Intelligent mattress facing system and associated method

Abstract

A smart mattress facing system and method that uses a smart mattress facing connected to the Internet (IoT), the smart mattress facing including a data processing architecture for collecting, classifying, storing, and analyzing data gathered through the facing, other external devices, and user interfaces, wherein the smart mattress facing system makes suggestions by means of artificial intelligence (AI) modules and using two primary calculation metrics, in particular sleep quality and comprehensive recovery, and using other secondary inputs when available, and, when possible, acts on the facing of itself and other connected external devices, such that the facing of itself can be used as an external device. Therefore, the sleep quality and the recovery level of the user can be continuously improved, and daily challenges can be handled in an optimal state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of mattresses and other resting surfaces.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to mattresses and other resting surfaces, including devices for controlling the user's rest and / or devices acting on the mattress or resting surface and / or on other external elements associated with the sleeping environment, and making suggestions to the user in order to improve the measured parameters, mainly the comprehensive recovery index, using sleep quality index and the like. Background Art

[0003] Sleep is an essential part of life, as approximately 1 / 3 of a person's life is spent sleeping. Although all of the functions of sleep are not yet fully understood, sleep is considered to be an active and dynamic restorative process for both the mind and body. It is associated with growth, repair, and maintenance of bodily functions. It supports the proper functioning of the immune system and is also associated with the reorganization of central nervous system networks. Sleep affects nearly every type of tissue and body system, from the brain to cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic / hormonal, and immune system activity, as well as heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.

[0004] Sleep has a variety of significant effects on health, and insufficient sleep and sleep deprivation can lead to serious negative health consequences. Lack of sleep has been linked to weight gain and obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, depression, impaired immune function, increased pain, impaired performance, increased errors during task execution, increased risk of accidents, and increased risk of death. Sleep affects learning and memory, cognitive abilities, and alertness.

[0005] Sleep can be considered restorative when it is easy to fall asleep, sleep is continuous, the person does not wake up too early, feels refreshed upon waking, and there is no decrease in daytime performance levels. However, it can be challenging to objectively assess these elements as a whole, as some are absolutely subjective in nature. Fortunately, it is well known that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a key regulatory system of the body, and ANS activity can reflect sleep. In general, the parasympathetic branch of the ANS should be predominant during sleep, reflecting a state of relaxation. High sympathetic activity can be a sign of poor restoration and physiological stress. ANS state is also affected by different sleep stages. For example, cardiovascular activity is very stable in deep sleep, while it can vary greatly during REM sleep, often reaching levels seen during wakefulness.

[0006] A well-known method for assessing the function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) uses HRV data. This allows for the assessment of the body's stress and recovery states during sleep.

[0007] Sleep can be affected by a variety of internal and external stressors. High levels of perceived stress, worry, and anxiety can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Too much daylight can disrupt and disrupt the body's circadian rhythm regulation. Traveling across time zones can also interfere with the body's biological clock and disrupt sleep. Alcohol, other stimulants, and drugs can significantly interfere with sleep by affecting brain function, sleep structure, and autonomic nervous system activity. Regular physical activity can promote sleep, but intense physical activity can disrupt homeostasis, may cause overexcitation of the sympathetic nerves in the ANS and have a negative impact on sleep, especially when it is too close to bedtime. Environmental factors (i.e., light, noise, CO2 levels, room temperature...) and obviously inappropriate sleeping surfaces can also interfere with our natural sleep.

[0008] Digging deeper into the past, it is known that the main ways in which sleeping surfaces can cause sleep disturbances are: a) surfaces that do not provide adequate support to the different zones of the spine, which can cause pressure on the points where the spinal nerves exit the spine; b) surfaces that, through their composition, significantly increase the pressure exerted on the exposed body parts (hips, shoulders, etc.), which can cause disturbances in the blood flow through the capillaries and, therefore, insufficient oxygen and nutrient supply; c) surfaces that, due to the materials used in their construction, favor the retention of heat and humidity and thus interfere with the body's natural temperature regulation, which is controlled by the human circadian rhythm and is essential for promoting the onset of sleep, and also for a higher sleep efficiency, due to selective vasodilation of the distal skin zone; d) surfaces that do not shut down when in a new and potentially dangerous environment; in order to ensure survival, one half of our brain does not sleep as deeply as the other half (the so-called first night effect). This happens when we constantly change sleeping surfaces (as we do when traveling), which can cause us to feel exhausted the next morning.

[0009] In this regard, there are documents belonging to the prior art which attempt to use different types of sensors to monitor the sleep parameters of a user in order to achieve a better control of the sleep parameters of the user.

