Vital Signs Monitoring System

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a vital sign monitoring system. The present invention relates to a monitoring system capable of measuring multiple vital signs. The monitoring system may include multiple sensors, including but not limited to electrodes, piezoelectric sensors, temperature sensors, and accelerometers. The monitoring system can operate in one or more operating modes such as, for example: a capacitance measurement mode, an electrical measurement mode, a piezoelectric measurement mode, a temperature measurement mode, an acceleration measurement mode, an impedance measurement mode, and a standby mode. Based on the measured values, the monitoring system can analyze the user's sleep, provide feedback and suggestions to the user, and / or can adjust or control the environmental conditions to improve the user's sleep. The monitoring system is also capable of analyzing the user's sleep without directly contacting or attaching an uncomfortable probe to the user, and without having to analyze the sleep in an unknown environment (e.g., a medical facility).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of PCT international application No. 201780049410.7, which entered the Chinese national phase and whose international application date is August 11, 2017 and whose invention name is “Vital Signs Monitoring System”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 374,615 filed on August 12, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention generally relates to monitoring systems and methods for measuring vital signs of one or more users. Background Art

[0005] Traditionally, monitoring a person's sleep or vital signs requires expensive and cumbersome equipment. Some systems require that monitoring be performed away from home in a medical facility and / or require that the equipment be attached to or in direct contact with the person, which can cause discomfort and may result in inaccurate analysis due to interruptions to the person's sleep. In addition, these systems are configured to determine vital signs based on one type of measurement or mode of operation. Moreover, these systems are configured to monitor only a single person; these systems not only lack the ability to monitor multiple users, but also lack the ability to incorporate the analysis of the first user into the analysis of the second user, whose sleep may be affected by the first user. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention relates to a monitoring system capable of measuring multiple vital signs for one or more users. The monitoring system may include multiple sensors, including but not limited to electrodes, piezoelectric sensors, temperature sensors, and accelerometers. The monitoring system can operate in one or more operating modes such as, for example: capacitance measurement mode, electrical measurement mode, piezoelectric measurement mode, temperature measurement mode, acceleration measurement mode, impedance measurement mode, and standby mode. Based on the measured values, the monitoring system can perform functions such as analyzing the user's sleep, providing feedback and suggestions to the user, and / or adjusting or controlling environmental conditions to improve the user's sleep. The monitoring system can also dynamically divide the system into multiple parts to consider multiple users. Each part can be customized for the corresponding user through independent control and independent measurement to provide the user with a unique independent sleep analysis. The monitoring system can evaluate the sleep of another user using information from one user. The monitoring system can be used at home or can be portable, providing the user with flexibility in the location where the monitoring system can be used. The monitoring system can also analyze the user's sleep without directly contacting or attaching an uncomfortable probe to the user, and without having to analyze sleep in an unknown environment (e.g., a medical facility). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 An exemplary block diagram of a monitoring system according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0008] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B Top and perspective views of layers included in an exemplary mat according to examples of the present disclosure are shown.

[0009] Figure 2C to Figure 2F A cross-sectional view of an exemplary mat according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 2G An exemplary process flow for capacitance measurement according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 2H An exemplary perspective view of layers included in an exemplary mat according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of an exemplary monitoring system including a mat according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] FIG. 3B to FIG. 3C A cross-sectional view of an exemplary mat according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 3D-1 and Figure 3D-2 An exemplary process flow for dynamically switching one or more electrodes for capacitance measurements according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 3E A cross-sectional view of an exemplary pad including a switching matrix according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0016] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C Top, perspective, and cross-sectional views of layers included in an exemplary mat according to examples of the present disclosure are shown.

[0017] Figure 4D-1 and Figure 4D-2 An exemplary process flow for capacitive and electrical measurements according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 4E A cross-sectional view of an exemplary mat according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 4F A cross-sectional view of an exemplary mat according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 5A A top view of an exemplary monitoring system including multiple cross sections according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 5B-1 to Figure 5B-3 An exemplary process flow for dynamically segmenting a mat into multiple cross sections according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 5C A top view of an exemplary monitoring system including multiple cross sections according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B Top and perspective views of layers included in an exemplary mat according to examples of the present disclosure are shown.

[0024] FIG. 6C to FIG. 6D A cross-sectional view of an exemplary mat according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 6E-1 and Figure 6E-2 Exemplary process flows for capacitive, electrical, and piezoelectric measurements according to examples of the present disclosure are shown.

[0026] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B A top view of exemplary layers included in a mat according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] FIG. 7C to FIG. 7D Top and cross-sectional views of an exemplary pad including electrodes disposed on a piezoelectric sensor according to examples of the present disclosure are shown.

[0028] FIG. 7E to FIG. 7G A cross-sectional view of an exemplary mat according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0029] Fig. 8A A top view of exemplary layers of a pad including a plurality of electrodes, a plurality of piezoelectric sensors, and a plurality of temperature sensors according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] FIG. 8B to FIG. 8C A cross-sectional view and a top view of a monitoring system including a temperature sensor according to an example of the present disclosure are shown.

[0031] Fig.8D An exemplary process flow for temperature measurement according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0032] Fig. 9 A top view of exemplary layers of a mat including a plurality of electrodes, a plurality of piezoelectric sensors, a plurality of temperature sensors, and a plurality of accelerometers according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Fig. 10A A top view of exemplary layers included in a pad configured for ICG measurements according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Fig. 10B A corresponding circuit diagram according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Fig. 10C An exemplary process flow configured for impedance measurement according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0036] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C Shown is a measurement pattern over time of a monitoring system according to an example of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In the following description of the examples, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which specific examples that may be implemented are shown by way of illustration. It should be understood that other examples may be used and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various examples.

[0038] Figure 1 An exemplary block diagram of a monitoring system according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. System 199 may include a pad 102, a power source 103, a camera 108, and a control system 140. Pad 102 may be placed on a bed (not shown) or on, attached to, or in contact with a bed or any type of device that is configured to support one or more human users, one or more pets, etc. Pad 102 may be configured to cover, for example, all or part of a mattress that may be placed, attached, or supported by one or more frames of a bed. In some examples, pad 102 may be flexible. In some examples, pad 102 may be at least partially rigid. Pad 102 may include one or more of a sheet, a blanket, a duvet, a pillow or pillowcase, or a pillow core. Pad 102 may be a stand-alone unit that may be placed on a bed or may be incorporated into a fabric or textile used as part of a sleep / rest arrangement.

[0039] The power supply 102 can be configured to provide power to the system 199. In some examples, the power supply can be configured to couple to an electrical outlet. In some examples, the power supply can be coupled to a battery and a charging station or power source. In some examples, the power supply can be configured to receive power from a charging element such as a magnetic disk. In some examples, the charging element can include an induction coil, and the power can be transmitted to the monitoring system via an electromagnetic field.

[0040] The system 199 may include a camera 108 and a control system 140. The camera 108 may be a video camera configured to perform one or more functions, including, but not limited to, determining the location of the user's body, determining the position of the user's body, determining the temperature of the user's body, and determining the temperature of the local environment. The monitoring system may be configured to utilize information from the camera 108 in combination with information from one or more sensors (e.g., electrodes 182, piezoelectric sensors 134, temperature sensors 138, accelerometers 142, and electrical sensors 182) for sleep analysis and feedback.

[0041] The control system 140 may be configured to control one or more parameters. For example, the control system 140 may include a temperature sensor 139 that can measure the control system and provide information about the room temperature to the control system. In some examples, the control system 140 may be configured to communicate with the pad 102 via wired (e.g., using a cable) or wireless communication. The control panel 140 may include a touch panel and / or a display, and may be configured to interact with a user and / or a computer. For example, the control panel 140 may display heart rate, heart rate fluctuations, breathing rate, breathing rate fluctuations, user's movement, and the user's temperature. In some examples, the control panel 140 may display an analysis of the user's sleep and / or may provide suggestions for improving the user's sleep.

[0042] The pad 102 may include one or more electrodes 182, one or more piezoelectric sensors 134, a plurality of temperature sensors 138, and one or more accelerometers 142. The electrodes and sensors included in the system 199 may include one or more functions and configurations discussed below. The system 199 may include a controller configured to determine one or more measurements, such as a BCG measurement 123, an ECG measurement 183, an acceleration measurement 143, a temperature measurement 139, and an ICG measurement 133. Although Figure 1 The mat 102 is shown to include four different types of sensors, but examples of the present disclosure may include a monitoring system that includes one or more different types of sensors.

[0043] Although the control system 140 may be included in the system 199, examples of the present disclosure may include an arrangement where the control system 140 is separate and distinct from the system 199. The system 199 may send information (e.g., temperature measurements, acceleration measurements, ICG measurements, ECG measurements, and BCG measurements) to the control system 140 via a wired or wireless (e.g., local area network) communication component. In some examples, the control system 140 may include a transceiver to receive information from the system 199, and a controller or processor to process the information for analysis (e.g., for determining heart rate, heart rate fluctuations, respiratory rate, and respiratory rate fluctuations).

[0044] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2BA top view and a perspective view of the layers included in an exemplary pad according to an example of the present disclosure are shown. The exemplary pad may include layer 220 and layer 230. Layer 220 may include electrode 222. An "electrode" referred to herein may be a separately connected conductive unit for driving or sensing purposes. In some examples, electrode 222 may be configured to cover a majority (e.g., greater than 75%) of the area of ​​layer 222 and may be continuous (i.e., a discrete block of material). Layer 230 may include a plurality of electrodes 232. Electrode 222, a plurality of electrodes 232, or both may include any conductive material, including, but not limited to, silver, copper, gold, aluminum, steel, brass, bronze, and graphite. In some examples, electrode 222 and a plurality of electrodes 232 may include the same material. In some examples, the exemplary pad may include layer 240. For example, layer 240 may be configured to provide support or electrical insulation from one or more materials or layers (e.g., a mattress). In some examples, layer 240 may include one or more electrodes (not shown). Although FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B Layer 220 is shown to include one electrode and layer 230 includes multiple electrodes, but each layer may include any number of electrodes.

[0045] Figure 2C to Figure 2F 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary pad according to an example of the present disclosure. The exemplary pad can be configured with any number of layers and / or arrangement of layers relative to other layers. For example, Figure 2C As shown, layer 220 may be located on one side of layer 230, and layer 240 may be located on the other side of layer 230. Electrode 222 disposed on layer 220 may be located on a side of layer 220 opposite to user 298. Electrode 232 may be located between layer 230 and layer 240. Electrode 242 may be located on a side of layer 240 opposite to electrode 232.

