F, 0.2°F, 0.1°F or less.

[0155] Alternatively or additionally, a target temperature for waking the user may be specified (eg, by a processor) based at least in part on a temperature of the user detected during a previous sleep on the item of furniture.

[0156] In some cases, a target temperature for waking a user may be specified (e.g., by a processor) based at least in part on the temperature of the item of furniture during the user's current sleep. In some examples, the target temperature may be based at least in part on the current temperature of a portion of the item of furniture. The current temperature may be the temperature of a portion of a furniture item measured at a predetermined time, such as at about 6 p.m., about 6:30 p.m., about 7 p.m., about 7:30 p.m., about 8 p.m., about 8:30 p.m., about 9 p.m., about 9:30 p.m., about 10 p.m., about 10:30 p.m., about 11 p.m., about 11:30 p.m., about 12 a.m., about 12:30 a.m., about 1 a.m., about 1:30 a.m., about 2 a.m., about 2:30 a.m., about 3 a.m., about 3:30 a.m., about 4 a.m., about 4:30 a.m., about 5 a.m., about 5:30 a.m., about 6 a.m., about 6:30 a.m., about 7 a.m., about 7:30 a.m., about 8 a.m., about 8:30 a.m., about 9 a.m., and the like. Alternatively, the current temperature may be an average or median temperature of a portion of the furniture item during the user's current sleep, a maximum temperature of a portion of the furniture item measured during the user's current sleep, or a minimum temperature of a portion of the furniture item measured during the user's current sleep.

[0157] In some cases, the difference between the target temperature for waking a user and the current temperature of a portion of the furniture item may be at least about 0.1°F, 0.2°F, 0.3°F, 0.4°F, 0.5°F, 0.6°F, 0.7°F, 0.8°F, 0.9°F, 1°F, 1.1°F, 1.2°F, 1.3°F, 1.4°F, 1.5°F, 1.6°F, 1.7°F, 1.8°F, 1.9°F, 2°F, 2.1°F, 2.2°F, 2.3°F, 2.4°F, 2.5°F, 2.6°F, 2.7°F, 2.8°F, 2.9°F, 3.1°F, 3.2°F, 3. 2.2°F, 2.3°F, 2.4°F, 2.5°F, 2.6°F, 2.7°F, 2.8°F, 2.9°F, 3°F, 3.1°F, 3.2°F, 3.3°F, 3.4°F, 3.5°F, 3.6°F, 3.7°F, 3.8°F, 3.9°F, 4°F, 4.5°F, 5°F, 6°F, 7°F, 8°F, 9°F, 10°F, 15°F, 20°F, 25°F, 30°F or more. In some cases, the difference between the target temperature for waking a user and the current temperature of a portion of the furniture item may be at most about 30°F, 25°F, 20°F, 15°F, 10°F, 9°F, 8°F, 7°F, 6°F, 5°F, 4.5°F, 4°F, 3.9°F, 3.8°F, 3.7°F, 3.6°F, 3.5°F, 3.4°F, 3.3°F, 3.2°F, 3.1°F, 3°F, 2 ... 2.8°F, 2.7°F, 2.6°F, 2.5°F, 2.4°F, 2.3°F, 2.2°F, 2.1°F, 2°F, 1.9°F, 1.8°F, 1.7°F, 1.6°F, 1.5° F, 1.4°F, 1.3°F, 1.2°F, 1°F, 0.9°F, 0.8°F, 0.7°F, 0.6°F, 0.5°F, 0.4°F, 0.3°F, 0.2°F, 0.1°F or less.

[0158] Alternatively or additionally, a target temperature for waking the user may be specified (eg, by a processor) based at least in part on a temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item detected during a previous period of the user sleeping on the furniture item.

[0159] In some cases, the processor may use one or more environmental sensors to detect one or more environmental characteristics surrounding the user (e.g., ambient temperature, light, noise, humidity, etc.), and determine, at least in part based on the detected biosignals of the user and the one or more environmental characteristics of the user, (i) a wake-up time, (ii) a rate of change of temperature of a furniture item that wakes the user, (iii) a target temperature of the furniture item that wakes the user, and / or (iv) a duration for regulating the temperature of the furniture item.

[0160] In some cases, a target temperature for waking a user may be specified (e.g., by a processor) based at least in part on the ambient temperature of the environment surrounding the item of furniture during the user's current sleep. In some examples, the target temperature may be based at least in part on the current ambient temperature of the environment surrounding the item of furniture. The current temperature may be the temperature of the environment measured at a predetermined time, such as about 6 p.m., about 6:30 p.m., about 7 p.m., about 7:30 p.m., about 8 p.m., about 8:30 p.m., about 9 p.m., about 9:30 p.m., about 10 p.m., about 10:30 p.m., about 11 p.m., about 11:30 p.m., about 12 a.m., about 12:30 a.m., about 1 a.m., about 1:30 a.m., about 2 a.m., about 2:30 a.m., about 3 a.m., about 3:30 a.m., about 4 a.m., about 4:30 a.m., about 5 a.m., about 5:30 a.m., about 6 a.m., about 6:30 a.m., about 7 a.m., about 7:30 a.m., about 8 a.m., about 8:30 a.m., about 9 a.m., etc. Alternatively, the current environment temperature may be an average or median temperature of the environment during the user's current sleep, a maximum temperature of the environment measured during the user's current sleep, or a minimum temperature of the environment measured during the user's current sleep.

[0161] In some cases, the difference between the target temperature for waking the user and the current temperature of the environment surrounding the furniture item can be at least about 0.1°F, 0.2°F, 0.3°F, 0.4°F, 0.5°F, 0.6°F, 0.7°F, 0.8°F, 0.9°F, 1°F, 1.1°F, 1.2°F, 1.3°F, 1.4°F, 1.5°F, 1.6°F, 1.7°F, 1.8°F, 1.9°F, 2°F, 2.1°F, 2.2°F, 2.3°F, 2.4°F, 2.5°F, 2.6°F, 2.7°F, 2.8°F, 2.9°F, 3.1°F, 3.2°F, 3.4°F, 3.5°F, 3.6°F, 3.7°F, 3.8°F, 3.9°F, 4. 2.2°F, 2.3°F, 2.4°F, 2.5°F, 2.6°F, 2.7°F, 2.8°F, 2.9°F, 3°F, 3.1°F, 3.2°F, 3.3°F, 3.4°F, 3.5°F, 3.6°F, 3.7°F, 3.8°F, 3.9°F, 4°F, 4.5°F, 5°F, 6°F, 7°F, 8°F, 9°F, 10°F, 15°F, 20°F, 25°F, 30°F or more. In some cases, the difference between the target temperature for waking the user and the current temperature of the environment surrounding the furniture item may be at most about 30°F, 25°F, 20°F, 15°F, 10°F, 9°F, 8°F, 7°F, 6°F, 5°F, 4.5°F, 4°F, 3.9°F, 3.8°F, 3.7°F, 3.6°F, 3.5°F, 3.4°F, 3.3°F, 3.2°F, 3.1°F, 3°F, 2 ... 2.8°F, 2.7°F, 2.6°F, 2.5°F, 2.4°F, 2.3°F, 2.2°F, 2.1°F, 2°F, 1.9°F, 1.8°F, 1.7°F, 1.6°F, 1.5° F, 1.4°F, 1.3°F, 1.2°F, 1°F, 0.9°F, 0.8°F, 0.7°F, 0.6°F, 0.5°F, 0.4°F, 0.3°F, 0.2°F, 0.1°F or less.

[0162] Alternatively or additionally, a target temperature for waking a user may be specified (eg, by a processor) based at least in part on an ambient temperature of an environment surrounding the furniture item detected during a previous period of the user sleeping on the furniture item.

[0163] In some cases, regulating the temperature of a furniture item in order to awaken a user may include increasing and / or decreasing the temperature of the furniture item. In some cases, regulating the temperature of a furniture item in order to awaken a user may include only increasing the temperature at one or more rates. In some cases, regulating the temperature of a furniture item in order to awaken a user may include only decreasing the temperature at one or more rates. In some cases, regulating the temperature of a furniture item in order to awaken a user may include a combination of increasing and decreasing the temperature of the furniture item. In an example, regulating the temperature of a furniture item in order to awaken a user may include one or more stages of increasing and decreasing (and / or vice versa) the temperature of the furniture item, with or without intermittent pauses after each stage.

[0164] In some cases, the sensor can be part of a first portion of the furniture item that is configured to detect a biosignal of a user of the first portion of the furniture item. In some cases, a temperature control device can be coupled to a second portion of the furniture item that is configured to adjust a temperature of the second portion of the furniture item. The first portion and the second portion of the furniture item can be the same or different. In an example, the first portion and the second portion of the furniture item can be different. In some cases, a processor can be communicatively coupled to the sensor and the temperature control device, and the processor can be configured to regulate the temperature of the second portion of the furniture item based at least in part on the detected biosignal of the user on the first portion of the furniture item, thereby waking up the user of the furniture item. In some cases, the first portion and the second portion of the furniture item can be two opposing sides of a component of the furniture item (e.g., a top side and a bottom side of a bed arrangement).

[0165] In some cases, the temperature control device can also be configured to independently regulate the temperature of each of the plurality of zones of the second portion of the furniture item. Each of the plurality of zones of the second portion of the furniture item is sufficient for human use (eg, sleeping on).

[0166] In some cases, the processor may also be configured to (i) adjust (e.g., automatically adjust) a first temperature of a first zone of a plurality of zones of a second portion of the furniture item based at least in part on a first detected biosignal of a first user at the first zone, thereby waking up the first user at a first time, and (ii) adjust (e.g., automatically adjust) a second temperature of a second zone of a plurality of zones of a second portion of the furniture item based at least in part on a second detected biosignal of a second user at the second zone, thereby waking up the first user at a second time. The first and second times may be the same or may be different. In some cases, the first time and the second time may be different, and waking up the first user at an earlier time point may not disturb the sleep of the second user.

[0167] In some embodiments, a portion of the furniture item may include multiple zones. The multiple zones may include at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more zones. The multiple zones may include at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2 zones. In some examples, a portion of the furniture item includes a first zone and a second zone, and the temperature control device may be configured to independently change the temperature of each of the first zone and the second zone. In such cases, the processor may be configured to independently: (i) when a first user is sleeping on the first zone of the furniture item, based on a first biometric feature of the first user detected by at least one sensor, specify a first time for the furniture item to wake up the first user, and change the temperature of the first zone of the furniture item before the first time, and (ii) when a second user is sleeping on the second zone of the furniture item, based on a second biometric feature of the second user detected by at least one sensor, specify a second time for the furniture item to wake up the second user, and change the temperature of the second zone of the furniture item before the second time.

[0168] In some cases, the subject system for regulating the temperature of a furniture item to awaken a user of the furniture item may utilize any of the subject furniture items (or any of the subject bed devices) of the present disclosure, such as, for example, Figure 1 As shown in Figures 4 and 23 to 24.

[0169] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for regulating the temperature of a furniture item (e.g., a portion of the furniture item) to wake up a user of the furniture item. The method may include providing (i) at least one sensor that is a portion of the furniture item, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect a biosignal of a user of the furniture item, (ii) a temperature control device that is coupled to the portion of the furniture item, wherein the temperature control device is configured to change the temperature of the portion of the furniture item, and (iii) a processor that is communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and the temperature control device. The method may include detecting the biosignal of the user of the furniture item with the assistance of the at least one sensor while the user is using the furniture item. The method may include, with the assistance of the processor, specifying a time for the furniture item to wake up the user based at least in part on the detected biosignal of the user when the user is sleeping on the furniture item. The method may include changing the temperature of the portion of the furniture item by the temperature control device before the time with the assistance of the processor.

[0170] Fig. 27An example of a method for regulating the temperature of a portion of a furniture item is shown. The method may include providing (i) at least one sensor that is a portion of the furniture item, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect a biosignal of a user of the furniture item, (ii) a temperature control device that is coupled to the portion of the furniture item, wherein the temperature control device is configured to change the temperature of the portion of the furniture item, and (iii) a processor that is communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and the temperature control device (process 2710). The method may include, with the assistance of the at least one sensor, detecting a biosignal of a user of the furniture item while the user is using the furniture item (process 2720). The method may include, with the assistance of the processor, specifying a time for the furniture item to wake the user based at least in part on the detected biosignal of the user when the user is sleeping on the furniture item (process 2730). The method may include, with the assistance of the processor, changing the temperature of the portion of the furniture item by the temperature control device before the time (process 2740).

[0171] Fig.28 Another example of a method for regulating the temperature of a portion of a furniture item is shown. The method may include providing (i) a temperature control device operably coupled to the portion of the furniture item, the temperature control device configured to change the temperature of the portion of the furniture item, and (ii) a processor communicatively coupled to the temperature control device (process 2810). The method may include specifying, by the temperature control device, with the assistance of the processor, a time to change the temperature of the portion of the furniture item based at least in part on a predetermined wake-up time of a user, wherein the time is before the predetermined wake-up time of the user (process 2820).

[0172] Temperature control device

[0173] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for regulating the temperature of a furniture item, the system comprising: at least a portion of the furniture item, which is configured to hold a fluid; a reservoir in fluid communication with at least a portion of the furniture item, which is configured to contain the fluid; a temperature regulator in fluid communication with at least a portion of the furniture item and the reservoir, the temperature regulator being configured to adjust the temperature of the fluid; and a processor operably coupled to the temperature regulator, the processor being programmed to control the temperature regulator to regulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby regulating the temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item.

[0174] The furniture item may include a bed or a seat. The bed may include a mattress, a mattress pad (i.e., a mattress cover), a blanket, a functional variant thereof, or a combination thereof. The mattress may be used alone or in combination with a mattress pad. The mattress pad may be used alone or in combination with a mattress. The mattress pad may cover at least a portion of the mattress. The mattress may be of different shapes (e.g., spherical, cylindrical, box-shaped, etc.). The mattress may have one or more sides (e.g., at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more sides). The mattress pad may be on one or more sides of the mattress or adjacent to one or more sides of the mattress. In an example, the mattress pad may cover the top side of the mattress. In another example, the mattress pad may cover all sides of the mattress. The seat may be at least a portion (e.g., a portion of an area, a layer of multiple layers, etc.) of a larger furniture item (such as, for example, a chair, a loveseat, a sofa, a couch, a stool, a bench, a bench, or a variation thereof).

[0175] The temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item can be regulated (e.g., by a fluid in at least a portion of the furniture item). Regulating the temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item can include maintaining the temperature at a predetermined temperature or temperature range, increasing the temperature, and / or decreasing the temperature. The temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item can be in a range between about 10°C to about 50°C. The temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item can be at least about 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 45°C, 50°C, or more. The temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item may be at most about 50°C, 45°C, 40°C, 35°C, 30°C, 29°C, 28°C, 27°C, 26°C, 25°C, 24°C, 23°C, 22°C, 21°C, 20°C, 19°C, 18°C, 17°C, 16°C, 15°C, 14°C, 13°C, 12°C, 11°C, 10°C, or less. In some cases, the temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item sensed (felt) by one or more users of the furniture item may be in the range of between about 13°C to about 44°C. The temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item may be increased and / or decreased by increments of at least about 0.1°C, 0.2°C, 0.3°C, 0.4°C, 0.5°C, 0.6°C, 0.7°C, 0.8°C, 0.9°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, or more. The temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item can be increased and / or decreased in increments of up to about 5°C, 4°C, 3°C, 2°C, 1°C, 0.9°C, 0.8°C, 0.7°C, 0.6°C, 0.5°C, 0.4°C, 0.3°C, 0.2°C, 0.1°C or less.