[0010] Document WO2019141904 relates to a method and device for detecting a person's sleep stage by receiving a user's temperature data and heart rate data and determining temperature variability and heart rate variability (HRV).

[0011] Document MX20180007224 relates to a sleep onset detection implementation scheme, which predicts a person's transition from a wakeful state to a sleepy state based on heart rate information with the aid of a heart rate sensor, wherein the heart rate sensor monitors the HRV signal to extract features indicating the transition of an individual from a wakeful state to a sleepy state. The system can also stimulate a person to enter a different state, or notify others of such a state.

[0012] KR20170099192 relates to a system for: sensing a sleeping posture relative to a bed based on the Internet of Things (IoT), the system comprising a mattress with a support and a frame under the mattress, wherein the mattress comprises a sensor unit to sense a user's sleeping condition; sending the result to an external mobile terminal, the external mobile terminal comprising an application to compare the received data with a data reference; performing analysis of this comparison.

[0013] KR20190026422 relates to a smart bed system, which has: a pressure sensor and an IoT controller, wherein the IoT controller is used to receive data from the pressure sensor via a wireless network and output data about posture patterns from a database; a monitoring system, wherein the monitoring system is used to extract posture patterns, compare the extracted posture patterns of the user in the bed with the posture patterns extracted from the database, and send the information to a third person, such as a caregiver or a nurse.

[0014] Finally, we can find document WO2018073473, which relates to a method for improving sleep quality, comprising the following steps: measuring pressure with the aid of sensors in locations divided by zones of a mattress; calculating the SQI according to the main movements detected at different times of the night; calculating the average pressure measured by each sensor; calculating the difference between the average pressure and the pressure measured by the sensor when there is no user on the mattress; calculating the average pressure difference for each zone of the mattress; calculating a weight factor for each zone of the mattress; comparing the weight factor with a reference value; changing the configuration of the mattress by increasing or decreasing the support level in the different zones. Related systems and mattresses are also disclosed.

[0015] These documents contain different systems to measure user sleep parameters such as temperature or heart rate, calculate the user's sleep stages and the transitions between said sleep stages. They also contain pressure sensors to measure the pressure in different points of the mattress, which is distributed throughout the area.

[0016] Using these parameters, a state-of-the-art system can calculate the SQI and transmit the information to an external device, such as a smartphone, etc. using an IoT connection via wireless communication.

[0017] However, these documents fail to connect the data obtained by the sensors with an algorithm that could use this information or another information from other users to act in real time on the mattress, and directly on the different elements contained in the mattress or indirectly on other external elements that can control environmental conditions, and make recommendations to the user in order to improve rest time during sleep and the associated recovery. Summary of the invention

[0018] Therefore, the intelligent mattress lining system and the associated method proposed by the present invention are configured as remarkable novelties in their field of application, since the aforementioned objects are satisfactorily achieved according to their embodiments and in an exhaustive manner, the characteristic details making them possible and distinguishing them are conveniently collected in the final claims attached to this description.

[0019] Specifically, the present invention describes a method that uses a smart mattress cover connected to the Internet of Things (IoT), wherein the smart mattress cover includes a data processing architecture for collecting, classifying, storing and analyzing data collected through the cover, other external devices and a user interface, wherein the method makes recommendations through an artificial intelligence (AI) module, using an integrated recovery index (ARI), and when available, using other auxiliary inputs such as active physiological indicators (e.g., distal skin temperature), environmental indicators (e.g., room temperature), biomarkers (e.g., CPK), lifestyle-related indicators (e.g., diet), etc., so as to continuously improve the user's sleep quality and recovery level to meet daily challenges in an optimal state.

[0020] Additionally, the system can actively act on its own lining and other connected external devices.

[0021] Utilizing this mattress lining system, learning is performed through the application of AI algorithms to continuously improve the user's sleep quality and recovery level.

[0022] In order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, the mattress topper comprises a plurality of variable pressure elements, a ballistocardiography sensor (BCG from now on) and a control box with a control unit and wireless and / or wired connection means to other external elements.

[0023] First, multiple variable pressure elements include pressure sensors, wherein the sensors perform measurements of the pressure applied by a user while lying in bed, and wherein the support level of the variable pressure elements can be changed in different ways in response to the pressure measurements of the sensors to adapt to the user's morphology, thereby providing appropriate support for different areas of his or her body.

[0024] For example, the variable pressure elements may be small air cells where the level of support may be adjusted by allowing more or less air inside these air cells.