[0046] In some examples, such as Figure 2D As shown in , electrode 222 can be located on a side of layer 220, closer to user 298 than layer 220. Electrode 232 can be located on a side of layer 220 opposite to user 298, and between layer 220 and layer 230. In some examples, as shown in Figure 2E As shown in , electrode 232 can be positioned closer to user 298 than electrode 222. Electrode 232 can be disposed on layer 230, and electrode 222 can be disposed on layer 220. Layer 230 can be closer to user 298 than electrode 232. In addition, the exemplary pad can include layer 240, which is located on a side of electrode 222 opposite to layer 220. In some examples, as shown in FIG. Figure 2FAs shown, layer 220 and electrode 222 can be closer to the user than layer 230 and electrode 232. Although the figures show one or more electrodes disposed on the corresponding layers, examples of the present disclosure may include one or more electrodes that are fully or partially embedded in the layers or at least partially disposed on the layers. Although the figures show a user 298 located on one side of the exemplary pad, examples of the present disclosure may include an exemplary pad that can be used as a monitoring system regardless of where the side user 298 is located. In addition, the exemplary monitoring system can function when the user 298 is located at the center or edge of the pad.

[0047] Electrode 222, electrode 232 and / or electrode 242 may be configured with one or more functions. For example, electrode 222 and electrode 232 may be configured to measure multiple capacitance values. Electrode 222 may be configured as a sensing electrode, and multiple electrodes 232 may be configured as drive electrodes. In some examples, electrode 222 may be configured as a drive electrode, and multiple electrodes 232 may be configured as sensing electrodes. When an external force is applied, for example, by the weight of user 298, electrode 222 may move closer to electrode 232, which in turn may cause a change (e.g., increase) in the mutual capacitance between electrodes (i.e., sensing electrode and drive electrode). In some examples, electrodes included in multiple electrodes 232 may be stimulated one at a time, and the capacitance associated with stimulation electrode 222 may be measured by a sensing circuit. In some examples, electrode 222 may include one or more cross-sections of a conductive material electrically coupled together. In some examples, the change in capacitance may be related to the distance between electrode 232 and electrode 222. One or more images of the strength or intensity of the force applied by user 298 may be obtained based on the change in capacitance.

[0048] In some examples, capacitive sensing can include measuring the capacitance at electrode 222, multiple electrodes 232, or both relative to some reference (such as ground or a ground layer). The capacitance relative to the reference ground can be changed due to the presence of the user's body at least in part. In some examples, sensing can include resistive sensing, where the user's force or weight can cause the electrodes to electrically contact. The electrodes can be driven and a conductive path can be created; electrically contacting the electrodes can cause a change in resistance (which can be measured as a change in current).

[0049] In some examples, electrode 242 ( Figure 2C ) can be configured as a shielding layer to shield the monitoring system from environmental noise. In some examples, electrode 242 can be coupled to a drive circuit, and the drive circuit can drive electrode 242 to a given voltage. In some examples, electrode 242 can be grounded. Although in Figures 2D to 2FElectrode 242 and layer 240 are not shown in FIG. 2 , but examples of the present disclosure may include any number of substrates and any number of layers configured for shielding.

[0050] Capacitive measurements may be used to detect the location, position and / or movement of a user's body on the mat. Figure 2G An exemplary process flow for capacitance measurement according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. The drive circuit can stimulate one or more drive electrodes to create mutual capacitance with one or more sensing electrodes (step 252 of process 250). The sensing circuit can be coupled to one or more sensing electrodes. The sensing circuit can measure any change in capacitance at the sensing electrode, where the change in capacitance may be due to the user's force or weight changing the distance between the electrodes (step 254 of process 250). A controller or processor coupled to the sensing circuit can form an image of the user's positioning and / or position on the pad (step 256 of process 250). The controller or processor can determine which drive electrode and / or sensing electrode is not affected by the user's force or weight (step 258 of process 250). When the capacitance measurement value is below a predetermined threshold, the controller can disable or disconnect the drive electrode and / or sensing electrode connection to save power, for example (step 260 of process 250). The measured capacitance value can be used to form at least a portion of an electrocardiograph (BCG) measurement value (step 262 of process 250). In some examples, the measured capacitance value can be used to measure the displacement of the user's body. This process (step 264 of process 250) may be repeated after predetermined time intervals and / or when the user's body positioning and / or position changes.

[0051] The BCG measurement performed in step 262 of process 250 can include changes in electrode characteristics due to slight body movement (e.g., caused by the flow of blood from the user with each heartbeat). When pumping blood, the user's body can move back and forth (e.g., in a longitudinal direction), and this back and forth movement can be measured by recording or monitoring changes in capacitance over time. In some examples, the monitoring system can be configured so that measurements from electrodes located in the direct periphery of the user (i.e., adjacent to electrodes located directly below the user's body) are included in the BCG measurement; this is because electrodes located in the direct periphery may be more sensitive to body movement than electrodes located directly below the user's body (e.g., the measurement may be affected by overall movement). BCG measurements can be used, at least in part, to measure heart rate, heart rate fluctuations, respiratory rate, and / or respiratory rate fluctuations.

[0052] In some examples, a pad may include one or more virtual cross sections. Figure 2HAn exemplary perspective view of layers included in an exemplary pad according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. In some examples, layer 220 may include one or more dummy sections 224. Dummy sections 224 may be configured to prevent adjacent electrodes from capacitively coupling with each other. In some examples, dummy sections 224 may be floating. In some examples, dummy sections 224 may be grounded or drive circuits. In some examples, layer 230 may additionally or alternatively include dummy sections (not shown).

[0053] In some examples, the layers included in the pad may be spatially separated. Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of an exemplary monitoring system including a pad according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. System 399 may include subpad 302 and subpad 304. In some examples, user 398 may be located between subpad 302 and subpad 304. Subpad 302 and subpad 304 may be configured with any number of layers and / or arrangements of layers relative to other layers. For example, subpad 302 may include layer 320 and electrode 322. Although the figures show layer 320 closer to user 398 than electrode 322 and layer 330 closer to user 398 than electrode 332, examples of the present disclosure may include electrode 332 closer to user 398 than layer 330, electrode 322 closer to user 398 than layer 320, or both. The design and / or operation of layer 330, multiple electrodes 332, and electrode 322 may include the design and / or operation of layer 230, multiple electrodes 232, and electrode 222, respectively, as described above. Subpad 304 may include layer 330 and plurality of electrodes 332 .

[0054] For user 398 being located between subpad 302 and subpad 304, one or more parts of user 398 may cause a change in the distance between multiple electrodes 322 and electrode 332. The change in distance between the electrodes may be caused by physical characteristics of the user's body parts (e.g., size) and / or the user's positioning (e.g., the user may be lying on their side). For example, lower mutual capacitance in one or more regions compared to other regions may indicate the presence of one or more user's body parts located between subpad 302 and subpad 304. In some examples, system 399 may be configured to roughly estimate the location of one or more user's body parts based on the capacitance values. For example, if the user is sleeping on their back (e.g., lying flat on their back), the user may be positioned relative to the user's body parts. Figure 3A ), then the area with lower mutual capacitance may be associated with a body part with lower profile (e.g., an arm or leg). The area with higher mutual capacitance may be associated with a body part with higher profile (e.g., a chest). Alternatively, a lower mutual capacitance may be associated with a user located on the back of the user, and a higher mutual capacitance may be associated with a user located on the side of the user. The capacitance measurement may include the process 250 discussed above ( Figure 2G ) or self-capacitance measurements.

[0055] In one or more areas where subpad 302 and subpad 304 may be in contact, electrode 322 may be in close proximity to electrode 332, and the mutual capacitance may be greater than the area where subpad 302 and subpad 304 may be in contact. In some examples, multiple electrodes 332 may be stimulated one by one, and the capacitance associated with stimulated electrodes 332 may be measured by circuitry coupled to electrodes 322. In some examples, electrodes 322 may include one or more cross-sections of conductive material electrically coupled together.

[0056] FIG. 3B to FIG. 3C A cross-sectional view of an exemplary pad according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. In some examples, such as Figure 3C As shown, system 399 can be configured with multiple electrodes 332 included in subpad 302 and electrode 322 included in subpad 304. Figure 3C Layer 320 is shown closer to user 398 than electrode 322 and layer 330 is shown closer to user 398 than electrode 332, but examples of the present disclosure may include multiple electrodes 332 closer to user 398 than layer 330, electrode 322 closer to user 398 than layer 320, or both.

[0057] In some examples, the subpad 302 may include a switching matrix 391 such as Figure 3C As shown. Subpad 302 may include multiple electrode layers, such as multiple electrodes 332 disposed on layer 330 and multiple electrodes 342 disposed on layer 340. Switching matrix 391 may be configured to electrically couple one or more electrodes included in multiple electrodes 332 together. System 399 is capable of dynamically switching one or more electrodes for capacitance measurement values. For example, in a first mode, user 398 may be located between subpad 302 and subpad 304. Electrode 322 may be configured as a sensing electrode, and multiple electrodes 332 may be configured as drive electrodes. The change in capacitance value may be due to the user's body part increasing the separation between the sensing electrode and the drive electrode. In a second mode, subpad 304 may be removed from system 399 or located at a certain distance. The separation between subpad 304 and subpad 302 may prevent electrode 322 from capacitively coupling to multiple electrodes 332, or the measured capacitance value may be lower than a predetermined threshold.

[0058] The switching matrix 391 can electrically couple the plurality of electrodes 332 together. The electrically coupled electrodes 332 can be configured as sensing electrodes, and the plurality of electrodes 342 can be configured as drive electrodes. The change in capacitance value can be due to the user's weight applying a force that can change the distance between the sensing electrodes and the drive electrodes. When the sub-pad 304 is returned to the system 399 and is located at a sufficiently close distance that the electrode 322 can be capacitively coupled to the electrode 332 (or the measured capacitance value can become greater than a predetermined threshold), the system 399 can remain in the second mode or switch to the first mode.

[0059] In some examples, the drive circuit may drive two or more electrodes differently. For example, one or more electrodes may be driven by the drive circuit, while other electrodes may not be driven. The system may switch which electrodes are capacitively coupled. For example, in a first operating mode, the system may drive an electrode located in subpad 302 (or subpad 304) to capacitively couple with a sensing electrode also located in subpad 302 (or subpad 304). In a second operating mode, the system may drive an electrode located in subpad 302 (or subpad 304) to capacitively couple with a sensing electrode located in subpad 304 (or subpad 302). In some examples, the system may alternate between a first operating mode and a second operating mode (e.g., time multiplexing). In some examples, electrodes may be driven with different stimulation signals.

[0060] Figure 3D-1 and Figure 3D-2An exemplary process flow for dynamically switching one or more electrodes for capacitance measurement values ​​according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. The drive circuit can stimulate one or more drive electrodes included in the pad to create capacitance with one or more sensing electrodes (step 372 of process 370). The sensing circuit can be coupled to one or more sensing electrodes. The sensing circuit can determine whether the drive electrode can be capacitively coupled to these electrodes (step 374 of process 370). If there is capacitive coupling (or whether the measured capacitance value is greater than a predetermined threshold), the system can switch to a first mode of measuring capacitance values. The sensing circuit can measure any changes in capacitance caused by a body part of the user, thereby creating a separation or change in the distance between the drive electrode and the sensing electrode (step 376 of process 370). A controller or processor coupled to the sensing circuit can form an image of the positioning and / or position of the user's body (step 378 of process 370). The image can include a matrix of capacitance values. The controller or processor can determine which drive electrodes and / or sense electrodes are not affected by the presence of the user's body (e.g., creating separation or reducing the gap between the drive electrodes and the sense electrodes) (step 380 of process 370), for example, the drive electrodes and / or sense electrodes can be disabled or disconnected to save power (step 382 of process 370). The measured capacitance value can be used to form at least a portion of the BCG measurement value (step 384 of process 370). The process can be repeated after predetermined time intervals and / or when the user's body positioning and / or position changes (step 386 of process 370).