[0176] In some cases, the predetermined temperature range for furniture items suitable for adults may be in the range of about 14°C to about 20°C (e.g., teenagers or elderly). The predetermined temperature range for furniture items suitable for adults may be at least about 14°C, 14.5°C, 15°C, 15.5°C, 16°C, 16.5°C, 17°C, 17.5°C, 18°C, 18.5°C, 19°C, 19.5°C, 20°C or higher. The predetermined temperature range for furniture items suitable for adults may be at most about 20°C, 19.5°C, 19°C, 18.5°C, 18°C, 17.5°C, 17°C, 16.5°C, 16°C, 15.5°C, 15°C, 14.5°C, 14°C or lower. The predetermined temperature range for furniture items suitable for infants (e.g., 0 to 12 months old) or toddlers (e.g., 12 to 36 months old) may be between about 17°C and about 22°C. The predetermined temperature range for an item of furniture suitable for an infant or young child may be at least about 17° C., 17.5° C., 18° C., 18.5° C., 19° C., 19.5° C., 20° C., 20.5° C., 21° C., 21.5° C., 22° C., or higher. The predetermined temperature range for an item of furniture suitable for an infant or young child may be at most about 22° C., 21.5° C., 21° C., 20.5° C., 20° C., 19.5° C., 19° C., 18.5° C., 18° C., 17.5° C., 17° C., or lower. The predetermined temperature for an infant or young child and / or the average value of the predetermined temperature range may be equal to, higher than, or lower than the predetermined temperature for an adult and / or the average value of the predetermined temperature range, respectively.

[0177] At least a portion of the furniture item may be configured to transfer (e.g., add or remove) heat between at least a portion of the furniture item and a user of the system on or adjacent to at least a portion of the furniture item. The user may sit, lie down, and / or sleep on the furniture item (such as, for example, a bed). The user may sit on the furniture item (such as, for example, a chair). The body surface temperature or internal temperature of the user of the furniture item may be maintained, increased, or decreased to a predetermined temperature (or temperature range) by the transferred heat.

[0178] At least a portion of the furniture item may be configured to retain a fluid. Alternatively or in addition, at least a portion of the furniture item may be configured to permit a fluid to flow through, beneath, over, or adjacent to at least a portion of the furniture item. The fluid may be a liquid or a gas. The liquid may comprise an aqueous liquid (e.g., water) or a non-aqueous liquid (e.g., oil). The gas may comprise air or argon. The fluid may be configured to be heated or cooled. The temperature of the fluid may be regulated (e.g., by a temperature regulator). The regulated temperature of the fluid may be in a range between about 10°C and about 50°C. The regulated temperature of the fluid may be at least about 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 45°C, 50°C, or more. The regulated temperature of the fluid may be up to about 50°C, 45°C, 40°C, 35°C, 30°C, 25°C, 20°C, 19°C, 18°C, 17°C, 16°C, 15°C, 14°C, 13°C, 12°C, 11°C, 10°C or less.

[0179] The temperature of the fluid can be increased and / or decreased (e.g., by a temperature regulator) by at least about 0.1° C., 0.2° C., 0.3° C., 0.4° C., 0.5° C., 0.6° C., 0.7° C., 0.8° C., 0.9° C., 1° C., 2° C., 3° ​​C., 4° C., 5° C., or more. The temperature of the fluid can be increased and / or decreased by at most about 5° C., 4° C., 3° ​​C., 2° C., 1° C., 0.9° C., 0.8° C., 0.7° C., 0.6° C., 0.5° C., 0.4° C., 0.3° C., 0.2° C., 0.1° C., or less.

[0180] The temperature of the fluid can be increased and / or decreased (e.g., by a temperature regulator) at a rate in the range of about 0.01°C per minute (°C / min) to about 5°C / min. The temperature of the fluid can be increased and / or decreased at a rate of at least about 0.01°C / min, 0.02°C / min, 0.03°C / min, 0.04°C / min, 0.05°C / min, 0.06°C / min, 0.07°C / min, 0.08°C / min, 0.09°C / min, 0.1°C / min, 0.2°C / min, 0.3°C / min, 0.4°C / min, 0.5°C / min, 0.6°C / min, 0.7°C / min, 0.8°C / min, 0.9°C / min, 1°C / min, 2°C / min, 3°C / min, 4°C / min, 5°C / min, or more. The temperature of the fluid can be increased and / or decreased at a rate of up to about 5°C / minute, 4°C / minute, 3°C / minute, 2°C / minute, 1°C / minute, 0.9°C / minute, 0.8°C / minute, 0.7°C / minute, 0.6°C / minute, 0.5°C / minute, 0.4°C / minute, 0.3°C / minute, 0.2°C / minute, 0.1°C / minute, 0.09°C / minute, 0.08°C / minute, 0.07°C / minute, 0.06°C / minute, 0.05°C / minute, 0.04°C / minute, 0.03°C / minute, 0.02°C / minute, 0.01°C / minute or less.

[0181] Fluid may be able to maintain about 0.1 hour to about 10 hours at a set temperature. Fluid may be able to maintain at least about 0.1 hour, 0.2 hour, 0.3 hour, 0.4 hour, 0.5 hour, 0.6 hour, 0.7 hour, 0.8 hour, 0.9 hour, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, 10 hours or more time at a set temperature. Fluid may be able to maintain at most about 10 hours, 9 hours, 8 hours, 7 hours, 6 hours, 5 hours, 4 hours, 3 hours, 2 hours, 1.5 hours, 1 hour, 0.9 hour, 0.8 hour, 0.7 hour, 0.6 hour, 0.5 hour, 0.4 hour, 0.3 hour, 0.2 hour, 0.1 hour or less time at a set temperature.

[0182] The temperature of the fluid held and / or flowing through a portion of the furniture item can indicate the temperature of a portion of the furniture item. The temperature of a portion of the furniture item can be the same or substantially the same as the temperature of the fluid held and / or flowing through a portion of the furniture item. The temperature of a portion of the furniture item can be balanced to the temperature of the fluid held and / or flowing through a portion of the furniture item in a range of about 0.1 minutes to about 60 minutes, if initially different. The temperature of a portion of the furniture item can be balanced to the temperature of the fluid held and / or flowing through a portion of the furniture item in at least about 0.1 minutes, 0.2 minutes, 0.3 minutes, 0.4 minutes, 0.5 minutes, 0.6 minutes, 0.7 minutes, 0.8 minutes, 0.9 minutes, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes, 8 minutes, 9 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes, 50 minutes, 60 minutes or more. The temperature of a portion of the furniture item may equilibrate to the temperature of a fluid maintained and / or flowing through the portion of the furniture item in up to about 60 minutes, 50 minutes, 40 minutes, 30 minutes, 20 minutes, 10 minutes, 9 minutes, 8 minutes, 7 minutes, 6 minutes, 5 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes, 1 minute, 0.9 minutes, 0.8 minutes, 0.7 minutes, 0.6 minutes, 0.5 minutes, 0.4 minutes, 0.3 minutes, 0.2 minutes, 0.1 minutes, or less.

[0183] The temperature regulator may not be part of the reservoir. The temperature regulator may not be inside the reservoir, and may be configured not to be in physical contact with the reservoir. The temperature regulator may be configured to adjust the temperature of a fluid that is not contained in the reservoir (e.g., outside the reservoir). The temperature regulator may include at least one channel (e.g., at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 channels) configured to maintain the fluid and / or allow the fluid to flow. At least one channel of the temperature regulator may be connected to each other. At least one channel of the temperature regulator may be a thermoelectric engine. Alternatively or in addition, at least one channel of the temperature generator may be disposed on or adjacent to (e.g., in contact with) at least one thermal device (e.g., at least one thermoelectric engine) so that at least one thermal device adjusts the temperature of at least one channel of the temperature generator, thereby adjusting the temperature of the fluid in at least one channel of the temperature generator. In some cases, at least two thermal devices may be superimposed on each other (e.g., stacked), adjacent to each other (e.g., parallel or perpendicular), or arranged opposite to each other (e.g., on opposite ends of at least one channel of the temperature generator). In some cases, at least one thermal device may be at least one thermoelectric engine. The temperature regulator may include at least one thermoelectric engine configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid. The temperature regulator may include at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more thermoelectric engines configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid. The temperature regulator may include at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 thermoelectric engine configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid. Alternatively or in addition, the temperature regulator may be part of the reservoir.

[0184] The system can include at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more temperature regulators. The system can include up to about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 temperature regulator. The multiple temperature regulators may communicate with each other, or may not communicate with each other. In some cases, the temperature regulator may be part of the furniture item, or may not be part of the furniture item.

[0185] The system can comprise at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more reservoirs. The system can comprise at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 reservoir.

[0186] The reservoir can be configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid. In an example, the reservoir can include at least one thermal device (e.g., at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more thermal devices) configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the reservoir. The at least one thermal device can be inside the reservoir and / or outside the reservoir (e.g., on or adjacent to the outer side wall of the reservoir). Alternatively or in addition, the at least one thermal device can be a portion of at least one side wall of the reservoir.

[0187] The reservoir may not be configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid. In such cases, the fluid may be extracted from the reservoir (e.g., by gravity, by an external force, such as, for example, an external pump), and the temperature of the fluid extracted may be regulated (e.g., by a temperature generator that is not a part of the reservoir). The reservoir may include at least one outlet orifice for extracting the fluid from the reservoir. At least one outlet orifice may be in fluid communication with the reservoir and another device (e.g., a gate (e.g., a valve) and / or a pump) that controls or allows fluid flow. The reservoir may include at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more outlet orifices for fluid to be extracted. In some cases, the fluid extracted from the reservoir (e.g., by at least one outlet orifice) may be configured to reenter the reservoir. In some cases, the fluid extracted from the reservoir may not be configured to reenter the reservoir.

[0188] The reservoir may be sealed, or may not be sealed. In some cases, the reservoir may be sealed so that the fluid contained in the reservoir may be isolated from the ambient air outside the reservoir. Such sealed reservoirs may slow down or prevent fluid from escaping from the reservoir (e.g., evaporation of liquid). The reservoir may include at least one container configured to hold fluid. The container may be removable from the reservoir, or may not be removable from the reservoir. The container may be a vat. The container may have a lid, or may not have a lid. The lid may be removable from the container, or may not be removable from the container. In some cases, the container may be sealed, thereby slowing down or preventing fluid from escaping from the reservoir (e.g., evaporation of liquid).

[0189] The reservoir may not leak. The reservoir may be located above or below the height of the furniture item (e.g., a mattress of a bed). The reservoir may be approximately at the height of the furniture item.

[0190] The reservoir may include one or more sensors to detect the amount of fluid contained in the reservoir (e.g., contained in a container of the reservoir). The reservoir may include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more such sensors. The reservoir may include at most 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 such sensors. The sensor may include an electromagnetic radiation (e.g., visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared light, etc.) sensor. The sensor may be a camera. The sensor may be a water sensor.

[0191] The system can also include at least one pump configured to retrieve fluid from a reservoir. The system can include at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more pumps. The system can include at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 pumps. Such pumps can be configured to operate via one or more energy sources (e.g., manual operation, electricity, engine, wind power, etc.). Such pumps can include positive displacement pumps, gear pumps, screw pumps, screw pumps, roots pumps, peristaltic pumps, plunger pumps, compressed air powered double diaphragm pumps, hydraulic pumps, speed pumps, radial flow pumps, axial flow pumps, ejector jet pumps, gravity pumps, steam pumps, valveless pumps, etc. At least one pump can be in fluid communication with one or more reservoirs, containers from each of the one or more reservoirs, one or more temperature regulators and / or one or more partial fluids of furniture items. At least one pump can be configured to guide fluid to flow between at least one pump and a reservoir. At least one pump may be configured to direct fluid from the pump, through the temperature regulator, and to the pump. The at least one pump may be configured to prevent fluid from flowing from the at least one pump to the reservoir. Alternatively or in addition, at least one pump may be configured to allow fluid to flow from the at least one pump to the reservoir. The pump may be configured to separate the fluid in the temperature regulator from the fluid contained in the reservoir. Alternatively or in addition, the pump may be configured to allow the fluid in the temperature regulator to flow back into the reservoir. In some cases, the pump may be configured to direct fluid from the pump, through the temperature regulator, through a portion of the furniture item, and to the pump. Alternatively or in addition, the pump may be configured to direct fluid from the pump, through a portion of the furniture item, through the temperature regulator, and to the pump.

[0192] The processor may be coupled to the at least one pump and programmed to control the at least one pump to retrieve fluid from the reservoir. The processor may also be configured to control the at least one pump to direct fluid flow between the at least one pump and the reservoir. The processor may also be configured to control the at least one pump to direct fluid flow from the at least one pump through the temperature regulator and to the at least one pump.

[0193] The system may include at least one gate, which is arranged between the reservoir and the temperature regulator. The system may include at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more gates. The system may include at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 gates. The gate may be configured to control the fluid to flow between the reservoir and the temperature regulator. The gate may be configured to control the fluid to flow away from the reservoir and flow to the temperature regulator. The gate may be configured to prevent the fluid from flowing away from the temperature regulator and flowing to the reservoir. Alternatively or in addition, the gate may be configured to allow the fluid to flow away from the temperature regulator and flow to the reservoir. In some cases, the pump may be arranged between the reservoir and the temperature regulator, and the gate may be arranged between the reservoir and the pump. Such gates may be configured to control the fluid flow between the reservoir and the pump. The gate may be configured to control fluid flow away from the reservoir and toward the pump. The gate may be configured to prevent fluid flow away from the pump and toward the reservoir. Alternatively or in addition, the gate may be configured to allow fluid flow away from the pump and toward the reservoir. The gate may be in fluid communication with one or more reservoirs, one or more pumps, one or more thermostats, and / or one or more portions of the furniture item.

[0194] The gate can include at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more orifices (e.g., ports) that allow fluid to flow into and / or out of the gate. The gate can include at most about 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 orifices. In some cases, the gate can be a one-way gate, a two-way gate, a three-way gate or a four-way gate. The gate can be a valve. The valve can be a check valve, a flap valve, a non-return valve, a return valve, a holding valve or a one-way valve. In some cases, the gate can be a gravity gate (e.g., a gravity valve). A gravity gate can use gravity to draw fluid away from a reservoir (e.g., outside a reservoir) and toward a pump and / or a temperature regulator.

[0195] The gate may also include an air purge orifice. The air purge orifice may be coupled to an air purge channel. The air purge orifice and / or air purge channel may be configured to purge (or remove) the air in the gate and / or any other component (e.g., one or more channels) of a system configured to maintain or allow fluid flow. The air purge orifice and / or air purge channel may prevent fluid from leaking from the system. In some cases, the gate may be connected to (i) an air purge channel, (ii) a channel allowing fluid to flow between the gate and a portion of a furniture item, (iii) a channel allowing fluid to flow between the gate and a container, and (iv) a channel fluid allowing fluid to flow between the gate and a pump. In some cases, the above four channels may be coupled to the gate vertically in descending order (e.g., from top to bottom) of (i) an air purge channel, (ii) a gate-furniture item channel, (iii) a gate-reservoir channel, and (iv) a gate-pump channel.

[0196] A portion of a furniture item may include at least one channel configured to hold a fluid and / or permit fluid flow. A portion of a furniture item may include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more channels. A portion of a furniture item may include at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 channels. One or more channels of a particle portion of a furniture item may include a plurality of interconnected channels configured to hold a fluid and / or permit fluid flow. The plurality of interconnected channels may be a mesh (or porous) network structure, thereby helping the furniture item breathe. One or more channels may be a fluid circulation pad (e.g., a water circulation pad).

[0197] A portion of an article may include an inlet orifice for allowing fluid to flow into a portion of the article (e.g., from a gate, pump, and / or temperature regulator). The inlet orifice may be in fluid communication with the gate, pump, and / or temperature regulator. A portion of an article may include an outlet orifice for allowing fluid to flow out of a portion of the article (e.g., to a gate, pump, and / or temperature regulator). The outlet orifice may be in fluid communication with the gate, pump, and / or temperature regulator. The inlet orifice and / or outlet orifice may include a gate (e.g., a valve) to allow or prevent fluid flow.

[0198] The furniture item may include at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more parts. The furniture item may include at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 parts. Each of the multiple parts of the furniture item may correspond to an area where each user sits, rests or sleeps. Each of the multiple parts of the furniture item may correspond to a different area that contacts or is adjacent to a different part of the user's body (e.g., feet, legs, buttocks, arms, back, neck, head, etc.). The temperature of the multiple parts of the furniture item can be regulated independently or in unison. In an example, different zones of the bed can be set (e.g., by a processor) different temperatures for different users. In another example, different zones of the bed can be set (e.g., by a processor) different temperatures for different body parts of the user.

[0199] The system may also include another portion of the furniture item configured to hold a fluid. The portion of the furniture item and the other portion of the furniture item may be different. The other portion of the furniture item may be in fluid communication with a temperature regulator. Alternatively, the other portion of the furniture item may be in fluid communication with an additional temperature regulator configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid. The temperature regulator and the additional temperature regulator may be different. The temperature regulator and the additional temperature regulator may not be in fluid communication with each other. Alternatively or in addition, the temperature regulator and the additional temperature regulator may be in fluid communication with each other. The additional temperature regulator may be in fluid communication with a reservoir. The temperature regulator and the additional temperature regulator may be in fluid communication with a common (or same) reservoir.