[0025] Second, the BCG sensor is responsible for producing a graphic representation of the body's repetitive motion resulting from the sudden ejection of blood into the great vessels with each heartbeat.

[0026] Finally, the control box contains: a control unit that is operably connected to the rest of the elements comprised by the mattress topper; and connection means to other external elements that can provide more information about the user's sleep parameters, such as heart rate, breathing rate, movement, stroke volume or any other parameter.

[0027] Using the information obtained from external devices, the sensors of the variable pressure element and the BCG sensor, the control unit is able to command the variable pressure element and process different algorithms to obtain more information, such as heart rate variability (HRV) or sleep quality.

[0028] Additionally, through the control box described above or through a BCG sensor, the mattress topper can receive user data in real time from an associated tracker to measure other physiological indicators such as skin temperature, peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SPO2) levels, blood pressure, or electrodermal activity (EDA).

[0029] Using all these elements, including the different measurements, variable pressure elements and control box, the system is able to act on the mattress topper to control the user's sleep parameters with more accurate information about the sleep stages, indications of optimal bedtimes, and improve restorative level metrics, or even predict some external events such as a migraine crisis or an epileptic seizure.

[0030] The information obtained is used to monitor or influence the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is assessed using beat-to-beat heart rate data and provides two types of states: parasympathetic or sympathetic.

[0031] When parasympathetic modulation is dominant, heart rate (HR) alone is lower, while heart rate variability (HRV) is higher. This is detected and described as a restorative / relaxed state.

[0032] When sympathetic modulation is dominant, HR increases, while HRV generally decreases from the individual's baseline level. This is detected as a stress state by analysis. The stronger the parasympathetic or sympathetic modulation, the greater the relaxation or stress intensity, respectively.

[0033] It is known that during wakefulness, parasympathetic activity decreases and / or sympathetic activity increases. Conversely, during sleep, parasympathetic modulation should dominate to ensure physical recovery. The deeper the sleep, the stronger the parasympathetic modulation. However, bursts of sympathetic activity occur during restless periods during sleep or upon waking.

[0034] Another technical feature of the present invention is its ability to connect to other control elements by using an IoT network. This network can be used to collect external information and command other external devices that mainly control the environment of the room where the smart mattress topper system is located, such as temperature, humidity, darkness level or CO2 level.

[0035] As explained above, this interaction is performed by means of an IoT connection, preferably at the cloud level through an application programming interface (API).

[0036] All of the mentioned parameters have been shown to have a significant impact on sleep quality and recovery, so having an intelligent mattress topper system that can centralize all of this information and control it from a holistic perspective brings great advantages to the present invention.

[0037] Smart mattress topper can be made of low-resilience materials such as memory foam to reduce pressure points on the user's body. Materials with increased thermal conductivity and / or ventilation properties can be used to increase conduction of body heat loss. This lowers core body temperature.

[0038] Additionally, the smart mattress topper system may include other elements to improve temperature regulation for the user, which lower or raise the temperature of the smart mattress in specific areas, such as a Peltier cooler or a thermoelectric cooler (TEC).

[0039] These additional elements may be attached to an external element, such as a grid, to spread water or air inside the mattress to provide this temperature regulation.

[0040] Using these two features, the elements for improved temperature regulation can be attached directly to the mattress topper, or can be located in an external device that can raise or lower the temperature of a fluid in communication with the mattress topper, thereby performing indirect temperature regulation of the mattress topper.

[0041] On the other hand, the mattress lining object of the present invention is a portable element that can be carried when traveling and is suitable for use in any location so as to convert an unknown sleeping surface into a known sleeping surface, wherein the first night effect can be reduced and thus the sleep quality can be improved, which is an important advantage over the non-portable smart mattresses of the prior art.

[0042] The mattress topper of the present invention may include other features that have the same purpose of improving sleep recovery. Research has also shown that compression of certain trigger points increases parasympathetic activity based on heart rate variability, thereby facilitating sleep and therefore recovery.

[0043] In a preferred configuration of the mattress topper, by inflation and deflation of the variable pressure element, the mattress topper is able to perform a massage function by gentle pressure and then release of muscles and blood vessels. The skin and muscles contain a vast neural connection, therefore, a gentle massage of the nerves provides relief and restoration of health to any part of the body. Massage therapy is a well-known method of improving sleep disorders and also increasing blood circulation, which relieves stress, aids the digestive system and its functions, stimulates the lymphatic system, improves the function of the autonomic nervous system, reduces heart rate and blood pressure, induces the secretion of endorphins, and thus reduces back pain, insomnia and calms the patient.