[0061] If there is no capacitive coupling or if the measured capacitance value is below a predetermined threshold (determined in step 374 of process 370), the system can switch to a second mode of measuring capacitance values. The sensing circuit can measure any capacitance changes caused by the user's force, which changes the distance between the drive electrode and the sensing electrode (step 388 in process 370). A controller or processor coupled to the sensing circuit can form an image of the positioning and position of the user's body on the pad (step 390 of process 370). The controller or processor can determine which drive electrodes and / or sensing electrodes are not affected by the user's force or weight (step 392 of process 370), for example, the drive electrodes and / or sensing electrodes can be disabled or disconnected to save power (step 394 of process 370). The measured capacitance value can be used to form at least a portion of the BCG measurement value (step 384 of process 370). The process can be repeated after predetermined time intervals and / or when the user's body positioning and / or position changes (step 386 of process 370). Although Figure 3D-1 and Figure 3D-2Process 370 is shown as including determining whether there is capacitive coupling between electrodes in the subpad after or while stimulating the drive electrode, but examples of the present disclosure may include this determination at any time. For example, the system may be configured to periodically determine whether there is capacitive coupling, regardless of which step the system is in.

[0062] In some examples, the subpad may be foldable and may include a switching matrix to dynamically reconfigure measurements for such situations. Figure 3E A cross-sectional view of an exemplary pad including a switching matrix according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. The subpad 304 may include a layer 330, a plurality of electrodes 332, and a switching matrix 393. In some examples, the subpad 304 may be folded so that a user 398 may be located between a top 303 of the subpad 304 and a bottom 305 of the subpad 304. The subpad 304 may be configured to measure capacitance between a plurality of electrodes 332 located in the top 303 of the subpad 304 and a plurality of electrodes 332 located in the bottom 305 of the subpad 304. The switching matrix 393 may be configured to couple together some of the plurality of electrodes 332 located in one portion (e.g., the bottom 305) of the subpad 304. The electrically coupled electrodes located in the portion (e.g., the bottom 305) may form mutual capacitance with one or more of the plurality of electrodes 332 located in another portion (e.g., the top 303) of the subpad 304.

[0063] In order to determine whether subpad 304 is folded and / or located adjacent to subpad 302, a test scan can be performed. The test scan can include coupling one or more electrodes 332 (or electrodes included in subpad 302) to a drive circuit and coupling other electrodes (e.g., other electrodes 332) to a sensing circuit. In some examples, the test can include multiple combinations of different electrodes coupled to the drive circuit and different electrodes coupled to the sensing circuit. Based on a combination of drive electrodes and sensing electrodes, where the capacitance value is greater than a predetermined threshold, the position and / or configuration of subpad 302 and subpad 304 can be determined.

[0064] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C A top view, a perspective view, and a cross-sectional view of layers included in an exemplary pad according to examples of the present disclosure are shown. The exemplary pad may include layer 420, layer 430, and layer 440. Layer 420 may include electrode 422, and layer 430 may include multiple electrodes 432. The design and / or operation of layer 420, layer 430, layer 440, electrode 422, and multiple electrodes 432 may include the design and / or operation of layer 220, layer 230, layer 240, electrode 222, and multiple electrodes 232, respectively, as described above.

[0065] In some examples, multiple electrodes 442 may be configured to have a higher granularity than electrodes 422 and / or multiple electrodes 432. The change in granularity may be obtained in one or more ways, including, but not limited to, different materials and / or material properties, different configurations of coupled electrodes, and electrodes of different sizes. In some examples, electrodes 422 and / or multiple electrodes 432 may be configured to have a higher granularity than multiple electrodes 442. In some examples, the number of electrodes 432 disposed on layer 430 may be greater than the number of electrodes 442 disposed on layer 440. In some examples, the number of electrodes 432 disposed on layer 430 may be less than or equal to the number of electrodes 442 disposed on layer 440 (not shown). In some examples, two or more of electrodes 422, multiple electrodes 432, and multiple electrodes 442 may include any conductive material, including, but not limited to, silver, copper, gold, aluminum, steel, brass, bronze, and graphite. In some examples, two or more of electrodes 422, multiple electrodes 432, and multiple electrodes 442 may include the same material.

[0066] In some examples, the exemplary pad may include an additional layer (not shown) configured to provide support or electrical insulation from one or more materials or layers (e.g., a mattress). In some examples, the additional layer may include one or more electrodes (not shown).

[0067] In some examples, the monitoring system may include one or more shield electrodes to limit capacitive coupling of the system to external sources. In some examples, the one or more shield electrodes may be a separate layer in the system. In some examples, one or more of the plurality of electrodes 432, the plurality of electrodes 442, or both may be configured as shield electrodes. In some examples, one or more of the plurality of electrodes 432 (and / or the plurality of electrodes 442) may be configured to measure electrical signals, and one or more adjacent electrodes 432 (and / or the plurality of electrodes 442) may be configured for shielding.

[0068] Exemplary pads can be configured with any number of layers and / or arrangement of layers relative to other layers. Figure 4C As shown, layer 430 may be located on one side of layer 420, and layer 440 may be located on the other side of layer 420. Multiple electrodes 432 disposed on layer 430 may be located on the side of layer 430 opposite to user 498. Electrode 422 may be located between layer 420 and layer 440, and multiple electrodes 442 may be located on the side of layer 440 opposite to electrode 422.

[0069] In addition to measuring the change of capacitance to form one or more images of the user's position and forming at least a part of the BCG measurement value, multiple electrodes 442 can be configured to sense electrical signals. The measured electrical signals can be used to form at least a part of an electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement value. The ECG measurement value can include changes in electrical pulses due to cardiac contraction and blood flow. In some examples, the monitoring system can be configured so that the measurement values ​​from the electrodes located directly below the user's body are included in the ECG measurement value, because these electrodes can have a higher coupling with the user's electrical pulses. In some examples, the electrodes located directly below the user's body can be realized by less movement than the electrodes located in the direct periphery of the user's body (i.e., adjacent to the electrodes directly below the user's body). ECG measurements can be used at least in part to measure heart rate, heart rate fluctuations, respiratory rate and / or respiratory rate fluctuations.

[0070] Figure 4D-1 and Figure 4D-2 An exemplary process flow for capacitance measurement and electrical measurement according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. In some examples, the monitoring system can operate in multiple modes: a mode for measuring capacitance values ​​(i.e., a first mode) and another mode for measuring electrical signals (i.e., a second mode). During the first mode, the drive circuit can stimulate one or more drive electrodes to create mutual capacitance with one or more sensing electrodes (step 452 of process 450). The sensing circuit can be coupled to one or more sensing electrodes. The sensing circuit can measure any change in capacitance caused by the user's force, which can change the distance between the drive electrode and the sensing electrode (step 454 of process 450). A controller or processor coupled to the sensing circuit can form an image of the positioning and / or position of the user's body on the pad (step 456 of process 450). The controller or processor can determine which drive electrode and / or sensing electrode is not affected by the user's force or weight (step 458 of process 450), for example, the drive electrode and / or sensing electrode can be disabled or disconnected to save power (step 460 of process 450). In some examples, the controller may select drive electrodes and / or sensing electrodes located in the immediate periphery of the user's body or the periphery of the pad for capacitance measurement. The measured capacitance values ​​may be used to form at least a portion of the BCG measurement value (step 462 of process 450). The first pattern may be repeated after a predetermined time interval and / or when the user's body positioning and / or position changes (step 464 of process 450). In some examples, the first pattern may be repeated after completing the second pattern (step 466 of process 450).

[0071] During the second mode, one or more electrodes may be configured to measure electrical impulses from the user's heart (step 468 of process 450). In some examples, the potential difference between multiple electrodes may be measured. The controller or processor may determine which electrodes are not affected by the electrical signals of the user's heart (step 470 of process 450), and may disable or disconnect these electrodes to save power, for example (step 472 of process 450). In some examples, the controller may select electrodes located below the user's body for electrical measurement. The measured electrical signals may be used to form at least a portion of the ECG measurement value (step 474 of process 450). In some examples, the electrical signals may be used to determine the user's body positioning, the user's body position, the user's heart position, or a combination thereof (step 476 of process 450). In some examples, step 456 may be used to form a rough estimate or rough image of the user's body positioning and / or position, and step 474 may be used to form a more detailed or finer imager of the user's body positioning and / or position. The second mode may be repeated after a predetermined time interval and / or when the user's body positioning and / or position changes (step 478 of process 450). In some examples, the second mode may be repeated after the first mode is completed (step 480 of process 450 ).

[0072] although Figure 4D-1 and Figure 4D-2 A controller is shown starting with a first mode measurement, but examples of the present disclosure may include starting with a second mode measurement or starting with both a first mode measurement and a second mode measurement. Although FIG. 4D shows that the controller performs the first mode measurement and the second mode measurement sequentially, examples of the present disclosure may include performing the first mode measurement and the second mode measurement simultaneously. Moreover, examples of the present disclosure may include using information measured during one mode (e.g., the first mode) for and / or in conjunction with another mode (e.g., the second mode).

[0073] Figure 4E A cross-sectional view of an exemplary pad according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. In some examples, multiple electrodes 442 can be configured to measure electrical signals from the heart of a user 498. Configuring the monitoring system so that multiple electrodes 442 are located at or near the user 498 can result in more accurate electrical signal measurements. In some examples, layer 440 can be located on one side of layer 420, and layer 430 can be located on the opposite side of layer 420. Multiple electrodes 442 can be located on one side of layer 440, and user 498 can be located on the same side of layer 440 (not shown) or on the opposite side of layer 440. Electrode 422 can be located between layer 420 and layer 430. Multiple electrodes 432 can be located on the side of layer 430 opposite to the side where electrodes 422 are located.

[0074] Figure 4FA cross-sectional view of an exemplary pad according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. In some examples, by including one or more switching matrices (such as, switching matrix 491 and switching matrix 492), the number of layers including electrodes can be reduced and / or the functionality of one or more electrodes can be dynamically switched. Switching matrix 491 can be configured to couple or decouple one or more of multiple electrodes 432, and switching matrix 492 can be configured to couple or decouple one or more of multiple electrodes 442.

[0075] In some examples, the switching matrix 491 and the switching matrix 492 can be configured for capacitance measurement. The switches included in the switching matrix 491 can be configured so that the plurality of electrodes 432 can be electrically isolated from each other and coupled to the drive circuit. The switches included in the switching matrix 492 can be configured so that the electrodes in the plurality of electrodes 442 can be electrically coupled together and coupled to the sensing circuit.