[0200] The processor may be operably coupled to the additional temperature regulator. The processor may be further programmed to control the additional temperature regulator to adjust the temperature of the fluid, thereby regulating the temperature of the additional portion of the furniture item. The processor may be further programmed to independently control the temperature regulator and the additional temperature regulator, thereby independently regulating the temperature of the portion of the furniture item and the temperature of the additional portion of the furniture item. The processor may be further programmed to jointly control the temperature regulator and the additional temperature regulator, thereby uniformly regulating the temperature of the portion of the furniture item and the temperature of the additional portion of the furniture item.

[0201] The system may also include a sensor for detecting a property of the fluid. The sensor may be a temperature sensor. The sensor may be in direct or indirect contact with the fluid. The sensor may be part of a gate (e.g., a valve), a pump, a temperature regulator, a part of an item of furniture, or one or more channels (e.g., a water circuit) configured to maintain and / or allow fluid flow.

[0202] The system can also include at least one radiator configured to absorb heat from its surroundings. At least one radiator can be disposed on or adjacent to a temperature regulator (e.g., a thermoelectric engine). The system can include at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 radiators. The system can include at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 radiator. One or more radiators can be configured to absorb heat from a temperature regulator.

[0203] The system may also include at least one fan (e.g., dual fans) configured to adjust the temperature of one or more components of the system. The system may include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more fans. The system may include at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 fans. One or more fans may be configured to blow or pull air across one or more radiators to regulate the temperature of one or more radiators. The operation of one or more fans will not affect the operation of the temperature regulator to regulate the temperature of the fluid. The operation of one or more fans may not affect the operation of a sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor) configured to detect a characteristic (e.g., temperature) of the fluid.

[0204] The system may also include an additional portion of the furniture item, the additional portion including at least one sensor that is (i) operably coupled to the processor and (ii) configured to detect a biosignal of at least one user of the furniture item. The biosignal includes a heart signal (e.g., heart rate), a breathing signal (e.g., breathing rate), movement, temperature, and / or perspiration of at least one user of the furniture item. The processor may be configured to determine a shape of the heart signal based at least in part on an amplitude and / or frequency of the heart signal. The processor may be configured to determine a shape of the breathing signal based at least in part on an amplitude and / or frequency of the breathing signal.

[0205] One or more channels disclosed herein (e.g., one or more channels configured to at least maintain fluid and / or allow fluid flow) may include fluid-insoluble (e.g., water-insoluble) materials. One or more channels may include polymeric materials, metallic materials, ceramic materials, any functional improvements thereof, or any combination thereof. Examples of polymeric materials include polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, ethyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, vinylidene chloride-acrylonitrile copolymer, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate butyrate, vinyl pyrrolidone copolymer, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate, methacrylic acid copolymer, methacrylic acid copolymer, any functional modification thereof, or any combination thereof.

[0206] The processor may also be programmed to control the thermostat to adjust the temperature of the fluid based on the detected bio-signal of at least one user. The processor may control the thermostat to adjust the temperature of the fluid so that the temperature of the fluid (and / or the temperature of a portion of the furniture item) may be the same, substantially the same, lower, and / or higher than the detected temperature of the at least one user. The processor may also be programmed to (i) identify at least one user based on the detected bio-signal of at least one user, and / or (ii) control the thermostat to adjust the temperature of the fluid based on the identity of the at least one user. The identity of the at least one user may include age, gender, physical condition, geographic location, a predetermined temperature of a portion of the furniture item, a predetermined temperature range of a portion of the furniture item, or a history of the bio-signal of at least one user when using the furniture item (e.g., an average temperature of the fluid when the user is sleeping in bed, or an average temperature of the user when the user is sleeping in bed).

[0207] The processor may also be configured to adjust the temperature of the fluid, thereby adjusting the temperature of a portion of the furniture item, based on the identity of the user. The processor may be programmed to determine that the same user has used (e.g., slept in) a portion of the furniture item for one or more days (e.g., at least about 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, or more days). On the following day, the processor may be programmed to adjust the temperature of the fluid (e.g., via a temperature generator) before a predicted time of use by the same user (e.g., an average time that the user initiated use of the furniture item over the past one or more days). The processor may preheat or precool the fluid, thereby preheating or precooling a portion of the furniture item. Preheating or precooling a portion of the furniture item may help balance the temperature of the portion of the furniture item and the temperature of the user. Alternatively or in addition, the user may preset a desired temperature and a desired time for the controller to pre-adjust the temperature of the portion of the furniture item to the desired temperature at the desired time.

[0208] The system may include a sensor operably coupled to the processor and configured to detect a biosignal of at least one user of the furniture item. Such a sensor may not be part of the furniture item. The sensor may be a smart watch or a fitness tracker. The at least one user may be wearing the sensor. The processor may also be configured to adjust the temperature of the fluid based on the detected biosignal of the at least one user. In some cases, the biosignal may be at least the temperature of the one user, and the processor may also be configured to adjust (e.g., increase or decrease) the temperature difference between the temperature of the fluid (e.g., the fluid being held or flowing through a portion of the furniture item) and the temperature of the at least one user. In some cases, the processor may also be programmed to adjust the temperature of the fluid before the at least one user uses the furniture item, thereby pre-adjusting the temperature of a portion of the furniture item before the at least one user uses the furniture item.

[0209] The processor may also be configured to adjust the temperature of the fluid based on the detected biosignal of at least one user, thereby regulating the sleep duration of at least one user (e.g., sleeping longer, or waking up faster). The processor may also be programmed to adjust the temperature of the fluid based on the detected biosignal of at least one user, thereby regulating the metabolism of at least one user (e.g., helping the user burn more fat while sleeping). The processor may also be configured to apply a preset temperature setting (or temperature curve) to the temperature controller, thereby applying the preset temperature setting to a portion of the furniture item. The preset temperature setting may be based on biofeedback from the user. The biofeedback may be provided by the user or determined by the processor using the detected biosignal and / or identity of the user. Examples of biofeedback include pregnancy, menopause, fever, illness, fatigue, cancer, sleep disorders, heart disease, or other physical conditions.

[0210] The processor may also be programmed to monitor (i) biosignals of at least one user, (ii) sleep patterns of at least one user based on the biosignals of at least one user detected over a period of time, and / or (iii) temperature settings of a portion of a furniture item over a period of time. The processor may also be configured to compare biosignals, sleep patterns, and / or temperature settings between two or more users. In an example, the processor may compare and identify two or more users with similar or approximately identical sleep patterns, and compare temperature settings of a portion of a furniture item (e.g., temperature records of heated and cooled fluids) of the two or more users. The processor may also be configured to activate a group of two or more users based on the comparison of biosignals, sleep patterns, and / or temperature settings. In an example, the processor may activate a group of two or more users with similar biosignals (e.g., similar heart signals indicative of heart disease, such as, for example, arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, etc.). Within the created group, the processor may compare the sleep patterns of each user and the temperature settings of a portion of the furniture item, and determine which temperature setting appears to produce the most ideal biosignals (e.g., more regular auditory signals or breathing signals) and / or sleep patterns (e.g., falling asleep faster, moving less, sleeping longer, waking up less often). Subsequently, the processor may be programmed to apply (e.g., automatically apply) the temperature settings of the furniture items of the group user to the temperature settings of the furniture items of another user of the group. Alternatively or in addition, the processor may suggest to the user such application of the temperature settings of a different user (e.g., to improve sleep quality). The processor may utilize a user interface (e.g., a graphical user interface, or GUI) on the user's personal device (e.g., a mobile phone, smart phone, smart watch, smart glasses, etc.) to allow two or more users of the created group to communicate and share information (e.g., voice, text, images, video, etc.). Such a group may serve as a support group.

[0211] In some cases, the processor may also be configured to connect (i) the user and any data collected and / or created by the processor for the user and (ii) a physician. The physician may be able to use a user interface on the physician's personal device to evaluate (i) at least one user's bio-signals, (ii) at least one user's sleep pattern based on at least one user's bio-signals detected over a period of time, and / or (iii) the temperature setting of a portion of a furniture item over a period of time. The processor may utilize a GUI on the user's personal device and the physician's personal device to allow the user and the physician to communicate and share information (e.g., voice, text, images, video, etc.). Such a GUI may reduce the time it takes for a user to consult a physician to discuss the user's bio-signals, sleep patterns, and / or physical condition.

[0212] The processor may be capable of employing artificial intelligence (e.g., one or more machine learning algorithms) to analyze a database containing multiple bio-signals, sleep patterns, and / or temperature settings of furniture items for multiple users. The one or more machine learning algorithms of the artificial intelligence may be capable of comparing the multiple data in the database and creating a group of two or more users based on the comparison.

[0213] The processor may be operably coupled to the other components and configurations thereof described in the aforementioned systems for regulating the temperature of a portion of an item of furniture.

[0214] One or more components for regulating the temperature of a portion of a furniture item described in the foregoing system can be encapsulated in a temperature control tower. In some cases, the temperature control tower can include one or more reservoirs, one or more valves, one or more temperature regulators, one or more pumps, or a combination thereof. The components of the temperature control tower can be in fluid communication with each other (directly or indirectly). The temperature control tower can be in fluid communication with a furniture item, such as, for example, one or more portions of a furniture item (e.g., at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more portions of a furniture item). In some cases, the temperature control tower can be in fluid communication with multiple furniture items (e.g., at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more beds). In an example, a common temperature control tower comprising a common reservoir and two or more temperature regulators can be in fluid communication with two or more furniture items to regulate (independently or in unison) the temperature of two or more furniture items. In another example, a common temperature control tower including a common reservoir and multiple temperature controllers can be in fluid communication with multiple beds (e.g., multiple cribs) to control (independently or in unison) the temperature of the multiple beds. In some cases, an item of furniture can be in fluid communication with one or more temperature control towers.

[0215] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for regulating the temperature of a furniture item, the method comprising: (a) providing a temperature regulator in fluid communication with (i) a portion of the furniture item capable of holding a fluid and (ii) a reservoir capable of containing the fluid, wherein the temperature regulator is capable of regulating the temperature of the fluid; and (b) controlling the temperature regulator by a computer system to regulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby regulating the temperature of the portion of the furniture item. The method disclosed herein can utilize all of the components, configurations, and uses described in the aforementioned system to regulate the temperature of the furniture item.

[0216] The method may also include controlling the temperature regulator by the computer system to adjust the temperature of the fluid not in the reservoir (or not in the container of the reservoir).The temperature of the fluid in the reservoir may or may not be adjusted.

[0217] The computer system may include a computer program product including a non-transitory computer readable medium having computer executable code encoded therein, the computer executable code being adapted to be executed to implement the above-described method of controlling the temperature of a furniture item.

[0218] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for regulating the temperature of a furniture item, the system comprising: a furniture item comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein each of the first portion and the second portion is configured to hold a fluid; a common temperature controller configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid, wherein the common temperature controller comprises (i) a first channel in fluid communication with the first portion of the furniture item, and (ii) a second channel in fluid communication with the second portion of the furniture item, wherein the first channel and the second channel are configured to hold the fluid; and a processor operably coupled to the common temperature controller, the processor being programmed to control the common temperature controller to regulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby independently regulating a first temperature of the first portion of the furniture item and a second temperature of the second portion of the furniture item. The system disclosed herein can utilize all of the components, configurations, and uses described in the aforementioned systems and methods to regulate the temperature of the furniture item.

[0219] The first part and the second part of the furniture item may be different. In use, the first part and the second part of the furniture item may be used (e.g., occupied) by a common user (or the same user). Alternatively or in addition, in use, the first part and the second part of the furniture item may be used (e.g., occupied) by different users.

[0220] The common temperature controller may include a reservoir in fluid communication with the first channel and the second channel of the common temperature controller, the reservoir may be configured to contain a fluid. The reservoir may or may not be configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid.

[0221] The common temperature controller may include (i) a first temperature regulator in fluid communication with the first channel and configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid, and / or (ii) a second temperature regulator in fluid communication with the second channel and configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid. The first temperature regulator and the second temperature regulator may or may not be part of the reservoir. The first temperature regulator and / or the second temperature regulator may be a thermoelectric engine. The first temperature generator and the second temperature generator may be in fluid communication with each other, or may not be in fluid communication with each other.

[0222] The common temperature controller may include: (i) a first pump in fluid communication with the first channel, the first pump being configured to direct fluid flow between the first channel and a first portion of the furniture item; and / or (ii) a second pump in fluid communication with the second channel, the second pump being configured to direct fluid flow between the second channel and a second portion of the furniture item. The first pump may be in fluid communication with the reservoir, the first temperature regulator, and / or the first portion of the furniture item (e.g., at least via the first channel of the common temperature controller). The second pump may be in fluid communication with the reservoir, the second temperature regulator, and / or the second portion of the furniture item (e.g., at least via the second channel of the common temperature regulator). The first pump and the second pump may be in communication with each other or may not be in communication with each other.

[0223] The common temperature controller may include (i) a first gate disposed between the reservoir and the first temperature regulator, the first gate being configured to prevent fluid from flowing away from the first temperature regulator and toward the reservoir, and / or (ii) a second gate disposed between the reservoir and the second temperature regulator, the second gate being configured to prevent fluid from flowing away from the second temperature regulator and toward the reservoir. In some cases, the first gate may be disposed between the reservoir and the first pump, the first pump being disposed between the first gate and the first temperature regulator. In some cases, the second gate may be disposed between the reservoir and the second pump, the second pump being disposed between the second gate and the second temperature generator. The first gate may be in fluid communication with the reservoir, the first pump, the first temperature generator, and / or a first portion of the furniture item (e.g., at least via a first channel of the common temperature controller). The second gate may be in fluid communication with the reservoir, the second pump, the second temperature generator, and / or a second portion of the furniture item (e.g., at least via a second channel of the common temperature regulator). The first gate and the second gate may be in communication with each other or may not be in communication with each other.

[0224] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for regulating the temperature of a furniture item, the method comprising: (a) providing a common temperature controller configured to regulate the temperature of a fluid, wherein the common temperature controller comprises (i) a first channel in fluid communication with a first portion of the furniture item, and (ii) a second channel in fluid communication with a second portion of the furniture item, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the furniture item are configured to hold the fluid, and wherein the first channel and the second channel are configured to hold the fluid; and (b) controlling the common temperature controller to regulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby independently regulating a first temperature of the first portion of the furniture item and a second temperature of the second portion of the furniture item. The method disclosed herein can utilize all of the components, configurations, and uses described in the aforementioned systems and methods to regulate the temperature of furniture items.

[0225] FIG. 23A to FIG. 23HAn example of a system for regulating the temperature of an item of furniture (e.g., a bed, a mattress, or a mattress pad) is schematically shown, the system comprising a fluid circuit (e.g., a water circuit). Fig.23A, the system 2300 includes a reservoir 2310, which is configured to contain a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain the fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. The system 2300 includes a pump 2330, which is in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the pump 2330 and flowing back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The system 2300 includes a temperature regulator 2340, which is in fluid communication with the pump 2330 (and is therefore indirectly in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310). The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to regulate (e.g., maintain, increase and / or reduce) the temperature of the fluid 2320. The temperature regulator 2340 can be a plurality of temperature regulators (or a plurality of temperature regulation units), wherein each of the plurality of temperature regulators is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 in unison or independently of one another. The temperature regulator 2340 can include a thermoelectric engine. The pump 2330 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310, and (ii) direct the fluid 2320 to flow from the pump 2330 to the temperature regulator 2340. System 2300 includes a portion 2355 of an item of furniture 2350 configured to hold and permit flow of a fluid 2320. The portion 2355 of furniture includes a channel 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of multiple channels) configured to hold and permit flow of a fluid 2320. The fluid 2320 may be held in and / or flow through the channel 2360 to adjust the temperature of the portion 2355 of furniture. The channel 2360 is in fluid communication with a thermostat 2340 and a pump 2330. The pump 2330 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 from the channel 2360 to the thermostat 2340. A fluid circuit (e.g., a water circuit) of system 2300 includes the channel 2360 through which the fluid 2320 flows away from the pump 2330, to the thermostat 2340, to the portion 2355 of furniture, and back to the pump 2330. The pump 2330 is configured to draw a flow of fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and add the drawn fluid 2320 to the fluid circuit. The pump 2330 separates (i) the fluid 2320 contained in the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 from (ii) the fluid 2320 flowing into, through, and / or adjacent to the temperature regulator 2340. The temperature regulator 2340 is not part of the reservoir 2310.The system 2300 also includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biosignals (e.g., heart signals, breathing signals, motion, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 can be part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 and the portion 2355 of furniture can be in different parts of the furniture item 2350. The system 2300 can regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of furniture based at least in part on the detected biosignals of at least one user of the furniture item 2350.