[0044] Additionally, the mattress topper may include some additional vibrating elements, such as tactile actuators, which could be used as a supplement to the massage functionality, but could also be used as a way to remind the user of certain bad postures when lying or sitting on the topper, as well as any other reminders, such as gentle wake-up alarms, instructions for the setup process, etc.

[0045] With similar goals, the mattress topper may include speakers to reproduce Solfeggio Frequencies, binaural beats, or any other sound wave therapy to facilitate relaxation functions, thereby reducing stress levels and shortening latency times.

[0046] Additionally, mattress topper can incorporate PEMF therapy, which sends magnetic energy into the body. These energy waves work with the body's natural magnetic field to improve healing. The magnetic field helps increase electrolytes and ions. This naturally affects electrical changes at the cellular level and influences cellular metabolism. It works with the body's own recovery processes.

[0047] Regarding these last features, the control unit of the control box will be responsible for controlling them, namely including the active temperature regulation system, vibration elements, speaker sound therapy and PEMF therapy, based on the information received from the pressure sensor, BCG or connected external devices and also based on the application of AI algorithms.

[0048] Finally, the smart mattress topper system will use a user interface where the user can easily view information and also allow data to be input at the cloud level from other related platforms like Apple Health or google Fit, as explained previously.

[0049] The present invention also describes an operating procedure for the intelligent mattress topper system described above, which begins with data obtained from sensors contained in the mattress topper, external devices, external environmental factors, and subjective input requested from the user via a user interface.

[0050] The procedure starts with extracting information from sensors installed in the mattress padding in conjunction with external devices. This data obtained is processed with the help of technologies and methods based on AI and data science in order to extract, transform and filter this data with the aim of controlling the pressure of the variable pressure element and the environment in which the mattress is located, and also giving recommendations to the user based on factors that depend on the user's behavior.

[0051] The information analysis begins with the calculation of two key indicators, the Sleep Quality Index (SQI) and the Overall Restoration Index (ARI).

[0052] Additionally, other indicators may be very valuable to give more information about specific situations such as thermoregulation that are closely related to sleep, because core body temperature decreases due to an increase in peripheral skin temperature, which is associated with melatonin secretion. Other inputs may come from external environmental factors such as room temperature, darkness level, CO2 level or humidity.

[0053] All this information will help the algorithms used by the control unit understand deviations from the ideal for sleep and recovery, and also make the aforementioned recommendations to the user.

[0054] Finally, there is subjective input requested from the user interface, such as how it felt when waking up or the stress level of the day. Typically, this user interface will be supported in smart devices such as smartphones, tablets, etc.

[0055] In order to perform all the operations described, from the initial measurement of the sensors to the control of the mattress, the control of environmental factors and the giving of advice to the user, the control unit includes the following modules: an information retrieval module, which receives information; an information processing module, which is responsible for processing the received information; a knowledge generation module, which stores the information, thereby generating a database; and an artificial intelligence module, which analyzes the received information in combination with subjective information from the user, thereby supporting dynamic analysis of large data streams.

[0056] Using the above features, the smart mattress lining system measures, collects and distributes information, but the relevant technical features remain in this last module, that is, the AI ​​is able to learn from the information and experience of this user and other users, and is able to make recommendations on mattress lining settings, external device settings and any other settings related to the user's lifestyle.

[0057] In parallel with the previous modules, the AI ​​module uses the following algorithms to achieve the aforementioned goals: a zero-day model, which is responsible for initial setup and recommendations to new users; an intra-user model, which is responsible for explanations and recommendations; and an inter-user model, which supports the intra-user model when the intra-user model is not sufficient.

[0058] The described intelligent mattress topper system and associated method and set of elements represent innovations having heretofore unknown structural and compositional features, the reasons for which together with their practical usefulness provide sufficient reasons for it to receive the requested exclusive privilege. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] To supplement the ongoing description and to facilitate a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description, in which the following are depicted in an illustrative and non-limiting character:

[0060] Figure 1 - Initial setup of the smart mattress lining system with the help of zero-day algorithms and factor calculations.

[0061] Figure 2 -Decision tree for the smart mattress lining system to decide when to apply different algorithms. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] In the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of the present invention, and in the accompanying drawings, by way of illustration, specific preferred embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced are shown. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical and / or chemical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In order to avoid details that those skilled in the art do not have to implement, the specific embodiments should therefore not be understood as limiting.

[0063] Specifically, the present invention describes an intelligent mattress lining system, which includes:

[0064] - a plurality of variable pressure elements configuring the support layer of the smart mattress topper, each variable pressure element having at least one pressure sensor;

[0065] - a BCG sensor with wireless connectivity configured to measure sleep parameters of the user, preferably the user's heart rate, breathing rate, HRV and stroke volume; and

[0066] - A control box comprising data storage means and a control unit operatively connected to the other elements.