[0076] In some examples, the switching matrix 491 and the switching matrix 492 can be configured for ECG measurement and (optional) shielding. The switches included in the switching matrix 491 can be configured so that the plurality of electrodes 432 can be electrically isolated from each other. The plurality of electrodes 432 can be configured to measure the electrical signals of the user 498. The switches included in the switching matrix 491 can be configured so that the electrodes in the plurality of electrodes 442 are electrically coupled together and used as a shielding layer.

[0077] In some examples, switching matrix 491 and switching matrix 492 can be configured to have different granularities in the pad based on the user's body positioning and / or location. For example, the switching matrix can decouple electrodes at locations where a more sensitive measurement may be required for a part of the user's body (e.g., corresponding to the user's heart area) to obtain more granularity, or couple electrodes at locations where less sensitive measurements may be acceptable (e.g., areas where the user's body may not be present) to obtain less granularity.

[0078] In some examples, the monitoring system can include one or more switching matrices, where the switching matrices can be configured to partition (eg, separate measurement information) the pad into multiple portions. Figure 5AA top view of an exemplary monitoring system including multiple cross sections according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. System 599 may include multiple electrodes, such as multiple electrodes 532, multiple electrodes 534, multiple electrodes 536, and multiple electrodes 538. Multiple users, such as user 596 and user 598, may be positioned on system 599. System 599 may determine that there are multiple users and may segment system 599 into multiple cross sections, such as cross section 501 and cross section 503. In some examples, a measurement in one cross section, such as cross section 501, may be performed independently of a measurement in another cross section, such as cross section 503. In some examples, multiple cross sections may be specified at the time of manufacture. In some examples, one or more switching matrices may be used to dynamically configure the size, quantity, and / or shape of multiple cross sections. For example, system 599 may associate user 598 with cross section 501 and user 596 with cross section 503. For capacitance measurement, system 599 may couple cross section 501 to a first drive and sense circuit using a switching matrix, and may couple cross section 503 to a second drive and sense circuit using the same or another switching matrix. The system can be configured to capture multiple images, where each image can include a matrix of measurements representing the positioning of a user within a given cross section. Additionally, multiple electrical signal measurements can be taken, such as a measurement of the electrical signal in cross section 501, which can be independent and separate from a measurement of the electrical signal in cross section 503. System 599 can associate each measurement with a given user or a given cross section, and can perform analysis specific to that user or cross section.

[0079] Figure 5B-1 to Figure 5B-3 An exemplary process flow for dynamically segmenting a pad into multiple cross-sections according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. The drive circuit can stimulate one or more drive electrodes to create mutual capacitance with one or more sensing electrodes (step 552 of process 550). In some examples, all drive electrodes can be stimulated to allow the monitoring system to separate the entire pad. The sensing circuit can be coupled to one or more sensing electrodes. The sensing circuit can measure any change in capacitance caused by the user's force, thereby causing a change in the distance between the drive electrode and the sensing electrode (step 554 of process 550). The controller can form an image of the positioning and / or position of the user's body on the pad (step 555 of process 550). Based on the image, the system can determine that multiple users are located on the pad, and the controller can segment the pad into multiple cross-sections (step 556 of process 550). In some examples, one or more switching matrices can couple (or decouple) two or more electrodes to reduce (or increase) granularity (step 558 of process 550). For example, increased granularity may not be needed to discern boundaries of multiple user body locations and / or positions, such as when the users are spatially far apart (e.g., more than one electrode that is not influenced by the user's body may be located between the users).

[0080] In some examples, the measurement of each cross section can be performed independently. Each cross section can operate in multiple modes: one mode for measuring capacitance value (i.e., first mode) and another mode for measuring electrical signals (i.e., second mode). In some examples, the operating mode of a given cross section can be independent of other cross sections.

[0081] During a first mode of a first section (eg, Figure 5A ), the drive circuit can stimulate one or more drive electrodes (eg, Figure 5A ) to create mutual capacitance with one or more sensing electrodes in the first section (step 560A of process 550). A sensing circuit can be coupled to the one or more sensing electrodes in the first section. The sensing circuit can measure any change in capacitance caused by the force of a user (e.g., user 598), which can change the distance between the drive electrode and the sensing electrode associated with the first section (step 562A of process 550). A controller or processor coupled to the sensing circuit can form an image of the positioning and / or location of the user's body on the first section (step 564A of process 550). The controller or processor can determine which drive electrodes and sensing electrodes are not affected by the user's force in the first section (step 566A of process 550), and can disable or disconnect the drive electrodes and / or sensing electrodes in the first section (e.g., Figure 5A ) to save power, for example (step 568A of process 550). The measured capacitance value may be used to form at least a portion of a first BCG measurement associated with the first section (step 570A of process 550). The operation of the first section in the first mode may be repeated after a predetermined time interval and / or when the user's body positioning and / or position changes in the first section (step 572A of process 550). In some examples, the operation of the first section in the first mode may be repeated after completing the operation of the first section in the second mode (step 574A of process 550). In some examples, the operation of the first section in the first mode may depend on the operation of the second section.

[0082] During operation of the first section in the second mode (e.g., Figure 5A 501), one or more electrodes (e.g., Figure 5AElectrode 538 shown in (538) can be configured to measure electrical pulses from the heart of a user (e.g., user 598) located in the first cross section (step 576A of process 550). In some examples, the potential difference between multiple electrodes can be measured. The controller or processor can determine which electrodes in the first cross section are not affected by the electrical signals of the user's heart (step 578A of process 550), and can disable or disconnect these electrodes to save power, for example (step 580A of process 550). The measured electrical signals can be used to form at least a portion of the first ECG measurement value (step 582A of process 550). In some examples, the electrical signals can be used to determine the user's body positioning, the user's body position, the user's heart position, or a combination thereof (step 584A of process 550). In some examples, step 564A (and / or steps 552 and 554) can be used to form a rough estimate or rough image of the user's body positioning and / or position, and step 584A can be used to form a more detailed or finer imager of the user's body positioning and / or position. The operation of the first section in the second mode may be repeated after a predetermined time interval and / or when the user's body positioning and / or location changes in the first section (step 586A of process 550). In some examples, after the operation of the first section in the first mode is completed, the operation of the first section in the second mode may be repeated (step 588A of process 550). In some examples, the operation of the first section in the second mode may depend on the operation of the second section.

[0083] At the same time or at a different time as the operation of the first section, the second section (e.g., Figure 5A The driving circuit can stimulate one or more driving electrodes (e.g., Figure 5A ) to create mutual capacitance with one or more sensing electrodes in the second section (step 560B of process 550). A sensing circuit can be coupled to the one or more sensing electrodes in the second section. The sensing circuit can measure any change in capacitance caused by the force of a user (e.g., user 596), which can change the distance between the drive electrode and the sensing electrode associated with the second section (step 562B of process 550). A controller or processor coupled to the sensing circuit can form an image of the positioning of the user on the second section (step 564B of process 550). The controller or processor can determine which drive electrodes and sensing electrodes are not affected by the force of the user in the second section (step 566B of process 550), thereby creating separation between the drive electrodes and the sensing electrodes, and can disable or disconnect the drive electrodes and / or sensing electrodes in the second section (e.g., Figure 5A) to save power, for example (step 568B of process 550). The measured capacitance value may be used to form at least a portion of a second BCG measurement associated with the second cross section (step 570B of process 550). The operation of the second cross section in the first mode may be repeated after a predetermined time interval and / or when the user's body positioning and / or position changes in the second cross section (step 572B of process 550). In some examples, after completing the operation of the second cross section in the second mode, the operation of the second cross section in the first mode may be repeated (step 574B of process 550). In some examples, the operation of the second cross section in the first mode may depend on the operation of the second cross section.

[0084] During operation of the second section in the second mode (eg, Figure 5A 503), one or more electrodes (e.g., Figure 5A Electrode 534 shown in (534) can be configured to measure electrical pulses from the heart of a user (e.g., user 596) located in the second cross section (step 576B of process 550). In some examples, the potential difference between multiple electrodes can be measured. The controller or processor can determine which electrodes in the second cross section are not affected by the electrical signals of the user's heart (step 578B of process 550), and can disable or disconnect these electrodes to save power, for example (step 580B of process 550). The measured electrical signal can be used to form at least a portion of the second ECG measurement value (step 582B of process 550). In some examples, the electrical signal can be used to determine the user's body positioning, the user's body position, the user's heart position, or a combination thereof (step 584B of process 550). In some examples, step 564B (and / or steps 552 and 554) can be used to form a rough estimate or rough image of the user's body positioning and / or position, and step 584B can be used to form a more detailed or finer imager of the user's body positioning and / or position. The operation of the second section in the second mode may be repeated after a predetermined time interval and / or when the user's body positioning and / or location changes in the second section (step 586B of process 550). In some examples, the operation of the second section in the second mode may be repeated after the operation of the second section in the first mode is completed (step 588B of process 550). In some examples, the operation of the second section in the second mode may depend on the operation of the first section.

[0085] If any of the number of users, the size of one or more sections, and the location of one or more sections changes (step 590 of process 550), the system can return to selecting the number of sections and partitioning the system into the selected number of sections. Although FIG. 5B shows step 590 after steps 588A and 588B, examples of the present disclosure can include selecting the number of sections and partitioning the system into the selected number of sections at any step of the process.

[0086] At any time, the controller may utilize other (e.g., predetermined) information to identify users and form cross sections. For example, if two users are in contact with each other or in close proximity to each other, the controller may not be able to distinguish whether one or more electrodes are measuring one user, another user, or both. The controller may associate measurement information (e.g., stored in a database or memory) with features of human anatomy. For example, if the entire measurement image does not match the outline of a user, the controller may determine that more than one user can use the system. The controller may attempt to match the measurement image to different combinations of user positioning and / or may use other measurement information (e.g., the location of the user's heart based on the strength of the electrical signal) to identify multiple users.

[0087] although Figure 5A The monitoring system is shown divided into two parts, but examples of the present disclosure may include any number of cross sections, including but not limited to, one or more than two cross sections. In some examples, the monitoring system can further divide selected cross sections. Figure 5C A top view of an exemplary monitoring system including multiple cross sections according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. Multiple users such as user 596, user 597, and user 598 can be located on system 599. System 599 can detect the body positioning and / or position of the multiple users and can segment the system into multiple cross sections, such as section 503, section 505, and section 507. In some examples, system 599 can select less than all of the cross sections to further segment into multiple cross sections, where the segmentation can be dynamic. For example, user 596 and user 598 can be located on system 599. System 599 can detect the presence of multiple users and can dynamically segment into two cross sections (e.g., a cross section including the left side of system 599 and section 503). User 598 located in the left cross section can change body positioning and / or position. For example, user 598 can move closer to the top edge of system 599 to make room for user 597, such as Figure 5CAs shown. System 599 can detect changes in the body positioning and / or position of user 598, and can dynamically segment the left cross section into multiple cross sections, such as cross section 505 and cross section 507. In some examples, dynamically segmenting the cross section can include measuring capacitance values ​​and / or electrical signals using any or all of the techniques previously discussed. In some examples, the size, shape, and / or position of cross section 503 can be maintained when dynamically segmenting the left cross section into multiple cross sections. In some examples, maintaining cross section 503 can include omitting capacitance and / or electrical measurements to determine the size, shape, and / or position of cross section 503 and / or the body positioning and / or position of user 599. In some examples, if, for example, analysis of a user (e.g., user 597) is not desired, one or more cross sections can be deactivated.