[0226] refer to Fig. 23B, system 2301 includes a reservoir 2310, which is configured to hold a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to hold the fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. System 2301 includes a pump 2331, which is in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the pump 2331 and flowing back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. System 2301 includes a portion 2355 of an item of furniture 2350 configured to hold and permit flow of a fluid 2320. The portion 2355 of furniture includes a channel 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of multiple channels) configured to hold and permit flow of a fluid 2320. The fluid 2320 can be held in and / or flow through the channel 2360 to regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of furniture. The channel 2360 is in fluid communication with a pump 2331. The pump 2331 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from a container 2315 of a reservoir 2310, and (ii) direct the fluid 2320 to flow from the pump 2331 to the channel 2360. System 2301 includes a temperature regulator 2341 in fluid communication with the channel 2360 and the pump 2331. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to regulate (e.g., maintain, increase, and / or decrease) the temperature of the fluid 2320. The temperature regulator 2341 may be a plurality of temperature regulators (or a plurality of temperature regulation units), wherein each of the plurality of temperature regulators is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 in unison or independently of one another. The temperature regulator 2341 may include a thermoelectric engine. The pump 2331 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 to flow from the temperature regulator 2341 to the channel 2360. The fluid circuit (e.g., water circuit) of the system 2301 includes the fluid 2320 flowing away from the pump 2331, to the channel 2360 of the part 2355 of the furniture, to the temperature regulator 2341, and back to the pump 2331. The pump 2331 is configured to draw the flow of the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and add the drawn fluid 2320 to the fluid circuit. The pump 2331 separates (i) the fluid 2320 contained in the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 from (ii) the fluid 2320 flowing into, through, and / or adjacent to the temperature regulator 2341. The temperature regulator 2341 is not part of the reservoir 2310.The system 2301 also includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biosignals (e.g., heart signals, breathing signals, motion, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 can be part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 and the portion 2355 of furniture can be in different parts of the furniture item 2350. The system 2301 can regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of furniture based at least in part on the detected biosignals of at least one user of the furniture item 2350.

[0227] refer to Fig.23C, the system 2302 includes a reservoir 2310, which is configured to contain a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain a fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. The system 2302 includes a valve 2370, which is in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2370 can be a gravity valve that only allows the fluid 2320 to flow in a direction away from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and toward the valve 2370. The valve 2370 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2370 and flowing back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The system 2302 includes a pump 2330, which is in fluid communication with the valve 2370. The pump 2330 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the valve 2370. The system 2302 includes a temperature regulator 2340 in fluid communication with the pump 2330. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to adjust (e.g., maintain, increase, and / or decrease) the temperature of the fluid 2320. The temperature regulator 2340 can be a plurality of temperature regulators (or a plurality of temperature regulation units), wherein each of the plurality of temperature regulators is configured to adjust the temperature of the fluid 2320 in unison or independently of one another. The temperature regulator 2340 can include a thermoelectric engine. The pump 2330 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the valve 2370, and (ii) direct the fluid 2320 to flow from the pump 2330 to the temperature regulator 2340. The system 2302 includes a portion 2355 of the furniture item 2350, the portion 2355 of the furniture item 2350 being configured to retain and permit the fluid 2320 to flow. The portion 2355 of furniture includes a channel 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of multiple channels) configured to hold and permit the flow of a fluid 2320. The fluid 2320 can be held in the channel 2360 and / or flow through the channel 2360 to adjust the temperature of the portion 2355 of furniture. The channel 2360 is in fluid communication with the thermostat 2340 and the valve 2370. The valve 2370 is configured to permit the fluid 2320 to flow from the channel 2360 and to the pump 2330. The fluid circuit (e.g., a water circuit) of the system 2302 includes the channel 2360 where the fluid 2320 flows away from the valve 2370, to the pump 2330, to the thermostat 2340, to the portion 2355 of furniture, and back to the valve 2370. The valve 2370 is configured to receive (eg, by gravity) fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and add the received fluid 2320 to the fluid circuit.The valve 2370 separates (i) the fluid 2320 contained in the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 from (ii) the fluid 2320 flowing into, through, and / or adjacent to the temperature regulator 2340. The temperature regulator 2340 is not part of the reservoir 2310. The system 2302 also includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biosignals (e.g., heart signals, breathing signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 can be part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 and the portion 2355 of the furniture can be in different portions of the furniture item 2350. The system 2302 can regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of the furniture based at least in part on the detected biosignals of at least one user of the furniture item 2350.

[0228] refer to Fig.23D, the system 2303 includes a reservoir 2310, which is configured to contain a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain a fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. The system 2303 includes a valve 2371, which is in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2371 can be a gravity valve that only allows the fluid 2320 to flow in a direction away from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and toward the valve 2371. The valve 2371 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2371 and flowing back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The system 2303 includes a pump 2331, which is in fluid communication with the valve 2371. The pump 2331 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the valve 2371. The system 2303 includes a portion 2355 of the furniture item 2350, the portion 2355 of the furniture item 2350 being configured to hold and permit the flow of the fluid 2320. The portion 2355 of the furniture includes a channel 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of multiple channels), the channel 2360 being configured to hold and permit the flow of the fluid 2320. The fluid 2320 can be held in the channel 2360 and / or flow through the channel 2360 to regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of the furniture. The channel 2360 is in fluid communication with the pump 2331. The pump 2331 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the valve 2371, and (ii) direct the fluid 2320 to flow from the pump 2331 to the channel 2360. The system 2303 includes a temperature regulator 2341, which is in fluid communication with a channel 2360 and a valve 2371. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to adjust the temperature of the fluid 2320 (e.g., maintain, increase and / or decrease). The temperature regulator 2341 can be a plurality of temperature regulators (or a plurality of temperature regulation units), wherein each of the plurality of temperature regulators is configured to adjust the temperature of the fluid 2320 in unison or independently of one another. The temperature regulator 2341 can include a thermoelectric engine. The valve 2371 is configured to permit the fluid 2320 to flow from the temperature regulator 2341 and to the pump 2331. The fluid circuit (e.g., water circuit) of the system 2303 includes a channel 2360 where the fluid 2320 flows away from the valve 2371, flows to the pump 2331, flows to the part 2355 of the furniture, flows to the temperature regulator 2341 and flows back to the valve 2371. The valve 2371 is configured to receive (e.g., by gravity) fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and add the received fluid 2320 to the fluid circuit. The valve 2371 separates (i) the fluid 2320 contained in the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 from (ii) the fluid 2320 flowing into, through, and / or adjacent to the temperature regulator 2341.The temperature regulator 2341 is not part of the reservoir 2310. The system 2303 also includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biosignals (e.g., heart signals, breathing signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 can be part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 and the portion 2355 of furniture can be in different parts of the furniture item 2350. The system 2303 can regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of furniture based at least in part on the detected biosignals of at least one user of the furniture item 2350.

[0229] refer to Fig.23E, the system 2304 includes a reservoir 2310 configured to contain a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain the fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. The system 2304 includes a valve 2370 in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2370 can be a gravity valve that only allows the fluid 2320 to flow in a direction away from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and toward the valve 2370. The valve 2370 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2370 and flowing back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The system 2304 includes a temperature regulator 2340 in fluid communication with the valve 2370. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the valve 2370. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to adjust (e.g., maintain, increase, and / or decrease) the temperature of the fluid 2320. The temperature regulator 2340 can be a plurality of temperature regulators (or a plurality of temperature regulation units), wherein each of the plurality of temperature regulators is configured to adjust the temperature of the fluid 2320 in unison or independently of one another. The temperature regulator 2340 can include a thermoelectric engine. The system 2304 includes a pump 2330 in fluid communication with the temperature regulator 2340. The pump 2330 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the temperature regulator 2340, and (ii) direct the fluid 2320 from the pump 2330 and toward the furniture item 2350. System 2304 includes a portion 2355 of an item of furniture 2350 configured to hold and permit flow of a fluid 2320. The portion of furniture 2355 includes a channel 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of multiple channels) configured to hold and permit flow of a fluid 2320. The fluid 2320 may be held in and / or flow through the channel 2360 to regulate the temperature of the portion of furniture 2355. The channel 2360 may be in fluid communication with a pump 2330 and a valve 2370. The valve 2370 is configured to permit flow of the fluid 2320 from the channel 2360 and to the thermostat 2340. A fluid circuit (e.g., a water circuit) of system 2304 includes the channel 2360 through which the fluid 2320 flows away from the valve 2370, to the thermostat 2340, to the pump 2330, to the portion of furniture 2355, and back to the valve 2370. The valve 2370 is configured to receive (eg, by gravity) fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and add the received fluid 2320 to the fluid circuit.The valve 2370 separates (i) the fluid 2320 contained in the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 from (ii) the fluid 2320 flowing into, through, and / or adjacent to the thermostat 2340. The thermostat 2340 is not part of the reservoir 2310. The system 2304 also includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biosignals (e.g., heart signals, breathing signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 can be part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 and the portion 2355 of the furniture can be in different portions of the furniture item 2350. The system 2304 can regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of the furniture based at least in part on the detected biosignals of at least one user of the furniture item 2350.

[0230] refer to Fig.23F, the system 2305 includes a reservoir 2310, which is configured to contain a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain the fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. The system 2305 includes a valve 2371, which is in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2371 can be a gravity valve that only allows the fluid 2320 to flow in a direction away from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and toward the valve 2371. The valve 2371 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2371 and flowing back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. System 2305 includes a temperature regulator 2341, which is in fluid communication with valve 2371. Temperature regulator 2341 is configured to retrieve or receive fluid 2320 from valve 2371. Temperature regulator 2341 is configured to adjust (e.g., maintain, increase and / or decrease) the temperature of fluid 2320. Temperature regulator 2341 can be a plurality of temperature regulators (or a plurality of temperature regulation units), wherein each of the plurality of temperature regulators is configured to adjust the temperature of fluid 2320 in unison or independently of one another. Temperature regulator 2341 can include a thermoelectric engine. System 2304 includes a portion 2355 of furniture item 2350, which is configured to maintain and permit flow of fluid 2320. The portion 2355 of furniture includes a channel 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of a plurality of channels), which is configured to maintain and permit flow of fluid 2320. The fluid 2320 can be held in and / or flow through the channel 2360 to adjust the temperature of the part 2355 of the furniture. The channel 2360 can be in fluid communication with the thermostat 2341. The system 2305 includes a pump 2331 in fluid communication with the channel 2360. The pump 2331 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the channel 2360, and (ii) direct the fluid 2320 from the pump 2331 and toward the valve 2371. The valve 2371 is configured to permit the fluid 2320 to flow from the pump 2331 and toward the thermostat 2341. The fluid circuit (e.g., water circuit) of the system 2305 includes the channel 2360 where the fluid 2320 flows away from the valve 2371, flows to the thermostat 2341, flows to the part 2355 of the furniture, flows to the pump 2331, and flows back to the valve 2371. The valve 2371 is configured to receive (eg, by gravity) fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and add the received fluid 2320 to the fluid circuit.The valve 2371 separates (i) the fluid 2320 contained in the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 from (ii) the fluid 2320 flowing into, through, and / or adjacent to the temperature regulator 2341. The temperature regulator 2341 is not part of the reservoir 2310. The system 2305 also includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biosignals (e.g., heart signals, breathing signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 can be part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 and the portion 2355 of the furniture can be in different portions of the furniture item 2350. The system 2305 can regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of the furniture based at least in part on the detected biosignals of at least one user of the furniture item 2350.

[0231] refer to Figure 23G, the system 2306 includes a reservoir 2310, which is configured to contain a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain the fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. The system 2306 includes a valve 2370, which is in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2370 can be a gravity valve that only allows the fluid 2320 to flow in a direction away from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and toward the valve 2370. The valve 2370 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2370 and flowing back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. System 2306 includes a portion 2355 of an item of furniture 2350 configured to hold and permit flow of a fluid 2320. The portion 2355 of furniture includes a channel 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of multiple channels) configured to hold and permit flow of a fluid 2320. The fluid 2320 can be held in and / or flow through the channel 2360 to regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of furniture. The channel 2360 can be in fluid communication with a valve 2370. The valve 2370 is configured to permit flow of the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 and to the channel 2360. System 2306 includes a temperature regulator 2340 in fluid communication with the channel 2360. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the channel 2360. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to regulate (e.g., maintain, increase, and / or decrease) the temperature of the fluid 2320. The temperature regulator 2340 can be a plurality of temperature regulators (or a plurality of temperature regulation units), wherein each of the plurality of temperature regulators is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 in unison or independently of one another. The temperature regulator 2340 can include a thermoelectric engine. The system 2306 includes a pump 2330, which is in fluid communication with the temperature regulator 2340 and the valve 2370. The pump 2330 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the temperature regulator 2340, and (ii) direct the fluid 2320 from the pump 2330 and toward the valve 2370. The fluid circuit (e.g., water circuit) of the system 2306 includes a passage 2360 through which fluid 2320 flows away from a valve 2370, to a portion of the furniture 2355, to a thermostat 2340, to a pump 2330, and back to the valve 2370. The valve 2370 is configured to receive (e.g., by gravity) the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and to add the received fluid 2320 to the fluid circuit.The valve 2370 separates (i) the fluid 2320 contained in the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 from (ii) the fluid 2320 flowing into, through, and / or adjacent to the thermostat 2340. The thermostat 2340 is not part of the reservoir 2310. The system 2306 also includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biosignals (e.g., heart signals, breathing signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 can be part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 and the portion 2355 of the furniture can be in different portions of the furniture item 2350. The system 2306 can regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of the furniture based at least in part on the detected biosignals of at least one user of the furniture item 2350.

[0232] refer to Fig.23H, the system 2307 includes a reservoir 2310, which is configured to contain a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain the fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. The system 2307 includes a valve 2371, which is in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2371 can be a gravity valve that only allows the fluid 2320 to flow in a direction away from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and toward the valve 2371. The valve 2371 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2371 and flowing back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. System 2307 includes a portion 2355 of an item of furniture 2350 configured to hold and permit flow of a fluid 2320. The portion 2355 of furniture includes a channel 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of multiple channels) configured to hold and permit flow of a fluid 2320. The fluid 2320 can be held in and / or flow through the channel 2360 to regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of furniture. The channel 2360 can be in fluid communication with a valve 2371. The valve 2371 is configured to permit flow of the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 and to the channel 2360. System 2307 includes a pump 2331 in fluid communication with the channel 2360. The pump 2331 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the channel 2360, and (ii) direct the fluid 2320 from the pump 2331 and flow to the temperature regulator 2341. The system 2307 includes a temperature regulator 2341, which is in fluid communication with the pump 2331 and the valve 2371. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the pump 2331. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to adjust the temperature of the fluid 2320 (e.g., maintain, increase and / or reduce). The temperature regulator 2341 can be a plurality of temperature regulators (or a plurality of temperature regulation units), wherein each of the plurality of temperature regulators is configured to adjust the temperature of the fluid 2320 in unison or independently of each other. The temperature regulator 2341 can include a thermoelectric engine. The fluid circuit (e.g., water circuit) of the system 2307 includes a fluid 2320 flowing away from a valve 2371, to a passage 2360 of a piece of furniture 2355, to a pump 2331, to a thermostat 2341 and back to the valve 2371. The valve 2371 is configured to receive (e.g., by gravity) the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and add the received fluid 2320 to the fluid circuit.The valve 2371 separates (i) the fluid 2320 contained in the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 from (ii) the fluid 2320 flowing into, through, and / or adjacent to the temperature regulator 2341. The temperature regulator 2341 is not part of the reservoir 2310. The system 2307 also includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biosignals (e.g., heart signals, breathing signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 can be part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 and the portion 2355 of the furniture can be in different portions of the furniture item 2350. The system 2307 can regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of the furniture based at least in part on the detected biosignals of at least one user of the furniture item 2350.