[0067] Wherein the control unit is configured to collect information received from the pressure sensor and / or the BCG sensor, store the information in the data storage device, and process the information.

[0068] And wherein the variable pressure element is configured to modify the occupied volume and / or the pressure exerted on a user lying on the smart mattress topper in response to measurements made by the pressure sensor by means of the control unit.

[0069] With this first embodiment of the invention, the present invention describes a smart mattress topper system that receives information from a BCG sensor and a pressure sensor and can act on a variable pressure element and give suggestions to the user based on the received information to improve sleep quality and recovery.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit will process the received information to calculate a sleep quality index and a comprehensive recovery index.

[0071] The SQI will be evaluated numerically from 0 to 100 based on:

[0072] - movements of the user, which are received by the pressure sensor of the variable pressure element;

[0073] - Latency, which is understood as the time it takes for the user to fall asleep;

[0074] - Out of bed time, which is obtained when the pressure sensor does not detect any reading; and

[0075] -Session time, which is understood as the time a person remains asleep.

[0076] And where the ARI is a cumulative composite score that weights several indicators primarily related to sleep and vital signs.

[0077] In this case, the ARI calculation includes the following 9 indicators:

[0078] -Last night's SQI, as described above;

[0079] - Balanced SQI, which compares last night's SQI to the SQI Trend;

[0080] - Deep sleep metric, i.e., the amount of time the user is in deep sleep compared to ideal.

[0081] - Last night's HRV, i.e., changes in the time intervals between consecutive heartbeats;

[0082] - Balanced HRV, i.e., last night's HRV compared to the user's trend;

[0083] - Resting heart rate, which compares current heart rate to average heart rate in order to determine relaxation level;

[0084] - Balanced resting heart rate, which is compared with the user's trend;

[0085] - Activity level from the previous day (if known); and

[0086] -Balance activity levels.

[0087] All of these indicators are weighted with some correction factor to give each indicator a predetermined relevance in the ARI calculation.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment, in addition to the calculation of the SQI and ARI, the processing of the information will use AI algorithms that are able to learn from the information and the experience of the user, and even the experiences of other users, in order to, for example, make recommendations to the user regarding the user's lifestyle, and / or act on mattress topper settings, other external devices, or environmental control devices.

[0089] To perform this last feature, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention will include a wireless connection via the Internet and / or Bluetooth and / or IoT networks to allow the smart mattress topper to interact with external devices connected to the Internet, thereby allowing the smart mattress topper to receive information from and send information to said external devices. Through this connection, the smart mattress topper system will directly control the external device.

[0090] Additionally, through an internet connection, the smart mattress topper system may be connected to the cloud to interact with different external components that are indirectly connected through the cloud.

[0091] In another preferred embodiment, by using IoT connection, the present invention can be connected to the environmental control devices of the room where the smart mattress lining system is located so as to act on these environmental control devices to control the environmental parameters of the room.

[0092] This is possible because the information received by the smart mattress topper system from pressure sensors, BCG sensors and other external devices is processed using AI algorithms.

[0093] In another preferred embodiment, the smart mattress lining system will include a wireless connection to an external smart device, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 5G, etc., by means of a user interface or an application installed in the external smart device such as a mobile phone or tablet, so that the user can manually introduce data in the system and / or send data through other common applications installed in the external smart device.

[0094] The connection may also be performed using a connection to the cloud, where the mattress topper exchanges information with an external smart device.

[0095] Preferably, the smart mattress topper is made of a low-elasticity material such as memory foam, soft foam or fiber; to reduce pressure points on the user's more sensitive body parts (e.g., hips and shoulders) while increasing conductive properties and / or air ventilation properties, which increases conductive body heat loss, thereby lowering core body temperature and increasing deep sleep.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment, the intelligent mattress topper system may include at least one active element that acts as a temperature regulator, such as a Peltier cooler or a thermoelectric cooler, to regulate the operating temperature of the mattress topper to aid in the user's recovery.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment, the active element is located in an external device with a fluid directly connected to the mattress topper in order to regulate the temperature of said fluid.

[0098] With this preferred embodiment, temperature regulation of the mattress topper is performed indirectly by active elements, ie first raising or lowering the temperature of a circulating fluid which then enters the mattress topper and is cooled or heated by heat transfer performed by the fluid.