[0088] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B A top view and a perspective view of layers included in an exemplary pad according to examples of the present disclosure are shown. The exemplary pad may include layer 620 and layer 630. The design and / or operation of layer 630, multiple electrodes 632, and electrode 622 may include the design and / or operation of layer 230, multiple electrodes 232, and electrode 222, respectively, as described above. In some examples, the exemplary pad may include an additional layer (not shown) configured to provide support or electrical insulation from one or more materials or layers (e.g., a mattress). In some examples, the additional layer may include one or more electrodes (not shown).

[0089] Layer 630 may also include one or more piezoelectric sensors 634. Piezoelectric sensors 634 may include sensors capable of generating one or more electrical signals in response to one or more changes in material properties (e.g., pressure or force). Examples of the present disclosure may include piezoresistive sensors. The heartbeat of the user may create mechanical pulses, which may change the properties of the piezoelectric sensor 634. The piezoelectric measurements may form at least a portion of the BCG measurements. In some examples, the piezoelectric sensors 634 may be located in an area of ​​the pad that has a greater strain than other areas. The system 699 may include any number, size, and / or shape of piezoelectric sensors 634. In some examples, the piezoelectric sensors 634 may include a section of rigid material physically connected together by a flexible material. The material between the piezoelectric sensors and the rigidity of the piezoelectric sensors may be adjusted. In some examples, the piezoelectric sensors 634 may be interlaced with one or more rows of the plurality of electrodes 632. In some examples, some piezoelectric sensors 634 may be activated, and some piezoelectric sensors 634 may be deactivated at any given time based on the position of the user. For example, an activated piezoelectric sensor may be located directly below (or in the immediate periphery of) the user, while a deactivated piezoelectric sensor may be located elsewhere.

[0090] FIG. 6C to FIG. 6D2 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary pad according to an example of the present disclosure. The exemplary pad can be configured with any number of layers and / or arrangement of layers relative to other layers. For example, Figure 6C As shown, layer 620 can be located on one side of layer 630, and user 698 can be located on the other side of layer 630. Multiple electrodes 632 and multiple piezoelectric sensors 634 can be located between layer 620 and layer 630. Electrode 622 can be located on the side of layer 620 opposite to multiple electrodes 632. In some examples, as shown in FIG. Fig.6D As shown, layer 630 may be located on one side of layer 620, and user 698 may be located on the other side of layer 620. Electrode 622 may be located between layer 620 and layer 630. Multiple electrodes 632 and multiple piezoelectric sensors 634 may be located on the side of layer 630 opposite electrode 622.

[0091] Electrode 622, multiple electrodes 632, and multiple piezoelectric sensors 634 can be configured with one or more functions. The design and / or operation of layer 630, multiple electrodes 632, and electrode 622 can include the design and / or operation of layer 230, multiple electrodes 232, and electrode 222, respectively, as described above. In some examples, multiple electrodes 632 can be configured as a multifunctional sensor that can measure capacitance during one mode and measure electrical signals during another mode. In some examples, some of the multiple electrodes 632 can be configured to measure capacitance, and other electrodes in the multiple electrodes 632 can be configured to measure electrical signals. In some examples, the monitoring system may include one or more switching matrices (not shown) configured to couple or decouple sections (not shown) of electrode 622 together, two or more of the multiple electrodes 632, and / or two or more piezoelectric sensors 634.

[0092] In some examples, the monitoring system can operate in multiple modes: a first mode for measuring capacitance, a second mode for measuring electrical signals, and a third mode for measuring pressure changes. Figure 6E-1 and Figure 6E-2An exemplary process flow for capacitance measurement, electrical measurement, and piezoelectric measurement according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. During the first mode, the drive circuit can stimulate one or more drive electrodes to create mutual capacitance with one or more sensing electrodes (step 652 of process 650). The sensing circuit can be coupled to one or more sensing electrodes. The sensing circuit can measure any change in capacitance caused by the user's force, which can change the distance between the drive electrode and the sensing electrode (step 654 of process 650). A controller or processor coupled to the sensing circuit can form an image of the positioning and / or position of the user's body on the pad (step 656 of process 650). The controller or processor can determine which drive electrode and / or sensing electrode is not affected by the user's force or weight (step 658 of process 650), for example, the drive electrode and / or sensing electrode can be disabled or disconnected to save power (step 660 of process 650). The measured capacitance value can be used to form at least a portion of the BCG measurement value (step 662 of process 650). The first mode can be repeated after a predetermined time interval and / or when the user's body positioning and / or position changes (step 664 of process 650). In some examples, the first mode may be repeated after the second mode is completed (step 666 of process 650 ).

[0093] During the second mode, one or more piezoelectric sensors may be configured to measure changes in pressure on the sensor from the user's body movement (step 668 of process 650). The controller or processor may determine which piezoelectric sensors are not affected by changes in pressure due to the user's body movement (step 670 of process 650), and may disable or disconnect the piezoelectric sensors to save power, for example (step 672 of process 650). In some examples, the controller or processor may compare the strain of all or some of the piezoelectric sensors; may cause piezoelectric sensors located in an area of ​​the pad to have a greater strain than piezoelectric sensors located in other areas; and may disable piezoelectric sensors located in other areas. The measured piezoelectric signal may be used to form at least a portion of the BCG measurement (step 674 of process 650).

[0094] In some examples, electrodes and piezoelectric sensors can be configured to measure the same type of information, but at different levels of granularity. For example, BCG information can be used to determine the user's body movement. Mutual capacitance measurements (i.e., step 654) can be used to form a rough estimate or rough determination of the user's body movement, and piezoelectric measurements (i.e., step 658) can be used to more accurately determine the user's body movement. Although the user's breathing may cause motion artifacts, the respiratory motion may be different from the overall motion due to the user moving or shaking. Being able to distinguish overall motion from breathing can lead to more accurate analysis. In some examples, mutual capacitance measurements can be used to measure the displacement of the user's body, while piezoelectric measurements can be used to measure the speed of the user's body.

[0095] The third mode may be repeated after a predetermined time interval and / or when the user's body positioning and / or position changes (step 676 of process 650). In some examples, the second mode may be repeated after completing the first mode (step 678 of process 650). Although FIG. 6E shows a controller starting with a first mode measurement, examples of the present disclosure may include starting with a second mode measurement or starting with both a first mode measurement and a second mode measurement. Although FIG. 6E shows a controller performing a first mode measurement and a second mode measurement sequentially, examples of the present disclosure may include performing the first mode measurement and the second mode measurement simultaneously.

[0096] In some examples, a monitoring system may include a plurality of piezoelectric sensors. FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B 735 may be rectangular and / or have a length greater than that of electrode 732, such as Fig. 7A As shown. Layer 730 can be configured so that the piezoelectric sensors 735 on one side can be configured for one user, while the piezoelectric sensors 735 on the other side can be configured for another user. In some examples, the piezoelectric sensors 735 can be electrically isolated from each other, allowing independent measurements for different users. In some examples, some piezoelectric sensors 735 can be enabled and some piezoelectric sensors 735 can be disabled. When the user moves in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the piezoelectric sensor 735, the enabled and disabled piezoelectric sensors 735 can be changed. In some examples, the piezoelectric sensors 735 enabled on one side of the pad can be longitudinally displaced from the piezoelectric sensors 735 enabled on the other side. Layer 730 can also include multiple electrodes 732.

[0097] In some examples, the piezoelectric sensor 736 can have the same size as the electrode 732, such as Figure 7B As shown. Layer 730 may include a plurality of electrodes 732 and a plurality of piezoelectric sensors 736. Considering the smaller size and the larger number of piezoelectric sensors (e.g., Fig. 7A The resolution of the piezoelectric measurements can be greater than that of the pad shown in ). In some examples, each piezoelectric sensor 736 can include a section of rigid material that can be physically connected by a flexible material. The material between the piezoelectric sensors and the rigidity of the piezoelectric sensors can be adjusted. Multiple piezoelectric sensors 736 can be positioned in any arrangement, including but not limited to, one or more rows of piezoelectric sensors 736 across the pad or a matrix of rows and columns of piezoelectric sensors. In some examples, each piezoelectric sensor 736 can be electrically isolated from the other piezoelectric sensors 736 and controlled independently. The monitoring system can be configured to form an image representing the pressure changes on the pad.

[0098] In some examples, one or more electrodes may be disposed on one or more piezoelectric sensors. FIG. 7C to FIG. 7D A top view and a cross-sectional view of an exemplary pad including electrodes disposed on piezoelectric sensors according to an example of the present disclosure are shown. The exemplary pad may include a layer 720 and a layer 730. Layer 720 may include an electrode 722. Layer 730 may include a plurality of sensors 737. The plurality of sensors 737 may include one or more electrodes 732 and one or more piezoelectric sensors 736. Sensor 737 may be capable of measuring a capacitance value between electrode 722 and electrode 733, measuring a pressure change from piezoelectric sensor 736, and / or measuring an electrical signal from electrode 722 and / or electrode 732. The pad may be configured with every other row including a sensor 737 (i.e., electrode 732 disposed on piezoelectric sensor 736), while other rows include only electrode 732, such as Figure 7C shown.

[0099] FIG. 7E to FIG. 7G A cross-sectional view of an exemplary pad according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. In some examples, such as Fig. 7E As shown, system 799 may include subpad 702 and subpad 704, wherein user 798 is located between subpad 702 and subpad 704. Subpad 702 may include layer 720 and electrode 722. In some examples, electrode 722 may be deposited over a majority (e.g., 75%) of the area of ​​layer 720. Electrode 722 may be continuous (i.e., a discrete block of material). Subpad 704 may include layer 730, multiple electrodes 732, and multiple piezoelectric sensors 734. Electrode 722, multiple electrodes 732, or both may include any conductive material, including, but not limited to, silver, copper, gold, aluminum, steel, brass, bronze, and graphite. In some examples, electrode 722 and multiple electrodes 732 may include the same material.

[0100] Electrode 722 and plurality of electrodes 732 may be configured with one or more functions. The design and / or operation of layer 730, plurality of electrodes 732, and electrode 722 may include the design and / or operation of layer 330, plurality of electrodes 332, and electrode 322, respectively, as described above. Additionally, the design and / or operation of piezoelectric sensor 734 and piezoelectric sensor 736 may include the design and / or operation of piezoelectric sensor 634, as described above.

[0101] In some examples, electrode 722 may include one or more sections of conductive material electrically coupled together for capacitance and / or BCG measurement. In some examples, electrode 722 may include multiple electrodes and may also be configured as a sensing electrode capable of sensing electrical signals for ECG measurement.