[0233] like FIG. 23A to FIG. 23F At least two fluid circuits shown (e.g., at least about 2, 3, 4, 5 or more fluid circuits) or functional modifications thereof can be combined into a common system, which includes a common reservoir. The common system can include a common furniture item (e.g., a bed). At least two fluid circuits can be in fluid communication with the common furniture item (e.g., in fluid communication with at least two different parts of the common furniture item). At least two fluid circuits can be in fluid communication with the common reservoir. The processor can be configured to control (independently or consistently) at least two fluid circuits to adjust the temperature of the fluid in each of the at least two fluid circuits, thereby regulating (independently or consistently) the temperature of at least two different parts of the common furniture item. Alternatively or in addition, the common system can include at least two furniture items (e.g., at least two beds). Each of the at least two fluid circuits can be in fluid communication with each of the at least two furniture items. The processor can be configured to control (independently or consistently) at least two fluid circuits to adjust the temperature of the fluid in each of the at least two fluid circuits, thereby regulating (independently or consistently) the temperature of at least two furniture items. The at least two fluid circuits in fluid communication with a common reservoir may have the same fluid flow direction or different fluid flow directions. Figure 24 shows an example of such a system comprising a common reservoir and at least two fluid circuits.

[0234] FIG. 24A to FIG. 24F An example of a system for regulating the temperature of two parts of an item of furniture (e.g., a bed, a mattress, or a mattress pad) is schematically shown, the system comprising two fluid circuits (e.g., two water circuits). Fig.24A, the system 2400 includes a reservoir 2310, which is configured to contain a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain a fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. The system 2400 includes two fluid circuits, which are in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The two fluid circuits may be in fluid communication with each other or may not be in fluid communication with each other. The reservoir 2310 serves as a common reservoir for the two fluid circuits of the system 2400. The first fluid circuit includes (i) a pump 2330, (ii) a temperature regulator 2340, and (iii) a channel 2360 of a portion 2355 of the furniture item 2350. The pump 2330 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the pump 2330 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit to flow from the pump 2330 to the temperature regulator 2340, to the channel 2360 and back to the pump 2330. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit. The second circuit may include features that may be the same as the first circuit or may be different from the first circuit. Reference Fig.24A , the second fluid circuit includes (i) a pump 2331, (ii) a temperature regulator 2341, and (iii) a channel 2361 of a portion 2356 of the furniture item 2350. The pump 2331 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the pump 2331 and flowing back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit to flow from the pump 2331 to the temperature regulator 2341, to the channel 2361 and back to the pump 2331. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to adjust the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit. The system 2400 further includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biosignals (e.g., heart signals, breathing signals, motion, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 may be part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365, the portion 2355 of the furniture, and the portion 2356 of the furniture may be in different portions of the furniture item 2350. The system 2400 may regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of the furniture and / or the temperature of the portion 2356 of the furniture based at least in part on the detected biosignals of at least one user (e.g., one or two users) of the furniture item 2350. Fig.23A As shown, the first fluid circuit of system 2400 can utilize all the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2300. Fig.23A As shown, the second fluid circuit of system 2400 can utilize all of the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2300.

[0235] refer to Fig. 24B , system 2401 includes a reservoir 2310, which is configured to contain a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain a fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. System 2401 includes two fluid circuits, which are in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The two fluid circuits may be in fluid communication with each other or may not be in fluid communication with each other. The reservoir 2310 serves as a common reservoir for the two fluid circuits of the system 2401. The first fluid circuit includes (i) a pump 2330, (ii) a temperature regulator 2340, and (iii) a channel 2360 of a portion 2355 of the furniture item 2350. The pump 2330 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the pump 2330 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit to flow from the pump 2330 to the channel 2360, to the temperature regulator 2340 and back to the pump 2330. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit. The second circuit may include features that may be the same as the first circuit or may be different from the first circuit. Reference Fig. 24B, the second fluid circuit includes (i) a pump 2331, (ii) a temperature regulator 2341, and (iii) a channel 2361 of a portion 2356 of the furniture item 2350. The pump 2331 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the pump 2331 and flowing back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit to flow from the pump 2331 to the channel 2361, to the temperature regulator 2341, and back to the pump 2331. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to adjust the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit. The system 2401 further includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biosignals (e.g., heart signals, breathing signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 may be part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365, the portion 2355 of the furniture, and the portion 2356 of the furniture may be in different portions of the furniture item 2350. The system 2401 may regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of the furniture and / or the temperature of the portion 2356 of the furniture based at least in part on the detected biosignals of at least one user (e.g., one or two users) of the furniture item 2350. Fig. 23B As shown, the first fluid circuit of system 2401 can utilize all the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2301. Fig. 23B As shown, the second fluid circuit of system 2401 can utilize all of the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2301.

[0236] refer to Fig.24C, system 2402 includes a reservoir 2310 configured to contain a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain a fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. System 2402 includes two fluid circuits that are in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The two fluid circuits may be in fluid communication with each other or may not be in fluid communication with each other. The reservoir 2310 serves as a common reservoir for the two fluid circuits of the system 2402. The first fluid circuit includes (i) a pump 2330, (ii) a temperature regulator 2340, and (iii) a channel 2360 of a portion 2355 of the furniture item 2350. The pump 2330 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the pump 2330 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit to flow from the pump 2330 to the temperature regulator 2340, to the channel 2360 and back to the pump 2330. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit. The second circuit may include features that may be the same as the first circuit or may be different from the first circuit. Reference Fig.24C , the second fluid circuit includes (i) a pump 2331, (ii) a temperature regulator 2341, and (iii) a channel 2361 of a portion 2356 of the furniture item 2350. The pump 2331 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the pump 2331 and flowing back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit to flow from the pump 2331 to the channel 2361, to the temperature regulator 2341, and back to the pump 2331. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to adjust the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit. The system 2402 also includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biosignals (e.g., heart signals, breathing signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 may be part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365, the portion 2355 of the furniture, and the portion 2356 of the furniture may be in different portions of the furniture item 2350. The system 2402 may regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of the furniture and / or the temperature of the portion 2356 of the furniture based at least in part on the detected biosignals of at least one user (e.g., one or two users) of the furniture item 2350. Fig.23A As shown, the first fluid circuit of system 2402 can utilize all the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2300. Fig. 23B As shown, the second fluid circuit of system 2402 can utilize all of the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2301.

[0237] refer to Fig.24D , system 2403 includes a reservoir 2310, which is configured to contain a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain a fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. System 2403 includes two fluid circuits, which are in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The two fluid circuits may be in fluid communication with each other or may not be in fluid communication with each other. The reservoir 2310 serves as a common reservoir for the two fluid circuits of the system 2403. The first fluid circuit includes (i) a valve 2370, (ii) a pump 2330, (iii) a temperature regulator 2340, and (iv) a channel 2360 of a portion 2355 of the furniture item 2350. The valve 2370 is configured to receive (e.g., by gravity) the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2370 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2370 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit to flow from the valve 2370 to the pump 2330, to the temperature regulator 2340, to the channel 2360 and back to the valve 2370. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit. The second circuit may include features that may be the same as the first circuit or may be different from the first circuit. Reference Fig.24D, the second fluid circuit includes (i) a valve 2371, (ii) a pump 2331, (iii) a temperature regulator 2341, and (iv) a channel 2361 of a portion 2356 of the furniture item 2350. The valve 2371 is configured to retrieve or receive (e.g., by gravity) a fluid 2320 from a container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2371 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2371 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit to flow from the valve 2371 to the pump 2331, to the temperature regulator 2341, to the channel 2361, and back to the valve 2371. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to adjust the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit. The system 2403 further includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biosignals (e.g., heart signals, breathing signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 may be part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365, the portion 2355 of the furniture, and the portion 2356 of the furniture may be in different portions of the furniture item 2350. The system 2403 may regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of the furniture and / or the temperature of the portion 2356 of the furniture based at least in part on the detected biosignals of at least one user (e.g., one or two users) of the furniture item 2350. Fig.23C As shown, the first fluid circuit of system 2403 can utilize all the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2302. Fig.23C As shown, the second fluid circuit of system 2403 can utilize all of the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2302.

[0238] refer to Fig.24E, system 2404 includes a reservoir 2310, which is configured to contain a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain a fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. System 2404 includes two fluid circuits, which are in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The two fluid circuits may be in fluid communication with each other or may not be in fluid communication with each other. Reservoir 2310 serves as a common reservoir for two fluid circuits of system 2403. The first fluid circuit includes (i) a valve 2370, (ii) a pump 2330, (iii) a temperature regulator 2340, and (iv) a channel 2360 of a portion 2355 of the furniture item 2350. The valve 2370 is configured to receive (e.g., by gravity) the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2370 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2370 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit to flow from the valve 2370 to the pump 2330, to the channel 2360, to the temperature regulator 2340 and back to the valve 2370. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit. The second circuit may include features that may be the same as the first circuit or may be different from the first circuit. Reference Fig.24E, the second fluid circuit includes (i) a valve 2371, (ii) a pump 2331, (iii) a temperature regulator 2341, and (iv) a channel 2361 of a portion 2356 of the furniture item 2350. The valve 2371 is configured to retrieve or receive (e.g., by gravity) a fluid 2320 from a container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2371 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2371 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit to flow from the valve 2371 to the pump 2331, to the channel 2361, to the temperature regulator 2341, and back to the valve 2371. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to adjust the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit. The system 2404 also includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biosignals (e.g., heart signals, breathing signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 may be part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365, the portion 2355 of the furniture, and the portion 2356 of the furniture may be in different portions of the furniture item 2350. The system 2404 may regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of the furniture and / or the temperature of the portion 2356 of the furniture based at least in part on the detected biosignals of at least one user (e.g., one or two users) of the furniture item 2350. Fig.23D As shown, the first fluid circuit of system 2404 can utilize all the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2303. Fig.23D As shown, the second fluid circuit of system 2404 can utilize all of the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2303.

[0239] refer to Fig.24F, the system 2405 includes a reservoir 2310, which is configured to contain a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain a fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. The system 2405 includes two fluid circuits, which are in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The two fluid circuits may be in fluid communication with each other or may not be in fluid communication with each other. The reservoir 2310 serves as a common reservoir for the two fluid circuits of the system 2405. The first fluid circuit includes (i) a valve 2370, (ii) a pump 2330, (iii) a temperature regulator 2340, and (iv) a channel 2360 of a portion 2355 of the furniture item 2350. The valve 2370 is configured to receive (e.g., by gravity) the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2370 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2370 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit to flow from the valve 2370 to the pump 2330, to the temperature regulator 2340, to the channel 2360 and back to the valve 2370. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit. The second circuit may include features that may be the same as the first circuit or may be different from the first circuit. Reference Fig.24F, the second fluid circuit includes (i) a valve 2371, (ii) a pump 2331, (iii) a temperature regulator 2341, and (iv) a channel 2361 of a portion 2356 of the furniture item 2350. The valve 2371 is configured to retrieve or receive (e.g., by gravity) a fluid 2320 from a container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2371 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2371 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit to flow from the valve 2371 to the pump 2331, to the channel 2361, to the temperature regulator 2341, and back to the valve 2371. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to adjust the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit. The system 2405 also includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biosignals (e.g., heart signals, breathing signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 may be part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365, the portion 2355 of the furniture, and the portion 2356 of the furniture may be in different portions of the furniture item 2350. The system 2405 may regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of the furniture and / or the temperature of the portion 2356 of the furniture based at least in part on the detected biosignals of at least one user (e.g., one or two users) of the furniture item 2350. Fig.23C As shown, the first fluid circuit of system 2405 can utilize all of the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2302. Fig.23D As shown, the second fluid circuit of system 2404 can utilize all of the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2303.

[0240] refer to Figure 24G, system 2406 includes a reservoir 2310, which is configured to contain a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain a fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. System 2406 includes two fluid circuits, which are in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The two fluid circuits may be in fluid communication with each other or may not be in fluid communication with each other. The reservoir 2310 serves as a common reservoir for the two fluid circuits of the system 2406. The first fluid circuit includes (i) a valve 2370, (ii) a temperature regulator 2340, (iii) a channel 2360 of a portion 2355 of the furniture item 2350, and (iv) a pump 2330. The valve 2370 is configured to receive (e.g., by gravity) the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2370 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2370 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit. The pump 2330 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit to flow from the valve 2370 to the temperature regulator 2340, to the channel 2360, to the pump 2330 and back to the valve 2370. The second circuit may include features that may be the same as the first circuit or may be different from the first circuit. Reference Figure 24G , the second fluid circuit includes the same features as the first circuit. The system 2406 also includes one or more sensors 2365, which are configured to detect biosignals (e.g., heart signals, breathing signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 can be part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365, the portion 2355 of the furniture, and the portion 2356 of the furniture can be in different parts of the furniture item 2350. The system 2406 can regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of the furniture and / or the temperature of the portion 2356 of the furniture based at least in part on the detected biosignals of at least one user of the furniture item 2350 (e.g., one or two users). Fig.23F As shown, the first fluid circuit of system 2406 can utilize all the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2305. Fig.23F As shown, the second fluid circuit of system 2406 can utilize all of the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2305.

[0241] Fig.25An example of a method for regulating the temperature of an item of furniture is shown. The method may include providing a temperature regulator in fluid communication with (i) a portion of the item of furniture capable of holding a fluid and (ii) a reservoir capable of containing the fluid, wherein the temperature regulator is capable of regulating the temperature of the fluid when the reservoir does not contain the fluid (process 2510). The method may include controlling the temperature regulator via a computer system to regulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby regulating the temperature of the portion of the item of furniture (process 2520).

[0242] Fig.26 Another example of a method for regulating the temperature of a furniture item is shown. The method may include providing a common temperature controller configured to regulate the temperature of a fluid, wherein the common temperature controller includes (i) a first channel in fluid communication with a first portion of the furniture item, and (ii) a second channel in fluid communication with a second portion of the furniture item, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the furniture item are configured to hold the fluid, and wherein the first channel and the second channel are configured to hold the fluid (process 2610). The method may include controlling the common temperature controller to regulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby independently regulating a first temperature of the first portion of the furniture item and a second temperature of the second portion of the furniture item (process 2620).

[0243] Biosignal Processing

[0244] The technology disclosed herein classifies the sleep stage associated with a user into light sleep, deep sleep, or REM sleep. Light sleep includes stage 1 sleep and stage 2 sleep. The technology performs the classification based on the breathing rate associated with the user, the heart rate associated with the user, the movement associated with the user, and the body temperature associated with the user. Typically, when the user wakes up, the breathing is erratic. When the user sleeps, the breathing becomes regular. The transition between waking up and sleeping is fast and lasts less than 1 minute.

[0245] Figure 88 is a flowchart of a process for recommending a bedtime to a user according to one embodiment. At box 800, the process obtains a history of sleep stage information associated with the user. The history of sleep stage information includes the amount of time the user spends in each of the sleep stages, light sleep, deep sleep, or REM sleep. The history of sleep stage information can be stored in a database associated with the user. Based on the information, the process determines how much light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep the user needs on average every day. In another embodiment, the history of sleep stage information includes the average bedtime associated with the user every day of the week (e.g., the average bedtime associated with the user on Monday, the average bedtime associated with the user on Tuesday, etc.). At box 810, the process obtains a wake-up time specified by the user, such as an alarm setting associated with the user. At box 820, the process obtains exercise information associated with the user, such as the distance the user ran that day, the amount of time the user exercised in the gym, or the amount of calories the user consumed that day. According to one embodiment, the process obtains exercise information from a user's phone, a wearable device, a Titbit bracelet, or a database storing exercise information. Based on all of the information, the process recommends a bedtime to the user at block 830. For example, if the user has not gotten enough deep sleep and REM sleep over the past few days, the process recommends an earlier bedtime to the user. Additionally, if the user exercises more than the average daily number of times, the process may recommend an earlier bedtime to the user.