[0099] In another preferred embodiment, the active element is located within the mattress topper and is configured to directly regulate the operating temperature of the mattress topper.

[0100] With this further preferred embodiment, temperature regulation of the mattress topper is performed directly by active elements.

[0101] In another preferred embodiment, the variable pressure element comprises massage patterns that follow those suggested by the AI ​​algorithm to trigger specific pressure points on the body to increase parasympathetic activity based on heart rate variability to facilitate sleep and therefore recovery.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment, the mattress topper may include at least one vibrating element, which may be used as a supplement to the massage function, or as a way to remind the user of certain poor postures when lying or sitting on the topper, as well as any other reminders, such as a gentle wake-up alarm, instructions for the setup process, etc.

[0103] In another preferred embodiment, the mattress topper may contain at least one speaker to reproduce Solfege frequencies, binaural beats or any other sound wave therapy to facilitate relaxation function, thereby reducing stress levels and shortening latency time.

[0104] In another preferred embodiment, the mattress topper may contain an electromagnetic field generating device configured to perform pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, which transmits magnetic energy into the body.

[0105] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit of the mattress topper is responsible for controlling the vibration element and / or the loudspeaker and / or the device for generating an electromagnetic field.

[0106] With regard to this last embodiment, the control unit acts on these devices or elements according to the information received from the pressure sensor, the BCG sensor or a connected external device.

[0107] The control unit also acts on these devices or elements based on the application of AI algorithms, executing different suggestions to the user regarding the use of a vibration system, the emission of determined sounds by means of a loudspeaker or the activation of a magnetic field.

[0108] These devices or elements are configured to provide additional assistance to the user in order to increase recovery and improve the sleeping experience.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment, the architecture of the control unit includes at least:

[0110] - an information retrieval module configured to receive information from different resources;

[0111] - an information processing module configured to process the information received in the previous module;

[0112] - a knowledge generation module configured to store the extracted and processed information;

[0113] - An artificial intelligence module configured to apply an AI algorithm.

[0114] Finally, in a last preferred embodiment, the smart mattress topper includes a folding system, which, with the previous compression system, is configured to allow a user to transport it to different locations, ie, the folding system allows the mattress topper to be portable.

[0115] In another aspect, the present invention also describes an operating method associated with an intelligent mattress lining system, which comprises at least the following steps:

[0116] ○ Collect user information through pressure sensors and / or BCG sensors of variable pressure elements;

[0117] ○Storing the collected information in data storage devices and / or the cloud with the help of IoT;

[0118] ○Calculate the sleep quality index and comprehensive recovery index;

[0119] ○ Process information with the help of AI algorithms;

[0120] o Actuate pressure applied to a user lying on the smart mattress, or send suggestions to the user and / or control environmental parameters.

[0121] Using this program, the smart mattress lining system obtains information from the pressure sensor and the BCG sensor, stores the information and performs reference calculations to obtain the SQI and ARI, which are transmitted to the artificial intelligence module to apply the AI ​​algorithm to obtain the required information to act on the smart mattress lining or the device that controls the environmental parameters and send recommendations to the user.

[0122] In a preferred implementation of the method, information may be obtained from an external device and / or introduced by a user through a user interface and used in combination with information from a pressure sensor and a BCG sensor to provide more accurate information to the artificial intelligence module.

[0123] The algorithm applied by the artificial intelligence module includes at least one of the following algorithms: a zero-day model, an intra-user model, and an inter-user model.

[0124] The zero-day model is a predictive model configured to set initial settings of the smart mattress lining system and / or other connected devices; and / or give initial recommendations to the user with the help of initial information received from the user interface.

[0125] As in Figure 1 As can be observed in Figure 1, the zero-day algorithm is only executed the first time a user needs to set up the smart mattress topper system. In this case, personal data such as anthropometric data such as age, gender, weight, height or preferred sleeping position are introduced into the zero-day algorithm; activity level, temperature sensitivity or sleep type are also introduced.

[0126] Initial setup is done by calculating the ARI factor and the sleep type factor of the SQI based on the person's behavioral goals and sleep type.

[0127] Using all this data, the Day Zero algorithm calculates different initial setup parameters, such as initial pressure settings for the support surface, room temperature recommendations, activity goals and recommendations, or recommended bedtimes.

[0128] The in-user model algorithm is activated after the first day of use and is configured to give suggestions to the user on factors to change when there is a deviation from the calculated comprehensive recovery index.

[0129] And wherein the inter-user model algorithm, which also takes effect after the first day of use, is configured to give recommendations to the user in terms of settings of the smart mattress lining system and / or in terms of environmental conditions, such as maintaining or increasing ARI, based on the experiences of other users when there is no change in the user.