[0102] In some examples, the plurality of piezoelectric sensors 734 can be configured to measure changes in pressure / force caused by mechanical impulses caused by blood acceleration of the user. In some examples, the plurality of electrodes 732 can be configured as a multi-function sensor capable of measuring capacitance during one mode and measuring electrical signals during another mode. In some examples, some of the plurality of electrodes 732 can be configured to measure capacitance, and other electrodes of the plurality of electrodes 732 can be configured to measure electrical signals.

[0103] In some examples, system 799 may include one or more switching matrices (not shown) configured to couple or decouple sections of electrodes 722 together (not shown), two or more of the plurality of electrodes 732, and / or two or more piezoelectric sensors 734.

[0104] In some examples, the subpad 702 may include a switching matrix (not shown). The switching matrix may be configured to electrically couple one or more electrodes included in the plurality of electrodes 732 and / or one or more piezoelectric sensors included in the plurality of piezoelectric sensors 734. The system is capable of dynamically switching one or more electrodes for capacitance measurement values. For example, in a first mode, the user 798 may be located between the subpad 702 and the subpad 704. The electrode 722 may be configured as a sensing electrode, and the plurality of electrodes 732 may be configured as a driving electrode. The change in capacitance value may be due to the user's body part increasing the separation between the sensing electrode and the driving electrode. In a second mode, the subpad 704 may be removed from the system 799 or may be located at a distance. The separation between the subpad 704 and the subpad 702 may prevent the electrode 722 from being capacitively coupled to the plurality of electrodes 732, or the measured capacitance value may be lower than a predetermined threshold.

[0105] The switching matrix can electrically couple multiple electrodes 732 together and / or electrically couple multiple piezoelectric sensors 734 together. The electrically coupled electrodes 732 can be configured as drive electrodes, and the electrodes 722 can be configured as sensing electrodes. The change in capacitance value may be due to the user's weight applying a force that can change the distance between the sensing electrode and the drive electrode. When the sub-pad 704 returns to the system 799 and is located at a close enough distance that the electrode 722 can be capacitively coupled to the multiple electrodes 732, the system 799 can remain in the second mode or switch to the first mode.

[0106] although Fig. 7ELayer 730 is shown closer to user 798 than multiple electrodes 732 and multiple piezoelectric sensors 734, and layer 720 is closer to user 798 than electrodes 722, but examples of the present disclosure may include multiple electrodes 732 and multiple piezoelectric sensors 734 closer to user 798 than layer 730, electrodes 722 closer to user 798 than layer 720, or both. In some examples, sub-pad 702 and / or sub-pad 704 may include a layer (not shown) configured to provide support or electrical insulation from one or more materials or layers (e.g., a mattress), for example. In some examples, as Figure 7F As shown, a plurality of electrodes 732 and a plurality of piezoelectric sensors 734 can be included in subpad 702 along with layer 730. Additionally or alternatively, electrodes 722 and layer 720 can be included in subpad 704.

[0107] In some examples, capacitance values ​​may be measured between subpads, between layers in a subpad, or between both. Figure 7G A cross-sectional view of an exemplary pad according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. In some examples, electrodes 722 and electrodes 742 may be configured as sensing electrodes, and multiple electrodes 732 may be configured as driving electrodes. System 799 may be configured so that stimulating some of multiple electrodes 732 may create mutual capacitance with electrode 722, and stimulating other of multiple electrodes 732 may create mutual capacitance with electrode 742. In this way, individual or combined measured capacitance values ​​may be used to determine more information about the user's sleep. For example, user 798 may be positioned with his back contacting subpad 702 and fingers contacting only subpad 704. Since low changes in pressure may be associated with finger movement and the distance between the user's finger and the electrode located in subpad 702, the electrode located in subpad 702 may not detect the movement of the user's finger. However, the finger may contact or be in close proximity to subpad 704, so one or more electrodes (such as electrode 742) including subpad 704 are able to detect the user's finger movement. In some examples, electrodes included in subpad 702 may be configured to measure larger changes in body movement, and electrodes included in subpad 704 may be configured to measure smaller changes in body movement.

[0108] In some examples, the mat may include one or more temperature sensors. Fig. 8A A top view of an exemplary layer of a pad according to an example of the present disclosure is shown, the pad including multiple electrodes, multiple piezoelectric sensors, and multiple temperature sensors. Layer 830 may include multiple electrodes 832, multiple piezoelectric sensors 834, and multiple temperature sensors 838. Multiple electrodes 832 may be configured to measure capacitance values ​​and / or electrical signals. The design and / or operation of multiple electrodes 832 and multiple piezoelectric sensors 834 may include the design and / or operation of multiple electrodes 232 and multiple piezoelectric sensors 634, respectively, as described above.

[0109] The plurality of temperature sensors 838 can be any type of sensor capable of measuring temperature, including, but not limited to, resistance thermometers, thermistors, and thermocouples. In some examples, one or more of the plurality of temperature sensors 838 can be located on the same layer as one or more of the electrodes 832 and the piezoelectric sensors 834. In some examples, the system can include one or more temperature sensors, such as temperature sensor 836, configured to measure the temperature of a room. In some examples, temperature sensor 836 can be a temperature sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor 836) located in a control system (e.g., control system 140). Figure 1 In addition or in place of the temperature sensor 139 shown in FIG. Fig. 8A Three different types of sensors are shown (ie, electrodes, piezoelectric sensors, and temperature sensors), but examples of the present disclosure may include some but not all of the different types of sensors.

[0110] FIG. 8B to FIG. 8C A cross-sectional view and a top view of a monitoring system including a temperature sensor according to an example of the present disclosure are shown. Fig. 8A The plurality of temperature sensors 838 shown in FIG. 8 may include multiple groups of temperature sensors, such as a plurality of temperature sensors 835, a plurality of temperature sensors 837, and a plurality of temperature sensors 839. In some examples, each group may include the same type of temperature sensor. In some examples, the temperature measurements from each group may be utilized in different ways (discussed below). In some examples, the plurality of temperature sensors 835 may be located outside of an area where the user 898 may be located.

[0111] The plurality of temperature sensors 837 can be configured to measure the temperature of the local environment (i.e., the space between the sub-pads 802). In some examples, the plurality of temperature sensors 837 can be located proximate to the user 898, but not directly below the user. In some examples, the plurality of temperature sensors 837 can be located at locations where the sub-pads 804 contact the sub-pads 802 or proximate to the sub-pads (e.g., Figure 8B ). Multiple temperature sensors 839 can be configured to measure the temperature of the user 898. By measuring the temperature of the user 898 and the local environment, the monitoring system can correlate the temperature in the user's sleep analysis (discussed below).

[0112] In some examples, the system 899 can determine the location of the user 898 to disable or disconnect temperature sensors (e.g., multiple temperature sensors 835) that are not affected by the user's body temperature or are not in close proximity to the user's body. In some examples, multiple temperature sensors 839 can be located below the user 898. In some examples, the system 899 can be configured to dynamically change which temperature sensors are not associated with the user, which temperature sensors are associated with the temperature of the user 898, and which temperature sensors are associated with the local environment. Any temperature sensors (e.g., temperature sensor 935, temperature sensor 937, and temperature sensor 939) can be coupled together using one or more switches.

[0113] Fig.8D An exemplary process flow for temperature measurement according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. In some examples, the monitoring system can measure the temperature on the pad and can create a temperature image (step 852 of process 850). The monitoring system can determine the position of the user's body (step 854 of process 850). In some examples, the monitoring system can use the temperature image to associate the boundaries of the user's body with the temperature difference. In some examples, determining the position of the user's body may include any of a capacitive measurement, an electrical measurement, a piezoelectric measurement, or any combination thereof. For example, due to the temperature difference between the location where the user is not located (measured by multiple temperature sensors 835 and multiple temperature sensors 837) and the location where the user is located (measured by multiple temperature sensors 839), multiple temperature sensors 835 and multiple temperature sensors 837 may have a different temperature than multiple temperature sensors 839. Based on the different temperatures, the monitoring system can determine the position of the user's body. In some examples, due to the gap between sub-pad 802 and sub-pad 804 (such as Figure 8B As shown), multiple temperature sensors 837 can have different temperatures from multiple temperature sensors 835, and the measurement and control system can also use these differences to determine the user's body position and / or associate the temperature sensors with the user's sleep analysis.

[0114] In some examples, the monitoring system can assign each temperature sensor to a group (step 856 of process 850), where each group can correspond to a zone type of the pad (e.g., a location not proximate to the user, a location proximate to the user, a location below the user). A controller coupled to the temperature sensors can determine which temperature sensors correspond to locations not proximate to the user (step 858 of process 850), and can disable or disconnect those temperature sensors to save power, for example (step 860 of process 850). The measured temperature can be used at least in part to determine the temperature of the user's body and the local environment (step 862 of process 850). Examples of the present disclosure can include measuring a capacitance value, an electrical signal, and / or a piezoelectric signal at the same time as measuring the temperature or at a different time.

[0115] In some examples, the pad may include one or more accelerometers. Fig. 9 A top view of an exemplary layer of a pad according to an example of the present disclosure is shown, the pad including multiple electrodes, multiple piezoelectric sensors, multiple temperature sensors, and multiple accelerometers. Layer 930 may include multiple electrodes 932, multiple piezoelectric sensors 934, multiple temperature sensors 938, and multiple accelerometers 942. The design and / or operation of multiple electrodes 932 and multiple piezoelectric sensors 934 may include the design and / or operation of multiple electrodes 232 and multiple piezoelectric sensors 634.

[0116] The plurality of accelerometers 942 may be any type of device configured to measure acceleration or vibration. In some examples, the plurality of accelerometers may be configured to measure velocity of the user's body. In some examples, one or more of the plurality of accelerometers 942 may be located on the same layer as the electrodes 932, the piezoelectric sensor 934, and one or more of the plurality of temperature sensors 938. In some examples, the monitoring system may include one or more accelerometers, which may be located in an area of ​​the monitoring system that is different from the subpad (e.g., Figure 1 By including one or more independent accelerometers at locations other than the sub-mattress, the controller can include or utilize measurements from the one or more independent accelerometers to distinguish acceleration measurements from other measurements (e.g., capacitance, electricity, and piezoelectric).

[0117] In one or more of the exemplary monitoring systems described above, the monitoring system can be configured to measure impedance cardiography (ICG). ICG measurements can be used to measure the impedance and total conductivity of the user's body. ICG measurements can be used, at least in part, to measure heart rate, heart rate fluctuations, respiratory rate, and / or respiratory rate fluctuations. In some examples, one or more electrodes for ICG measurements can be configured by measuring impedance changes due to the user's conductivity.