[0246] Fig. 9is a flow chart of a process for activating a user alarm according to one embodiment. At box 900, the process obtains a composite biosignal associated with the user. The composite biosignal associated with the user includes a heart rate associated with the user and a respiration rate associated with the user. According to one embodiment, the process obtains the composite biosignal from a sensor associated with the user. At box 910, the process extracts a heart rate signal from the composite biosignal. For example, the process extracts the heart rate signal associated with the user by performing a low-pass filter on the composite biosignal. In addition, at box 920, the process extracts a respiration rate signal from the composite biosignal. For example, the process extracts the respiration rate by performing a band-pass filter on the composite biosignal. The respiration rate signal includes a respiration duration, a pause between respirations, and the number of respirations per minute. At box 930, the process obtains a wake-up time for the user, such as an alarm setting associated with the user. Based on the heart rate signal and the respiration rate signal, the process determines a sleep stage associated with the user, and if the user is in light sleep and the current time is at most one hour earlier than the alarm time, then at box 940, the process activates the alarm. Waking the user during deep sleep or REM sleep is detrimental to the user's health because the user will feel disoriented, groggy, and will suffer memory impairment. Therefore, at box 950, when the user is in light sleep and the current time is at most one hour earlier than the user-specified wake-up time, the process activates the alarm.

[0247] Fig.10 1 is a flow chart of a process of turning off an appliance according to one embodiment. At block 1000, the process obtains a composite biosignal associated with a user. The composite biosignal includes a heart rate associated with the user and a respiration rate associated with the user. According to one embodiment, the process obtains the composite biosignal from a sensor associated with the user. At block 1010, the process extracts a heart rate signal from the composite biosignal by, for example, performing a low-pass filter on the composite biosignal. In addition, at block 1020, the process extracts a respiration rate signal from the composite biosignal by, for example, performing a band-pass filter on the composite biosignal. At block 1030, the process obtains environmental characteristics from an environmental sensor associated with a sensor bar, including temperature, humidity, light, and sound. Based on the environmental characteristics and a sleep state associated with the user, at block 1040, the process determines whether the user is sleeping. If the user is sleeping, the process turns off the appliance at block 1050. For example, if the user is asleep and the ambient temperature is above the average nighttime temperature, the process will turn off the thermostat. In addition, if the user is asleep and the light is on, the process turns off the light. Similarly, if the user falls asleep and the television is on, the process turns off the television.

[0248] Smart Home

[0249] Fig.11 1 is a diagram of a system capable of automatically controlling household appliances according to one embodiment. Any number of user sensors 1140, 1150 monitor biosignals associated with the user, such as temperature, motion, presence, heart rate, or breathing rate. Any number of environmental sensors 1160, 1170 monitor environmental characteristics, such as temperature, sound, light, or humidity. According to one embodiment, environmental sensors 1160, 1170 are placed next to the bed. User sensors 1140, 1150 and environmental sensors 1160, 1170 pass their measurements to processor 1100. Processor 1100 determines based on current biosignals associated with the user, historical biosignals associated with the user, user-specified preferences, exercise data associated with the user, and received environmental characteristics, control signals, and the time to send the control signals to appliances 1120, 1130.

[0250] Processor 1100 is any type of microcontroller, or any processor in a mobile terminal, fixed terminal or portable terminal, including a mobile device, a station, a unit, a device, a multimedia computer, a multimedia tablet computer, an Internet node, a cloud computer, a communicator, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a netbook computer, a tablet computer, a personal communication system (PCS) device, a personal navigation device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an audio / video player, a digital camera / camcorder, a positioning device, a television receiver, a radio broadcast receiver, an e-book device, a gaming device, accessories and peripheral devices of these devices, or any combination thereof.

[0251] The processor 1100 may be connected to the user sensors 1140, 1150 or the environmental sensors 1160, 1170 via a computer bus, such as an I2C bus. In addition, the processor 1100 may be connected to the user sensors 1140, 1150 or the environmental sensors 1160, 1170 via a communication network 1110. As an example, the communication network 1110 connecting the processor 1100 to the user sensors 1140, 1150 or the environmental sensors 1160, 1170 includes one or more networks, such as a data network, a wireless network, a telephone network, or any combination thereof. The data network may be any local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a public data network (such as the Internet), a short-range wireless network, or any other suitable packet switching network, such as a commercially owned proprietary packet switching network, such as a proprietary cable or fiber optic network, or any combination thereof. In addition, the wireless network can be, for example, a cellular network, and can adopt various technologies, including Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), etc., and any other suitable wireless medium, such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Internet Protocol (IP) data broadcasting, satellite, mobile ad hoc network (MANET), etc., or any combination thereof.

[0252] Fig.12 is an illustration of a system capable of controlling appliances and a home according to one embodiment. Appliances that can be controlled by the systems disclosed herein include alarms, coffee makers, locks, thermostats, bed devices, humidifiers, or lights. For example, the system detects that the user has fallen asleep, and the system sends a control signal to the light to turn off, to the lock to engage, and to the thermostat to lower the temperature. According to another example, if the system detects that the user has woken up and it is morning, the system sends a control signal to the coffee maker to start making coffee.

[0253] Fig.131 is a flow chart of a process for controlling an appliance according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, at block 1300, the process obtains a history of biosignals, such as when a user goes to bed on a particular day of the week (e.g., an average bedtime associated with the user on Monday, an average bedtime associated with the user on Tuesday, etc.). The history of biosignals may be stored in a database associated with the user, or in a database associated with a bed device. In another embodiment, at block 1300, the process also obtains user-specified preferences, such as a preferred bed temperature associated with the user. Based on the history of biosignals and the user-specified preferences, at block 1320, the process determines a control signal and a time to send the control signal to the appliance. At block 1330, the process determines whether to send a control signal to the appliance. For example, if the current time is within half an hour of the average bedtime associated with the user on a particular day of the week, the process sends a control signal to the appliance at block 1340. For example, the control signal contains an instruction to turn on the bed device and a temperature of the bed specified by the user. Alternatively, the temperature of the bed is automatically determined, such as by estimating an average nighttime bed temperature associated with the user.

[0254] According to another embodiment, at box 1300, the process obtains current bio-signals associated with the user from sensors associated with the user. At box 1310, the process also obtains environmental data, such as ambient light, from environmental sensors associated with the bed device. Based on the current bio-signals, the process identifies whether the user is asleep. If the user is asleep and the lights are on, the process sends an instruction to turn off the lights. In another embodiment, if the user is asleep, the lights are off, and the ambient light is high, the process sends an instruction to the blinds to close. In another embodiment, if the user is asleep, the process sends an instruction to the locks to engage.

[0255] In another embodiment, at block 1300, the process obtains a history of biosignals, such as what time the user went to bed on a particular day of the week (e.g., an average bedtime associated with the user on Monday, an average bedtime associated with the user on Tuesday, etc.). The history of biosignals may be stored in a database associated with the bed device, or in a database associated with the user. Alternatively, the user may specify a bedtime for each day of the week for the user. In addition, the process obtains exercise data associated with the user, such as the number of hours the user spent exercising, or a heart rate associated with the user during exercise. According to one embodiment, the process obtains exercise data from the user's phone, a wearable device, a Fitbit bracelet, or a database associated with the user. Based on the average bedtime for the day of the week and the exercise data during the day, the process determines an expected bedtime associated with the user for the night at block 1320. The process then sends instructions to the bed device to heat to a desired temperature before the expected bedtime. The desired temperature may be specified by the user, or may be automatically determined based on an average nighttime temperature associated with the user.

[0256] Fig.14 1 is a flow chart of a process for controlling an appliance according to another embodiment. At box 1400, the process receives a current biosignal associated with a user, such as a heart rate, a breathing rate, a presence, a motion, or a temperature associated with the user. At box 1410, based on the current biosignal, the process identifies a current sleep stage, such as light sleep, deep sleep, or REM sleep. At box 1420, the process also receives a current environmental characteristic value, such as temperature, humidity, light, or sound. At box 1430, the process accesses a database that stores historical values ​​associated with environmental characteristics and the current sleep stage. That is, the database associates each sleep stage with an average historical value of different environmental characteristics. The database may be associated with a bed device, may be associated with a user, or may be associated with a remote server. At box 1440, the process then calculates a new average value of the environmental characteristic based on the current value of the environmental characteristic and the historical value of the environmental characteristic and assigns the new average value to the current sleep stage in the database. If there is a mismatch between the current value of the environmental characteristic and the historical average value, the process adjusts the current value to match the historical average value at box 1450. For example, the environmental characteristic may be a temperature associated with a bed arrangement. The database stores average bed temperatures corresponding to each of the sleep stages, light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep. If the current bed temperature is below the historical average, the process sends a control signal to increase the bed temperature to match the historical average.

[0257] Monitoring of biological signals

[0258] Biosignals associated with a person, such as heart rate or breathing rate, indicate the person's health status. Changes in biosignals can indicate an immediate onset of disease, or a long-term trend that increases the risk of disease associated with the person. Monitoring such changing biosignals can predict the onset of disease, seek help when disease is imminent, or provide advice to the person when the person is exposed to a higher risk of disease over the long term.

[0259] Fig.15 is a diagram of a system for monitoring bio-signals associated with a user and providing notifications or alerts, according to one embodiment. Any number of user sensors 1530, 1540 monitor bio-signals associated with the user, such as temperature, motion, presence, heart rate, or breathing rate. The user sensors 1530, 1540 communicate their measurements to the processor 1500. The processor 1500 determines whether to send a notification or alert to a user device 1520 based on the bio-signals associated with the user, historical bio-signals associated with the user, or user-specified preferences. In some embodiments, the user device 1520 and the processor 1500 may be the same device.

[0260] User device 1520 is any type of mobile terminal, fixed terminal or portable terminal, including mobile devices, stations, units, devices, multimedia computers, multimedia tablet computers, Internet nodes, communicators, desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, netbook computers, tablet computers, personal communication system (PCS) devices, personal navigation devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), audio / video players, digital cameras / camcorders, positioning devices, television receivers, radio broadcast receivers, e-book devices, gaming devices, accessories and peripheral devices of these devices, or any combination thereof.

[0261] Processor 1500 is any type of microcontroller, or any processor in a mobile terminal, fixed terminal or portable terminal, including a mobile device, a station, a unit, a device, a multimedia computer, a multimedia tablet computer, an Internet node, a cloud computer, a communicator, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a netbook computer, a tablet computer, a personal communication system (PCS) device, a personal navigation device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an audio / video player, a digital camera / camcorder, a positioning device, a television receiver, a radio broadcast receiver, an e-book device, a gaming device, accessories and peripheral devices of these devices, or any combination thereof.

[0262] The processor 1500 may be connected to the user sensors 1530, 1540 via a computer bus, such as an I2C bus. In addition, the processor 1500 may be connected to the user sensors 1530, 1540 via a communication network 1510. As an example, the communication network 1510 that connects the processor 1500 to the user sensors 1530, 1540 includes one or more networks, such as a data network, a wireless network, a telephone network, or any combination thereof. The data network may be any local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a public data network (such as the Internet), a short-range wireless network, or any other suitable packet switching network, such as a commercially owned proprietary packet switching network, such as a proprietary cable or fiber optic network, or any combination thereof. In addition, the wireless network can be, for example, a cellular network, and can adopt various technologies, including Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), etc., and any other suitable wireless medium, such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Internet Protocol (IP) data broadcasting, satellite, mobile ad hoc network (MANET), etc., or any combination thereof.

[0263] Fig.161 is a flowchart of a process for generating a notification based on a history of a biosignal associated with a user according to one embodiment. At box 1600, the process obtains a history of a biosignal associated with a user, such as a presence history, a movement history, a breathing rate history, or a heart rate history. The history of the biosignal can be stored in a database associated with the user. At box 1610, the process determines whether there is an irregularity in the history of the biosignal within a time frame. If there is an irregularity, then at box 1620, the process generates a notification to the user. The time range can be specified by the user, or can be automatically determined according to the type of irregularity. For example, when the user is sick, the heart rate associated with the user rises within a time range of one day. According to one embodiment, the process detects irregularities, specifically, the daily heart rate associated with the user is higher than normal. Therefore, the process warns the user that the user may be sick. According to another embodiment, the process detects irregularities, such as the elderly user spending at least 10% more time in bed every day than the historical average over the past few days. The process generates a notification to the elderly user or the elderly user's caregiver, such as how much time the elderly user spent in bed. In another embodiment, the process detects irregularities, such as an increase in resting heart rate of more than 15 beats per minute over a ten-year period. Such an increase in resting heart rate doubles the likelihood that the user will die of a heart attack compared to those whose heart rate remains stable. Thus, the process warns the user that the user is at risk for a heart attack.

[0264] Fig.17 17 is a flow chart of a process for generating a comparison between a biosignal associated with a user and a target biosignal according to one embodiment. At block 1700, the process obtains a current biosignal associated with the user, such as presence, motion, respiration rate, temperature, or heart rate associated with the user. The process obtains the current biosignal from a sensor associated with the user. The process then obtains a target biosignal at block 1710, such as a biosignal specified by the user, a biosignal associated with a healthy user, or a biosignal associated with an athlete. According to one embodiment, the process obtains the target biosignal from the user or a database storing biosignals. At block 1720, the process compares the current biosignal associated with the user and the target biosignal, and generates a notification 1730 based on the comparison. The comparison of the current biosignal associated with the user and the target biosignal includes detecting a higher frequency in the current biosignal than in the target biosignal, detecting a lower frequency in the current biosignal than in the target biosignal, detecting a higher amplitude in the current biosignal than in the target biosignal, or detecting a lower amplitude in the current biosignal than in the target biosignal.

[0265] According to one embodiment, Fig.17The process can be used to detect whether an infant is at higher risk for sudden infant death syndrome ("SIDS"). In SIDS victims less than one month old, the heart rate is higher than healthy infants of the same age in all sleep stages. SIDS victims over one month old show higher heart rates during the REM sleep stage. In the case of monitoring an infant for SIDS risk, the process obtains a current biosignal associated with a sleeping infant, and a target biosignal associated with the heart rate of a healthy infant, wherein the heart rate is at the high end of a healthy heart rate spectrum. The process obtains the current biosignal from a sensor bar associated with the sleeping infant. The process obtains the target biosignal from a biosignal database. If the infant's biosignal frequency exceeds the target biosignal, the process sends a notification to the infant's caregiver that the infant is at higher risk for SIDS.

[0266] According to another embodiment, Fig.17 The process can be used for fitness training. Normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Generally, a lower heart rate at rest means more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular health. For example, a normal resting heart rate for a well-trained athlete may be closer to 40 beats per minute. Therefore, the user can specify a target resting heart rate of 40 beats per minute. The process Fig.17 A comparison 1720 between the actual biosignal and the target biosignal associated with the user is generated, and based on the comparison, the process generates a notification 1730 of whether the user has reached his goal or whether the user needs more exercise.

[0267] Fig.18 1 is a flow chart of a process for detecting the onset of disease according to one embodiment. At box 1800, the process obtains a current biosignal associated with a user, such as presence, motion, temperature, respiration rate, or heart rate associated with the user. The process obtains the current biosignal from a sensor associated with the user. In addition, at box 1810, the process obtains a history of biosignals associated with the user from a database. The history of biosignals contains biosignals associated with the user accumulated over time. The history of biosignals can be stored in a database associated with the user. At box 1820, the process then detects a difference between the current biosignal and the history of biosignals, wherein the difference indicates the onset of disease. At box 1830, the process then generates an alarm to the user's caregiver. The difference between the current biosignal and the history of the biosignal contains a higher frequency in the current biosignal than in the history of the biosignal, or a lower frequency in the current biosignal than in the history of the biosignal.

[0268] According to one embodiment, Fig.18The process can be used to detect the onset of an epileptic seizure. The normal heart rate of a healthy person is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. During an epileptic seizure, the average heart rate associated with the person exceeds 100 beats per minute. Fig.18 The process detects that the heart rate associated with the user exceeds the normal heart rate range associated with the user. The process then alerts the user's caregiver that the user is having an epileptic seizure. Although rare, an epileptic seizure can cause the average heart rate associated with a person to drop below 40 beats per minute. Similarly, Fig.18 The process detects whether the current heart rate is below the normal heart rate range associated with the user. The process then alerts the user's caregiver that the user is having an epileptic seizure.

[0269] Fig.19 is an illustration of a machine in the example form of a computer system 1900 within which a set of instructions may be executed for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies or modules discussed herein.