[0130] To explain when to apply the intra-user or inter-user algorithm, the intelligent mattress topper system uses a decision tree, which will be explained below.

[0131] In this case, at the beginning, the smart mattress topper system calculates the ARI change, joining the previous data storage in the cloud.

[0132] If the ARI has not decreased, ie, the ARI has not changed or has increased, the inter-user algorithm performs a suggestion analysis based on suggestions previously made to other users or other suggestions made to the same user to improve the ARI, anticipating a certain percentage of improvement.

[0133] If the ARI has decreased, the in-user algorithm analyzes possible reasons within the 9 factors included in the ARI calculation, trying to see if there has been a change in the SQI.

[0134] In the affirmative, the in-user algorithm determines the cause within different parameters such as wake time, latency, movement or sleep time.

[0135] If the cause is sleep duration, the recommendation will be to target bedtime, with a certain percentage of improvement expected.

[0136] In the event that sleep time is not the cause of the ARI reduction, the intelligent mattress topper system will analyze whether the ARI reduction is correlated with any other subjective information, such as coffee consumption or activity level for the day.

[0137] If there is any subjective information associated with ARI reduction, suggestions on subjective behavior will be implemented both within and between users, expecting a certain percentage of improvement.

[0138] If there is no subjective information associated with ARI reduction, the intelligent mattress topper system will recommend changing the support level of the elements that make up the support layer.

[0139] On the contrary, when the ARI decreases not due to a change in SQI, the intelligent mattress topper system will check whether there is any subjective information that may affect the user's ARI, such as changes in user goals or other external information, and make recommendations to the user with the help of both intra-user and inter-user algorithms.

[0140] Using this decision tree, Figure 2 As shown in the work, the smart mattress lining system will first analyze the ARI changes to decide the algorithm to use in each case, that is, the inter-user algorithm or the intra-user algorithm.

[0141] Also, in the event there is a reduction in ARI, the intelligent mattress topper system will use other information from the user to implement recommendations, such as SQI, sleep time, or subjective information.

[0142] Using this decision tree, combined with the three defined algorithms, the smart mattress topper system is able to execute different recommendations for the user every day based on the information received and the changes in the ARI.

[0143] The intelligent mattress topper system may also perform activation of active elements acting as temperature regulators based on information received and processed with AI algorithms in response to signals sent by the control unit.

[0144] In a preferred method, according to an embodiment comprising a vibrating element or a speaker or a device generating an electromagnetic field, the method comprises activating any of these elements according to information received from a pressure sensor, a BCG sensor, a connected external device or information processed by an AI algorithm.

[0145] With respect to the AI ​​algorithm, the recommendations implemented in the different models may include recommendations regarding the use of a vibrating element, emitting a determined sound through a speaker, or activating an electromagnetic field to perform PEMF therapy.

[0146] The previous embodiment can also be incorporated into a normal mattress, since this achieves the same or very similar functions as those achieved by a normal mattress topper. That is, the present invention can be incorporated into a smart mattress. Therefore, within the meaning of the present invention, a mattress topper should also be understood as any mattress or any other sleeping device or resting surface.

[0147] Having fully described the nature of the invention and the manner in which it may be put into practice, it is considered unnecessary to explain the invention more extensively so that any person skilled in the art understands the scope of the invention and the advantages derived therefrom, indicating that within its essence the invention may be put into practice in other forms of embodiments than those indicated as examples in terms of details and that the invention will achieve the protection sought, provided that the basic principle thereof is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

1. An intelligent mattress lining system, characterized in that: The intelligent mattress lining system comprises: o A plurality of variable pressure elements configuring the support layer of the smart mattress topper, each variable pressure element having at least one pressure sensor; o A BCG sensor having a wireless connection configured to measure sleep parameters of the user; and o a control box having a data storage device and a control unit operatively connected to the remaining elements; wherein the control unit is configured to collect information received from the pressure sensor and the BCG sensor, store the information in the data storage device, and process the information; And wherein the variable pressure element is configured to modify the occupied volume and / or the pressure exerted on the user lying on the smart mattress topper in response to measurements made by the pressure sensor by means of the control unit.

2. The intelligent mattress lining system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The processing of the information includes calculation of a sleep quality index and a comprehensive restorative index.

3. The intelligent mattress lining system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The processing of the information includes the use of artificial intelligence algorithms.

4. The intelligent mattress lining system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The smart mattress topper system includes a wireless connection via the Internet and / or Bluetooth and / or IoT to connect to an external device and / or the cloud.