[0118] Fig. 10A shows a top view of exemplary layers included in a pad configured for ICG measurement, Fig. 10B1034 and 1036. The plurality of electrodes 1034 may be located directly below the body of the user 1098. The plurality of electrodes 1036 may be located in the immediate periphery of the user's body (i.e., adjacent to the electrodes directly below the user's body). The plurality of electrodes 1032 may be located in the periphery of the pad. In some examples, one or more electrodes may be located in the immediate periphery of the user's body and in the periphery of the pad. The plurality of electrodes 1032, the plurality of electrodes 1036, or both may be coupled to the drive circuit 1096. The drive circuit 1096 may be configured to drive current through the electrodes coupled thereto. The plurality of electrodes 1034 may be coupled to the sensing circuit 1097. The sensing circuit 1097 may be configured to measure the change in impedance and transmit the measured impedance value to the controller 1095.

[0119] In some examples, one or more of the plurality of electrodes 1032, the plurality of electrodes 1034, and the plurality of electrodes 1036 can be configured to perform capacitance, electrical, or impedance measurements in one operating mode, and can be configured to perform another (e.g., capacitance, electrical, or impedance) measurement during another operating mode. In some examples, the drive circuit for capacitance measurement can be the same as the drive circuit for impedance measurement. In some examples, the drive circuit for capacitance measurement can be different from the drive circuit for impedance measurement. In some examples, the frequency for stimulating electrodes for impedance measurement can be included in a narrow band. In some examples, the frequency for stimulating electrodes for impedance measurement can include 50 Hz.

[0120] Fig. 10CAn exemplary process flow configured for impedance measurement according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. In some examples, the monitoring system can operate in multiple modes: a mode for measuring electrical signals (i.e., a first mode) and another mode for measuring impedance changes (i.e., a second mode). During the first mode, one or more electrodes can be configured to measure the user's electrical signals (step 1052 of process 1050). In some examples, the potential difference between multiple electrodes can be measured. A controller or processor can determine which electrode is not affected by the user's cardiac electrical signal (step 1054 of process 1050), and can disable or disconnect these electrodes to save power, for example (step 1056 of process 1050). In some examples, the controller can select electrodes located below the user's body for electrical measurement. The measured electrical signals can be used to form at least a portion of the ECG measurement value (step 1058 of process 1050). In some examples, the electrical signals can be used to determine the user's body positioning, the user's body position, and / or the user's heart position (step 1060 of process 1050). In some examples, step 1052 may be used to form a rough estimate or rough image of the user's body position and / or location, and step 1060 may be used to form a more detailed or finer image of the user's body position and / or location. The second mode may be repeated after a predetermined time interval and / or when the user's body position and / or location changes (step 1062 of process 1050). In some examples, the second mode may be repeated after the first mode is completed (step 1064 of process 1050).

[0121] During the second mode, one or more electrodes may be coupled to the drive circuit. The drive electrode may be stimulated with a stimulation frequency (step 1066 of process 1050). In some examples, impedance differences between multiple electrodes may be measured. In some examples, the controller may select electrodes located in the immediate periphery of the user's body (e.g., Fig. 10A In some examples, the controller may select electrodes located at the periphery of the pad (e.g., Fig. 10A The electrode 1032 shown in FIG. 1 is used as a driving electrode. One or more sensing electrodes may be coupled to a sensing circuit (eg, Fig. 10B 1097 shown in FIG. 1050 ). The sensing circuit can measure the change in impedance (step 1068 of process 1050 ). The measured impedance value can be used to form at least a portion of the ICG measurement value (step 1070 of process 1050 ). The second mode can be repeated after a predetermined time interval and / or when the user's body positioning and / or position changes (step 1072 of process 1050 ). In some examples, the second mode can be repeated after the first mode is completed (step 1074 of process 1050 ).

[0122] The monitoring system can be configured in one or more measurement modes at a given time. Fig.11A As shown, the monitoring system can be configured to time-multiplex and cycle between different measurement modes (e.g., capacitance measurement in t1, electrical measurement in t2, piezoelectric measurement in t3, temperature measurement in t4, acceleration measurement in t5, and impedance measurement in t6). In some examples, such as Fig. 11B As shown, the monitoring system can be configured to make one or more measurements in response to user actions. For example, the system can be in standby mode during t1. The user's body position can move (i.e., user action during time t2), and the monitoring system can be configured to make capacitive and electrical measurements in response to user action during time t3. In some examples, such as Fig. 11C As shown, the monitoring system can be configured to make one or more first measurements in response to one or more changes in conditions. For example, the monitoring system can be configured to use a control panel (e.g., Figure 1 The control panel 140 shown in ) periodically measures the temperature of the room. The monitoring system can determine that the temperature of the room increases to above a predetermined threshold during time t2 (i.e., a change in condition). In response to the change in temperature, the monitoring system can measure the temperature of the local environment and the body temperature of the user during time t3. In some examples, one or more second measurements can be performed conditional on one or more first measurements. If the local ambient temperature and / or the user's body temperature increases to greater than another predetermined threshold, the user may have transitioned to a different sleep state, which may have affected the user's breathing rate and breathing rate fluctuations. The monitoring system can be configured for piezoelectric measurements during time t4 to measure the user's breathing rate and breathing rate fluctuations.

[0123] The monitoring system may also be configured to provide analysis to the user by providing feedback to the user regarding the consistency, quality, and duration of the user's sleep. For example, the system may correlate disruptions in one user's sleep with movement and / or positioning of another user in the bed. The monitoring system may provide feedback based on the movement and / or positioning of other users in the bed and may help the user analyze and resolve their sleep issues.

[0124] In some examples, the system can associate interruptions to a user's sleep with one or more room conditions (e.g., room temperature, ambient light, and ambient sound). In some examples, the correlation can be used to adjust the temperature of the room through a control system, and / or to adjust the temperature of the local environment through active heating or cooling of the pad. In some examples, the monitoring system can determine that the thermal comfort of multiple users can be different, and active heating and / or cooling can be used to adapt to the differences in thermal comfort. In some examples, the monitoring system can send one or more non-system components (e.g., blinds) to enhance environmental conditions. In some examples, the monitoring system may include one or more actuators in or in communication with the pad. One or more actuators can be configured to wake up one or more users, for example, based on the user's sleep state, sleep duration, and / or time of day.

[0125] In some examples, the monitoring system can compare current sleep analysis and measurements with historical sleep analysis and measurements. The monitoring system can notice changes in sleep patterns over a period of time and can alert the user or provide feedback.

[0126] As described above, examples of the present disclosure may include measuring multiple vital signs for one or more users. Additional information may be used to improve the delivery of measured information, analysis, or any other content that may be of interest to the user. In some examples, the measured information, analysis, or other content may include personal information that can uniquely identify the user or can be used to contact or locate the user. Such personal information may include geographic information, demographic information, telephone number, email address, mailing address, home address, or other identifying information. In some examples, such personal information may be used to benefit the user. For example, personal information may be used to deliver measured information, analysis, or other content to the user. The use of personal information may include, but is not limited to, enabling real-time and controlled delivery of content.

[0127] The present disclosure also contemplates that entities that may use (e.g., measure, collect, analyze, disclose, transmit and / or store) personal information will comply with established privacy policies and / or privacy practices. These privacy policies and / or privacy practices may generally be considered to meet (or exceed) industry or government requirements for privacy and security of personal information, and should be implemented and used consistently. For example, personal information should be collected for legal and reasonable reasons and should not be shared (or sold) outside of those purposes. Moreover, the collected personal information should only be conducted after receiving the user's informed consent. In order to adhere to the privacy policy and / or privacy practices, the entity will take any necessary steps to protect and prevent access to personal information from the outside. In some examples, the entity itself may be subject to a third-party assessment to prove that the entity adheres to a well-established, generally recognized privacy policy and / or privacy practice.

[0128] In some examples, a user may selectively block or limit access and / or use of personal information. The monitoring system may include one or more hardware components and / or one or more software applications to allow a user to selectively block or limit access and / or use of personal information. For example, the monitoring system may be configured to allow a user to opt-in or opt-out of an ad delivery service when personal information is collected during registration. In some examples, a user may select which information (e.g., home address) is withheld from an ad delivery service.

[0129] Although examples of the present disclosure may include monitoring systems and methods that measure vital signs using user personal information, examples of the present disclosure may also implement one or more functions and operations without the need for user personal information. The lack of all or part of the personal information may not render the monitoring system and method inoperable. In some examples, content may be selected and / or delivered to a user based on non-user-specific personal (e.g., publicly available) information.

[0130] The present invention discloses a system for determining one or more physiological signals of a user. The system may include: one or more electrodes configured to measure one or more electrical signals; one or more second electrodes configured to be capacitively coupled to the one or more electrodes; and a logic component configured to: detect multiple changes in capacitive coupling between the one or more electrodes and the second or more electrodes; determine at least one or more of the user's one or more positions, one or more body movements, and one or more positions based on the multiple changes in capacitive coupling; detect one or more electrical signals; and determine one or more physiological signals based at least in part on the multiple changes in capacitive coupling and the one or more electrical signals. In addition or alternatively, in some examples, the one or more first electrodes are located in a first part of the system, and the second or more second electrodes are located in a second part of the system, and the second part is at least partially physically separated from the first part. In addition or alternatively, in some examples, the first part is included in a bed sheet, and the second part is included in a blanket. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the system further comprises: one or more switches configured to electrically couple at least two of the first one or more first electrodes together or to electrically couple at least two of the second one or more second electrodes together, wherein the logic component is further configured to associate a decrease in each of the plurality of changes in capacitive coupling with an increase in a gap caused by the user's body physically separating the first one or more first electrodes from the second one or more second electrodes. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the system further comprises: a first cross-section having a first granularity; a second cross-section having a second granularity, the second granularity being able to be different from the first granularity; and one or more switches configured to couple or decouple the first one or more first electrodes together, couple or decouple the second one or more second electrodes together, or both, to dynamically change one or more of the first granularity and the second granularity.

[0131] The present invention discloses a method for determining one or more physiological signals of a user. The method may include: stimulating a first one or more electrodes; coupling a second one or more electrodes to a sensing circuit, the second one or more electrodes being configured to be capacitively coupled to the first one or more electrodes; detecting multiple changes in capacitive coupling at the second one or more electrodes; determining at least one or more of one or more positions, one or more body movements, and one or more positions of the user based on multiple changes in capacitive coupling; detecting one or more electrical signals using the second one or more electrodes; and determining one or more physiological signals based at least in part on multiple changes in capacitive coupling and one or more electrical signals. In addition or alternatively, in some examples, the method further includes: forming electrocardiograph information with at least one or more electrical signals, wherein the one or more physiological signals include one or more of heart rate, heart rate fluctuations, respiration rate, and respiration rate fluctuations. In addition or alternatively, in some examples, the method further includes: forming ballistocardiography information with at least multiple changes in capacitive coupling, wherein the one or more physiological signals include one or more of heart rate, heart rate fluctuations, respiration rate, and respiration rate fluctuations. In addition or alternatively, in some examples, the method further includes: determining overall motion based on multiple changes in capacitive coupling; and determining small body movements based on one or more electrical signals. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the method further includes: determining that a change in capacitive coupling between at least one of the first one or more first electrodes and at least one of the second one or more second electrodes is less than a predetermined threshold; electrically coupling the first one or more electrodes together; stimulating a third one or more electrodes configured to capacitively couple to the first one or more electrodes; coupling the first one or more electrodes to a sensing circuit; and detecting a second plurality of changes in capacitive coupling at the first one or more electrodes. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the method further includes: dynamically changing the granularity of at least one cross-section of the system by electrically coupling or decoupling at least two of the first one or more first electrodes, electrically coupling or decoupling at least two of the second one or more second electrodes, or both. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the method further includes: associating a first change in the plurality of changes in capacitive coupling, a first electrical signal in the one or more electrical signals, or both, with a first user; and associating a second change in the plurality of changes in capacitive coupling, a second electrical signal in the one or more electrical signals, or both, with a second user. In addition or alternatively, in some examples, the method also includes: determining one or more temperature values ​​using multiple temperature sensors; and refining the determination of one or more positions, one or more body movements, one or more locations, or at least one of the two of the user based on the one or more temperature values.Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the method further includes: determining one or more temperature values ​​using multiple temperature sensors; associating a first set of one or more temperature values ​​with a local environment; and associating a second set of one or more temperature values ​​with a temperature of a user.