[0270] exist Fig.19 In the example of FIG. 1 , computer system 1900 includes a processor, a memory, a non-volatile memory, and an interface device. For simplicity of description, various common components (e.g., cache memory) are omitted. Computer system 1900 is intended to illustrate a system that can be implemented on it. Figures 1 to 18 The computer system 1900 may be a hardware device of any component described in the examples of FIG. 19 (and any other component described in this specification). The computer system 1900 may be of any suitable known or convenient type. The components of the computer system 1900 may be coupled together via a bus or via some other known or convenient means.

[0271] The present disclosure contemplates computer system 1900 in any suitable physical form. By way of example and not limitation, computer system 1900 may be an embedded computer system, a system on a chip (SOC), a single board computer system (SBC) (e.g., a computer on a module or a system on a module (SOM)), a desktop computer system, a laptop or notebook computer system, an interactive kiosk, a mainframe, a computer system grid, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a server, or a combination of two or more of these. Where appropriate, computer system 1900 may include one or more computer systems 1900; be single or distributed; span multiple locations; span multiple machines; or reside in a cloud, which may include one or more cloud components in one or more networks. Where appropriate, one or more computer systems 1900 may perform one or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein without substantial spatial or temporal limitations. By way of example and not limitation, one or more computer systems 1900 may perform one or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein in real time or in batch mode. Where appropriate, one or more computer systems 1900 may perform one or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein at different times or at different locations.

[0272] The processor may be, for example, a conventional microprocessor, such as an Intel Pentium microprocessor or a Motorola power PC microprocessor. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the term "machine-readable (storage) medium" or "computer-readable (storage) medium" includes any type of device accessible by a processor.

[0273] The memory is coupled to the processor via, for example, a bus. As an example but not limitation, the memory may include random access memory (RAM), such as dynamic RAM (DRAM) and static RAM (SRAM). The memory may be local, remote or distributed.

[0274] The bus also couples the processor to nonvolatile memory and drive units. Nonvolatile memory is typically a magnetic floppy or hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a read-only memory (ROM) (such as a CD-ROM, EPROM, or EEPROM), a magnetic or optical card, or another form for storing large amounts of data. During the execution of software in the computer 1900, some of the data is typically written to the memory through a direct memory access process. Nonvolatile memory can be local, remote, or distributed. Nonvolatile memory is optional because a system can be created with all applicable data available in the memory. A typical computer system typically includes at least a processor, a memory, and a device (e.g., a bus) that couples the memory to the processor.

[0275] Software is usually stored in non-volatile memory and / or drive unit. In fact, it may not even be possible to store the entire large program in memory. However, it should be understood that, in order for the software to run, if necessary, it is moved to a computer-readable location suitable for processing, and for the purpose of illustration, the location is referred to as memory in this article. Even if the software is moved to memory for execution, the processor will usually utilize hardware registers to store the values ​​associated with the software, and ideally local cache is used to accelerate execution. As used herein, when a software program is referred to as "implemented in a computer-readable medium", the software program is assumed to be stored in any known or convenient location (from non-volatile memory to hardware registers). When at least one value associated with a program is stored in a processor-readable register, the processor is considered to be "configured to execute the program".

[0276] The bus also couples the processor to a network interface device. The interface may include one or more of a modem or a network interface. It should be understood that the modem or network interface may be considered to be part of the computer system 1900. The interface may include an analog modem, an ISDN modem, a cable modem, a token ring interface, a satellite transmission interface (such as "Direct PC"), or other interfaces for coupling the computer system to other computer systems. The interface may include one or more input devices and / or output devices. By way of example and not limitation, the I / O devices may include a keyboard, a mouse or other pointing device, a disk drive, a printer, a scanner, and other input devices and / or output devices, including a display device. By way of example and not limitation, the display device may include a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), or some other applicable known or convenient display device. For simplicity, assume that in Fig. 9 The controller of any device not depicted in the examples resides in the interface.

[0277] In operation, computer system 1900 may be controlled by operating system software that includes a file management system, such as a disk operating system. An example of operating system software with associated file management system software is Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington, known as Another example of operating system software and its associated file management system software is Linux TM Operating system and its associated file management system. The file management system is usually stored in the non-volatile memory and / or the drive unit, and causes the processor to perform various actions required by the operating system to input and output data and store data in the memory, including storing files on the non-volatile memory and / or the drive unit.

[0278] Some parts of the specific embodiments may be presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means by which those skilled in the art of data processing most effectively communicate the content of their work to other skilled in the art. Here, an algorithm is generally considered to be a self-consistent sequence of operations that leads to a desired result. The operations are those that require physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals that can be stored, transmitted, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. Sometimes, primarily for common reasons, it has proven convenient to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc.

[0279] It should be remembered, however, that all of these and similar terms will be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless otherwise noted, it will be readily understood from the following discussion that throughout the description, discussions using terms such as "process" or "compute" or "calculate" or "determine" or "display" or "generate" refer to the actions and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities in the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities in the computer system's memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

[0280] The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other device. Various general purpose systems may be used together with the programs according to the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to configure more specialized equipment to perform the methods of some embodiments. The structures required for a variety of these systems will emerge from the following description. In addition, these techniques are not described with reference to any particular programming language, and therefore a variety of embodiments may be implemented using a variety of programming languages.

[0281] In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in a client-server network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

[0282] The machine may be a server computer, a client computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular phone, an iPhone, a Blackberry, a processor, a telephone, a network appliance, a network router, a switch or a bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by the machine.

[0283] Although the machine-readable medium or machine-readable storage medium is shown as a single medium in the exemplary embodiment, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "machine-readable storage medium" should be understood to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database and / or associated caches and servers) storing one or more sets of instructions. The terms "machine-readable medium" and "machine-readable storage medium" should also be understood to include any medium capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions executed by a machine and causing the machine to perform any one or more methods or modules of the currently disclosed technology and innovation.

[0284] Generally speaking, the program executed to implement the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as part of an operating system or a specific application, component, program, object, module or sequence of instructions referred to as a "computer program". A computer program generally includes one or more instructions that are set in different memories and storage devices of a computer at different times, and when read and executed by one or more processing units or processors in the computer, causes the computer to perform operations to perform elements related to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0285] Furthermore, although embodiments have been described in the context of fully functional computers and computer systems, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various embodiments can be distributed as program products in a variety of forms and that the present disclosure applies equally regardless of the specific type of machine or computer-readable medium used to actually implement the distribution.

[0286] Other examples of machine-readable storage media, machine-readable media, or computer-readable (storage) media include, but are not limited to, recordable-type media (such as volatile and non-volatile storage devices, floppy disks and other removable disks, hard drives, optical disks (e.g., compact disk read-only memories (CDROMS), digital versatile disks (DVDs), etc.)), and transmission-type media (such as digital communication links and analog communication links), among others.

[0287] In some cases, the operation of a memory device (such as a change of state from binary 1 to binary 0, or vice versa) may include a transformation (such as a physical transformation). For certain types of memory devices, such physical transformations may include the physical conversion of an item to a different state or thing. For example, but not limited to, for some types of memory devices, the change of state may involve the accumulation and storage of charge, or the release of stored charge. Similarly, in other memory devices, the change of state may include a physical change or transition in magnetic orientation, or a physical change or transition in molecular structure, such as from crystalline to non-crystalline, or vice versa. The foregoing is not intended to be exhaustive of all test pages in which a change of state from binary 1 to binary 0, or vice versa, in a memory device may include a transformation such as a physical transformation. Instead, the foregoing is intended as an illustrative example.

[0288] Storage media may generally be non-transitory or include non-transitory devices. In this context, non-transitory storage media may include tangible devices, meaning that the device has a specific physical form, although the device may change its physical state. Thus, for example, non-transitory means that despite this change of state, the device remains tangible.

[0289] In many embodiments disclosed herein, the technology can allow multiple different users to use the same furniture item equipped with the presently disclosed technology. For example, different people can sleep in the same bed. In addition, two different users can switch which side of the bed they sleep on, and the technology disclosed herein will correctly identify which user sleeps on which side of the bed. The technology identifies users based on any of the following signals, alone or in combination: heart rate, breathing rate, body movement, or body temperature associated with each user.

[0290] The methods and systems of the present disclosure may be combined with or modified by other methods and systems for detecting a user's biological signal or condition (e.g., sleep disorder), adjusting the temperature or configuration of a bed (e.g., a mattress or mattress pad of a bed), adjusting a user's biological signal or condition (e.g., sleep disorder), adjusting the operation of a household appliance, etc., such as, for example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0351556 (“BED DEVICE SYSTEM AND METHODS”), U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0128488 (“APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR HEATING OR COOLING ABEDBASED ON HUMAN BIOLOGICAL SIGNALS”), U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0135882 (“ADJUSTABLE BEDFRAME AND OPERATING METHODSFOR HEALTH MONITORING (Adjustable Bed Frame and Method of Operation for Health Monitoring)"), and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0135632 ("DETECTING SLEEPING DISORDERS"), each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0291] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided only as examples. Without departing from the present invention, those skilled in the art will now appreciate many variations, changes and substitutions. It should be understood that in practicing the present invention, various alternatives to the embodiments of the present invention described herein may be adopted. The following claims are intended to define the scope of the present invention, and are therefore intended to encompass methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents.

[0292] Implementation

[0293] Heat alarm

[0294] Embodiment 1. A system for changing the temperature of a portion of a furniture item, the system comprising: at least one sensor that is a portion of the furniture item, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect a biosignal of a user of the furniture item; a temperature control device that is coupled to the portion of the furniture item, wherein the temperature control device is configured to change the temperature of the portion of the furniture item; and a processor that is communicatively coupled to the sensor and the temperature control device, wherein the processor is configured to (i) when a user is sleeping on the furniture item, specify a time for the furniture item to wake up the user based on the biosignal of the user detected by the at least one sensor when the user is using the furniture item, and (ii) change the temperature of the portion of the furniture item by the temperature control device before the time.

[0295] Embodiment 2. The system of embodiment 1, wherein the processor is configured to change the temperature of the portion of the furniture item at least 10 minutes before the time.

[0296] Embodiment 3. The system of embodiment 1, wherein the processor is configured to change the temperature of the portion of the furniture item at least 30 minutes before the time.

[0297] Embodiment 4. The system of any of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein in (ii), the rate of change of temperature of the portion of the furniture item is at most 30°F / hour.

[0298] Embodiment 5. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein in (ii), the rate of change of temperature of the portion of the furniture item is at most 10°F / hour.

[0299] Embodiment 6. The system of any of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein prior to (ii), the processor is further configured to specify a target temperature to which the temperature of the portion of the furniture item is to be changed.

[0300] Embodiment 7. The system of embodiment 6, wherein the target temperature is specified based on the user's current temperature.

[0301] Embodiment 8. The system of embodiment 7, wherein the difference between the target temperature and the user's current temperature is at least 1.5°F.

[0302] Embodiment 9. The system of embodiment 7, wherein the difference between the target temperature and the user's current temperature is at least 3°F.

[0303] Embodiment 10. The system of embodiment 6, wherein the target temperature is specified based on a current temperature of a portion of the item of furniture.

[0304] Embodiment 11. The system of embodiment 10, wherein the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of the portion of the furniture item is at least 1.5°F.

[0305] Embodiment 12. The system of embodiment 10, wherein the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of the portion of the furniture item is at least 3°F.

[0306] Embodiment 13. A system according to embodiment 6, wherein the target temperature is specified based on an ambient temperature of the environment surrounding the furniture item.

[0307] Embodiment 14. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the processor is further configured to specify the time based on circadian rhythm data of the user.

[0308] Embodiment 15. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the processor is further configured to specify the time based on sleep stage data of the user.

[0309] Embodiment 16. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the processor is further configured to specify the time based on a health condition of the user.

[0310] Embodiment 17. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the processor is further configured to specify the time based on a scheduled event of the user.

[0311] Embodiment 18. The system of any of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the processor is further configured to specify the time based on a geographic location of the furniture item.

[0312] Embodiment 19. The system of embodiment 18, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the time based on traffic conditions near the geographic location.

[0313] Embodiment 20. The system of embodiment 18, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the time based on weather conditions near the geographic location.

[0314] Embodiment 21. The system of any of Embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the time based on an ambient temperature of an environment surrounding the item of furniture.

[0315] Embodiment 22. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 21, wherein the change comprises increasing the temperature of a portion of the furniture item.

[0316] Embodiment 23. The system of any one of Embodiments 1 to 21, wherein the changing comprises lowering the temperature of a portion of the furniture item.

[0317] Embodiment 24. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the item of furniture is a bed.

[0318] Embodiment 25. A system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the user's biological signal includes the user's heart signal.

[0319] Embodiment 26. A system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the user's biological signal includes the user's breathing signal.

[0320] Embodiment 27. A system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the biological signal of the user includes a perspiration signal of the user.

[0321] Embodiment 28. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the user's biosignal includes the user's temperature.

[0322] Embodiment 29. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the bio-signal of the user includes movement of the user.

[0323] Embodiment 30. A system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the user's biological signal includes two or more components selected from the group consisting of: a user's heart signal, a user's breathing signal, a user's perspiration signal, a user's temperature, and a user's movement.

[0324] Embodiment 31. The system of any of Embodiments 1 to 30, wherein a portion of the furniture item comprises a plurality of zones, and wherein the temperature control device is configured to selectively change the temperature of individual zones of the plurality of zones.

[0325] Embodiment 32. The system of embodiment 31, wherein the processor is configured to selectively change the temperature of each of the plurality of zones prior to the time.

[0326] Embodiment 33. A system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 32, wherein the processor is configured to (i) automatically specify a time for the furniture item to wake up the user based on a biological signal of the user detected by at least one sensor when the user uses the furniture item, and (ii) automatically change the temperature of a part of the furniture item through a temperature control device before the time.

[0327] Embodiment 34. A system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 32, wherein the processor is further configured to specify a time based on a biosignal of a user and a history of the biosignal data of the user, wherein the history of the biosignal data includes multiple measurements of the biosignal of the user when using the furniture item.

[0328] Embodiment 35. A system according to embodiment 34, wherein the processor is communicatively coupled to at least one database, wherein the at least one database includes a database associated with furniture items or a database associated with users, and wherein the processor is further configured to obtain a history of bio-signal data of the user from the at least one database.

[0329] Embodiment 36. The system of embodiment 34, wherein the history of the user's biosignal data comprises measurements of the user's biosignals during the user's current use of the furniture item.

[0330] Embodiment 37. The system of embodiment 36, wherein the current usage ranges from about 1 to 12 hours prior to said time.

[0331] Embodiment 38. The system of embodiment 36, wherein the current usage ranges from about 1 to 8 hours prior to said time.

[0332] Embodiment 39. The system of embodiment 36, wherein the current usage ranges from about 1 to 6 hours prior to said time.

[0333] Embodiment 40. The system of embodiment 34, wherein the history of the user's bio-signal data comprises measurements of the user's bio-signals during one or more previous uses of the item of furniture by the user.

[0334] Embodiment 41. The system of embodiment 40, wherein the one or more previous uses occurred at least about 1 day to 1 year before said time.

[0335] Embodiment 42. The system of embodiment 40, wherein the one or more previous uses occurred from at least about 1 day to 1 month before said time.

[0336] Embodiment 43. The system of embodiment 40, wherein the one or more previous uses occurred from at least about 1 day to 1 week before said time.

[0337] Embodiment 44. A system according to embodiment 34, wherein the processor is further configured to (i) identify a user of the furniture item from multiple users of the furniture item based on the user's biosignal, and (ii) obtain a history of the user's biosignal data based at least in part on the identity of the user.

[0338] Embodiment 45. A system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 44, wherein the processor is further configured to (i) identify a user of the furniture item from a plurality of users of the furniture item based on the user's bio-signal, and (ii) specify a time based on the identity of the user.

[0339] Embodiment 46. A system according to embodiment 45, wherein the identity of the user includes one or more user data selected from the group consisting of: circadian rhythm data associated with the user, sleep stage data associated with the user, activity data associated with the user, the user's scheduled wake-up time, the user's history of wake-up times, the user's historical average wake-up time, the user's scheduled bio-signal level or range, one or more future events of the user, and the user's geographic location.

[0340] Embodiment 47. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 46, wherein at least one sensor comprises at least one piezoelectric sensor.

[0341] Embodiment 48. A system according to embodiment 47, wherein at least one piezoelectric sensor is configured to measure a cardiac signal and / or a respiratory signal of a user while the user is using the furniture item.

[0342] Embodiment 49. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 46, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one temperature sensor.