5. The intelligent mattress lining system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The smart mattress topper system receives information from the external device and sends the information to the cloud.

6. The intelligent mattress lining system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The intelligent mattress lining system is connected to an environmental control device of a room where the intelligent mattress lining system is located so as to act on the environmental control device to control the environmental parameters of the room.

7. The intelligent mattress lining system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The smart mattress topper system is connected to an external smart device through the wireless connection by means of a user interface.

8. The intelligent mattress lining system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The user can provide information to the control unit directly and / or with the aid of other applications on the external smart device.

9. The intelligent mattress lining system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intelligent mattress topper system includes at least one active element for regulating the operating temperature of the mattress topper.

10. The intelligent mattress lining system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The active element is located in an external device and is configured to regulate the temperature of a fluid in conjunction with the mattress topper; Or the active element is located within the mattress topper and is configured to directly regulate the temperature of the mattress topper.

11. The intelligent mattress lining system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The plurality of variable pressure elements are configured to modify pressure applied to the user lying on the smart mattress topper according to the AI ​​algorithm.

12. The intelligent mattress lining system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The smart mattress topper system includes a vibrating element, a speaker, and / or a device for generating an electromagnetic field configured to perform pulsed electromagnetic field therapy.

13. The intelligent mattress lining system according to claim 12, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to control the vibration element and / or the speaker and / or the device for generating the electromagnetic field.

14. The intelligent mattress lining system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The architecture of the control unit includes at least: o an information retrieval module configured to receive said information from different resources; ○ an information processing module configured to process said information received in the previous module; ○ a knowledge generation module configured to store the extracted and processed information; ○ An artificial intelligence module configured to apply the AI ​​algorithm.

15. The intelligent mattress lining system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The smart mattress topper includes a folding system configured to allow portability.

16. A method associated with an intelligent mattress lining system, characterized in that: The method comprises at least the following steps: ○ Collect user information through the pressure sensor of the variable pressure element and the BCG sensor; ○Storing the collected information in data storage devices and / or the cloud with the help of IoT; ○Calculate the sleep quality index and comprehensive recovery index; ○ Processing said information with the aid of AI algorithms; o Actuate pressure applied to the user lying on the smart mattress, or send suggestions to the user and / or control environmental parameters.

17. The method associated with the intelligent mattress lining system according to claim 16, characterized in that: The method includes collecting the information of the user through connection with an external device or through a user interface.

18. The method associated with the intelligent mattress lining system according to claim 16, characterized in that: The AI ​​algorithm is at least one of the following algorithms: zero-day, intra-user model and / or inter-user model.

19. The method associated with the intelligent mattress lining system according to claim 18, characterized in that: The zero-day algorithm is a predictive model configured to set initial settings of the smart mattress lining system and / or other connected devices; and / or make initial recommendations to the user with the help of initial information received from the user interface.

20. The method associated with the intelligent mattress lining system of claim 18, wherein: The in-user model algorithm is configured to give suggestions to the user regarding factors to change when there is a deviation from the calculated comprehensive recovery index.

21. The method associated with the intelligent mattress lining system of claim 18, wherein: The inter-user model algorithm is configured to make recommendations to the user based on other users' experiences when there are no changes to the user, the settings of the intelligent mattress topper system, and / or the environmental conditions.

22. The method associated with the intelligent mattress lining system of claim 18, wherein: A decision tree is used to decide when to apply different algorithms, which includes at least the following steps starting with calculating the ARI change: o If the ARI variation has not decreased, the inter-user algorithm makes recommendations to the user to improve the ARI; o If the ARI changes to decrease, the Intelligent Mattress Topper System analyzes the possible cause of the decrease within the factors included in the ARI calculation and analyzes whether the SQI has changed: i. If the SQI changes, the in-user algorithm determines the cause and gives advice to the user; ii. If the SQI has not changed, the smart mattress topper system checks if there is any subjective information and / or another external information that may affect the ARI of the user, thereby making recommendations to the user with the help of the intra-user algorithm and the inter-user algorithm.

23. The method associated with the intelligent mattress lining system of claim 16, wherein: The method includes activating a thermostat based on the information received and processed with the AI ​​algorithm in response to a signal sent by a control unit.

24. The method associated with the intelligent mattress lining system of claim 16, wherein: The method comprises activating a vibrating element and / or a loudspeaker and / or a device generating an electromagnetic field.

25. The method associated with the intelligent mattress lining system of claim 16, wherein: The suggestion performed by the AI ​​algorithm comprises activating a vibration element and / or a speaker and / or a device generating an electromagnetic field.

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