[0132] The present invention discloses a system for determining one or more physiological signals of a user. The system includes: a plurality of electrodes, which are configured to operate in at least one operation mode, wherein the operation mode includes: a capacitive measurement mode, an electrical measurement mode, and an impedance measurement; one or more piezoelectric sensors, which are configured to measure one or more mechanical pulses; and the logic component is further configured to: determine one or more values, which are one or more of the capacitive coupling, electrical signals, and impedance changes of the plurality of electrodes, and determine at least one or more of the one or more positioning, one or more body movements, and one or more user positions of the user based on the one or more values; determine the one or more mechanical pulses using the one or more piezoelectric sensors; and determine the one or more physiological signals based at least in part on the one or more values ​​and the one or more mechanical pulses. In addition or alternatively, in some examples, the one or more piezoelectric sensors include one or more rigid material portions physically connected to the flexible material. In addition or alternatively, in some examples, the one or more piezoelectric sensors are arranged in one or more rows, one or more columns, or both of the piezoelectric sensors, and each piezoelectric sensor can be independently controlled. In addition or alternatively, in some examples, the one or more piezoelectric sensors are interwoven with the plurality of electrodes. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, at least some of the plurality of electrodes are disposed on one or more piezoelectric sensors. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the system further comprises: a plurality of temperature sensors configured to measure one or more temperatures, wherein the plurality of temperature sensors are arranged in one or more rows, one or more columns, or both of the temperature sensors, and wherein the plurality of temperature sensors are interlaced with the plurality of electrodes and at least one of the one or more piezoelectric sensors. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the system further comprises: one or more accelerometers configured to measure one or more acceleration values, wherein the one or more accelerometers are arranged in one or more rows, one or more columns, or both of the accelerometers, and wherein the one or more accelerometers are interlaced with at least one of the plurality of electrodes, the one or more piezoelectric sensors, and the one or more temperature sensors. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the system further comprises: one or more accelerometers configured to measure one or more acceleration values, wherein at least one of the one or more accelerometers is located on the frame of the bed. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the system further comprises: one or more actuators configured to provide motion or vibration to the system. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the system further comprises: a transceiver configured to communicate with one or more components that are independent and distinct from the system. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the system further comprises: one or more of a sheet, a blanket, and a pillow.

[0133] The present invention discloses a method for determining one or more physiological signals of a user. The method may include: stimulating one or more electrodes; coupling one or more second electrodes to a sensing circuit, wherein the second one or more electrodes are configured to be capacitively coupled to the first one or more electrodes; detecting multiple changes in capacitive coupling at the second one or more electrodes; determining movement information of the user based on the multiple changes in capacitive coupling, the determination having a first granularity; determining one or more mechanical pulses using one or more piezoelectric sensors; and determining the movement information of the user based on the one or more mechanical pulses, the determination having a second granularity greater than the first granularity.

[0134] The present invention discloses a method for analyzing a user's sleep. The method may include: operating a monitoring system in at least two operating modes, the operating modes including: a capacitance measurement mode, an electrical measurement mode, a piezoelectric measurement mode, a temperature measurement mode, an acceleration measurement mode, an impedance measurement mode, and a standby mode. In addition or alternatively, in some examples, at least two operating modes are operated simultaneously. In addition or alternatively, in some examples, the operating modes are alternated. In addition or alternatively, in some examples, the method also includes: detecting one or more changes in conditions associated with the system; and dynamically switching to one or more operating modes based on one or more changes in conditions.

[0135] Although various examples have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented only by way of example and not by way of limitation. Although the examples have been described in full with reference to the accompanying drawings, each illustration may depict an exemplary architecture or other configuration for the present disclosure, in order to assist in understanding the features and functions that may be included in the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary architecture or configuration illustrated, but may be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. In addition, although the present disclosure is described above in conjunction with various examples and specific implementations, it should be understood that the various features and functions described in one or more examples are not limited to the applicability of the specific examples described using them. On the contrary, whether such examples are described or not, whether such features are presented as part of the examples, they may be applied alone or in some combination to one or more examples in other examples of the present disclosure. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above examples.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring a plurality of users in a bed, the system comprising: A flexible pad, comprising: a first set of electrodes configured to be placed on the bed; a second set of electrodes configured to be placed on the bed and configured to capacitively couple with the first set of electrodes; and A processor, the processor being configured to: receiving a set of signals indicative of a change in capacitance between the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes; determining, based on the set of signals, a first position of the first user on the bed and a second position of the second user on the bed; In response to determining a first position of the first user and a second position of the second user, segmenting the flexible mat, the segmenting defining: a first region including a first portion of the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes located below the first user; and a second region including a second portion of the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes located below the second user; switching the first region to a first drive and sense circuit using a first switching matrix; and The second region is switched to a second drive and sense circuit using the first switching matrix or the second switching matrix.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the set of signals is a first set of signals, and the processor is further configured to: receiving a second set of signals from the first region, the second set of signals indicating a change in capacitance between the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes of the first portion; and A physiological parameter of the first user is determined based at least in part on the second set of signals.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the physiological parameter is a first physiological parameter, and the processor is further configured to: receiving a third set of signals indicative of electrical signals of the first user from the first set of electrodes and the first portion of the second set of electrodes; and A second physiological parameter of the first user is determined based at least in part on the third set of signals.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein: The first physiological parameter is based at least in part on an electrocardiograph measurement; and The second physiological parameter is based at least in part on an electrocardiogram measurement.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein: The first physiological parameter includes at least one of a heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, and respiratory rate variability of the first user measured using electrocardiograph technology; and The second physiological parameter includes at least one of a heart rate, a heart rate fluctuation, a breathing rate, and a breathing rate fluctuation of the first user measured using an electrocardiogram technique.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: receiving an updated set of signals indicative of a change in capacitance between the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes after a predetermined time interval from receiving the set of signals; In response to receiving the updated set of signals, determining an updated position of the first user on the bed and an updated position of the second user on the bed; as well as The first group of electrodes and the second group of electrodes are divided to define a first updated area and a second updated area, wherein the first updated area includes a first portion of updates in the first group of electrodes and the second group of electrodes based on the updated position of the first user, and the second updated area includes a second portion of updates in the first group of electrodes and the second group of electrodes based on the updated position of the second user.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: detecting a change in body position of the first user using the first set of electrodes and the first portion of the second set of electrodes; and In response to detecting the change, an updated position of the first user on the bed is determined.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the processor is further configured to: In response to determining the updated position, receiving an updated second set of signals from the first region, the updated second set of signals indicating a change in capacitance between the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes of the first portion located in the first region; and An updated physiological parameter of the first user is determined based at least in part on the updated second set of signals.

9. A device for measuring physiological parameters of a plurality of users lying on a bed, comprising: Flexible pad, comprising: a first set of electrodes on the first layer of the flexible pad; and a second set of electrodes on the second layer of the flexible pad; in: The flexible mat is configured to be placed on the bed; The first set of electrodes is configured to be capacitively coupled to the second set of electrodes; the flexible pad outputting a signal indicative of a change in capacitance between the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes; and A processing unit, the processing unit: receiving the signal indicative of a change in capacitance between the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes; determining, based on the signal, a first position of the first user on the bed and a second position of the second user on the bed; In response to determining a first position of the first user and a second position of the second user, segmenting the flexible mat, the segmenting defining: a first region including a first portion of the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes located below the first user; and a second region including a second portion of the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes located below the second user; switching the first region to a first drive and sense circuit using a first switching matrix; and The second region is switched to a second drive and sense circuit using the first switching matrix or the second switching matrix.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein: The first set of electrodes and the first portion of the second set of electrodes are configurable to detect sleep activity of the first user lying on a first area of ​​the bed; as well as The first set of electrodes and the second portion of the second set of electrodes can be configured to detect sleeping activity of the second user lying on a second area of ​​the bed.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first switching matrix or the second switching matrix is ​​electrically coupled to at least one of the first group of electrodes or the second group of electrodes, wherein the first switching matrix or the second switching matrix is ​​configured to operably connect or disconnect one or more electrodes to or from the first group of electrodes or the second group of electrodes.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein: The first set of electrodes includes a first region having a first subset of electrodes and a second region having a second subset of electrodes; and The first region has a different electrode particle size than the second region.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein each electrode of the first set of electrodes is paired with a corresponding electrode of the second set of electrodes.

14. The device of claim 9, wherein the flexible pad further comprises a set of piezoelectric sensors.

15. The device of claim 9, wherein the flexible pad further comprises an accelerometer configured to measure acceleration, vibration, or both.

16. An apparatus for monitoring a plurality of users in a bed, comprising: A flexible pad, comprising: a first set of electrodes configured to be placed on the bed; a second set of electrodes configured to be placed on the bed and configured to capacitively couple with the first set of electrodes; and The processor is configured as: receiving a first set of signals indicative of a change in a first capacitance between a first set of electrodes and a second set of electrodes; Use the first set of signals to: determining a first position of a first user on the bed and a second position of a second user on the bed; In response to determining a first position of the first user and a second position of the second user, segmenting the flexible mat, the segmenting defining: a first region including a first portion of the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes located below the first user; and a second region including a second portion of the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes located below the second user; receiving a second set of signals from the first region, the second set of signals indicating a change in capacitance between the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes of the first portion; switching the first region to a first drive and sense circuit using a first switching matrix; and switching the second region to a second drive and sense circuit using the first switching matrix or the second switching matrix; and A physiological parameter of the first user is determined using the second set of signals.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to: receiving a third set of signals indicative of a change in a second capacitance between the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes; and In response to receiving the third set of signals, the segmentation of the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes is updated.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the processor is configured to receive the third set of signals in response to detected movement of at least one of the first user and the second user.

19. The device of claim 17, wherein the processor is configured to receive the third set of signals based on a predetermined time interval from receiving the first set of signals.

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