[0343] Embodiment 50. The system of embodiment 49, wherein the at least one temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the user while the user is using the item of furniture.

[0344] Embodiment 51. The system of any of embodiments 1 to 50, wherein a portion of the furniture item comprises a first zone and a second zone, wherein the temperature control device is configured to independently change the temperature of each of the first zone and the second zone.

[0345] Embodiment 52. A system according to embodiment 51, wherein the processor is configured to independently: (i) when a first user is sleeping on a first zone of the furniture item, based on a first biometric characteristic of the first user detected by at least one sensor, specify a first time for the furniture item to wake up the first user and change the temperature of the first zone of the furniture item before the first time, and (ii) when a second user is sleeping on a second zone of the furniture item, based on a second biometric characteristic of the second user detected by at least one sensor, specify a second time for the furniture item to wake up the second user and change the temperature of the second zone of the furniture item before the second time.

[0346] Embodiment 53. A method for regulating the temperature of a portion of a furniture item, the method comprising: (a) providing (i) at least one sensor as a portion of the furniture item, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect a biological signal of a user of the furniture item, (ii) a temperature control device coupled to the portion of the furniture item, wherein the temperature control device is configured to change the temperature of the portion of the furniture item, and (iii) a processor communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and the temperature control device; (b) with the help of the at least one sensor, when the user uses the furniture item, detecting the biological signal of the user of the furniture item; (c) with the help of the processor, when the user sleeps on the furniture item, specifying a time for the furniture item to wake up the user based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the user; and (d) with the help of the processor, changing the temperature of the portion of the furniture item by the temperature control device before the time.

[0347] Embodiment 54. The method of embodiment 53, further comprising changing the temperature of a portion of the furniture item at least 10 minutes prior to the time with the aid of a processor and a temperature control device.

[0348] Embodiment 55. The method of embodiment 53, further comprising changing the temperature of a portion of the furniture item at least 30 minutes prior to the time with the aid of a processor and a temperature control device.

[0349] Embodiment 56. The method of any one of Embodiments 53 to 55, wherein the rate of change of temperature of the portion of the furniture item is at most 30°F / hour.

[0350] Embodiment 57. The method of any one of Embodiments 53 to 55, wherein the rate of change of temperature of the portion of the furniture item is at most 10°F / hour.

[0351] Embodiment 58. The method of any one of Embodiments 53 to 57, further comprising specifying, with the aid of a processor, a target temperature to which the temperature of a portion of the furniture item is to be changed.

[0352] Embodiment 59. A method according to embodiment 58, wherein the target temperature is specified based on the user's current temperature.

[0353] Embodiment 60. The method of embodiment 59, wherein the difference between the target temperature and the user's current temperature is at least 1.5°F.

[0354] Embodiment 61. The method of embodiment 59, wherein the difference between the target temperature and the user's current temperature is at least 3°F.

[0355] Embodiment 62. A method according to embodiment 58, wherein the target temperature is specified based on a current temperature of a portion of the furniture item.

[0356] Embodiment 63. The method of embodiment 62, wherein the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of the portion of the furniture item is at least 1.5°F.

[0357] Embodiment 64. The method of embodiment 62, wherein the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of the portion of the furniture item is at least 3°F.

[0358] Embodiment 65. A method according to embodiment 58, wherein the target temperature is specified based on the ambient temperature of the environment surrounding the furniture item.

[0359] Embodiment 66. The method of any one of embodiments 53 to 65, further comprising specifying the time based on circadian rhythm data of the user with the aid of a processor.

[0360] Embodiment 67. The method of any one of embodiments 53 to 65, further comprising specifying the time based on sleep stage data of the user with the aid of a processor.

[0361] Embodiment 68. The method of any one of embodiments 53 to 65, further comprising, with the aid of a processor, specifying a time based on a health condition of the user.

[0362] Embodiment 69. The method of any one of embodiments 53 to 65, further comprising, with the aid of a processor, specifying a time based on a user's scheduled events.

[0363] Embodiment 70. The method of any one of Embodiments 53 to 65, further comprising assigning a time based on a geographic location of the furniture item with the aid of a processor.

[0364] Embodiment 71. The method of embodiment 70 further comprises determining the time based on traffic conditions near the geographic location with the help of a processor.

[0365] Embodiment 72. The method of embodiment 70, further comprising determining the time based on weather conditions near the geographic location with the aid of a processor.

[0366] Embodiment 73. The method of any one of embodiments 53 to 65, further comprising determining the time based on an ambient temperature of an environment surrounding the item of furniture with the aid of a processor.

[0367] Embodiment 74. The method of any one of Embodiments 53 to 73, wherein the changing comprises increasing the temperature of a portion of the furniture item.

[0368] Embodiment 75. The method of any one of Embodiments 53 to 73, wherein the changing comprises lowering the temperature of a portion of the furniture item.

[0369] Embodiment 76. The method of any one of embodiments 53 to 75, wherein the furniture item is a bed.

[0370] Embodiment 77. A method according to any one of embodiments 53 to 76, wherein the user's biological signal includes the user's heart signal.

[0371] Embodiment 78. A method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 76, wherein the user's biological signal includes the user's breathing signal.

[0372] Embodiment 79. The method of any one of embodiments 53 to 76, wherein the biological signal of the user includes a perspiration signal of the user.

[0373] Embodiment 80. The method of any one of Embodiments 53 to 76, wherein the user's biosignal comprises the user's temperature.

[0374] Embodiment 81. A method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 76, wherein the user's biosignal includes the user's movement.

[0375] Embodiment 82. A method according to any one of embodiments 53 to 76, wherein the user's biological signal includes two or more components selected from the group consisting of: a user's heart signal, a user's breathing signal, a user's perspiration signal, a user's temperature, and a user's movement.

[0376] Embodiment 83. The method of any one of Embodiments 53 to 82, wherein the portion of the furniture item comprises a plurality of zones, and wherein the temperature control device is configured to selectively change the temperature of individual zones of the plurality of zones.

[0377] Embodiment 84. The method of embodiment 83, further comprising selectively changing, with the aid of a processor, a temperature of each of the plurality of zones prior to the time.

[0378] Embodiment 85. A method according to any one of embodiments 53 to 84, further comprising, with the help of a processor, (i) automatically specifying a time for the furniture item to wake up the user based on a biological signal of the user detected by at least one sensor when the user uses the furniture item, and (ii) automatically changing the temperature of a part of the furniture item by a temperature control device before the time.

[0379] Embodiment 86. A method according to any one of embodiments 53 to 84, which also includes specifying a time based on a biosignal of a user and a history of the biosignal data of the user with the help of a processor, wherein the history of the biosignal data includes multiple measurements of the biosignal of the user when using the furniture item.

[0380] Embodiment 87. A method according to embodiment 86, wherein the processor is communicatively coupled to at least one database, wherein at least one database includes a database associated with furniture items or a database associated with users, and the method further includes obtaining a history of the user's bio-signal data from at least one database with the help of the processor.

[0381] Embodiment 88. The method of embodiment 86, wherein the history of the user's biosignal data comprises measurements of the user's biosignals during the user's current use of the furniture item.

[0382] Embodiment 89. The method of embodiment 88, wherein the current use ranges from about 1 to 12 hours prior to said time.

[0383] Embodiment 90. The method of embodiment 88, wherein the current use ranges from about 1 to 8 hours prior to said time.

[0384] Embodiment 91. The method of embodiment 88, wherein the current usage range is about 1 to 6 hours before said time.

[0385] Embodiment 92. A method according to embodiment 86, wherein the history of the user's biosignal data comprises measurements of the user's biosignals during one or more previous uses of the furniture item by the user.

[0386] Embodiment 93. The method according to embodiment 92, wherein the one or more previous uses occurred at least about 1 day to 1 year before said time.

[0387] Embodiment 94. The method according to embodiment 92, wherein the one or more previous uses occurred from at least about 1 day to 1 month before said time.

[0388] Embodiment 95. The method according to embodiment 92, wherein the one or more previous uses occurred from at least about 1 day to 1 week before said time.

[0389] Embodiment 96. A method according to embodiment 86, further comprising, with the help of a processor, (i) identifying a user of the furniture item from multiple users of the furniture item based on the user's biosignal, and (ii) obtaining a history of the user's biosignal data based at least in part on the identity of the user.

[0390] Embodiment 97. A method according to any one of embodiments 53 to 96, further comprising, with the help of a processor, (i) identifying a user of the furniture item from multiple users of the furniture item based on the user's bio-signal, and (ii) specifying a time based on the identity of the user.

[0391] Embodiment 98. A method according to embodiment 97, wherein the identity of the user includes one or more user data selected from the group consisting of: circadian rhythm data associated with the user, sleep stage data associated with the user, activity data associated with the user, the user's scheduled wake-up time, the user's history of wake-up times, the user's historical average wake-up time, the user's scheduled bio-signal level or range, one or more future events of the user, and the user's geographic location.

[0392] Embodiment 99. A method according to any one of embodiments 53 to 98, wherein at least one sensor comprises at least one piezoelectric sensor.

[0393] Embodiment 100. The method of embodiment 99, wherein at least one piezoelectric sensor is configured to measure a cardiac signal and / or a respiratory signal of a user while the user is using the furniture item.

[0394] Embodiment 101. The method of any one of embodiments 53 to 98, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one temperature sensor.

[0395] Embodiment 102. The method of embodiment 101, wherein the at least one temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the user while the user is using the item of furniture.

[0396] Embodiment 103. The method of any one of Embodiments 53 to 102, wherein a portion of the furniture item comprises a first zone and a second zone, wherein the temperature control device is configured to independently change the temperature of each of the first zone and the second zone.

[0397] Embodiment 104. The method according to embodiment 103 further includes, with the ...

Claims

1. A system for regulating the temperature of a furniture item, the system comprising: a reservoir configured to contain a fluid, the reservoir being in fluid communication with a portion of the item of furniture, wherein the portion of the item of furniture is configured to retain a portion of the fluid; a temperature regulator in fluid communication with the portion of the furniture article and the reservoir, wherein the temperature regulator is configured to adjust a temperature of the portion of the fluid when the portion of the fluid is not contained in the reservoir; a device configured to control the flow of the fluid, wherein the device is (i) arranged along a first flow of the portion of the fluid between the reservoir and the temperature regulator such that the portion of the fluid flows along the first flow, and (ii) arranged along a second flow of the portion of the fluid between the portion of the furniture item and the temperature regulator such that the portion of the fluid flows along the second flow, the second flow being different from the first flow and excluding the reservoir; as well as A processor is operably coupled to the thermostat, wherein the processor is programmed to control the thermostat to adjust the temperature of the portion of the fluid to thereby regulate the temperature of the portion of the furniture item.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the item of furniture comprises a bed or a chair.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the bed comprises a mattress, a mattress pad, and a blanket.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid is a liquid.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the liquid is water.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the temperature regulator is not part of the reservoir.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein: (i) the temperature regulator comprises a channel configured to retain the fluid and / or allow the fluid to flow; and / or (ii) wherein the temperature regulator comprises a thermoelectric engine configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is not configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the reservoir comprises a removable container configured to hold the fluid.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a pump configured to retrieve the fluid from the reservoir and direct the fluid from the pump, through the temperature regulator, and to the pump.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein: (i) the pump is configured to prevent the fluid from flowing from the pump to the reservoir; (ii) the pump is further configured to separate the fluid in the temperature regulator from the fluid contained in the reservoir; and / or (iii) the processor is operably coupled to the pump and is programmed to control the pump to retrieve the fluid from the reservoir and direct the fluid to flow from the pump, through the temperature regulator and to the pump.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a gate disposed between the reservoir and the temperature regulator, the gate configured to prevent the fluid from flowing away from the temperature regulator and toward the reservoir.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the gate is a one-way valve.

14. The system of claim 1, further comprising an additional portion of the furniture item configured to retain the fluid, wherein the portion and the additional portion are different.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the additional portion of the furniture item is in fluid communication with an additional thermostat configured to regulate the temperature of the additional portion of the fluid, wherein the thermostat and the additional thermostat are different.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the portion of the furniture item includes a channel configured to retain the fluid and / or permit flow of the fluid.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the channel comprises a plurality of interconnected channels configured to retain the fluid and / or permit flow of the fluid.

18. The system of claim 1 further comprising an additional portion of the furniture item, the additional portion comprising at least one sensor operably coupled to the processor and configured to detect a biosignal of at least one user of the furniture item.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein: (1) wherein the biosignal comprises a heart signal, a respiratory signal, movement, temperature or perspiration; and / or (2) wherein the processor is further configured to monitor (i) the biosignal of the at least one user, (ii) a sleep pattern of the at least one user based on the biosignal of the at least one user detected over a period of time, and / or (iii) a temperature setting of the portion of the furniture item over a period of time.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein the regulating comprises changing a temperature of the portion of the furniture item.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to draw the portion of the fluid in a direction away from the reservoir and toward the temperature regulator.

22. A system for regulating the temperature of an item of furniture, the system comprising: a common temperature controller configured to independently regulate (i) a first temperature of a first portion of a fluid in a first portion of the furniture item, and (ii) a second temperature of a second portion of the fluid in a second portion of the furniture item, wherein the common temperature controller comprises: (i) a common reservoir configured to contain the fluid, the common reservoir not configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid; (ii) a first passageway in fluid communication with the common reservoir and the first portion of the furniture item, the first passageway being configured to retain the first portion of the fluid, wherein the first passageway includes a first device disposed between the common reservoir and the first portion of the furniture item, wherein the first device is configured to (i) cause the fluid to flow from the common reservoir to a first thermostat which then directs the fluid to the first portion of the furniture item, (ii) direct the first portion of the fluid to flow directly from the first portion of the furniture item to the first device, and (iii) prevent the first portion of the fluid from flowing directly to the common reservoir, wherein the first thermostat is in fluid communication with the first passageway and is configured to regulate a temperature of the first portion of the fluid; and (iii) a second passage in fluid communication with the common reservoir and the second portion of the furniture item, the second passage being configured to retain the second portion of the fluid, wherein the second passage includes a second device disposed between the common reservoir and the second portion of the furniture item, wherein the second device is configured to (i) cause the fluid to flow from the common reservoir to a second thermostat which then directs the fluid to the second portion of the furniture item, (ii) direct the second portion of the fluid to flow directly from the second portion of the furniture item to the second device, and (iii) prevent the second portion of the fluid from flowing directly to the common reservoir, wherein the second thermostat is in fluid communication with the second passage and configured to regulate the temperature of the second portion of the fluid; and A processor is operably coupled to the common temperature controller, the processor being programmed to control the common temperature controller to independently regulate the first temperature of the first portion of the fluid and the second temperature of the second portion of the fluid.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the item of furniture comprises a bed.

24. The system of claim 22, wherein the fluid is water.

25. The system of claim 22, wherein the first thermostat and the second thermostat are not part of the common reservoir.

26. The system of claim 22, wherein the common temperature controller further comprises: (i) a first gate disposed between the common reservoir and the first temperature regulator, the first gate being configured to prevent the fluid from flowing away from the first temperature regulator and toward the common reservoir, and / or (ii) a second gate disposed between the common reservoir and the second temperature regulator, the second gate being configured to prevent the fluid from flowing away from the second temperature regulator and toward the common reservoir.

27. A system according to claim 22, wherein the first device includes a first pump connected to the first channel fluid, the first pump is configured to direct the first portion of the fluid to flow between the first channel and the first portion of the furniture item, and / or the second device includes a second pump connected to the second channel fluid, the second pump is configured to direct the second portion of the fluid to flow between the second channel and the second portion of the furniture item.

28. A system according to claim 27, wherein the common temperature controller includes a housing, wherein the housing is used to enclose (1) at least a portion of the first channel and at least a portion of the second channel; (2) the common reservoir; (3) the first temperature regulator and the second temperature regulator; and / or (4) the first pump and / or the second pump.

29. The system of claim 22, wherein the adjusting comprises (i) increasing the first temperature of the first portion of the furniture item and (ii) increasing the second temperature of the second portion of the furniture item.

30. The system of claim 22, wherein the adjusting comprises (i) increasing the first temperature of the first portion of the furniture item and (ii) decreasing the second temperature of the second portion of the furniture item.

31. The system of claim 22, wherein the regulating comprises (i) lowering the first temperature of the first portion of the furniture item and (ii) lowering the second temperature of the second portion of the furniture item.

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